AFL Supercoach 2026: Defensive Cheapie Rankings

The cornerstone of every SuperCoach team are the cheapies.

From fresh faced draftees to players returning from injury, nailing these players is paramount to SuperCoach success.

Cheapies, or rather reliable cheapies, not only build up our team value, but also dictate our team structures. 

For the sake of this exercise, I’ve classified ‘cheapies’ as any player priced less than last year’s pick 1 Willem Duursma at $203,500.

To kick off this series, we’ll begin by looking at the defenders in order of price, with a rankings order at the bottom of the article. 

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ZEKE UWLAND ($199,000 – DEF/MID)

Looks destined to begin his AFL career on a wing at the Suns, but is more than capable of playing across all three lines. Uwland’s draft year was plagued by a serious back injury, but he returned late in the year to feature for the Suns’ VFL side and slotted in seamlessly. The younger brother of Bodhi, Uwland is an elite ball user who is mature beyond his years. Has good job security and decent scoring potential, but will he score enough to warrant the elevated price tag? He’s been named for an Opening Round debut against Geelong.

BRANDON WALKER ($194,800 DEF)

Looms as a decent round 1 chance after a strong summer, but won’t score highly enough to be worth the price tag. Walker scored just 13 SuperCoach points in the AAMI Community Series against Adelaide from 72 per cent time on ground.

HARRY DEAN ($194,500 DEF)

Carlton father-son Harry Dean will make his AFL debut in Opening Round against Sydney after a superb pre-season. A talented youngster who loves to take an intercept mark, Dean is capable both as a lockdown defender but also in creating offensive play with his elite foot skills. He scored 41 points in 74 per cent game time during the practice game against Geelong which doesn’t bode well for his scoring potential. Pass for me.

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JORDAN BOYD ($189,000 DEF)

Is right on the fringes of selection at the Blues and played just 50 per cent game time in the practice match against Geelong, scoring 50 SuperCoach points. He did average 60 from 19 games in 2024, but he’s probably not even in the Blues’ best side.

DYLAN PATTERSON ($185,500 DEF)

One of the most exciting prospects out of the 2025 national draft, Patterson has an incredible ability to break the lines both with his speed and elite kicking. He didn’t feature in the club’s practice match against Brisbane so is more likely to be a downgrade option rather than starting pick.

OSCAR ADAMS ($184,700 DEF)

A mature-aged key defender for the Suns, Adams played eight games last year, but never scored more than 55 SuperCoach points. Scored 14 in the AAMI Community Series clash against the Lions. Pass.

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COOPER SIMPSON ($178,900 DEF)

Has had an interrupted pre-season due to injury so is probably going to start the season in the WAFL. The half-back role is good for SuperCoach so he might be a downgrade option once he has some runs on the board at state league level.

SAMUEL GRLJ ($172,000 DEF/MID)

One of Richmond’s prized draftees in the recent crop, Grlj has been exciting this pre-season plying his trade off half-back. The Oakleigh Chargers product can break the lines open with his dash and dare, cutting opposition sides apart with his aggressive ball use. He wasn’t a huge accumulator during his junior years, but the Tigers will want to get plenty of exposure into these youngsters. A couple of strong outings in pre-season makes him a likely round 1 starter and SuperCoach lock. 

ZANE DUURSMA ($169,900 DEF/FWD)

Looks set to play a role as a medium-sized forward for North Melbourne early in the season, which will no doubt be toxic for SuperCoach purposes. He’s heading into his third year in the system now, so Roos fans will be hoping he can start to deliver on the potential he showed during his draft year. Had 13 touches in the practice game against Collingwood for 48 SuperCoach in 66 per cent game time.

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JAYDEN NGUYEN ($169,700 DEF)

A promising talent in defence for the Bombers, Nguyen gives his all when out on the field. Had 15 touches for 70 SuperCoach points against the Saints in the practice match but will likely play a lockdown role if he makes the AFL side early in the year. 

JAMES LEAKE ($168,800 DEF/FWD)

The talented Tasmanian had 18 disposals for 69 SuperCoach in the practice match against the Swans and is right on the fringes of selection, although could certainly get some opportunities early with the Giants’ injury woes. Job security is shaky at best, despite being a good scorer when given a chance.

