Just like a classic western, round 4’s rookies were a tantalising mixture of good, bad and just plain ugly.
DEFENDERS
| Player | Club | Price | Score (avg) | BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom WILLIAMSON | CAR | $178 300 (+$32K) | 76 (65) | -26 |
| Hayden YOUNG | FRE | $223 300 (+$38K) | 109 (64) | -21 |
| Trent RIVERS (MID) | MEL | $139 200 (+$22K) | 33 (48) | -15 |
| Louis BUTLER (MID) | WBD | $123 900 | 49 (49) | -3 |
| Stephen HILL (FWD) | FRE | $190 600 | 73 (73) | 2 |
| Brandon STARCEVICH (MID) | BRL | $283 800 (+$53K) | 64 (70) | 11 |
| Jarrod BRANDER (FWD) | WCE | $235 200 (+$28K) | 49 (60) | 12 |
| Will HAMILL | ADL | $129 900 (+$6K) | 22 (31) | 13 |
| Fischer MCASEY | ADL | $204 800 (+$14K) | 36 (39) | 29 |
| Lachlan ASH (MID) | GWS | $188 400 (-$5K) | 25 (32) | 45 |
Rookie defender of the round was undoubtedly the Docker’s pick 7 from last year’s draft in Young, who was extremely impressive in posting his maiden SC ton in just his third game. 15 possessions, including 7 intercepts, and 311 metres gained with that laser left boot. Williamson was again very solid in a victorious Blues side, and well done if you managed to get him in last week as you scored a bankable cash cow. Starcevich didn’t have much to do against a lifeless Crows side, but still managed 64 from only seven touches and is safe to hold for a little while yet.
Hill started his comeback game with a bang but was hardly sighted in the second half, probably not surprising given his lack of recent match practice. He comes with obvious risks, but has that useful DPP status and is in the Dockers’ best 22 on reputation alone. Butler saw plenty of the pill on debut but used it at a filthy 21% efficiency; if he can tidy that up, he will be one to watch. He also sets up a swing with the likes of Starcevich and Rivers, who looked lively against the Cats but struggled to hit targets (7 turnovers). Hamill unfortunately suffered a concussion and checked out early.
MIDFIELDERS
| Player | Team | Price | Score (avg) | BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom GREEN | GWS | $197 900 (+$31K) | 94 (68) | -21 |
| Kyron HAYDEN | NTH | $162 900 (+$25K) | 75 (45) | -15 |
| Jye CALDWELL | GWS | $219 900 (n/a) | DNP (70) | -13 |
| Harley BENNELL | MEL | $123 900 (n/a) | DNP (59) | -11 |
| Caleb SERONG | FRE | $175 800 | 71 (71) | -2 |
| Justin MCINERNEY | SYD | $210 200 (+$49K) | 74 (68) | -1 |
| Tyler BROWN | COL | $220 800 (+$25K) | 45 (58) | 2 |
| Sam PHILP | CAR | $121 800 | 32 (32) | 16 |
| Matt ROWELL | GCS | $478 300 (+$91K) | 114 (127) | 21 |
| Ned MCHENRY | ADE | $130 500 (+$5K) | 33 (28) | 25 |
| Noah ANDERSON | GCS | $269 500 (+$30K) | 79 (62) | 25 |
| Marlion PICKETT | RIC | $201 500 (n/a) | DNP (60) | 29 |
Rowell did what Rowell does but the real eyecatcher was Green, who was fantastic in the clinches in the final stages against the Pies and played a big part in the Giants’ nailbiting win. A team-high 12 contested possessions was super impressive and at a (barely) sub-$200K price tag, this is your last chance.
McInerney returned and was far from Sydney’s worst despite the loss (12 possessions and 4 tackles) and Hayden had by far his best game, with 15 touches at 87% efficiency. Serong made his anticipated debut and didn’t disappoint, performly strongly with limited clock (12 possessions and 5 tackles in 70% TOG). Fyfe’s injury should help him retain his spot, at least in the short term.
Brown unfortunately picked a terrible time to go quiet. Treloar is waiting in the wings and it may be the last we see of Tyler for a while. With carnage breaking out all over the place, here’s hoping Bennell and Pickett can earn a speedy recall this week!
RUCKS
| Player | Club | Price | Score (avg) | BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darcy CAMERON (FWD) | COL | $147 700 (n/a) | DNP (51) | -16 |
| Tristan XERRI (FWD) | NTH | $123 900 | 54 (54) | -6 |
| Archie SMITH | BRL | $186 200 (+$7K) | 49 (43) | 21 |
I’m reliably informed that Xerri‘s maiden goal was the first ever kicked in AFL history by a player with a name starting with X. Trivia! Played deep forward for most of the game, but showed he wasn’t afraid of the contest or throwing his considerable frame around. Will be interesting to see if Rhyce gives him another run.
