With the new year now upon us, the new year of Supercoach is approaching as well, with many coaches returning to build their preseason teams and awaiting the full launch of the game. The most important part of building a starting team is bringing in the best rookies to start your cash-generation and overall team value, which later equates to a stronger premium team than the competition.
Harley Reid WCE $207k MID/FWD
The Eagles prized number 1 draft pick arrives with plenty of hype heading into the 2024 season. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Nick Daicos, Reid should slot easily into the Eagles midfield mix and drift into stoppages from half forward. Reid showed enough in his draft year to warrant opportunities in Carlton and Essendon's VFL teams, getting 20+ disposals in two out of three games. Whilst factoring in the need for FWD picks, Reid is simply a lock.
Colby McKercher NM $202k MID
The second pick of the 2023 draft came in the form of Colby McKercher. The consistent young gun showed his promise as an inside/outside mid in an undefeated Allies team, skyrocketing his draft value and landing him at North Melbourne. McKercher is rumored to gain a role across the Roos half back line, which should smooth him into the AFL system and bring him into most Supercoach teams.
Zane Duursma NM $193k MID/FWD
McKerchers partner in crime and new Duursma to enter the AFL, Zane Duursma also enters as a MID/FWD. Duursma is another recruit that should expect regular game time and a forward/pinch-hit midfield role, in a struggling North Melbourne side. The young forward illustrated strong aerial ability and forward craft in 2023, with visible upside to come in future. As his role will revolve mainly around playing up forward, many eyes will probably be moved to other players that are both cheaper and hold better SC friendly roles.
Ryley Sanders WB $184k MID
Pick 6 in the recent draft, Ryley Sanders is putting himself in the frame to join a star-studded Dogs engine room, as he has done everything right in training so far this pre-season. Sanders put up a massive shift in the Dogs 2km time trial, finishing second behind injury ravaged Bailey Smith. If the clean and contested rookie can push his way into the Western Bulldogs team, expect to see him feature in many SC midfields.
Daniel Curtin ADL $175k DEF/MID
Curtin was one of the more talked about draftees as his whereabouts seemed open heading into draft night. He found his way to the Crows after they decided to trade up for his services, adding further key defensive depth to their list. Curtin averaged 23 disposals and six marks per game for WA, both as a midfielder and defender. He will likely play each game for an improving Adelaide side, possibly across half back and into the midfield. All of these traits build towards a strong starting rookie that all coaches should select.
Josh Gibcus RICH $150k DEF
Arguably the Tigers most talented rookie, Josh Gibcus returns after missing the 2023 season due to injury. Throughout 2023, Gibcus wasn't able to register another senior match for the Tiges, after encountering season-long hamstring problems. During his first season in 2022, he averaged 53.9 SC and played 17 games, whilst going up $160k at his peak. Gibcus should slot straight back into Richmond's best team and provide great cash gen on the bench.
Nick Coffield WB $123k DEF
Coffield is another man that has missed plenty of football due to injury. The former Saint encountered an ACL injury, as well as soft tissue problems, resulting in missing the last two seasons. Coffield's best season came in 2020, where he averaged 79.4 SC and played 16 out of 17 covid-restricted games, locking down a spot in St Kilda's defence. If Coffield can gain a spot in Bevo's team, there is still a strong chance that the former No.8 draft pick can provide solid cash gen and on-field scoring.
Shaun Mannagh GEEL $117k MID/FWD
The Cattery's newest mature age recruit arrives with much promise after compiling an impressive 2023 season in the VFL with Werribee. Mannagh averaged 16.6 kicks, 8.4 handballs, 5.6 tackles and 1.9 goals a game for the runners up in the VFL Grand Final. He also added a best on ground, 28 disposal and six goal game to his tally, in Werribee's Grand Final loss, amounting to a 110.5 Fantasy average across 2023. If the Cats give their pick 36 a round one debut, expect the forward line to add another cheap rookie option.
Toby Conway GEEL $180k RUC
The first ruck to enter my list is a slightly pricey option when it comes to rookies, but when adding up the possibilities, Conway deserves a mention. In the final round of last season, Conway was granted his debut against the formidable Tim English. Conway still scored 46 SC across that match, adding to his three games in the VFL where he averaged 15.3 disposals and 24.7 hitouts per game. If Geelong decide to persist with Conway over Stanley, at $180k he should be worth every penny to stash away at R3.
I thank you all again for reading, I hope it was an enjoyable holiday and new year period for everyone. Best of luck heading into 2024 and in the upcoming Supercoach season.
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