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.
Brynn Teakle – Port Adelaide
The Power ruckman was beaten in the end by a monster performance from Saint Rowan Marshall. However, it was still an encouraging showing from Brynn Teakle. He laid seven tackles, won 18 hitouts and scored 60 points in Port Adelaide’s win.
Will Ashcroft – Brisbane
The father-son gun had his best game at AFL level, and may well walk away with a new car at the end of the season after he kicked a ridiculous goal from the pocket. The goal will steal the show, but Ashcroft was had a very complete game. He collected 28 disposals, seven marks, two tackles and 115 Fantasy points.
Darcy Wilmot – Brisbane
Wilmot is getting a consistent run in the Brisbane senior side and had another good showing in round seven. He notched up 15 disposals, seven marks and 65 points in the big win over the Dockers.
Ryan Angwin – GWS
The wingman was able to find a bit of the ball in the Giants thrilling win over Sydney. He picked up 10 disposals, three marks and a couple of tackles for 45 points. Reckon he has some good tools to turn into a decent Fantasy player if he’s given an extended crack.
Finn Callaghan – GWS
Callaghan had his best game in Giants colours on the big stage. The winger owned his side of the ground and used the ball really well when he got his hands to it. Also took 10 marks to show off his aerial strength and work rate to get himself into position. He accumulated 26 disposals for 98 points.
Josh Weddle – Hawthorn
Hawk Josh Weddle made his debut against the Bulldogs, playing primarily across half-back. He laid five tackles and also took five marks to go with his eight disposals for 55 points. Given he has showed promise in a number of positions as a junior, there’s some Fantasy upside in Weddle, who should hopefully continue to get regular games under Sam Mitchell.
Harry Sheezel – North Melbourne
The Sheez was back to his best despite North Melbourne being blown off the park against the Dees. He amassed 30 disposals and took 11 marks to score 126 Fantasy points.
Kade Chandler – Melbourne
The Melbourne small forward is having a real breakout season. He’s kicking goals, applying defensive pressure and finding the ball. As a result he’s scoring well. He managed 106 on the weekend from 21 disposals, eight tackles and three goals. The goals certainly help lift his score, but he’s building up some terrific performances already in 2023.
Alex Cincotta – Carlton
Cincotta backed up a solid debut by scoring a solid 77 against West Coast. He picked up 17 touches and can clearly get his hands on it across half-back, which bodes well for Fantasy coaches. Importantly, he also laid six tackles and took four marks which helped his score. Used it well too which should see his job security improve.
Mitch Knevitt – Geelong
Knevitt is one of the Cats youngsters who has struggled to get consistent time in the 1’s. The on-baller looked pretty comfortable out on the MCG, playing an outside role for the most part. He gathered 15 disposals to show he knows where to find the ball, and took three marks for 47 points.
Luke Pedlar – Adelaide
Pedlar again showed some great signs for the Crows across half-forward. He had just the 13 touches, but made a genuine impact every time he was near the ball, kicking two goals and two behinds and laid four tackles for 75 Fantasy points. Once he builds a tank and gets more midfield time he’ll be a real weapon for Adelaide.
