Rookie Review – AAMI Community Series 2022

Welcome to the Rookie Review for the AAMI Community Series of 2022. First of all I’d like to give a shout out to Chillo for his years of service and contributions to the site and especially for helping me to continue the Rookie Review in season 2022. This week’s Rookie Review will look a bit different to the usual week to week one that will kick off in Round 1. I will go through every rookie that set foot on the park with some stats and a bit of insight if I have any. I didn’t get to watch much of the games this week so if you have any Intel on a rookie that we should be picking for Rd 1 let us know in the comments. To qualify for the Rookie Review this year the player’s starting price can’t be higher than Jason Horne-Francis’ ($207,300) which for this season shall be named the JHF Line.

Legend – Player, (Price), Position – (Score, TOG)

CARLTON v MELBOURNE @ Marvel Stadium

Oscar McDonald ($201,900) FWD – (74, 96%) Played fullback and had 21 touches with 4 marks. Should be there Rd 1 but hefty price tag for a lock down defender.
Luke Parks ($199,600) DEF – (25, 49%) Only played the 2nd half and only had the 2 kicks with 1 goal in a role up forward.
Corey Durdin ($143,700) FWD – (43, 43%) Came off in the 2nd quarter with a calf injury but was lively in the first kicking 2.0 in his 5 touches. If he gets up for Rd 1 (reported that he should) he is one to consider.
Jordan Boyd ($123,900) DEF – (40, 80%) Played down back and had 9 touches and laid 6 tackles. Rd 1 chance but when the troops are back he’ll be out.

Sam Weideman ($200,900) FWD – (18, 14%) Only played in the last quarter to register 2 kicks and 2 marks.
Joel Smith ($177,200) DEF – (67, 94%) Played as a key back and had 10 touches and took 3 marks. They had a few missing so he may not make the team come Rd 1.
Daniel Turner ($123,900) DEF – (6, 25%) Came on in the 2nd half in defence and the only stat he managed was 1 tackle.

DNP: Kemp, Carroll, Mirkov, Philp, Motlop, Akuei and Daw, van Rooyen, Bedford, Chandler, Laurie, Rosman, D. Smith, Howes, Woewodin, McVee, Moniz-Wakefield

BULLDOGS v BRISBANE @ Marvel Stadium

Robbie McComb ($102,400) MID – (28, 39%) Came on for the 2nd half through the midfield and got himself 12 touches including 5 clangers as well as 2 tackles.

Harry Sharp ($193,200) MID – (14, 30%) Only played the last quarter for his 3 touches.

DNP: Darcy, West, Butler, Khamis, Bedendo, Cleary, Jones, Parker, Raak and T. Berry, Wilmot, B. Coleman, Lane, McFadyen, Michael, E. Smith, H. Smith, Uosis, Lohmann, Tunstill

HAWTHORN v RICHMOND @ Devonport Oval

Denver Grainger-Barras ($206,700) DEF – (35, 79%) Should get games this year but his role is not very Supercoach friendly. Only the 6 touches for him.
Josh Ward ($180,300) MID – (124, 67%) 29 touches from the midfield with 19 contested, took 4 marks, laid 2 tackles and had 6 clearances. Will be there for Rd 1 but with Titch and co to return his output will be decreased.
Finn Maginness ($143,700) MID/FWD – (50, 83%) Split his time between the middle and half forward to register 15 touches and take 4 marks, also had 4 clearances. Will be close to playing Rd 1, watch him.
Connor MacDonald ($117,300) MID – (52, 71%) Played through the middle and also up forward, had 16 touches with 2 marks and kicked 1.1. Will be around the mark for a Rd 1 berth, if not he’ll be a good downgrade option.
Ned Long ($102,400) MID/FWD – (24, 43%) Same mid/fwd role for Long who kicked 0.4 from his 9 touches. Also took 2 marks and laid 4 tackles from limited game time.