FORWARDS
| Player | Club | Price | Score (avg) | BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam STURT | FRE | $152 200 (n/a) | DNP (56) | -23 |
| Laitham VANDERMEER (MID) | WBD | $176 500 (+$32K) | 59 (51) | -10 |
| Kysaiah KROPINYERI-PICKETT | MEL | $178 400 (+$21K) | 51 (54) | -5 |
| Jack MAHONY (MID) | NTH | $117 300 | 50 (50) | -4 |
| Thomas BERRY | BRL | $137 800 (n/a) | DNP (40) | 0 |
| Connor BUDARICK (MID) | GCS | $221 800 (+$37K) | 47 (58) | 1 |
| Ben CROCKER | ADE | $185 200 (+$20K) | 52 (47) | 1 |
| Billy FRAMPTON | ADE | $180 200 (+$15K) | 53 (49) | 6 |
| Shane MACADAM | ADE | $123 900 | 26 (26) | 22 |
| Jamaine JONES | WCE | $143 800 | 34 (34) | 23 |
| Mitch HANNAN | MEL | $201 200 | 52 (52) | 27 |
| Max KING | STK | $219 400 (+$27K) | 43 (53) | 33 |
| Curtis TAYLOR | NTH | $242 600 (+$24K) | 57 (65) | 39 |
The rookie forwards were an incredibly consistent and dull lot last weekend. Nine players scored between 40 and 60, but none could break that pesky sixty point ceiling. For mine, Vandermeer looked the most exciting but is playing a permanent forward role which sucks for Supercoach. Mahony (8 possessions, 5 contested) did some nice things if you’re looking for a swingman on the bubble, and the Roos have shown they’re prepared to give the kids a go. The likes of Taylor and King are getting close to cull time unless they can raise their respective games.
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Good call on Tyler Brown currently my trade out for this week.
Did Xerri just get a run because of the Hawks tall backline? I think he holds his spots. Be ‘better for the run’ as they say
He might be saved by Sidey’s adventures, can’t see Sidey playing this week.
At what point does Rowell leave the rookie review. He’s going to pass 500K this week and it’s only round 5. Crazy stuff!!
How good is he Roo Bloke ?
He has to be considered for M8 in this shortened season. At the very least he will be my very last upgrade.
Considered?? He’s averaging 126. He will be everybody’s M5 by seasons end and could not possibly be traded by anyone in any circumstance!
People are rolling with him as a vc/c option in his first couple of games. Barlow set the bar pretty damn high for first year player impact in the SC season. Sam Walsh gave it a nudge last year but didn’t match Barlow’s amazing season pre leg break. Rowell is on track to smash Barlow out of the park.
All the more impressive given that Barlow was a mature-age rookie (22 on debut), whereas Rowell only turns 19 tomorrow.
It’s pretty scary. How good will he be in 4-5 years
What’s Tom Green’s job security like? Is it worth bringing him in?
I’ve given up trying to predict what Leon Cameron is going to do, but I’ll say this: I can’t believe the Giants didn’t have to match the bid on Green until pick 10. He came in for Caldwell last week, and even though they’re different sorts of players, Green had far more impact on the game.
Bad news for Cogs, though.
I can’t remember the full break-down, but it was basically the AFLs points allocation system per draft position. If Melb bid on Green at pick 3, GWS wouldn’t have matched it, because he would have ‘cost’ them too many points in the draft value index. But Dees are already flush for inside mids, so went with Jackson.
From pick 4, it became worthwhile for GWS, but they already had pick 4, so didn’t need to waste it on Green, and went Ash.
Sydney and Adelaide had other plans, then Freo had the next two picks. It wasn’t until SOS decided to keep them honest/be a jerk, and place a bid on Henry, then Green, that it forced GWS’s plans.
Green is the grandson of a 4 time Richmond premierhsip player.
There is a big flight risk that he will leave once he is out of contract.
Basically if there was a grand parent/grand child rule he would be in yellow and black.
Too true mate. He’s going to be a star.
I have some injuries to cover and can’t decide whether to upgrade or jump in the couple of rookies that are looking half decent at the moment (Green/Serong/Hill)
Hatley MK2
Think Green offers something more valuable than the likes of Caldwell, Hatley and Ash different position obviously but most clubs don’t bring in likes for like they shuffle. Also Williams our for a month I think Green is safe for at least the next 3-4 weeks which is all you probably need from him. There’s also a chance that after last weekend his output kicks up with confidence and he gets even better. I think he’s a must grab this week of the rookies followed closely by Young at Fremantle. After this week they’re gone for the year no point.
Great work Chillo doing a power of work constantly pumping out write ups for the site.
Is it too late to jump on Tom Williamson this week?
If not, what’s his JS like?
His JS is rock solid with Newman out, Jacques.
Pretty solid I would say with Newman out for a while
what’s louis butler’s JS looking like? can downgrade howe to him or williamson to be able to afford an upgrade of naismith to goldy, however williamson only leaves me with $2k in the bank. is it worth going to williamson (TU) or stick with butler (TD)?
(getting butler also allows me to bring in gawn)
Word is Easton Wood could return as soon as this week. I’d recommend waiting for teams on Thursday night before bringing in Butler.
TU – Green
TD – Young
Via DPP
Mitch Hibberd $114K mid to debut for the Bombers this weekend
Ooo, nice!
I need a MID rookie this week, might jump straight on.
I think he is a great pick up to. I think his spot is safe as long as Heppell is out. Essendon really missed an inside midfielder last week and thought he could have played earlier had he not had set back in the pre season. Even if he only touches it 12-15 times I believe he will score well cause they will be contested and he tackles.