In SuperCoach, there are premiums, rookies and PODs, and then there's the 1% club.
These are the players with a 1% ownership rate that could help take your team to the promised land.
Most of these players are young guns finding their straps or recruits looking to flourish with more opportunity, with a couple of practice match standouts just making the cut.
Miles Bergman (DEF) - $368,100
We should see natural improvement from Bergman in 2024, being a 22-year-old entering his fourth year in the system.
But the intrigue lies in his potential to add some offensive flare to his intercepting abilities.
He probably won't become Tom Stewart, at least this year anyway, owners will be hoping he can provide a watered-down version of Hayden Young's production and hopefully show some potential for future midfield minutes.
Trent Rivers (DEF) - $474,100
The heartbreaking departure of Angus Brayshaw may open the door for Trent Rivers to take on a half-back/midfield rotation in 2024.
He will likely be the player Melbourne primarily want exiting defensive 50 and could potentially see some centre bounce attendances early in the year.
Riley Bonner (MID) - $284,500
St Kilda's forgotten off-season recruit, Riley Bonner lit up the practice match against Essendon with 28 disposals off half-back.
He took a heap of St Kilda's kick-outs and drew plenty of handball receives and disposals, obviously being recognised by teammates and Ross Lyon as an ideal kicking option.
He could easily average close to 20 disposals at a hopefully high efficiency and be an early-season cash cow to downgrade when any unknown new rookies emerge.
Dylan Stephens (MID) - $324,100
This pick could pay off if Stephens is able to showcase the talent of a top five draft pick for a new side with more opportunity.
He entered 2023 ready to rise after a positive campaign the year prior and an impressive finals series, but never managed to stake his claim in the Swans lineup, largely due to the breakout of Errol Gulden.
On North Melbourne's wing, he could be a go-to option in offensive transition, or when spreading from stoppage, though it's tough to fit any mid-price options into a midfield with many safe, established premium options.
Hugh McCluggage (MID) - $523,800
This time last year, McCluggage was coming off three straight 100+ average seasons before Will Ashcroft came in and impacted his influence.
Without Ashcroft there to take his midfield minutes for the first half of the year, McCluggage could be a wise option if you can't afford a Sam Walsh or Andrew Brayshaw in your midfield.
Owners will hope he is motivated to finally crack that elusive All-Australian side and reach a $600k price.
He will be one of the more valuable PODs of 2024 if he can do so.
Luke Pedlar (FWD) - $311,900
With 40 trades this year, this is a relatively low risk with big upside if the hype around Pedlar is realised in 2024.
Inside-mid minutes should help increase his averages from 12 touches and 2.6 tackles. Owners may be satisfied with 18 touches and five tackles, with potentially more contested ball and clearances to work with, taking his average score to the 75-80 range and his price beyond $400k.
Gryan Miers (FWD) - $451,500
He costs more than many are willing to pay, but Miers has real potential to finish the year as a top six forward.
He was close to Geelong's best in their practice hit out against Carlton, finding a heap of footy in the forward half and dishing out score involvements as per usual.
He seems to have locked in this forward flanker role after breaking out last season with a SuperCoach average of 80 after years of middling around 60-70.
He's about to turn 25, meaning this could be the year he hits the peak of his powers, hopefully he can lift last year's form further and hit a 90 average, going well beyond $500k value.