Hugo Ralphsmith ($206,700) FWD/MID – (72, 85%) Played his desired halfback role and gathered 20 touches at 80% and took 10 marks. Had a great role but with Vlaustin to return and Rioli fighting for the same spot it may not be as good as we hope, fingers crossed.
Joshua Gibcus ($171,300) DEF – (65, 81%) Played key back and held his own with 13 touches, 2 marks and 3 tackles. His score was held back by 5 clangers unfortunately. May not be the best scorer but a warm body that can give you the odd 80 will be much needed.
Will Martyn ($161,100) MID – (11, 23%) Only played the last quarter in the middle to register 2 touches and 2 tackles.
Bigoa Nyuon ($123,900) DEF – (32, 40%) Came in to the game just before half time and had 7 touches and 4 marks in defence.
Maurice Rioli ($123,900) MID/FWD – (-, 17%) Only played the last quarter as a small forward and had 3 touches. (No score found for Rioli, my guess is about 10)

DNP: Jeka, Downie, Callow, Mitchell, Morris, Saunders, Butler, Serong, O’Hara and Dow, Miller, Brown, Colina, Cumberland, Ryan, Banks, Clarke, Sonsie

ADELAIDE v PT. ADELAIDE @ Richmond Oval

Ben Davis ($204,500) DEF/FWD – (25, 45%) Played the 2nd half up forward for his 7 touches.
Joshua Rachele ($184,800) MID/FWD – (85, 78%) Played his expected forward role and lit it up. Kicked 4.0, had 12 touches with 7 contested and laid a massive 9 tackles. He also had 4 frees for but was held back with his 58% efficiency. Lock!
Mitchell Hinge ($180,900) DEF – (64, 79%) Played majority on the wing to gather 12 touches and take 3 marks. He also kicked 1.0. Looks to be in the best 22 and even with Dawson returning he should still play halfback with some wing time.
Lachlan Gollant ($123,900) FWD – (24, 78%) Played as a key forward and scored like one too, 4 touches, 2 marks and 1.0.
Luke Pedlar ($123,900) MID/FWD – (25, 15%) Came on in the 2nd half but injured his hammy in the last quarter. In his short stint between fwd/mid he had 3 touches and kicked 1.0.
Jake Soligo ($117,300) MID – (45, 66%) Had a half forward role but did manage 9 touches with 6 of those contested, took 2 marks, laid 3 tackles and kicked 1.0. If he is named Rd 1 we may have no choice but to roll with him. I think he will score similar to Sam Berry last year. If not named Rd 1 then he will be a great downgrade option during the year.

Sam Mayes ($201,400) FWD – (7, 36%) Played forward for half a game but only managed the 3 touches.
Josh Sinn ($157,800) DEF/MID – (28, 43%) Only played the 2nd half unfortunately. Played high half forward to get himself 8 touches for 240m gained at 87% and took 3 marks. Not sure he’s there for Rd 1 after King Ken said this will be as close to the real stuff as possible.
Sam Hayes ($123,900) RUC – (36, 45%) Played in the ruck and when he was on the ground he did well. Had 19 hitouts, 7 touches with 3 marks. Went at 57% with 3 clangers but he is a ruckman so that happens. Should get games this year but not sure it will be Rd 1.
Jed McEntee ($123,900) MID/FWD – (58, 80%) Had a mid/fwd role and had 13 touches with 7 contested. Kicked 1.1 and had 2 clearances. He’s in the mix but could be used as the sub as he was last year.
Jackson Mead ($123,900) MID – (24, 63%) Rotated with the midfield and had 8 touches with 2 marks and 2 tackles. I don’t think he makes the cut for Rd 1.

DNP: Hately, Mcasey, Newchurch, Borlase, Parnell, Worrell, Taylor, Nankervis and Pasini, Skinner, Lord, Schofield, Williams, Jackson, Visentini, Burgoyne

ESSENDON v ST. KILDA @ Marvel Stadium

Kaine Baldwin ($123,900) FWD – (48, 80%) Played as a key forward and had 10 touches, 3 marks, 3 tackles and kicked 1.0 but only the 40% efficiency though. I don’t know much about this guy but playing 80% game time is a positive sign.
Nick Martin ($102,400) FWD – (50, 42%) Played the 2nd half as a half forward and dominated with his fresh legs. Gathered 16 touches, took 2 marks, laid 3 tackles but had 3 clangers to go at 56%. Let’s hope he’s done enough to be there Rd 1.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($162,300) DEF/MID – (28, 33%) Played the 2nd half in defence for his 7 touches with 3 clangers at a poor 28%. He also took 3 marks and laid 2 tackles.
Mitch Owens ($117,300) MID – (39, 24%) Played the last quarter in the guts and had 4 touches with 3 contested and 3 clearances, also laid 3 tackles. Possible downgrade option later in the year.
Marcus Windhager ($117,300) MID/FWD – (-2, 32%) Played the 2nd half through the middle but only managed the 1 handball and 1 tackle with 2 clangers giving him an unfortunate score.
Jack Hayes ($102,400) RUC/FWD – (60, 78%) Played as a key forward and back up ruck. 12 touches with 6 contested, 3 marks, kicked 1.1, had 4 hitouts and 3 clearances. He went at 58% with 6 clangers so his score could’ve been a lot better. Patty Ryder will dictate his selection but he should be in your side for the time being.

