The Rev's Top 10 Rookie Options

With a major shortage of cheap forward options in 2013, The Supercoach Rev believes rookie, midfield and back line options will become key to Supercoach success. He is confident there are a heap of young midfield guns who are likely to punch out some good scores without breaking the bank. Below is his list of the top 10 on offer.

1. Koby Stevens (WBD) $176,600

Stevens will be one of the most popular picks this year. He is one of the more expensive of the cheap options but with a couple more pre seasons under his belt he is more advanced and I expect him to have a break out year in the Bulldogs Midfield. He will compliment Boyd as another hard bodied, clearance winning midfielder. Lock him in.

2. Ollie Wines (PTA) $169,500

Wines is my favourite for the Rising Star in 2013. His body is very mature for an 18 year old and he is likely to be thrust into the centre square regularly where his ferocity for the contest and ability to win clearances will be important. He also has great disposal and averaged over 130 Supercoach points in the TAC Cup. Although he’s more expensive than some other rookies he may just be worth it.

3. Brad Couch (ADE) $115,900

There hasn’t been as much excitement coming from Adelaide headquarters about a young midfielder since Patrick Dangerfield first came on the scene.  Sanderson is quick to talk him up and you get the impression he is a coach’s favourite and will probably see significant senior action this year. The only query is just how much action he will see with the Crows boasting a strong midfield unit. If the NAB Cup is any gauge Couch could be a real bargain.

4. Kane Lucas (CAR) $217,400

Fantasy Freako has picked Kane Lucas as his smokey for a break out season. I tend to agree. He has been in and out of my team but is now a lock. Under Malthouse he seems to have lifted a notch and I think he will be given every opportunity this year. He is a classy midfielder who was a high draft pick and knows where the goals are. The advantage he has on the first year rookies is maturity and size and even though he is more expensive may have the ability to post bigger scores more regularly. He will also avoid tagging with Murphy & Judd the main targets.

5. Jaegar O’Meara (GCS) $115,900

O’Meara is ready to go and by all accounts he is a freak and the complete package. He is likely to get lots of game time at the struggling Suns and will be a lock in many teams. Has looked great in the NAB Cup

6. Brett Goodes  (WBD) $128,200 (DEF/MID)

Brother of Adam and a mature age option who has been prominent in the VFL for years. Has impressed in the NAB club and likely to be promoted to the Senior list for a regular spot in the Bulldogs starting line up and some decent scores.

7. Kane Mitchell (PTA) $126,200

Mitchell is yet to be elevated to the senior list but is almost certainly going to be soon. Last season he won the Sandover medal so he has a proven track record in senior football. While his disposal efficiency is a work in progress, his ability to win the football and rack up possessions is beyond question. If he is elevated he would almost be a lock for easy points.

8. Jack Viney (MEL) $109,500

Viney comes with big wraps and like Wines is great in the trenches. He is cheaper than Wines but his NAB Cup hasn’t been as impressive. He will no doubt develop. Look for him to push for regular senior selection towards the second half of the season if not before.

9. Sam Colquhoun (PTA) $109,500 (DEF/MID)

Colquhoun was surprisingly overlooked in the draft but got a second chance with Port Adelaide. Since then he has sky rocketed into calculations for a likely round 1 debut. He is a classy back flanker and with the benefit of dual position status he is an attractive option for Supercoach.

10. Matt Jones (MEL) $109,500

A mature age recruit who impressed in his last NAB Cup game against StKilda. With a more match ready body than some other rookies he may be a good point of difference on the bench as he is likely to get given senior game time.

And don’t forget…. Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $199,500)

Last season’s number 1 draft pick will be a gun. He is fast and silky smooth with the ability to rack up high possession counts at high efficiency. Has been largely overlooked because of his high asking price but will get opportunity at GWS. Don’t discount him.

Author - Supercoach Rev