AFL $30,000 Blues v Magpies Cheat Sheet
Two traditional rivals kick off round three with the Blues hosting the Magpies at the MCG on Friday night. The match is always heated between two proud clubs, but it comes with extra importance this year as they are both looking to register their first win of the season. The Blues looked to take a giant stride backwards last week when they were dismantled by the Suns, their ball movement was stagnant, and they did not bring the hunger for the contest which they had against the Tigers in round one. The Magpies were gallant in defeat against the Giants but lacked a little bit of polish when it mattered. There is a huge $30,000 up for grabs on Draftstars for this game, with a huge $3,900 going to first place, click the link below to get your teams in.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $30,000+ Blues v Magpies competition
Forward
Zac Fisher ($8,850)
Fisher is one of the many promising young players for the Blues who has improved so far this year. Even though his possession numbers were down last week compared to round one, Fisher was tenacious, laying eight tackles in the Blues’ loss to the Suns. A repeat performance of that against the Pies will hold your team in good stead, and his cheap salary allows you to afford some of the star players on both sides.
Ben Crocker ($7,750)
Crocker is a second year player who has found his place in the Magpies side as a medium sized forward who knows how to find the goals. Crocker has kicked three goals this season so far and looks like he can add to it against the Blues, who have been struggling defensively. If Crocker can bob up with a couple of goals, he will definitely justify his place in your Draftstars team.
Midfield
Steele Sidebottom ($15,350)
One of the smoothest players in the competition, Sidebottom has started the year in his typical manner, averaging 102 DS points in the two games so far. Sidebottom is Collingwood’s best ball user, which is an area where they struggle, so they always look to get the ball into his capable hands. The Magpies should have the ascendancy in the middle of the ground, so expect the silky Sidebottom to cruise around the MCG and deliver another good score.
Tom Phillips ($12,450)
Phillips is a star on the rise, who shone against the Giants on the weekend. Phillips is an elite athlete who just appeared to be everywhere as the Magpies fought hard to hold onto the game. Phillips should be able to rack up plenty of touches against the Blues who will struggle to keep up with him. His salary looks good for a player who could easily score another 100+ DS points.
James Aish ($9,700)
There was a lot of hype surrounding Aish when he as recruited by the Magpies, and after a slow start, he has finally found his place in the team. Aish has been performing in a half forward/wing role, playing as a link up between the midfield and the forward line. With Collingwood looking likely to dominate the midfield battle, he could be in for a lot of the ball as they surge forward.
Jarrod Garlett ($7,000)
After a blistering round one, Garlett was a lot quieter last week against the Suns. Garlett is an explosive player who is still finding his feet at AFL level. He could be the type of player who thrives on the big stage, like he did in round one, and at his cheap salary of $7,000, it is worth the risk to find out.
Defence
Kade Simpson ($14,800)
The evergreen Simpson continues to dominate the half back line for the Blues, providing run and carry for them rebounding out of defence. Simpson is average a superb 113.5 DS points per game this season and should be in for another day out against the Magpies. The Magpies should have a lot of inside 50s due to their strong midfield, but their lack of kicking skills should see a lot of opportunities for Carlton to turn the ball over in their backline. Simpson is a lock for this game.
Lachie Plowman ($8,800)
Plowman is a part of the many Blues who were once Giants and has settled into his role in the Blues backline admirably. Plowman is a good intercept marking defender, who should get plenty of chances to pick off wayward Collingwood kicks. Plowman is averaging 5.5 marks per game and could easily see a higher number then that in this game. He looks like a good value pick for your backline.
Ruck
Brodie Grundy ($14,750)
With his opposing ruckman coming into this game underdone, Grundy should be able to dominate this matchup. Grundy is a beast around the stoppages, getting his hands on the footy more often than not and backing up his tap work with strong tackling. Grundy recorded 45 hit outs last week in a huge 127 DS point performance and could easily repeat that against a Carlton team who cause a lot of stoppage with their defensive pressure.
The Line Up
FWD: Zac Fisher ($8,850)
FWD: Ben Crocker ($7,750)
MID: Steele Sidebottom ($15,350)
MID: Tom Phillips ($12,450)
MID: James Aish ($9,700)
MID: Jarrod Garlett ($7,000)
DEF: Kade Simpson ($14,800)
DEF: Lachie Plowman ($8,800)
RUCK: Brodie Grundy ($14,750)
Salary Remaining: $550
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