DNP: Reid, Bryan, Hobbs, Hird, McBride, Brand, Eyre, Lord, McDonagh, Wanganeen, Voss and Joyce, Allison, Heath, Adams, Kyle, Peris

GWS v COLLINGWOOD @ GIANTS Stadium

Braydon Pruess ($204,700) RUC – (102, 78%) Started forward but still had plenty of ruck time for his 14 hitouts. Had 12 touches with 9 contested, 6 marks and laid 6 tackles. He had 4 clangers but the key thing is he will miss Rd 1 after his rough tackle on Grundy. This is a good thing for people who weren’t sure on selecting him on our benches. We can have a look at him until Rd 3 and then make a decision on if we want his cash generation, I wouldn’t recommend trading a big dog to him no matter how he goes.
Conor Stone ($181,400) FWD/MID – (5, 30%) Rolled his ankle early in the 2nd quarter. He was playing a bit of a wing role but only managed 2 touches with 1 mark while out there.

Finlay Macrae ($206,800) MID – (44, 57%) He played in the middle for his 14 touches with 2 marks, 3 tackles and kicked 1.0. He may make the Rd 1 team but I think we saw enough last year to pass on him.
Jack Ginnivan ($199,900) FWD – (47, 87%) Played forward for his 11 touches with 1.2, 2 marks and 2 tackles. 4 clangers and 63% efficiency held him back but a small/medium forward in a non finals team isn’t a good role especially at his price.
Nathan Kreuger ($198,100) DEF – (17, 35%) Started forward but got concussed in the 2nd quarter after having 5 touches and taking 3 marks.
Nick Daicos ($193,800) MID – (100, 87) LOCK! Started at halfback with some mid time as well. Ended with 31 touches with 7 being contested at 74% with 5 marks. Should be in 100% of teams and will win the rising star this year, potential DPP makes it even sweeter.

DNP: Callaghan, Brown, Stein, Aleer, Angwin, Fleeton, Shaw, Wehr, Fahey, Hamilton and Wilson, Begg, Johnson, McInnes, McMahon, Chugg, Kelly, Draper, Harrison, Murley, Dean

SYDNEY v NTH. MELBOURNE @ GIANTS Stadium

Ben Ronke ($186,200) FWD – (4, 11%) Only played the final quarter as a deep forward for his 2 touches.
Dylan Stephens ($167,800) MID – (63, 83%) Played on a wing to gather 20 touches with 2 contested at 70% with 3 clangers. He took 5 marks and laid 2 tackles. 20 touches and 5 marks is very solid just needs to improve ball use and he will be very serviceable.
Patrick McCartin ($157,800) DEF/FWD – (74, 91%) Started down back and had 14 touches and took 7 marks, used the ball at 78%. 91% TOG is a great sign and it looks like he’ll be there for Rd 1 and also in our sides.
Lachlan McAndrew ($123,900) RUC – (10, 14%) Played the last quarter in the ruck but didn’t manage a hitout, he did have 4 touches and laid 2 tackles. Won’t play this year barring a ruck injury crisis.
Matty Roberts ($117,300) MID – (3, 13%) Played the last quarter as a mid/fwd to have 2 touches and laid 1 tackle.

Jason Horne-Francis ($207,300) MID – (87, 72%) Played mid/fwd and had 16 touches with 11 contested but went at 43% with 2 clangers. He laid 5 tackles and also kicked 2.2. His midfield time will drop slightly when Cunnington and Anderson return but that could be over a month away. Even then he will still do enough to be worth picking, his contested nature is very Supercoach friendly.
Eddie Ford ($206,800) FWD – (7, 25%) Played the last quarter up forward for his 3 touches and 1 mark.
Charlie Lazzaro ($201,400) FWD/MID – (34, 64%) Played half forward and had 9 touches with 3 marks and 1.1. 4 clangers and 44% held him back a bit but all things point to a non selection for us.
Kyron Hayden ($199,600) DEF – (47, 72%) Played def/mid and had 7 touches with 6 contested. He also laid 3 tackles.
Joshua Goater ($117,300) MID – (9, 34%) Played in the middle in the 2nd half for his 4 touches.

