Position 2026 Rookies

[piesfan1989]

can i ask why is everyone so hot on gibcus? Key defender, hasn't shown scoring potential - are people just keen because he'll play and there won't be many rookie options available?

 

[Maybe Tomorrow]

can i ask why is everyone so hot on gibcus? Key defender, hasn't shown scoring potential - are people just keen because he'll play and there won't be many rookie options available?

Pretty much answered your own question.

He should play through the early byes and can edge up to $300k. He's going to see plenty of ball so there is always the chance of a spike game or two.

 

[Foxman98]

can i ask why is everyone so hot on gibcus? Key defender, hasn't shown scoring potential - are people just keen because he'll play and there won't be many rookie options available?

Made me a lot of money in his rookie year when fit,

Ball will be in their backline a lot he is a great player just always hurt if he stays fit he makes 150k-200k

 

[4tune8]

can i ask why is everyone so hot on gibcus? Key defender, hasn't shown scoring potential - are people just keen because he'll play and there won't be many rookie options available?

To me he's a solid bench option, should play regularly, although there may be cheaper options like Serong who I reckon might have similar output.

Plenty of rookies available as on field choices in defence (if named) Patterson, Uwland, Farrow, Josh Lindsay & Grlj. If Smillie plays he may well start behind the ball, Duursma maybe? Tod Marshall is another that might become def. available at round 6, Matt Whitlock as Def/Fwd could be handy.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

Patrick Retschko – MID
Price: 119,900
Retschko shapes as a bargain for Richmond and SuperCoaches after going from delisted to traded, landing at Punt Road for pick 99. Still just 19, the hard-running wingman found himself squeezed out at Geelong despite producing solid VFL form.
Across 16 VFL games, Retschko averaged 21.6 disposals and 86 SuperCoach points, finishing the season strongly with scores of 110 and 135 in the final month. His game is built on elite endurance — a noted aerobic standout — allowing him to cover serious ground and stay involved for four quarters.
Richmond’s list profile and need for outside runners gives Retschko a genuine chance to slot in early on a wing, where his work rate, link-up play and ability to accumulate could translate quickly at AFL level.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Young, cheap wing option with proven state-league scoring and elite endurance. Opportunity will be the key, but if he cracks the side, there’s cash-generation upside.

 

[Maybe Tomorrow]

Patrick Retschko – MID
Price: 119,900
Retschko shapes as a bargain for Richmond and SuperCoaches after going from delisted to traded, landing at Punt Road for pick 99. Still just 19, the hard-running wingman found himself squeezed out at Geelong despite producing solid VFL form.
Across 16 VFL games, Retschko averaged 21.6 disposals and 86 SuperCoach points, finishing the season strongly with scores of 110 and 135 in the final month. His game is built on elite endurance — a noted aerobic standout — allowing him to cover serious ground and stay involved for four quarters.
Richmond’s list profile and need for outside runners gives Retschko a genuine chance to slot in early on a wing, where his work rate, link-up play and ability to accumulate could translate quickly at AFL level.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Young, cheap wing option with proven state-league scoring and elite endurance. Opportunity will be the key, but if he cracks the side, there’s cash-generation upside.

Do you think he plays early? Other Richmond nuffies, what say you?

 

[one eyedtiger]

Do you think he plays early? Other Richmond nuffies, what say you?

As with most rookies, it's too early to call. We have a spot on the wing open for sure (could argue both are up for grabs, plenty of fans are unconvinced by Ralphsmith but assuming he is fit I think he'll take one wing come round 1.) We rotated a bunch of players through the wing last season, no one is nailed on.