HUGH BOND ($167,800 DEF)

Has been mooted for a half-back role under Matthew Nicks this season, which bodes well for his SuperCoach prospects. Scored 83 points in the practice match against Fremantle from 14 touches, but his job security is a bit of a concern.

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JACOB FARROW ($163,000 DEF/MID)

Essendon has been crying out for good ball users for quite some time and this guy is exactly that. Farrow was the best West Australian in the draft pool and the Bombers were huge fans, taking him at pick 10. He’s classy and has been impressing track watchers throughout summer. Scored 52 points from 52 per cent time on ground against the Saints in the Community Series, which shows he is probably on the fringes of selection. Dual position status is handy and if given a chance in round 1, he’ll likely take it and run.

LUCCA GREGO ($159,600 DEF)

As tough as nails and gives things a red-hot crack, but probably won’t be there round 1. Scored just 30 in the practice match against Port Adelaide from 59 per cent game time and the Eagles had a few first-choice players sidelined. 

XAVIER TAYLOR ($158,500 DEF)

A highly talented junior, expect Taylor to certainly play some senior footy in 2026, it just might not be straight away. A great intercept mark with precise kicking skills, Taylor could be a great downgrade option when given a chance. He was in the extended squad for the AAMI Community Series but didn’t get a run given the match ended early due to lightning.

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REEF MCINNES ($155,900 DEF) 

The mature-aged Pie is set to play a lockdown defensive role in 2026, but is still working his way back from an ACL injury last year. Probably need to see some scoring potential before we commit to picking him as a downgrade option.

BO ALLAN ($152,600 DEF)

Was listed as an emergency in the Community Series and is a fair way down the pecking order as things stand. Maybe a mid-season downgrade option if he can find some form in the WAFL.

HARRY KYLE ($145,000 DEF/MID)

An impressive Academy product, Kyle will start the season in the VFL. Hopefully becomes a downgrade option mid-season.

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OSKAR TAYLOR ($140,500 DEF)

Played 34 per cent game time for 17 SuperCoach points in the practice match but seems a fair way back in the pecking order, even with the Giants’ injury concerns. 

JOSH GIBCUS ($139,600 DEF)
This young Tiger has had a horror run with injuries, but has put together a really strong pre-season. Gibcus is one of Richmond’s most promising youngsters and thus has great job security, but we can’t forget his injury woes. Scored just 15 points from four handballs in the shortened practice game against Melbourne and looks like he’ll play a lockdown role early in the year, which is bad for his scoring potential. 

WIL PARKER ($138,500 DEF)

The former cricketer looks much improved over the pre-season as a tough defender. He scored 66 SuperCoach points in the practice match, but Collingwood had about a dozen first-choice players not play that clash. 

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SHADEAU BRAIN ($125,700 DEF)

Could slot into a role as a small defender at the Lions, but doesn’t have the job security or scoring potential to make him a serious SuperCoach option. Had seven touches for 39 points against the Suns in pre-season.

BAILEY MACDONALD ($122,600 DEF)

The speedy defender is right on the fringes at Hawthorn and will likely start his season in the VFL. Had just 12 touches against the Dogs in the practice match for 35 SuperCoach points from 70 per cent game time. 

JOSH LINDSAY ($122,500 DEF)

It’s fair to say that Lindsay was the best kick from last year’s draft, which is exactly what the Eagles need. A smooth-mover, Lindsay should find plenty of the footy and get ample opportunities in his first season of AFL footy. Has taken some kickouts in pre-season and scored 64 SuperCoach points from 22 disposals in the practice match against Port Adelaide. Lock and load if named round 1.

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HARRISON RAMM ($121,200 DEF)

Is one of several players vying for a key defensive post in Port Adelaide’s best 23 and has had a strong summer, but won’t be a SuperCoach option. Had just three disposals for a score of 26 in the pre-season hitout against West Coast and was exposed by Riley Thilthorpe a week earlier in a match sim.

CHARLIE EDWARDS ($119,900 DEF/MID)

Got plenty of exposure during the pre-season with the on-ball brigade and certainly impressed, with his toughness around the contest and work in transition. The Crows did have several best 23 players missing though, so he’s unlikely to feature in round 1. Could be a nice downgrade option later in the year if he can bang down the selection door with some strong SANFL form.

