Zero Hanger’s best SuperCoach rookie defenders

We look at which rookie defenders impressed in the NAB Challenge and which you should have in your Supercoach team in 2016.

No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering is a must have as he looks certain to be in Carlton's best 22 after an impressive NAB Challenge.

Essendon top-up players Michael Hartley and Matt Dea also look set for more game time than expected due to the Bombers' depleted list.

Jacob Weitering (Carlton)

NAB Challenge SuperCoach average: 81.5

Price: $220,800

Weitering showed poise beyond his years in his very first outing in the navy blue and has an impressive ability to read the play and make from opposition kicks.

2015 DRAFT PROFILE: JACOB WEITERING

Michael Hartley (Essendon)

NAB Challenge SuperCoach average: 78.3

Price: $117,300

With scores of 100, 86 and 49, Hartley should be a lock in Essendon's defence this season and had 89% time on ground during the NAB Challenge.

Matt Dea (Essendon)

NAB Challenge SuperCoach average: 96.5

Price: $183,600

Dea, who was delisted by Richmond at the end of last season before being recruited by Essendon as a top-up player, enjoyed scores of 99 and 94 in his two NAB Challenge games from 77% game time. He should see plenty of the ball in the Bombers' defence in 2016 and is another value pick up for SuperCoach players.

Brendon Whitecross (Hawthorn)

NAB Challenge SuperCoach average: 63.5

Price: $198,300

Whitecross missed all of 2014 and the majority of 2015 due to a second knee reconstruction. He could be a handy cheap pick up this season at just $198,300 and should see a steady price rise.