When selecting your AFL Supercoach team, the most important part to get right is the rookies and cash cows.
These cheap players form the base of your money generation as they rise in price steeply if they perform well.
Once these rookies have reached their maximum price, they can be upgraded to superstars or traded for cheaper players to raise funds.
MORE: AFL Supercoach 2024: Bye round rules, round zero explanation, strategy
The Sporting News gives you tips for your AFL Supercoach 2024 team.
SEE: ALL SUPERCOACH 2024 CONTENT FROM THE SPORTING NEWS
Defender rookies and cash cows
Zac Williams (DEF) $216,100 [Carlton]
Despite being 29 years of age, Williams is priced in rookie areas after failing to play last season because of injury and playing only 34 games in the three years before that.
Williams achieved an 100-plus average while at the Giants in 2019 and a season in the 90's in 2017.
However, his body has regularly broken down and even when he did play from 2020-2022, he only averaged around 80.
Daniel Curtin (MID) $175,800 [Adelaide]
Was long thought to be a top five draft pick before he slipped to no.8 where he was snared by the Crows.
Even though he is 197cm and primarily a defender, Curtin can also play midfield, which is reflected in his Supercoach positions.
His versatility could come in handy across the early weeks, plus he is a good chance to play.
Josh Gibcus (DEF) $150,700 [Richmond]
Another player with a fallen value because of injury, Gibcus is certainly in Richmond's best team when he is fit.
In 2022, the defender averaged 54 across 17 games and a repeat of this would make him a solid cash cow.
The only question mark is around his positioning, with his output likely to drop if played forward.
Zach Reid (DEF) $123,900 [Essendon]
The highly-touted Reid has only played eight games since being drafted in 2020 with repeated injury issues.
However, the 21-year-old is looking fit and ready to go in 2024.
His fitness history should make buyers wary though and he is a key position player so cash generation will be slower.
Marty Hore (DEF) $123,900 [Melbourne]
After impressing in the VFL, Hore has returned to the Demons, where he played 14 games in 2019.
Hore is a key position player but does take intercept marks, which helps push his average up.
He averaged 70.6 in 2019 and a repeat this season would make him an excellent cash cow.
Toby Pink (DEF) $123,900 [North Melbourne]
Another mature age defender, Pink is going to be a popular pick with his selection likely in North Melbourne's best team.
However, he is a lockdown defender, so expect cash generation to be gradual.
With defensive rookies looking like they might be at a premium, Pink will be a solid pick.
Nick Coffield (DEF) $123,900 [Western Bulldogs]
After injuries and lack of opportunities saw him not play at St Kilda through 2022-2023, Coffield has a new opportunity at the Bulldogs.
Coffield has produced a solid average of nearly 80 in 2020 and he won't need as much as this to be a good cash cow option.
It just remains to be seen about whether is a starting option in the team so keep an eye on him in pre-season.
Ruck rookies and cash cows
Jordon Sweet (RUC) $158,700 [Port Adelaide]
Struggling to get game time behind Tim English at the Bulldogs, Sweet has moved to the Power for opportunity.
He is likely to compete with Ivan Soldo for the club's no.1 ruckman position after the retirement of Scott Lycett and departure of Sam Hayes.
As he isn't a lock to be a starter, a position on your ruck bench is safest.
Sam Naismith (RUC) $123,900 [Richmond]
The 31-year-old hasn't played AFL since 2020, with injuries ruining his career with the Swans.
With Toby Nankervis and Samson Ryan likely ahead of him, a watch and wait philosophy should be taken with Naismith.
If he gets in the Tigers team, his cash generation will be excellent.
Midfielder rookies and cash cows
Colby McKercher (MID) $202,800 [North Melbourne]
McKercher - the no.2 draft pick - will likely be a popular pick as his chances of game-time at North Melbourne are high.
The news out of the Kangaroos is that McKercher has been super impressive in training also.
Supercoaches are going to have to make a decision over how many high-priced midfield/forward rookies they select.
Zane Duursma (MID/FWD) $193,800 [North Melbourne]
Another top draft pick at North Melbourne who is likely to see game time in 2024.
Zane is the brother of former Port Adelaide and now Essendon winger Xavier.
His multi-position status makes him an attractive pick, possibly even more than McKercher.
Ryley Sanders (MID) $184,800 [North Melbourne]
Another top 10 draft pick midfielder, who is likely to be a popular selection.
Word out of Whitten Oval suggests Sanders is pushing for a debut this season.
And with Bailey Smith injured, there is room for the ball accumulator in the engine room.
Darcy Wilson (MID/FWD) $130,800 [St Kilda]
There is plenty of chat at the Saints that Wilson will be close for selection at Round 1.
The midfielder rolled into the Saints and immediately won their 3km time trial as a statement of intention.
His multiple Supercoach positions also make for a good selection if he is in the best 22.
Jeremy Sharp (MID) $123,900 [Fremantle]
The mature-aged midfielder somehow didn't get a game at the Suns last season despite solid VFL form.
A move back home to Western Australia could see opportunities for the 22-year-old in the engine room.
If he is picked in the Dockers team, there is no doubt he will be a good Supercoach selection
Jhye Clark (MID) $123,900 [Geelong]
The Cats will play the kids this season, right?
Clark has only played one game but will be at the front of the queue for talent blooded.
He has also impressed during pre-season match simulation.
Forward rookies and cash cows
Harley Reid (MID/FWD) $207,300 [West Coast]
The no.1 draft pick has a physique ready for AFL and is likely to get plenty of game in a struggling West Coast team.
He also has dual-positions in Supercoach which helps give your team flexibility in the early stages of the season.
There is no doubt Reid will be one of the most selected players and it will be a risk to avoid him.
Nate Caddy (FWD) $166,800 [Essendon]
The Bombers moved up the draft to snare Caddy with their first selection so must rate the youngster highly.
With Essendon still in a transitional list phase, expect Caddy to get chances throughout the season.
But you want to make sure he impresses enough in the practice matches first.
Finlay Macrae (FWD) $152,600 [Collingwood]
Stayed at Collingwood despite it looking like he might leave for opportunities.
If he gets chances in 2024, he should be a good selection.
Likely to get time through the midfield if picked but keep an eye on pre-season.
Sam Darcy (FWD) $130,800 [Western Bulldogs]
The son of a gun has had injury issues in his first two seasons but looks ready to go in 2024.
Josh Bruce's retirement should open up a spot for Darcy to be considered at selection.
Keep an eye on pre-season to see if Darcy is playing as a forward or defender.
Shaun Mannagh (MID/FWD) [Geelong]
After tearing up the VFL over the past few seasons, Mannagh has been given a chance at the Cats.
News out of Geelong suggests he is pushing for a Round 1 position.
His mature age status and ability to play multiple Supercoach positions ensure he will be a popular pick.
AFL Supercoach 2024 content from The Sporting News
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Rookies, cash cows and cheapies to keep an eye on
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Bargains, value and mid-priced madness
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Defender bargains, prices and selection guide
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Ruck bargains, prices and selection guide
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Midfielder bargains, prices and selection guide
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Forward bargains, prices and selection guide
- AFL Supercoach 2024: Bye round rules, round zero explanation, strategy
