AFL $50,000+ Saturday Line-Up

Our weekends are finally back to normal, with footy and our fantasy teams consuming our minds. We’ve got four games to choose from, and there are fantasy studs aplenty. We’ve gone for a well-balanced line-up. Who will you lock in?

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Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $50,000+ Saturday competition

Forward

Michael Barlow ($14,050)

The Gold Coast recruit is the definition of fantasy stud, and at a touch over $14k he is a steal for our forward line. With plenty of high-profile forwards to choose from, we’ve locked in Barlow based on a number of factors. First, he has never scored below 90 against Brisbane, his first opponent in a Suns jumper. He notoriously relishes rivalries, as shown by his imposing record as a Docker in Western Derby clashes. And in the JLT Series he averaged 1.09 points per minute. He won’t be this cheap later in the season, so lock him in for 110+ against the Lions.

Jarryd Roughead ($9,400)

Without a doubt the best story in footy for a long time. Roughead’s return from cancer has inspired everyone associated with the AFL, and the fact that he has been handed the Hawthorn captaincy just adds to the fairytale. Fantasy-wise, Roughead has bounced back seamlessly, averaging 78 across the JLT Series and will pinch-hit in the midfield as well as hit the scoreboard. In his last clash against Essendon, he scored 140, and hasn’t averaged below 80 since 2010. You won’t find a better prospect at that price.

Midfield

Dayne Beams ($14,000)

Speaking of comeback stories, Beams appears fully fit after struggling with knee and shoulder issues in the past two seasons. He is another fantasy stud who, at his best, averaged 116 in 2012 while at Collingwood. He has three tons in his last four clashes against Gold Coast, and averages 112.7 at Metricon Stadium. Furthermore, he was immense over the JLT Series and the new Lions skipper will fire against the Suns.

Christian Petracca ($10,100)

Arguably the boom player of the pre-season, Petracca is poised for a breakout season. The powerful youngster averaged .84 points per minute in the JLT Series, but is poised to play a hybrid midfield-forward role – one that is conducive to fantasy scores. He can hit the scoreboard and racks up the ball also. At this price, everyone else will have him, and so should you.

Jaeger O’Meara ($10,000)

Tim Watson famously proclaimed that the former Sun could be the “best midfielder we’ve seen”. The complete package, O’Meara has been hampered by knee injuries and hasn’t played since 2014. But here’s a guy who is fully fit, and a fresh start at a new club could be the best thing for him. With a career average of 90, anything resembling that would be great for our Draftstars team.

Jake Barrett ($8,000)

There’s a couple of key attributes that make a good fantasy player. An appetite for the ball, an ability to hit the scoreboard, and a hunger for tackling. Barrett is playing his first game, but holds all three attributes. A former Giants rookie, Barrett gets an opportunity at Brisbane after dominating in the NEAFL. He averaged 65 in the JLT Series, but was the best-performed rookie priced player in the competition.

Defence

Shaun Burgoyne ($12,450)

‘Silk’ Burgoyne is the best defender available, and with good reason. The veteran went on a tear to finish last season, averaging 105. He relishes the wide expanses of the MCG, averaging 84.5 there last year. Given the drastic overhaul of Hawthorn’s list, the importance of Burgoyne’s drive and composure from defence is heightened, and with his experience, there are no better options around.

Dane Rampe ($10,200)

A gamble somewhat given his propensity to play lock-down defence, look for Rampe to be Sydney’s primary mover from defence. His raking left boot is damaging, and his ceiling is immense for someone of his price. In the corresponding fixture last year, Rampe provided plenty of rebound off half-back, scoring 82 against Port Adelaide at the SCG. Given the plethora of small defenders at Longmire’s disposal, an offensive role for Rampe is likely.

Ruck

Tom Hickey ($11,700)

Unheralded by those outside the club, St Kilda’s Tom Hickey could be the bargain pick of the round. In the final JLT game he scored 141 fantasy points, including 28 disposals. It’s likely the majority of entrants will be locking in Hickey’s opponent Max Gawn, but in my opinion Hickey presents the best value of all the ruckmen. He scored three fantasy tons at Etihad last year, and scored 96 against Melbourne last year. He will ruck alone, and his mobility around the ground is underrated. He is susceptible to the odd quiet game, but it is a new year and Tom Hickey could yet be the steal of the weekend.

The Line Up

FWD: Michael Barlow ($14,050)

FWD: Jarryd Roughead ($9,400)

MID: Dayne Beams ($14,000)

MID: Christian Petracca ($10,100)

MID: Jaeger O’Meara ($10,000)

MID: Jake Barrett ($8,000)

DEF: Shaun Burgoyne ($12,450)

DEF: Dane Rampe ($10,200)

RUCK: Tom Hickey ($11,700)

Salary Remaining: $100