AFL $20,000+ Magpies v Bulldogs Line-Up

It is finally here; the first edition of the fabled Travis Cloke Cup, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than to share in $20,000! Don’t be like De Goey, we know your dog didn’t eat your Draftstars team! This clash looms as a cracker, with plenty of the competition’s on display on Friday night.

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

Forward

Darcy Moore ($8,200)

With midfield options aplenty, it is probably best to start cheap up forward. While Moore isn’t a recognised Draftstars scorer, he has the forward line all to himself and is one set to take his game to the next level this season. The Bulldogs have one of the best defences in the business but they lack height, which will play right into Moore’s hands. I’m predicting young Darcy to bob up and kick 2 or 3 on Friday night, and that may be all he needs to justify his low pricetag.

Will Hoskin-Elliott ($6,400)

Speaking of cheap, it would be safe to say many would be running with Hoskin-Elliot in their Friday night Draftstars line-ups. The former Giant averaged 61 Draftstars points during the JLT Community Series and injuries to key Pies means he will be gifted more midfield opportunity. Expect Hoskin-Elliott to take this chance by the scruff of the neck and be running his guts out up and down the wing this Friday night.

Midfield

Adam Treloar ($15,750)

We saw a changing of the guard last season with Treloar overtaking stalwart Scott Pendlebury in Draftstars average. Treloar had a lazy 35 disposals and 128 points in his last clash against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in Round 22, and on the back of a strong JLT, it is likely to happen again. The ball-magnet posted 111 in his last pre-season match so he is certainly in a rich vein of form. To top it off, he also scored 119 in his first matchup against the Bulldogs in 2016, if you don’t mind.

Luke Dahlhaus ($13,550)

Like Treloar, Luke Dahlhaus performed well when the two sides played last year. The contested beast amassed Draftstars totals of 132 and 112 in 2016 against the Pies. This along with his 108-point JLT average makes him an premium option for our sides on Friday night. He is predicted to score 102, but he is every chance of getting to that 120 mark. Dahlhaus should be a popular option, and the luxury to pick him as a forward is even more of a bonus. He features in my midfield simply because there were more cheap forward options.

Tom Phillips ($10,400)

Youngster Tom Phillips was something special during the JLT, averaging the third-most Draftstars points for Collingwood (92) and finishing the last game with 108. With the likes of Levi Greenwood and Jordan De Goey out of the side, Phillips should be the one to capitalise. Phillips has played the Bulldogs once in his six-game career, scoring just 34, but don’t let past history be the judge. The kid loves using his raking left boot, and he looms as a left-field option who could go large.

Clay Smith ($9,800)

Clay Smith did have a pretty poor outing against the Pies last time around, scoring 57 Draftstars points, but he has the capacity to turn it on in big games. Smith posted three 80+ scores in the finals last year and he will be intent to start 2017 the way he left off last season. The Doggies should get over the line in this one, meaning his tackling and scoreboard impact is likely to get him to a handy total for your side.

Defence

Robert Murphy ($11,750)

After almost a year on the sidelines, Bob returns to the Bulldogs defence. I can see Collingwood being keen to shut down running defender Jason Johannisen, which should let Murphy off the chain. Murph was eased into the JLT with 64% gametime, so he will be primed for a big Round 1 performance. He posted 97 Draftstars points in his last appearance against the Magpies, and a score of this calibre would be just what the doctor ordered.

Jackson Ramsay ($9,550)

Bit of a trend here with my defence, with both Jackson Ramsay and Murphy sustaining season-ending injuries early in 2016. He isn’t exactly a household name, but young Ramsay looked the goods in his last JLT appearance, recording a Draftstars ton. Due to injury and form, Ramsay has played just the seven games for the Pies and will be looking to cement a spot in the 22. He is certainly a point of difference option, but he could set you apart from the rest.

Ruck

Brodie Grundy ($14,450)

This right here is a glaringly obvious selection choice. Up against Tom Boyd in the ruck, I am liking Grundy’s chances both in ruck contests and around the ground. Big Brodie posted 119 Draftstars points in their last match, including a monster 47 hitouts. And this was without the new third man up rule, which the Bulldogs used at every opportunity. You would be daft to look past Grundy as your ruck option. Lock.

The Line Up

FWD: Darcy Moore ($8,200)

FWD: Will Hoskin-Elliott ($6,400)

MID: Adam Treloar ($15,750)

MID: Luke Dahlhaus ($13,550)

MID: Tom Phillips ($10,400)

MID: Clay Smith ($9,800)

DEF: Robert Murphy ($11,750)

DEF: Jackson Ramsay ($9,550)

RUCK: Brodie Grundy ($14,450)

Salary Remaining: $150