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
Luke Nankervis
The Crows made Luke Nankervis wait a while for his debut, but he’s shown some real promise since entering the scene. More of a speculative pick when he was drafted as a pre-season selection in 2021, Adelaide always rated his athleticism and skill despite his rawness. He’s spent some time on the wing and as a flanker at either end of the ground, but he’s settled down back early at AFL level. As a classy user, the Crows will look to use his leg exiting defensive-50, which lends itself to fantasy scoring. At SANFL level he’s averaged 18 disposals and six marks and his AFL stats, albeit in two games, mirror this. He has averaged 15.5 touches and 5.5 marks against the Demons and Power and I think we can expect to see Nankervis average 75 points once he cements his spot in the Crows lineup.
Luke Cleary
Bulldogs defender Luke Cleary suited up for his first senior game of the season against GWS, after previously featuring in a couple of matches last year. He’s a medium-sized defender with an elite kick and an ability to intercept. The Bulldogs have been criticised for a lack of intercept marking options in recent years, but the arrival of Jones has dispelled that slightly. In Cleary, they have another option. He was a decent, if unspectacular, fantasy scorer as a junior with Sandringham, and hasn’t set the world on fire with point scoring to date. He could play quite a fantasy-friendly role, it’s just about locking down a best-22 spot, which he hasn’t done yet.
Corey Wagner
He isn’t a rookie age, but Wagner is still inexperienced at AFL level despite making his debut in 2016. Previously listed with North Melbourne and Melbourne, Wagner was a small forward for years before moving down back, and subsequently being given a third opportunity with Fremantle. Scored an impressive 104 points in the win over Geelong, thanks to 23 disposals, eight marks and four tackles. Has gotten better and better since entering the scene for the Dockers in round five, and there might be a spot for him in the Freo Best 22. Plays a role where he can set up the play and create from half-back. Worth a look with an eye on next season.
