Rookie Review – Round 18
The rookie cupboard has started to empty out again.
At this time of the season, we’re really not asking much from our rookies anymore. All we want is for them to make enough cash to help us complete our teams. If they can also have decent job security and provide a bit of bench cover when one of our premiums inevitably gets rested or injured, that’s an added bonus.
Most of the rookies we’ve recommended over the past few weeks have now done their job and made some cash. Marcus Herbert ($165,200), Joel Fitzgerald ($154,600), Kye Annand ($173,700), Sam Swadling ($169,100), Beau Addinsall ($171,500), Campbell Lake ($157,600) and Ben Jepson ($162,300) have all risen enough in price that they’re probably no longer worth trading in.
If you somehow don’t own one of them, I’d probably only still consider Herbert. He’s shown the best scoring potential, has excellent job security and still looks capable of making a bit more money.
Of the traditional rookies avaliable, there isn’t much
Rookie Targets
| Player | Pos | Price | Avg | BE | Games | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Goater | DEF | $119,900 | 63 | -54 | 2 | Buy |
| Mitch Podhajski | FWD | $99,100 | 49 | -36 | 2 | Watch Teams |
| Noah Mraz | DEF | $119,900 | 101 | -42 | 1 | Watch Teams |
| Oliver Francou | MID | $99,100 | 85 | -38 | 1 | Watch Teams |
Josh Goater
Goater is the clear rookie target this week.
The North Melbourne defender has now played two games, is averaging 63 and carries a break even of -54.
It has been a long road back. He hasn’t played AFL since Round 1, 2024 after an injury-riddled 18 months, but he finally looks fit again.
North Melbourne appear keen to get games into him over the second half of the season and, if that continues, he should make coaches some handy cash over the next month.
If you’re looking for a downgrade this week, he seems an easy choice
Mitch Podhajski
Podhajski is becoming harder and harder to recommend.
He hasn’t played the past two weeks and that’s never a good sign for job security.
Having said that, if Collingwood recall him this week and you’re desperate for a basement-priced forward, he’s still worth considering.
At $99,100 you don’t need much from him.
Just don’t buy him before Thursday night teams.
One-Game Wonders
We also had a couple of interesting rookies debut last week.
Noah Mraz
Mraz couldn’t have asked for a better start.
The defender scored an impressive 101 in his first AFL game and immediately jumped onto the SuperCoach radar.
One game doesn’t make a cash cow, but if he’s named again this week he’ll attract plenty of attention. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Oliver Francou
Francou also impressed on debut with a score of 85.
At just $99,100 he’s exactly the type of rookie coaches love at this time of year.
Like Mraz, the key will be team selection. If he’s named again, he’ll be worth serious consideration next week.
Conclusion
Josh Goater is the clear number one target.
If Podhajski earns a recall, he becomes relevant again as a basement-priced forward.
Otherwise, I’d be watching Noah Mraz and Oliver Francou very closely. Both made excellent starts to their AFL careers and could quickly become the next cash cows if they hold their spots.
After several weeks of having plenty of rookie choices, we’re back to slim pickings.
thanks fellas