Dylan Bolch
AFL Supercoach Expert and Digital Reporter for Fox Footy
AFL Supercoach 2026: Midfield & Ruck Cheapie Rankings
AFL Supercoach expert Dylan Bolch ranks the best midfield and ruck cheapies ahead of the 2026 season
AFL
March 10, 2026
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.
After looking at the defenders already, we’ll continue this series and look at the midfielders and rucks in order of price, with a rankings order at the bottom of the article.
WILLEM DUURSMA ($203,500 MID)
Last year’s number one pick is firming for an AFL debut in round one, having impressed throughout the summer. Duursma has the ability to play on all three lines but will likely begin his AFL career on the wing. The young Eagle has elite job security, but the question is whether or not he will be worth the elevated price tag. The Gippsland product scored 49 in the practice match, but did miss a couple of shots on goal which would’ve increased his score.
GEORGE STEVENS ($201,300 MID)
Has had a strong summer, receiving plenty of midfield minutes in the match sim against Hawthorn, but played just 40 per cent game time in the clash against the Blues, in which he scored 60 SC points. Scoring potential is sound, but probably needs an injury or two in Geelong’s midfield to even be considered.
HENRY HUSTWAITE ($200,200 MID)
Could this be the year that Hustwaite becomes a regular AFL starter? The young Hawk has impressed at VFL level for a couple of seasons now, but has struggled to put it all together at the top level. There are certainly spots to be won in Hawthorn’s on-ball brigade in 2026 given Will Day’s injury and James Worpel’s defection to Geelong, but an injury interrupted pre-season means Hustwaite is a bit behind the eight ball. Will miss the next 2-4 weeks with an ankle injury, too.
Embed from Getty ImagesZEKE 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? Scored just 37 points against Geelong in Opening Round but it could’ve been more if not for some turnovers and free kicks against.
SAM MARSHALL ($197,600 MID)
Marshall has plenty of traits that will in time see him become a regular AFL player, but Brisbane just have an absolutely stacked midfield brigade, which means he’s often playing on a wing or at half-forward when he does feature in the senior side. The young gun scored just 20 SC from 67 per cent game time against the Suns in the Community Series and will likely be in and out of the AFL side all year pending availability.
SAM BUTLER ($197,000 MID/FWD)
Another player on the fringes of selection, Butler’s form in last year’s finals series and strong pre-season have him well and truly in line for some early games. He’ll likely slot in at half-forward where his strong pressure and goal nous can come into effect, but don’t be surprised if he features through the midfield at different stages after dominating for Box Hill in the engine room last year. Unless we see some hard evidence of that midfield role however, the price and scoring potential, combined with mediocre job security, makes him a very risky pick. Scored 54 points against the Giants, having booted two goals from 10 touches.
Embed from Getty ImagesROAN STEELE ($196,400 MID)
A fantastic success story out of the Pies, Steele looks right at home at AFL level having had some opportunities last season. How does he fit into Collingwood’s best side? He’s one of several players right on the fringes which means he’s a pass for mine. Did score 52 from 80 per cent time in the practice match against North Melbourne, but the Pies rested plenty of players. Posted a 53 in Opening Round from 11 disposals, but the price is too high for the scoring potential here.
TOM GROSS ($196,200 MID/FWD)
The young Eagle is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and won’t be available for the first month of the season.
ROBERT HANSEN JNR ($185,300 MID/FWD)
The speedy Roo has spent some time in defence throughout pre-season with a potential new role on the horizon. Hansen Jnr has 19 disposals and 79 SC points in the practice match against Collingwood, but his job security is the big question, with several North Melbourne defenders missing that game.
Embed from Getty ImagesDANIEL ANNABLE ($181,000 MID)
An absolute ball magnet during his draft year, it looks as though Annable will have to bide his time in the VFL to begin the 2026 season. May present as a mid-season downgrade option if and when he earns an AFL debut, because he has all the tools to score well from a SuperCoach perspective.
JHYE CLARK ($178,800 MID)
Could 2026 be the year Jhye Clark takes his game to another level? Coach Chris Scott has exposed him to a range of different positions throughout his AFL career to date, but there’s a serious selection squeeze at Geelong, especially when you consider the fact they’ve just added ex-Hawk James Worpel to the midfield mix too. Clark scored 53 in the practice match against Carlton and was a strong contributor in the match sim against the Hawks too, but it’s tough to select him in SuperCoach with any confidence given several first-choice Cats missed those games. Only scored 34 in Opening Round against the Suns.
