Round 2: Rookie Watch – AFL Fantasy

Welcome to this week’s ‘Rookie Watch’, where we take a closer look at the rookie players who made their debut 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 some of the performances of the rookies and evaluate their potential for the future.

Lachie Cowan – Carlton

Recovering from the injury which saw him sit out part of last week’s game, Cowan again showed some positive signs. However, it didn’t quite translate into fantasy scores, with his 12 disposals and three marks translating to 40 AFL Fantasy points. Should hold his spot, especially given the Blues win, however, scoring will need to improve.

Ollie Hollands – Carlton

Hollands looked really comfortable on the wing for Carlton. Again his work rate and gut running on the outer wing were a standout. His game is built on the back of an elite endurance base and this running capacity allows him to get into space to help his teammates. He finished with 20 disposals, five marks, two tackles and 77 AFL Fantasy points.

Will Ashcroft – Brisbane

Brisbane’s bounce-back was led by prized draft pick Will Ashcroft, who would’ve been keen to show the Sheezel-mad footy world his abilities after a quieter debut than Harry. Ashcroft was everywhere, as he usually is, gathering 31 disposals, a tackle, a goal and 90 points. He’s hitting the scoreboard, so imagine what he’ll score when he takes a couple of grabs and lays a few more tackles. Nine clearances from eight CBAs is quite the stat.

Darcy Wilmot – Brisbane

Wilmot played a familiar role across half-back and provided some drive with the ball in hand and with his leg speed, accumulating 326 metres gained from his 13 disposals (12 kicks). Another whose spot in the team looks pretty set for now, but coaches would ideally be after a bit more than 58 AFL Fantasy points.

Luke Pedlar – Adelaide

Pedlar played the high half-forward role he seems to have locked down in the side and looked impactful albeit a tad wasteful. He is a seriously powerful unit, but his kicking for goal could use some refinement. Would love to see Matthew Nicks harness his power by using him in the middle, but suggest he might be another pre-season away from breaking in. He managed 12 disposals, six marks, two tackles and 55 AFL Fantasy points.

Max Michalanney – Adelaide

Max was once again solid yet unspectacular for Adelaide, and I suspect that may be the case for most of his career. Is lauded for being difficult to beat one-on-one, and was given the role on Shai Bolton at times when he drifted forward, in a testament to his shut-down abilities. Michalanney scored 48 AFL Fantasy points from eight disposals, two marks and five tackles.

Tylar Young – Richmond

A low-key debut from the key defender, but a winning one nevertheless. He picked up five disposals, all kicks, and took a couple of marks en route to scoring 23 AFL Fantasy points. Job security is the obvious question mark.

Anthony Caminiti – St. Kilda

Failed to include Caminiti in last week’s wrap, and he made me pay with a strong display in St. Kilda’s impressive win over the Western Bulldogs. He got up and down the ground really well, pushing up onto the wing to take a couple of his nine marks. Had 13 disposals and booted two goals and looks like he’ll make Max King and Tim Membrey fight for their places upon return from injury.

Mattaes Phillipou – St. Kilda

Phillipou booted three goals as Ross Lyon’s men went 2-0 to start the season. Phillipou didn’t get his hands on the ball as often as he would’ve liked, but importantly, he made the most of his opportunities in front of the goals and will have impressed fans with his composure inside-50. Scored 42 from seven touches.

Harry Sheezel – North Melbourne

The comparisons to Nick Daicos don’t stop and nor should they. One is equal-favourite for the Brownlow and the other odds-on for the rising star. They might be joint leaders of the Charlie after round two. Sheezel was brilliant again in the win over Freo, racking up another 30 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and 127 points in an outstanding showing.

Cameron McKenzie – Hawthorn

Pretty confident this guy will be a very good midfielder in the next few years, but it’s going to be tough when the Hawks get beaten up every week. Still managed to have 12 disposals and three tackles for 44 AFL Fantasy points.

Reuben Ginbey – West Coast

Another strong game from the Duke of Dunsborough. His 18 CBA’s is the key stat for me. ‘Simmo’ is obviously planning for the future and Ginbey looks set to be the young inside midfielder they build around. Ginbey managed 17 disposals (10 contested mind you), two marks and six tackles in his 71 points. Should be able to rely on him for 5+ tackles per game and that should ensure he scores well enough early in his career.