DNP: O’Riordan, Taylor, Sheldrick, Gould, O’Connor, Sheather, Rankin, Warner and Perez, Comben, Edwards, Spicer, McGuinness, P. Walker, Curtis, Archer, Bergman

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST @ Fremantle Oval

No Freo rookies

Callum Jamieson ($123,900) RUC – (4, 11%) Played ruck in his very limited game time for just the 1 hitout.
Brady Hough ($117,300) MID – (47, 83%) Used as a utility and had 14 touches with 8 marks. Went at 71% with 4 clangers. With the carnage at the Eagles he could find his way into Rd 1 selection.
Hugh Dixon ($102,400) RUC/FWD – (45, 89%) Played fwd/ruck to have 9 touches, 3 marks, 2 tackles but went at 55% with 2 clangers. Should play Rd 1 and will be fighting with Bailey Williams for that 3rd tall/back up ruck when Allen comes back.
Patrick Naish (Waiting on SSP) MID – (58, 37%) Played the 2nd half in the middle/wing. He had 14 touches, took 3 marks and kicked 1.0. He’s likely to get selected via SSP and should get games early after this performance after being in WA for about 2 days. Doesn’t have a price as yet, likely around $190,000.
Tom Joyce (Waiting on SSP) MID – (56, 60%) Played through the middle and had 17 touches with 5 marks. Similar to Naish with no price yet but I am unsure if he makes the cut for Rd 1.

DNP: Sturt, Amiss, Erasmus, Western, O’Driscoll, Benning, Johnson, Worner and Chesser, Trew, Winder, Bazzo, Clark, Williams

GOLD COAST v GEELONG @ Metricon Stadium

Alex Davies ($202,500) MID – (53, 67%) Played in the middle for his 11 touches with 10 contested but had 4 clangers and went at 54%. Also laid 6 tackles and got boosted with 4 frees for. I like him but I am not sure he is a lock in their best 22 and he may not see the same mid time in the real thing.
Ned Moyle ($123,900) RUC – 21, 32%) Played the 2nd half in the ruck with 3 touches and had 8 hitouts, project player.
Rory Thompson ($123,900) DEF – (11, 41%) Played the 2nd half down back and had 5 touches, 1 mark and 1 tackle.

Francis Evans ($123,900) FWD – (52, 69%) Played forward and had 10 touches with 8 contested, also took 3 marks and laid 2 tackles.
Shannon Neale ($123,900) FWD – (17, 37%) Played the 2nd half with ruck time. Only the 2 touches with 1 mark and 1 tackle.
Cooper Stephens ($123,900) MID – (62, 64%) Played through the middle and had 15 touches at 80%, took 4 marks and laid 4 tackles. If he plays Rd 1 he may get shunted into a flank/pocket and his job security may not be great.
Nick Stevens ($123,900) MID – (36, 61%) Came on in the 2nd quarter down back to have 9 touches and take 3 marks.
Sam De Koning ($123,900) DEF/FWD – (92, 91%) Played in defence and got himself 19 touches with 6 contested and no clangers for 78%. He also took 5 marks and laid 2 tackles. Looks set to play Rd 1, if named he will be in most sides.

DNP: Andrew, Rosas, Jeffrey, Conroy, Hollands, Murtagh, Oea, McLennan, Nicholls, Tsitas, Brock, Uwland and Tsapatolis, Conway, Knevitt, Kroeger, Whyte, Willis, Dempsey, Mullin

So after all of that I said and done, here is how I would rank the top rookies in each position judged by price, job security and scoring potential. Let me know what you think.

DEF
J. Gibcus
S. De Koning (FWD)
M. Hinge
C. Chesser* (MID)
P. McCartin (FWD)
J. Sinn (MID)
N. O’Driscoll (MID)
C. Dean*
D. Wilmot
N. Wanganeen-Milera (MID)

MID
N. Daicos
J. Horne-Francis
G. Clark*
J. Ward
D. Stephens
A. Davies
P. Naish
C. MacDonald
J. Soligo
J. Tsitas
B. Hough
B. Hobbs

RUC
B. Pruess
J. Hayes (FWD)
H. Dixon (FWD)
S. Hayes

FWD
J. Rachele (MID)
H. Ralphsmith (MID)
C. Durdin
F. Maginness (MID)
N. Martin
E. Hollands (MID)
J. McEntee (MID)
O. McDonald

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