Welcome to this week’s ‘Rookie Watch’, where we take a closer look at rookie players who performed well over the weekend and assess their potential for future AFL Fantasy scoring. As we all know, rookies can be a make or break in AFL Fantasy, and finding those hidden gems early can give you a significant advantage over your competitors. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s players in focus
Angus Sheldrick
Thought I would touch on Angus Sheldrick again, given the strong start to his career. The Swans injuries presented him with an opportunity and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s a big-bodied midfielder who makes an impact with each touch, often through sheer power, strength and contested ball winning. Those types don’t always become super Fantasy players, but Sheldrick tackling numbers are what have boosted his scores beyond the good but relatively modest disposal counts. Tough and no-doubt frustrating year for the Swans, but Sheldrick will be a part of their starting on-ball group for years, alongside Warner and Gulden.
Caleb Poulter
Poulter isn’t a rookie in terms of years in the system, but he’s still just 20 years of age and is still very much developing as a player. Cut by the Magpies last year, he played 12 games there before being re-listed with the Bulldogs via the mid-season draft. He’s one who has played his footy all over the field but probably suits a wing role best, where he has nice skills and can use his height to advantage. Last weekend he came in for the omitted Oskar Baker as a like-for-like replacement. Poulter probably isn’t as quick as Baker but as a long-term option, I would prefer him on a wing. The Dogs do love rotating their wingman, with the likes of Williams, Macrae, Smith and Treloar all getting some outside minutes. Poulter is well capable of a 70 average if given some time to develop.
Dante Visentini
It must be a real whirlwind of emotions being told you’re making your debut five minutes before the first bounce. With a lack of time to really prepare mentally, not sure we could’ve expected much more from the big Power ruck. Port is on fire but if there is one area they could improve it’s in the ruck. Reports from Alberton suggest Visentini is the man to shoulder the ruck work when Lycett hangs them up. Played at either end of the ground as a junior but wasn’t a big point scorer, and has averaged 63 points in the SANFL before getting the call-up. Wait and see of course but will be a while before he is AFL Fantasy relevant.
Harry Barnett
A ruckman who I think will be an outstanding point scorer is Harry Barnett from West Coast. Bailey Williams has actually had a pretty good year for the Eagles as the number one ruck, so Barnett will have to bide his time. However, he’s one who will get involved in general play because of his clean skills. He can also take a big grab down the line. Only given a small taste on the weekend but I reckon he’s one to stash away for two or three years time.
Elijah Hewett
Obviously a dark time for West Coast, but they’ve got a midfielder with real talent in Elijah Hewett. Was touted to go higher in the draft, and would have if it was picked on talent alone, but he slipped to number 14. Spent time as a forward on the weekend and showed he knows where the goals are by kicking two to go with 11 disposals, four marks and four tackles for 65 points. When he goes into the midfield, his speed and silky skill will carve teams up
