AFL $25,000+ Hawks v Cats Line-Up
These two teams generally play absolute beauties, especially on Easter Monday. The best thing is, we will be smiling regardless of whether it’s a close game or a Hawthorn drubbing. However, Easter Monday is all about resurrection, so perhaps we will see Hawthorn’s season come back from the dead.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $25,000+ Hawks v Cats competition
Forward
Ryan Burton ($10,650)
The Round 2 Rising Star nominee has found a place in the Hawthorn defence, averaging 97 Draftstars points per game from his two matches in 2017. It is a whole different story in a big clash at the G’ but the youngster fared well in their match against the Crows, racking up 26 disposals and nine marks. Burton likes to kick as well, which is good for Draftstars points.
Brandan Parfitt ($7,450)
From Round 2 Rising Star to Round 3 Rising Star. In Parfitt’s first two games at AFL level we saw glimpses of what he could produce, but last week’s performance was by far his best. Parfitt collected 23 disposals, laid five tackles and booted a goal on his way to 90 Draftstars points. This effort will do the world of good for his confidence and while it is unlikely he will replicate this, he should post a modest total on Monday. However, he does wear the #3 on his back, so who knows – we could see some Bartel-esque brilliance.
Midfield
Patrick Dangerfield ($17,550)
Anyone remember Dangerfield’s first game for the Cats on Easter Monday last year? 43 disposals, five tackles and 137 Draftstars points. Need I say more? Dangerfield relishes the big stage, and given he absolutely pantsed the Hawks while they had Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis, who knows what he’ll produce without them playing. You’d be hard pressed to find a player more likely to top the Draftstars scoresheet on Monday. Absolute must-have.
Sam Menegola ($13,550)
Really not sure why this guy was ever out of the Cats lineup. Menegola returned last weekend and posted a Draftstars ton, scoring 102 points from 24 disposals and nine tackles. The mature-ager immediately had an impact last season, averaging 95 points per game from his six matches. I’d back Menegola to score well again in this heated contest, where he will have plenty of opportunity to tackle and win the footy. Bit of value too.
Liam Shiels ($12,850)
He hasn’t set the world on fire this year so far, averaging 78.3 after the first three games, but a look back in history will tell you that since the start of 2014, in his own two full regular season games against the Cats he’s scored 85 and 126 – an average of 105.5. He faces a challenge on Monday, an under-fire Hawks team that now is an extra gun short (though Jaeger’s start has been underwhelming). Here’s hoping the extra responsibility helps his points tally.
James Parsons ($8,000)
Parsons debuted last weekend and certainly looked up to it, claiming 18 disposals and scoring 62 Draftstars points. The 20-year old (happy birthday for Wednesday if you’re reading, James!) shows class beyond is years and is trusted with the ball in hand. I’d be expecting a similar return to last weekend’s performance on Monday, which would be solid given his price-tag.
Defence
Ricky Henderson ($12,600)
At the minute, Henderson is the second best of the Hawthorn inclusions (yep Jaeger, in front of you!). Henderson has proved to be a great acquisition for the Hawks outside midfield, averaging 25 disposals and 88 Draftstars points per game in 2017. The former Crow was one of the few Hawks who turned up last weekend to Metricon Stadium, gathering 29 disposals and taking 11 marks. He is the second most expensive option at our disposal, and looks like the best one on recent form in my books.
Tom Stewart ($5,550)
There isn’t an awful lot of cheap defensive options so I’ve put my faith in Tom Stewart, if only to save some money. The Cats defender notched up just the 35 Draftstars points last weekend, and has averaged only the 40 points per game. This is really making me reconsider him… but sometimes it’s a question of finances. I’m not picking Stewart with any confidence, but he is surely capable of more than he’s shown so far. LIFT, Tom!
Ruck
Zac Smith ($11,550)
This is a bit of a no-brainer considering Ben McEvoy is not exactly in his prime. Smith racked up 106 Draftstars points last weekend, but he was only rucking against Gawn for a half. Nonetheless, I can see Smith dominating the hit-outs and potentially posting another ton on Easter Monday. Booted three sausage rolls in the last Easter clash, and with Hawthorn’s defence even weaker than it was, I wouldn’t put it past him doing this again.
The Line Up
FWD: Ryan Burton ($10,650)
FWD: Brandan Parfitt ($7,450)
MID: Patrick Dangerfield ($17,550)
MID: Sam Menegola ($13,550)
MID: Liam Shiels ($12,850)
MID: James Parsons ($8,000)
DEF: Ricky Henderson ($12,600)
DEF: Tom Stewart ($5,550)
RUCK: Zac Smith ($11,550)
Salary Remaining: $300
AFL SCORING SYSTEM
Kick = 3 points
Mark = 3 points
Handball = 2 points
Goal = 6 points
Behind = 1 point
Tackle = 4 points
Free Kick For = 1 point
Free Kick Against = -3 points
Hitout = 1 point
AFL