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.
Ollie Hollands – Carlton
The Blues winger has been one of Carlton’s shining lights this season, and in round eight he again showed why, in time, he’ll be one of the best fantasy wingers. Against the Lions he accumulated 21 disposals, six marks and a goal for 86 points. Love his courage and running capacity, and his ball use will improve with experience.
Alex Cincotta – Carlton
Cincotta has been a consistent scorer ever since he made his debut and he scored reasonably well against Brisbane. The half back accumulated 20 disposals and six marks for 75 points. The next step will be to turn the 70s into 90s, easier said than done though.
Will Ashcroft – Brisbane
Wasn’t Will Ashcroft’s best night even though Brisbane put together a sensational performance. Had just the 13 disposals but took four marks and laid four tackles for 61 fantasy points. Had 15 CBA’s and also used it beautifully at 85%.
Reuben Ginbey – West Coast
West Coast’s prized draftee scored 60 fantasy points against Richmond in his first game at the MCG. Laid the four tackles, which is considered sub-par for him, but found 16 disposals and used it at a handy 88% efficiency. Granted, 11 of those disposals were handballs. Must surely be due a rest soon.
Mitch Knevitt – Geelong
I reckon the Cats have a pretty good young midfielder on their hands in Mitch Knevitt. Played on the wing and half-forward against the Crows, gathering 15 touches, three marks, a couple of tackles and a goal for 56 points. Has shown he can find the ball well enough, just needs to find a way to steal some CBAs off the old blokes.
Bailey Humphrey – Gold Coast
It’s been great to see Gold Coast persist with Bailey Humphrey in the senior side, especially from a fantasy perspective. Has done some eye-catching things so far, and he was good again against Melbourne, managing 15 disposals and five tackles for 66 points. The hope now is for Humphrey to get some midfield minutes.
Neil Erasmus – Fremantle
Erasmus has been in and out of the Dockers side since arriving on the scene, but played arguably his best game against Hawthorn. Playing on the wing and also on-ball, he accumulated 16 disposals, four marks and laid a terrific eight tackles for 85 points. Freo needed to spice up their on-ball brigade, and gave Erasmus eight CBA’s.
Harry Sheezel – North Melbourne
This really is a statistical season for the ages from Harry Sheezel. The Victorian teenager found another 30 disposals on the weekend and took eight marks for 98 points. Had six intercept possessions which highlights just how well he reads the play. Will be a fantasy star for years.
