AFl $20,000 Blues v Tigers Line-Up

Footy is back, and nothing whets the appetite more than a clash between traditional rivals on Thursday night. Sure, the prospects of Richmond and Carlton are lukewarm in 2017, but the prospect of sharing in $20,000 is something too good to ignore.

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Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $20,000+ Tigers v Blues competition

Forward

Matthew Wright ($12,250)

A somewhat unique choice, the former Adelaide goalsneak was a revelation in his first year for the Blues, leading the club’s goal kicking with 22 goals. However, his role as part of Carlton’s midfield rotation is why he gets the nod here. Wright was used in a similar role throughout the pre-season, and averaged .88 Draftstars fantasy points per minute – very high for a player of his price. He averaged 20 disposals last year, and booted three goals against the Tigers in the corresponding fixture last year. In that game he only managed 72 Draftstars fantasy points, but played primarily inside forward 50. Look for him to get up the ground and score 85+.

Dan Butler ($6,400)

The debutant is a Round 1 bolter and the best bargain forward pick available. Butler got plenty of game-time in the JLT series, averaging 80% time on ground for .62 points per minute. Don’t expect a huge score from the pacy forward, but for his price, a nice 65-70 would be more than enough.

Midfield

Bryce Gibbs ($15,050)

A bit of a gamble, but I’ve gone for Gibbs over Dustin Martin for one key reason: Martin has never scored over 100 Draftstars fantasy points against Carlton. Martin averages only 68.4 against Carlton across his career, while Gibbs averages 95.5, including 127 in the corresponding fixture last year. Gibbs is coming off a career-best fantasy year, while Patrick Cripps has endured an injury-interrupted pre-season and Marc Murphy is set to play closer to goal. Gibbs is the clear standout here.

Trent Cotchin ($14,100)

The newly-crowned Brownlow Medallist may be an odd pick here given his quiet JLT Series and poor recent record against Carlton (he hasn’t scored 100 against the Blues since 2013). But he is the primary beneficiary of Richmond’s bolstered midfield, with the additions of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy lightening the load on the Tigers skipper. There are no excuses for Cotchin, and he should break the shackles for a 100+ game.

Dion Prestia ($13,650)

The Tigers will unveil their boom recruit against Carlton, and a fit Prestia means plenty of Draftstars fantasy points. The former Sun has the potential to be a star fantasy player; he is a ball magnet and a tackling machine, as shown by his 149 against Sydney in the wet last year. No one can question his fantasy potential, but whether his body can hold up is a separate issue. Prestia was used sparingly through the JLT Series, but still averaged almost a fantasy point per minute – which is elite. He has three tons in his last five outings at the MCG, and should be a welcome addition to any Draftstars line-up.

Reece Conca ($9,750)

Conca has teased the Richmond faithful for years, but the former number 6 draft pick is under immense pressure to deliver. A move to defence may bring the best out of Conca, who can use his neat skills in a play-making capacity. In the final JLT game he showed that his new role may have fantasy relevance, scoring 90 against Collingwood on the back of 24 disposals. Compared to others in his price range, he has the biggest ceiling, but consistency will always be an issue.

Defence

Bachar Houli ($13,400)

Given the high-end defenders available, Houli presents the best value. Historically he struggles against Carlton, with only three scores over 80 in his career. But his ceiling is very high, as judged by four scores over 110 at the MCG last year. It appears Richmond has tweaked its game style to reflect quicker movement of the ball, and Houli is the Tigers’ prime mover off half-back. They want the ball in his hands coming out of defence, so lock him in for 90+.

Caleb Marchbank ($5,850)

The former GWS defender has surprised many with how quickly he adapted to his new surroundings at Carlton. Marchbank’s reputation as an elite intercept defender was enhanced during the JLT, which was reflected in scores of 85 and 88 against Melbourne and Fremantle respectively. Don’t expect those scores on Thursday night, but it does indicate his fantasy potential. At his price, anything around 65 would be more than reasonable.

Ruck

Toby Nankervis ($9,550)

Toby Nankervis has been the story of the pre-season for the Tigers. The former Sydney ruckman had the club’s second-highest fantasy average over the JLT Series, and showed an ability to drift forward and hit the scoreboard. With Shaun Hampson on the long-term injury list and Ivan Maric a shadow of his former self, Nankervis’ role is secure. At his price, Nankervis is a steal, and by far the best ruckman available. His forward status also allows plenty of flexibility for those looking to spend cash elsewhere.

The Line Up

FWD: Matthew Wright ($12,250)

FWD: Dan Butler ($6,400)

MID: Bryce Gibbs ($15,050)

MID: Trent Cotchin ($14,100)

MID: Dion Prestia ($13,650)

MID: Reece Conca ($9,750)

DEF: Bachar Houli ($13,400)

DEF: Caleb Marchbank ($5,850)

RUCK: Toby Nankervis ($9,550)

Salary Remaining: $0