We're here to help you get the ball rolling with your AFL SuperCoach team for the 2024 season. For most, the first position to look at is the defenders, and picking the right mix in this line is crucial to your success as a fantasy player. That's why we've done all the research for you and have provided our best premium, mid-price, and rookie/cash cow picks.
Check out our best defenders list below and be sure to load up Before You Bet regularly to catch our best fantasy plays for each position!
AFL SuperCoach 2024: Defenders – Best Premiums, Mid-Pricers, and Cash Cows
PREMIUM DEFENDERS ($500K+)
Nick Daicos (COL $650,000) – Who else? Not only is he the best scoring defender, he’s also the only premium in his line with dual position status. The only knock is that he has one of the early byes, although it’s not until Round 6 so you still have five weeks in a row of big Daicos scores to start the season.
Jack Sinclair (STK $596,300) – Has put together back-to-back elite SuperCoach scoring seasons with a 113.7 average in 2022 followed by a 106.7 average last season. Most importantly, he’s as durable as they come having played every game in the past two years.
Dan Houston (PTA $593,100) – Currently only 5% ownership and has the Round 13 bye which is a big tick. He’s coming off a career-best year where he averaged 106.1 and played all 23 games for the Power. Still only 26-years-old and is primed for another big SuperCoach season.
Hayden Young (FRE $525,100) – Currently owned by 36% of teams and for good reason. He’s underpriced compared to other premiums and is expected to feature in the midfield in 2024 where he scored extremely well in the last four games of 2023, posting scores of 123, 118, 113, and 111 respectively.
Also consider: James Sicily (HAW $637,400), Tom Stewart (GEE $635,300)
(Nick Daicos pictured above)
MID-PRICED DEFENDERS ($300K-$499K)
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK $475,800) – Super talented and enjoyed a much-improved 2023 after a somewhat lean rookie season. He pumped his scoring average from 51.8 to 85.1 last season, and only needs another tiny leap to become a genuine premium. There’s every chance NWM can prove to be a great pick this year.
Keidean Coleman (BRL $398,800) – Coleman is by far the most selected in this price range at 18% ownership (next most is 6%). Many believe he’s primed for a breakout year after a couple of terrific performances in the finals last season. Still, he needs to make a big jump from his 71.3 average in 2023 to prove to be a good selection.
Josh Weddle (HAW $373,800) – Had an up-and-down rookie campaign like most do. Still, he flashed plenty of scoring upside with a 114 in just his fourth game. He has the SuperCoach friendly role running off half back and is a genuine chance to average 80+ in his second season.
Marcus Windhager (STK $323,200) – There’s been a little bit of hype around this man in the pre-season. He looks as though he’s lived in the gym over the break and has been performing well in match sim. He also has dual position status, which is hard to find in defence in 2024. Still a big risk considering his poor scoring in his first 36 games in the league.
Also consider: Changkuoth Jiath (HAW $347,900), Connor Budarick (GCS $301,200)
(Keidean Coleman pictured above)
ROOKIE/CASH COW DEFENDERS (<$300K)
Zac Williams (CAR $216,100) – One of the highest owned players this year at 61% ownership. Of course, he’s at the hugely discounted price due to missing all of 2023 with an ACL tear. Will slot straight back into a juicy SuperCoach role and could easily average 80+ if he can string together some games.
Daniel Curtin (ADE $175,800) – Highly-touted rookie who the Crows selected with pick #8 in the 2023 draft. Has an AFL ready body and is every chance to make his debut in Round 1. If he’s picked, then he’s a no-brainer considering his dual position status.
Josh Gibcus (RIC $150,700) – Super talented and highly rated down at Punt Road. Averaged 53.9 in his rookie year in 2022 before missing all of 2023 due to injury. Gibcus is expected to be given every opportunity this season and is a great bench pick if he remains healthy.
Nick Coffield (WBD $123,900) – Coffield is at huge 57% ownership in his first season at the Bulldogs. He comes across from the Saints after a couple of injury-riddled campaigns. He averaged 79.4 in 16 games in 2020 and is an absolute lock-and-load play.
Also consider: Heath Chapman (FRE $251,700), Marty Hore (MEL $123,900), Toby Pink (NTH $123,900), Zach Reid (ESS $123,900)
(Nick Coffield pictured above)
