AFL $50,000+ Crows v Cats Line-Up
We didn’t see that one coming, did we? The Cats stormed their way into the Prelim last week, but now face an even tougher challenge; Adelaide at home. I’m sure the home crowd won’t be as inviting as the $50,000 on offer for this contest, so get stuck in, folks.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $50,000+ Crows v Cats competition
Forward
Hugh Greenwood ($11,400)
It was the usual Hugh Greenwood performance in the Qualifying Final against the Giants. The contested animal scored 85 Draftstars points including a characteristic seven tackles. Greenwood has played the Cats twice this season for returns of 94 and 85, competing ferociously against their talented midfield brigade. Has scored over 85 points in his past five games at Adelaide Oval, and I can him surpassing this mark on Friday night.
Nakia Cockatoo ($7,000)
Nakia Cockatoo comes straight into the side from injury, representative of the influence he has on the Cats side. Cockatoo’s price sits this low due to his injury affected 15 points against the Eagles in his second last game in the hoops, followed by a score of 76 a fortnight later in his return. Unfortunately, injury struck in this outing as well, meaning the speedster hasn’t played a match since Round 19. Value here considering the Cats will be looking to get the ball in his hands.
Midfield
Matt Crouch ($15,150)
Matt Crouch’s season just keeps on getting better and better. Try this on for size: Crouch has gone scored eight Draftstars tons in his past 10 games, with the remaining two scores being totals of 96 and 99… This includes a lazy 32 disposals and 110 Draftstars points against the Cats the last time the two sides met. I can’t see Geelong locking him down considering Sloane is back in the Crows line-up, so he should be free to do as he pleases (again).
Scott Selwood ($14,550)
The ting goes Scoooota, papa kakaka. Scooter has had formidable few weeks, averaging 107 Draftstars points, with scores of 103 and 109 in crucial finals in the past fortnight. The tough nut gets these sort of totals thanks to his relentless tackling, averaging a whopping 11 tackles in his 13 games this season. Selwood will be up against Sloane on Friday night, who he scored 125 points against earlier in the season (he also got just 58 the last time they played, but we’ll choose to ignore that).
Paul Seedsman ($11,400)
Paul Seedsman has a critical role to play in the Crows backline in the absence of Brodie Smith. The former Pie has played just the three games for the Crows in 2017, with a paltry score of 52 Draftstars points last week seeing his price fall to $11.4k. Seedsman should be utilised off half-back and through the middle due to his thumping right boot.
Rory Atkins ($10,100)
Like Seedsman, Rory Atkins is another Crow who can provide run and carry on the outside. Atkins hasn’t cut the mustard recently however, going at just 63 in his past three matches – significantly lower than his season average of 80.6. The silky left-footer has scored just two 80+ scores in the past two months, with one of these being an 87-point effort against the Cats. Surely it’s time.
Defence
Tom Stewart ($9,050)
Tommy Stewart will play after coming into this match under a slight injury cloud. The bikie looking individual sat out the latter periods of the game last Friday night, finishing with a paltry total of 42 Draftstars points. Not exactly what the doctor ordered, but it means we can nab him at a cheaper price. Despite his inexperience, he looks to be a player who thrives in the big games.
Andy Otten ($8,300)
We aren’t exactly spoilt for choice in defence, so I reckon I’ll be a bit cheeky here. Andy Otten comes into the Crows line-up for the injured Mitch McGovern, and won’t just be playing to win. He will be playing for a spot in a potential Grand Final, with McGovern expected to return if the Crows win on Friday night. Has had two absolute mares (39 and 40) in his two games against them this season, but I expect his luck to turn.
Ruck
Sam Jacobs ($12,950)
The big Sauce is the lone ruckman for the Crows and while he is $900 more than Smith and Blicavs, he really should have them (and Stanley) covered. Jacobs has averaged a very solid 98 Draftstars points per game in 2017, and some would argue he was worthy of an All-Australian nod. He has had the better of the Cats ruck duo previously this year with scores of 101 and 93.
The Line Up
FWD: Hugh Greenwood ($11,400)
FWD: Nakia Cockatoo ($7,000)
MID: Matt Crouch ($15,150)
MID: Scott Selwood ($14,550)
MID: Paul Seedsman ($11,400)
MID: Rory Atkins ($10,100)
DEF: Tom Stewart ($9,050)
DEF: Andy Otten ($8,300)
RUCK: Sam Jacobs ($12,950)
Salary Remaining: $100
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