In theory the spot is there for someone to make their own, it will simply depend on how we performs in the pre-season/intra club/trial games. The club picked him up because they like him, decent chance to be one of the starting wingers come round 1.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

Liam Reidy – RUC/FWD
Price: $119,900
Reidy was one of the more popular cheap ruck picks to open the 2025 SuperCoach season, selected in around 15,000 teams after being named for round one. A modest 31-point return saw him dropped, and he didn’t reappear at AFL level.
Now at Carlton, the 25-year-old finds himself in a far clearer ruck landscape. With Tom De Koning

21

Tom De Koning

Age

26

Ht

201cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.0

2star

K

3.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

CL

0.5

2star

HO

1.5

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.0

2star

K

3.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

CL

0.5

3star

HO

1.5

5star

departing to St Kilda, the Blues trialled a two-ruck setup late in the season, opening the door for Reidy to potentially partner Marc Pittonet

27

Marc Pittonet

Age

29

Ht

202cm

Wt

107kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.7

2star

K

2.9

1star

HB

4.8

3star

CL

3.1

5star

HO

22.3

5star

D

8.6

2star

K

4.6

2star

HB

4.0

3star

CL

3.7

5star

HO

25.9

5star

D

5.8

2star

K

1.2

1star

HB

4.6

4star

CL

2.4

5star

HO

16.6

5star

, particularly with extended benches in play.
At WAFL level with Peel Thunder, Reidy was a dominant scorer, averaging 41.7 hit-outs (12.5 to advantage), 16.0 disposals, 11.0 contested possessions, 6.8 clearances and a hefty 136 SuperCoach points across 17 games. His scoring ceiling was clear, registering 129+ SuperCoach points in 10 consecutive matches to close the year.
SuperCoach Verdict:
If Reidy secures a role, his ruck-forward eligibility, elite state-league scoring and price point make him one of the more attractive value ruck options. Job security is the key variable — but the scoring profile is already proven.

 

[Here2tellyouwhy]

Liam Reidy – RUC/FWD
Price: $119,900
Reidy was one of the more popular cheap ruck picks to open the 2025 SuperCoach season, selected in around 15,000 teams after being named for round one. A modest 31-point return saw him dropped, and he didn’t reappear at AFL level.
Now at Carlton, the 25-year-old finds himself in a far clearer ruck landscape. With Tom De Koning departing to St Kilda, the Blues trialled a two-ruck setup late in the season, opening the door for Reidy to potentially partner Marc Pittonet, particularly with extended benches in play.
At WAFL level with Peel Thunder, Reidy was a dominant scorer, averaging 41.7 hit-outs (12.5 to advantage), 16.0 disposals, 11.0 contested possessions, 6.8 clearances and a hefty 136 SuperCoach points across 17 games. His scoring ceiling was clear, registering 129+ SuperCoach points in 10 consecutive matches to close the year.
SuperCoach Verdict:
If Reidy secures a role, his ruck-forward eligibility, elite state-league scoring and price point make him one of the more attractive value ruck options. Job security is the key variable — but the scoring profile is already proven.

R2 behind Bryan

 

[Obese Arachnid]

R2 behind Bryan

 

[TheMcManusNose]

Liam Reidy – RUC/FWD
Price: $119,900
Reidy was one of the more popular cheap ruck picks to open the 2025 SuperCoach season, selected in around 15,000 teams after being named for round one. A modest 31-point return saw him dropped, and he didn’t reappear at AFL level.
Now at Carlton, the 25-year-old finds himself in a far clearer ruck landscape. With Tom De Koning departing to St Kilda, the Blues trialled a two-ruck setup late in the season, opening the door for Reidy to potentially partner Marc Pittonet, particularly with extended benches in play.
At WAFL level with Peel Thunder, Reidy was a dominant scorer, averaging 41.7 hit-outs (12.5 to advantage), 16.0 disposals, 11.0 contested possessions, 6.8 clearances and a hefty 136 SuperCoach points across 17 games. His scoring ceiling was clear, registering 129+ SuperCoach points in 10 consecutive matches to close the year.
SuperCoach Verdict:
If Reidy secures a role, his ruck-forward eligibility, elite state-league scoring and price point make him one of the more attractive value ruck options. Job security is the key variable — but the scoring profile is already proven.

I actually can't overstate how wrong this is as a Freo fan.

His scoring profile is that of a potato.

