We’ve looked at the best defenders and now it’s time to move onto the second line, the midfielders! This position is typically where AFL SuperCoach coaches will splurge out and spend the bulk of their salary, which means it’s vitally important to nail your selections. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the necessary research and have provided our best premium, mid-price, and rookie/cash cow picks.
Check out our best midfielders list below and be sure to load up Before You Bet regularly to catch our best fantasy plays for each position, as well as tips and strategies to navigate the season!
AFL SuperCoach 2024: Midfielders – Best Premiums, Mid-Pricers, and Cash Cows
PREMIUM MIDFIELDERS ($500K+)
Marcus Bontempelli (WBD $724,600) – The top SuperCoach Scorer from last season is expected to be right up there again in 2024. He had just one score under 100 last season and that was an 89 in Round 3, showing just how consistent he is. You’ll have to spend a pretty penny to get the Bont, but he’ll give you one of the best captain options each week.
Zak Butters (PTA $636,100) – Butters had a slow start to 2023 with only 2x 100+ scores from his first seven games, but a move to the midfield saw him explode into one of the best players and SuperCoach scorers in the game. With another full pre-season under his belt, Butters is an excellent premium option.
Errol Gulden (SYD $622,100) – Talking of exploding, Gulden did just that in 2023 where he enjoyed a massive breakout season. He no longer has the dual position status as a forward, but his enormous scoring in the back half of 2023 showed he’s still very much worthy of a starting spot in your midfield.
Sam Walsh (CAR $576,800) – One of the cheaper premium options that is current very popular (34% ownership) is Sam Walsh. He averaged 117 in 2021, 111 in 2022, before dropping to 103.2 in an injury-interrupted 2023. Many expect him to bounce back up into the 110+ scoring range which would make him a bargain pick at his current price.
Jack Steele (STK $529,500) – Another premium at a big discount is Saints captain Jack Steele. He was battling shoulder injuries all of 2023 and that limited his scoring ability to an average of 95. However, the three seasons prior he averaged 123, 126, and 110. By all reports he’s had a great pre-season and should be back to his best.
Also consider: Christian Petracca (MEL $667,700), Rory Laird (ADE $653,100), Tom Green (GWS $621,500), Jai Newcombe (HAW $549,200), Touk Miller (GCS $545,500)
(Errol Gulden pictured above)
MID-PRICED MIDFIELDERS ($300K-$499K)
Ollie Wines (PTA $463,600) – The 2021 Brownlow Medallist had a frustrating year in 2023 where he often found himself playing out on the wing instead of at the stoppages where he’s at his best. As a result, he averaged just 83 which is his worst scoring year since his rookie year in 2013. There’s been talk in the pre-season that he’s going to be back in the engine room in 2024 which should see an uptick in his scoring average. Still, there’s probably better options than starting with Wines unless you’re really sold on him returning to his Brownlow winning form.
Cameron Guthrie (GEE $420,800) – After three years in a row averaging 103, 113, and 99, Guthrie could manage to average only 83.7 in an injury-plagued 2023. He’s now at the heavily discounted price because of that, but is also on the wrong side of 30. There’s certainly value in this pick if he can return to a 100+ average, but it seems unlikely.
George Wardlaw (NTH $365,400) – Probably the best mid-priced option in the midfield looks to be second-year man George Wardlaw. The 2022 #4 pick played eight games in his rookie year and flashed upside when scoring 85+ on three occasions. With another full pre-season under his belt at this level, there’s every chance he can return an 80+ scoring average this season.
ROOKIE/CASH COW MIDFIELDERS (<$300K)
Colby McKercher (NTH $202,800) – The #2 pick from last year’s draft will be given every opportunity to shine for the young and rebuilding Kangaroos. He was an accumulator in his juniors and that should translate well into some quality SuperCoach scores. Lock him in.
Ryley Sanders (WBD $184,800) – Sanders was the #6 pick in last year’s draft and looks ready to make an immediate impact at AFL level. He has a big body and has been ticking all the right boxes in the pre-season. He looks to be a solid on-field option in the midfield.
Jeremy Sharp (FRE $123,900) – Sharp has returned home to Perth after a couple of seasons playing for the Suns. He averaged 65.4 in nine games in 2021 and a similar return this season would see him generate a decent amount of cash. Whether or not he’s in the Dockers best 22 remains to be seen.
Jhye Clark (GEE $123,900) – The #8 pick from 2022 could only muster one game in his debut soon but more senior footy is expected to be on the cards for Clark in 2024. He looks to be a decent bench option to generate some cash for future upgrades.
Also consider: Matt Roberts (SYD $156,800), Josh Sinn (PTA $123,900), Clay Hall (WCE $117,300), Kane McAuliffe (RIC $117,300)
(Colby McKercher pictured above)