SAMUEL CUMMING ($176,500 MID)
A highly talented junior out of South Australia, Cumming had had a standout pre-season before suffering a shoulder injury in the AAMI Community Series clash against Melbourne. Cumming has already been ruled out for the first month of the season, but may present as a downgrade option when fit because he could certainly force his way into Richmond’s midfield.
Embed from Getty ImagesSAMUEL 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.
SULLIVAN ROBEY ($167,500 MID/FWD)
Essendon fans should get really excited about Robey, who was a true bolter in last year’s draft crop. Don’t select Robey in your starting SuperCoach side however, he’s had an interrupted pre-season due to a back injury and will likely start his AFL career at VFL level. Could be a nice downgrade option as a high half-forward.
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.
Embed from Getty ImagesJAMES TUNSTILL ($161,600 MID)
The Lions winger played very limited game time in the practice match against the Suns and seems a fair way back in the pecking order as it stands.
BRAYDEN COOK ($158,700 MID/FWD)
Cook is certainly a player to consider for our SuperCoach sides, but it’s been tough to get a read on his job security throughout the pre-season with so many Crows missing in both matches. Played predominantly on a wing and at half-forward in the clash against Fremantle for 59 SC points. Watch the team line-ups closely.
DYSON SHARP ($149,500 MID)
All signs point towards a round one debut for Essendon’s young bull. Sharp is a beast at the coalface and has worked hard on his transition game in recent years, putting him in a strong position to play lots of senior footy this year. He’ll likely play as a high half-forward early in the season with brief stints in the midfield, but he looks to be one of the best midfield cheapies as it stands.
Embed from Getty ImagesHARRY KYLE ($145,000 DEF/MID)
An impressive Academy product, Kyle will start the season in the VFL. Hopefully becomes a downgrade option mid-season.
NIK COX ($134,600 MID)
Cox missed a considerable portion of 2025 due to concussion, but he’s been cleared to return to play in 2026. Wasn’t selected in the Bombers’ Community Series game, but if he can string together some strong VFL form he could return to the AFL fold eventually.
BEAU ADDINSALL ($127,000 MID)
The Suns Academy product was a ball magnet in his junior years but suffered a hamstring in pre-season which will keep him sidelined for at least the first month of the season.
Embed from Getty ImagesSID DRAPER ($126,100 MID/FWD)
Has had a disrupted pre-season due to injury which makes it hard to see him featuring early, but definitely one to track as he’s highly regarded within the four walls.
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.
CHAYCE JONES ($119,900 MID)
The 26-year-old Crow scored just 34 SC points in the practice match against the Dockers and is right on the periphery of selection. Probably isn’t in their best 23 in my opinion and the Crows are more likely to expose their younger kids to see if they have what it takes.
Embed from Getty ImagesJAGGA SMITH ($119,900 MID)
Smith is the best cheapie in the competition this year. The star youngster has overcome last year’s ACL injury to set the footy world alight this pre-season. Racked up 37 touches in the practice match against Geelong and is ready to play senior footy. A reliable, safe on-field option and will make a stack of cash. Only scored 65 points in Opening Round against the Swans, but he should be in every side.
HARRY DEMATTIA ($119,900 MID)
The young Pie probably begins his 2026 campaign at VFL level but will be hoping to break into the senior side at some stage this season. DeMattia can play inside and outside, but scored just 36 points in the pre-season clash against North Melbourne. If the Pies are sliding, expect them to blood the kids more in the back half of the season.
OLIVER HANNAFORD ($119,900 MID/FWD)
In the mix to make his AFL debut this year given the Giants’ injury woes, as a crafty player who loves to hit the scoreboard. Managed just eight disposals in 84 per cent game time in the practice game against the Swans which sheds some light on his scoring potential. Probably needs another injury or two to break in properly.
Embed from Getty ImagesJACK OUGH ($119,900 MID)
Has impressed his teammates during the summer but played minimal game time in the practice game against Sydney. Pass, but if the Giants have another injury he could become an option.
LUKE URQUHART ($119,900 MID)
There are big wraps on this kid at Arden Street, who looks set to debut at some stage in 2026. He’s got plenty of AFL traits as an on-baller but had just ten touches for 45 points in the practice match against Collingwood. Hopefully he gets a decent run at some stage.
WILL BRODIE ($119,900 MID)
Having made the move to his third AFL club, Brodie was an early Team Picker favourite in SuperCoach, having averaged 102.4 SC points per game back in 2022. Has good scoring potential but wasn’t named in the Community Series, so you can’t start him.