He's fine in a wrestle, but has no leap, no speed and his second efforts, excepting the ball dropping directly at his feet, are ineffectual. He scored well in the WAFL because there's maybe only 2 other competent rucks in the league.


You're getting JS potentially yes, but not scoring potential.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

Sid Draper – MID/FWD
Price: $126,100
Few players stand to benefit more from the removal of the sub rule than Sid Draper. The young Crow was impacted heavily in his debut AFL season, starting or finishing as the substitute in seven of his 10 games, which dragged his SuperCoach average down to just 23.
That number doesn’t reflect his underlying scoring profile. In his draft year, Draper produced monster SANFL League scores of 147, 118, 119, 101 and 106, and he followed that up by averaging 95 SuperCoach points across 14 games for Adelaide’s SANFL side last season.
Draper has reportedly had a delayed start to pre-season due to groin soreness, so his summer will be one to monitor. But if he’s fit and able to secure midfield minutes, his burst speed and inside-outside balance give him genuine upside in a Crows midfield that’s still evolving.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Priced at basement level after a sub-affected season. If fit and in the 22, Draper has the scoring history to jump quickly — but role and health are key.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

Devon Robertson – FWD
Price: $119,900
Another player set to benefit from the removal of the substitute rule. Robertson started as the sub in three of his four AFL games last season, severely limiting opportunity and scoring and sending him backwards from his rookie price point.
When given continuity and midfield exposure, however, his SuperCoach profile has been far stronger. At VFL level, Robertson has consistently produced premium numbers, scoring 120 SuperCoach points or more in 18 of his past 31 matches, driven by contested ball-winning, tackling pressure and clearance work.
Now at West Coast, Robertson joins fellow mature-age recruits Harry Schoenberg and Fin Macrae as the Eagles look to bolster their midfield-forward depth around a young core. With the Eagles in a rebuilding phase, opportunity may come quicker than it would at a contending club — but role clarity remains key.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Basement-priced forward with a proven state-league scoring ceiling. If West Coast deploy him with genuine midfield minutes and solid time on ground, he has the historical output to generate cash rapidly.

 

[Obese Arachnid]

Devon Robertson – FWD
Price: $119,900
Another player set to benefit from the removal of the substitute rule. Robertson started as the sub in three of his four AFL games last season, severely limiting opportunity and scoring and sending him backwards from his rookie price point.
When given continuity and midfield exposure, however, his SuperCoach profile has been far stronger. At VFL level, Robertson has consistently produced premium numbers, scoring 120 SuperCoach points or more in 18 of his past 31 matches, driven by contested ball-winning, tackling pressure and clearance work.
Now at West Coast, Robertson joins fellow mature-age recruits Harry Schoenberg and Fin Macrae as the Eagles look to bolster their midfield-forward depth around a young core. With the Eagles in a rebuilding phase, opportunity may come quicker than it would at a contending club — but role clarity remains key.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Basement-priced forward with a proven state-league scoring ceiling. If West Coast deploy him with genuine midfield minutes and solid time on ground, he has the historical output to generate cash rapidly.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

Tobyn Murray – FWD
Price: $113,500
Fremantle made it clear on draft night there’s a role available for Murray if he puts together a strong pre-season. The former Geelong VFL forward enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, holding his own in a strong Cats system. Has been likened to Geelongs Ollie Dempsey
Across the season, the 20-year-old averaged 14.9 disposals, 6.2 score involvements, 1.3 goals and 77 SuperCoach points, showcasing the work rate and repeat running that clubs value in modern small forwards. While that role isn’t traditionally SuperCoach-friendly, it can help with job security — a key factor at basement price.
Importantly, Fremantle see Murray as a forward-mid option rather than a pure small forward, which offers some hope of midfield rotations and improved scoring if he earns trust early.
SuperCoach Verdict:
Cheap forward with opportunity and solid VFL output. Scoring ceiling may be limited by role, but if the Dockers follow through on their plans, Murray could be a slow-burn cash cow with solid job security.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