DARRAGH JOYCE ($119,900 DEF)

Did some nice things in the Community Series clash against the Gold Coast for a 60, but the Lions have some important defenders who didn’t play that day. One of several Lions on the fringes of selection, he’s not a SuperCoach option.

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ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY ($119,900 DEF/RUC)

Played as a primary ruck in the AAMI Community Series against the Suns, had some good moments and will have learned plenty, but is unlikely to be there round 1. Probably needs another injury or two to get a look in and even then, would be on borrowed time.

JOEL COCHRAN ($119,900 DEF)

Is in the mix for an Opening Round debut given Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe remain sidelined, but will likely be straight back out when those two are available. A great endurance athlete with a nice kick, Cochran scored 53 points against the Roos in the Community Series.

TEW JIATH ($119,900 DEF)

Played limited time in the practice match, even with a host of key Pies missing. 

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HUGH DAVIES ($119,900 DEF)

Scored 75 in the pre-season hitout against Adelaide but the Dockers had several defenders missing that day, so he’s unlikely to feature come round 1. 

LENNOX HOFFMAN ($119,900 DEF)

Was solid for the Cats in a match sim against Hawthorn, but didn’t feature in the Community Series clash against Carlton. Geelong is a super tough side to break into.

HARRISON OLIVER ($119,900 DEF)

Played limited game time in the practice match against the Swans and will start the year in the VFL. He’s as tough as they come and is a great kick, so could be an option if he gets some senior opportunities later in the year.

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NOAH MRAZ ($119,900 DEF)

With Tom Barrass sidelined against the Dogs, Mraz was given a chance and had some good moments. Expect him to make his AFL debut at some stage this year given his talents, but isn’t a SuperCoach option unless the Hawks have a key back go down with a long-term injury.

JAI SERONG ($119,900 DEF)

The younger brother of Dockers star Caleb had several trade suitors last year, but ultimately landed on the Swans as his new home. Serong was starved of senior opportunities at Hawthorn, but it looks as though he’ll find a role on the wing or in defence under Dean Cox this year. A nice user who can take an intercept mark and generate play by foot, Serong’s price, job security and scoring potential makes him one of the better SuperCoach defensive cheapie options right now.

LACHIE JAQUES ($119,900 DEF)

One of the biggest standouts at Whitten Oval across the pre-season, expect Jaques to make a real impression at AFL level this year. Don’t be too put off by his score of 44 in the Community Series, because it looks as though he’s got a really nice role off half-back. Will debut against the Lions in Opening Round.

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MICHAEL SELLWOOD ($119,900 DEF)

The Bulldogs were stoked to land Sellwood in the mid-season draft last year and he will make his AFL debut in Opening Round against Brisbane. Scored 53 against the Hawks in the Community Series and had some good moments, but keep an eye on job security when Bailey Dale is available for selection.

MAX KONDOGIANNIS ($113,500 DEF)

Has impressed over summer as medium-sized defender and will be in the mix for an early debut. Job security clearly isn’t great though and he scored just 32 points from nine disposals in the Community Series clash against St Kilda. 

BLAKE THREDGOLD ($113,500 DEF)

The promising key defender won’t feature early due to a serious foot injury.

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LACHLAN CARMICHAEL ($113,500 DEF/MID)

The Sydney Academy prospect had been a summer standout before suffering a syndesmosis injury during the pre-season, derailing his Opening Round aspirations. Carmichael is a great kick and is definitely one to watch as a downgrade option when he does finally get a chance at AFL level.

WADE DERKSEN ($99,100 DEF)

Earned an SSP spot at the Blues after impressing as a train-on and is right in the mix for an early debut, although it seems as though he’s behind Jacob Weitering, Lewis Young and Harry Dean for a key position post. Derksen showed off his marking ability in the practice match against Geelong, where he posted a score of 80 from 18 touches. Could be a really nice downgrade option at a bargain basement price if and when he breaks through for his long-awaited AFL debut.

FLYNN PEREZ ($99,100 DEF)

The former Roo earned an SSP spot at the Hawks after a strong summer but probably begins the season in the VFL for Box Hill. A nice kick who is looking to make the most of his second chance at AFL level.

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DYL’S DEFENSIVE CHEAPIE RANKINGS

1. Samuel Grlj
2. Josh Lindsay
3. Jai Serong
4. Lachie Jaques
5. Jacob Farrow
6. Zeke Uwland
7. Josh Gibcus