Embed from Getty ImagesPATRICK RETSCHKO ($119,900 MID)
Richmond traded for the uncapped Cat during the trade period and he’s been one of the standouts of the pre-season, showing off his elite endurance as a winger. Didn’t feature in the Community Series so it doesn’t look like he’ll be there round one.
JOSH SMILLIE ($119,900 MID)
The highly touted junior recently suffered yet another quad injury, which means he’ll start the year sidelined once more. Fingers crossed he can just get fit and play some footy.
JACK CARROLL ($119,900 MID)
The former Blue has carved out a nice role at half-back for the Saints this pre-season and looms as a decent bench option for our SuperCoach sides if coach Ross Lyon selects him early. Doesn’t rack up plenty of the footy and is probably on the fringes, but the role and price are juicy. Carroll scored 54 points against the Pies in Opening Round from 16 touches, but did a good job nullifying some of Collingwood’s dangerous forwards, including Jamie Elliott.
Embed from Getty ImagesARTHUR JONES ($119,900 MID/FWD)
The young Bulldog was impressive throughout the summer, regularly hitting the scoreboard and getting up the ground. It looks as though both Jones and Cooper Hynes will play alongside Rhylee West early before Cody Weightman becomes available mid-year. Jones scored just 21 points in Opening Round against Brisbane, before being forced from the field due to concussion.
FINLAY MACRAE ($119,900 MID/FWD)
Appears to be well and truly on the fringes of selection at the Eagles, having played in the ‘B’ side in a key intraclub match during the pre-season. Macrae did get a crack during the Community Series clash against Port Adelaide where he scored 68 points, but his job security is extremely shaky. There’d have to be some injury news at the Eagles before I could confidently pick the ex-Pie in SuperCoach.
HARRY SCHOENBERG ($119,900 MID)
It’s a shame Schoenberg will miss round one due to suspension, because he was looking like a decent bench option for SuperCoach. Won’t shoot the lights out from a scoring perspective, but his versatility and experience meant he was firming for a round one berth. Could you start him even with that ban? It probably won’t be worth it, unless we get a midfield cheapie crisis…
Embed from Getty ImagesTALOR BYRNE ($113,500 MID/FWD)
Byrne is a bit of a bolter after setting alight a match simulation against Brisbane, but played limited game time in the practice match against Geelong the week after. The small forward has been named as an emergency for Opening Round, so a debut may not be too far away, but the role is pretty toxic from a SuperCoach perspective anyway.
ANGUS ANDERSON ($113,500 MID)
Anderson is a tackling machine, but didn’t play in the Community Series after impressing in the match sim against the Giants. Possible downgrade option if the mature-aged draftee gets a chance at AFL level and gets thrust into a midfield role under Craig McRae.
TYAN PRINDABLE ($113,500 MID)
The Lions Academy product played limited game time against the Roos for a score of 33. I reckon he could break through for an AFL debut later in the year.
SAM SWADLING ($113,500 MID)
Another young Pie who played limited minutes against the Roos, scoring 37 SC.
Embed from Getty ImagesCHARLIE BANFIELD ($113,500 MID/FWD)
A talented West Australian, the Saints have really liked what young Banfield has provided over summer. Probably won’t feature in Opening Round after playing limited minutes against the Bombers, but he’s not too far away.
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.
OLIVER GREEVES ($99,100 MID)
Hawthorn’s rookie selection garnered a bit of attention in the early Team Picker stages of SuperCoach, but he won’t play early and will instead begin his AFL career by serving an apprenticeship at Box Hill in the VFL. A big-bodied midfielder who could develop into a real weapon for Hawthorn in due course, having been last year’s biggest draft slider.
Embed from Getty ImagesJACK WATKINS ($99,100 MID)
Port Adelaide’s uncapped mature-ager was pretty solid in the pre-season hitout against West Coast, featuring in plenty of CBAs for 20 disposals and six clearances. At a bargain basement price, the role was pretty intriguing, but keep in mind the Power had both Miles Bergman and Ollie Wines out, so the job security is poor.
TOM BLAMIRES ($99,100 MID)
The Frankston VFL product earned an SSP spot at the Roos and is well and truly in the mix to make his long-awaited AFL debut in round one. A VFL Team of the Year representative in 2025, Blamires slotted in seamlessly to North Melbourne’s half-back line. If named, he could be a fantastic bench option in SuperCoach.
