Rookie Review – Round 19
This week’s rookie shopping is pretty simple.
Oliver Francou is comfortably the best rookie on the board and should be the first player you’re looking at this week. After that, Riley Hamilton is probably the next best option thanks to his MID/FWD DPP and improving job security.
The rest all come with varying degrees of risk.
Noah Mraz has scored brilliantly, but Hawthorn are about to welcome back some key defenders. Josh Goater needs to get back into North Melbourne’s side, while Mitch Podhajski is still waiting for a recall.
At this time of year we’re really not asking much from our rookies. All we want is enough cash generation to help finish our teams. If they can also hold their spot and provide a bit of bench cover when one of our premiums inevitably gets rested or injured, that’s an added bonus.
Rookie Targets
| Player | Pos | Price | Avg | BE | Games | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Francou | MID | $99,100 | 79 | -97 | 2 | Buy |
| Noah Mraz | DEF | $119,900 | 86 | -99 | 2 | Watch Teams |
| Josh Goater | DEF | $119,900 | 63 | -54 | 2 | Watch Teams |
| Riley Hamilton | MID/FWD | $99,100 | 42 | -23 | 2 | Buy |
| Mitch Podhajski | FWD | $99,100 | 49 | -36 | 2 | Watch Teams |
| Liam Puncher | DEF | $99,100 | 38 | -16 | 2 | Buy |
| Jack Ough | MID | $119,900 | 52 | -30 | 2 | Pass |
| Matt Hill | DEF | $119,900 | 24 | 25 | 2 | Pass |
Oliver Francou
Francou is easily my favourite rookie this week.
Two games, an average of 79 and a break even of -97 make him the standout downgrade option.
He spent plenty of time through the midfield again last week and, while his time-on-ground was only 68%, he still found plenty of the football and laid five tackles.
That tackle count is encouraging because it’s exactly the sort of thing coaches look for when deciding whether a young player deserves another game.
At $99,100, he ticks every box. If you need a downgrade this week, this is where I’d be looking first.
Noah Mraz
Mraz has been outstanding to begin his AFL career.
An average of 86 and a break even of -99 certainly grabs your attention.
The only concern is job security.
He’s a key defender and was probably brought into Hawthorn’s side after Josh Battle had his appendix removed.
Battle may only miss one more week, while Josh Weddle also returns from his three-match suspension.
That creates plenty of competition for spots.
The scoring has been excellent, but I’d probably rate his job security as only fair for now.
Josh Goater
Goater was a withdrawal last week because of soreness.
Hopefully North Melbourne were simply being cautious.
If he’s named this week he’s still worth considering.
If he misses again, I’d probably move on.
Watch teams closely.
Jack Ough
Ough earned his second AFL game thanks largely to GWS’ lengthy injury list.
He managed 57 SuperCoach points last week despite playing just 32% time-on-ground, after only 35% TOG in his debut.
The scoring has actually been okay considering the limited opportunity.
The problem is the role.
Until that time-on-ground increases, he’s very difficult to recommend.
Riley Hamilton
Hamilton is probably the second-best rookie option this week.
His first game produced just 25 SuperCoach points, but he looked much better in his second outing, kicking two goals and providing plenty of energy in the forward line.
His job security has also improved.
Phoenix Gothard’s dislocated shoulder and Brent Daniels’ injury should create opportunities over the next few weeks.
The MID/FWD dual-position status is another big tick and could prove very handy over the run home.
Liam Puncher
Puncher is another key defender worth keeping an eye on.
Collingwood will need defensive support after the news that Darcy Moore is expected to miss the rest of the season.
That should improve Puncher’s chances of holding his place.
The scoring hasn’t been spectacular, but at $99,100 there is still some appeal if you’re looking for a cheap defender.
Mitch Podhajski
Podhajski has now missed three consecutive games and looked to have fallen completely off the rookie radar.
That may change this week.
Lachie Schultz limped off with an ankle injury and, if he’s unavailable, Podhajski could find himself back in the senior side.
He’s still only a watch-teams option, but at basement price he’s worth monitoring.
Matt Hill
Hill is probably one to avoid.
An average of just 24 and a positive break even already make him difficult to recommend.
With Watson expected back either this week or next, his spot also looks vulnerable.
There are simply better rookie options available.
Conclusion
This week is actually pretty straightforward.
Oliver Francou is comfortably the best rookie on the board. At just $99,100, he’s already shown he can score, has spent plenty of time through the midfield and looks to have the best combination of cash generation and job security.
If you’ve got a downgrade to make, he’d be my first choice.
After that, I’d probably look at Riley Hamilton. His MID/FWD DPP is handy, he looked much more lively in his second game, and with injuries to Phoenix Gothard and Brent Daniels, his job security has received a nice boost.
thanks fellas