SUPERCOACH ROOKIE RADAR

Sydney’s Pick 42 selection Billy Cootee arrives on the SuperCoach radar after a dominant SANFL season with Norwood.
The mature-aged midfielder made an immediate impact after arriving at The Parade ahead of the 2024 season, going on to win Norwood’s 2025 Best and Fairest (Michael Taylor Medal) across just 39 SANFL games. His ability to win the ball on the inside while still hitting the scoreboard makes him an intriguing depth option in Sydney’s engine room.
Cootee averaged 23 disposals, five clearances and five tackles in 2025, numbers that translate well to SuperCoach scoring, particularly with his contested work and defensive pressure. His ceiling was on show in Round 14, exploding for 39 disposals and two goals, highlighting his capacity to post spike scores when given midfield responsibility.
Now 22 and physically ready, Cootee profiles as a mid-season opportunity rather than a Round 1 lock. But with Sydney valuing competitive, two-way midfielders, he’s one to keep firmly on the rookie watchlist, especially if role and job security present themselves.
Verdict:
Not an auto-start, but a mature-bodied midfielder whose SANFL production suggests he could become a relevant downgrade or cash generator if opportunity knocks.

 

[Brizzys Squizzy]

R2 behind Bryan

Ahhh NOOOOO

 

[4tune8]

Does anyone have a read on Matt Whitlock or Mentha? Thinking of starting one of them to pair up with Todd Marshall

4

Todd Marshall

Age

27

Ht

198cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.0

2star

K

6.4

3star

HB

2.5

2star

M

3.3

3star

T

2.5

4star

G

1.1

4star

D

8.9

2star

K

7.1

3star

HB

1.8

1star

M

3.8

4star

T

3.0

4star

G

1.1

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.6

3star

HB

4.0

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.6

5star

(assuming he has a role in defence)

 

[Obese Arachnid]

Does anyone have a read on Matt Whitlock or Mentha? Thinking of starting one of them to pair up with Todd Marshall (assuming he has a role in defence)

Caro I can say with absolute certainty there's no Mensa here!

 

[Floating Doughnut]

Rookie priced:

Just going to throw the name Brayden Cook out there as a Crow to keep an eye on if selected.
Been on the list about 4 years and drafted as “very underdeveloped but footy smarts and a great leg”
Has always played fwd but Crows have been trialling him off half back.

Has been well reported, Todd Marshall

4

Todd Marshall

Age

27

Ht

198cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.0

2star

K

6.4

3star

HB

2.5

2star

M

3.3

3star

T

2.5

4star

G

1.1

4star

D

8.9

2star

K

7.1

3star

HB

1.8

1star

M

3.8

4star

T

3.0

4star

G

1.1

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.6

3star

HB

4.0

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.6

5star

@ Port similar value and has a backline spot just about sewn up.

 

[Eagling]

What's the appeal with Zeke Uwland? I see him in most teams, but I cannot see role security or scoring opportunities for him.

 

[Choppers]

What's the appeal with Zeke Uwland? I see him in most teams, but I cannot see role security or scoring opportunities for him.

Probably in the running for a wing role but has a number ahead of him in my opinion......but rookies are only placeholders and I don't have him in my team atm.

 

[A Bit Dusty]

What's the appeal with Zeke Uwland? I see him in most teams, but I cannot see role security or scoring opportunities for him.

The Suns lost 5 of their Semi Final starting team and only got Petracca & JUH back so their might be a spot.

 

[Choppers]

The Suns lost 5 of their Semi Final starting team and only got Petracca & JUH back so their might be a spot.

View attachment 2506307

He's in with a chance. I see it between Clohesy Weller Uwland Powell and maybe even Jeffrey......need to remember Ballard is up and firing for CHB so backline is full. Who knows, even Read might be in with a chance if FWD line is full.....he can run all day...........but it's Clohesy and Weller for me....for the start of the season anyway........but if there's injuries?

 

[Petrify]

What's the appeal with Zeke Uwland? I see him in most teams, but I cannot see role security or scoring opportunities for him.

Most rookies are just placeholder right now. Good to have a few of the more expensive ones sitting in as placeholders so it's easier to swap when we see teams named