DYL’S MIDFIELD CHEAPIE RANKINGS
- Jagga Smith
- Samuel Grlj
- Dyson Sharp
- Jack Carroll
- Tom Blamires
- Jacob Farrow
- Willem Duursma
- Zeke Uwland
- Brayden Cook
- Harry Schoenberg
Now, let’s dive into the rucks…
MAX HEATH ($197,000 RUC/FWD)
The former Saint didn’t feature in the Community Series and will serve as Max Gawn’s backup this year, plying his trade in the VFL for the most part.
COOPER DUFF-TYTLER ($190,000 RUC/FWD)
One of West Coast’s prized draftees, Duff-Tytler has drawn comparisons to Fremantle’s Luke Jackson and for good reason. He’s mobile around the ground, strong in the air and loves to impact the scoreboard. From a SuperCoach perspective however, Duff-Tytler will be a slow burn. His role as a back-up ruck/deep forward means he will be prone to some pretty low scores, which could even see him go backwards in price. Probably plays round one after impressing over the pre-season, but I’ll be passing.
VIGO VISENTINI ($181,800 RUC)
The Sandringham Dragons graduate had some AFL exposure last year, but it seems as though the Bombers will give Lachie Blakiston the first crack at being the number one ruck in 2026.
Embed from Getty ImagesSAMSON RYAN ($166,700 RUC)
Will miss the first few weeks with a foot injury and probably isn’t SuperCoach relevant, unless Richmond captain Toby Nankervis suffers an injury.
LACHLAN MCANDREW ($119,900 RUC)
McAndrew looks to have usurped Reilly O’Brien as Adelaide’s number one ruck this pre-season, which is very intriguing when you consider O’Brien is a member of the Crows’ leadership group and signed a new deal halfway through last year. McAndrew scored 91 points against the Dockers in the Community Series and has great scoring potential, creating a headache for SuperCoaches. Some will start him at R2, others at R3, but I think I’ll be picking him in Flex to begin with, so I can cash in on that scoring potential and money making at the same time.
ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY ($119,900 DEF/RUC)
Played as a primary ruck in the AAMI Community Series against the Suns, had some good moments and earned himself an AFL debut in Opening Round against the Bulldogs. The youngster has a proper crack, but given Sam Draper isn’t too far away from returning from injury, Zakostelsky’s role in the side could be temporary given he shared duties with Darcy Fort. Pass.
LIAM REIDY ($119,900 RUC/FWD)
Looks set to begin the AFL season as Carlton’s second ruck behind Marc Pittonet, which caps his SuperCoach ceiling from a scoring potential point of view. Scored 61 in the practice match against Geelong which could have been higher had he converted a shot on goal. Will he make enough money to justify being your R3 or F8 (with McAndrew at R2/Flex), or is it better to pick a loophole player? His score of 31 in Opening Round against Sydney was a bit of a concern.
Embed from Getty ImagesOSCAR STEENE ($119,900 RUC/FWD)
Played limited minutes in the practice game against North Melbourne but won’t be an option unless Collingwood’s best ruck in Darcy Cameron gets injured.
MITCHELL EDWARDS ($119,900 RUC)
The uncapped Geelong ruck did some nice things in the pre-season, but Geelong’s ruck stocks have been chopped and changed plenty in recent memory. Mark Blicavs, Sam De Koning and Rhys Stanley all can play that role as well, so it’ll be interesting to see what structure coach Chris Scott rolls with early in 2026.
CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES ($119,900 RUC)
Somewhat of a forgotten man in AFL circles after a rotten run with injuries, Coleman-Jones scored 66 in the practice match against Collingwood from limited game time. Tristan Xerri has monopoly on the number one ruck role so at best, ‘CCJ’ is a back-up which seriously caps his scoring potential.
TAYLOR GOAD ($119,900 RUC)
The talented Roo has been tipped to debut at some stage in 2026 and could be one to watch, although he’ll likely have to play forward and chop out Xerri here and there.
Embed from Getty ImagesAIDAN SCHUBERT ($113,500 RUC/FWD)
A young key forward at the Hawks, Schubert played limited game time in the practice match against the Western Bulldogs for a score of 14. It’s hard to see him becoming a regular any time soon, but one for the future.
LOUIS EMMETT ($113,500 RUC)
Had some exposure to AFL-level talent in the pre-season, thanks in part to Sam Darcy’s load management post AFL Origin. Won’t score well enough to warrant selection even if he somehow manages an early debut.
KALANI WHITE ($99,100 RUC/FWD)
The best R3 loophole player, if you’re so inclined.
DYL’S RUCK CHEAPIE RANKINGS
- Lachlan McAndrew
- Kalani White
- Liam Reidy
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