AFL HAWKS V DEMONS $40,000+ CHEAT SHEET
And just like that only six teams remain in the race for the premiership. The first week of finals proved several things, none more obvious than Geelong’s inability to score on the biggest stage and Sydney’s over reliability on Buddy.
But, Geelong and Sydney are done. Despite losses, Hawthorn and Collingwood remain, coming back this week looking to avenge their shortfalls of week one. Meanwhile Melbourne and the Giants, sit in waiting, looking to capitalise on the momentum they built in their impressive Elimination final wins.
Focusing our attention on the Hawks and the Dees, Melbourne are in red hot form. The emergence of James Harmes and Sam Weideman has been widely discussed, and for good reason. Their performances played an integral role in their obliteration of the Cats.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, were uninspiring in their loss to the Tiger powerhouse. Their forward line never got going and they were exposed across the field by the brilliance of Richmond. They will now look to their established players to have an impact tonight and hope their young guns can step up.
Whatever happens this evening, Draftstars has you covered with the $40,000+ competition. The winner will pocket an astronomical prize of over $5,190, but it’s the journey, not the destination that makes up the best part. And we are offering seats on board the Drafstars express for a buy in of just $15.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $50,000+ Saturday competition
Forward
Luke Breust ($12,230)
Breust was named as an All-Australian this year after a stellar season in which he booted over 50 goals, an impressive haul for a former rookie small-forward. Despite his sustained dominance in 2018, he ended last week’s outing against the Tigers as a spectator, returning a DS score of 54, one of his lowest for the season. Agianst a rampaging Demons outfit, Breust needs to have a big game for the Hawks to advance.
Aaron vandenBerg ($9,890)
vandenBerg has played just six AFL games this year, yet, his impact in the first final should not be understated. Typically hard-nosed, vandenBerg laid seven huge tackles and made his presence felt as a mid-sized pressure forward. His last two games have yielded scores of 80 and 103 and his price tag sits at $9,890. He is the steal of the round.
Midfield
Liam Shiels ($14,490)
Despite his sides disappointing week one loss, Shiels is one Hawk that can hold his head high after a brilliant showing in the matchup. He compiled 26 disposals, laid 11 tackles and booted a goal, culminating in a huge 131 DS point showing. Typically reliable, Shiels rarely has a down game, registering over 80 in his last four games. With O’Meara ruled out of the game tonight, Shiels’ role becomes even bigger.
Ricky Henderson ($12,070)
Who would have though Rick Henderson would be getting picked in a strong Hawks line-up battling it out for a chance at a Grand Final? Not me. After spending time on the Adelaide list, Henderson looked destined for the scrap heap but has re-energised his career at the Hawks. He has been one of his sides best performers (DS score wise) over the past six weeks and theres no reason why he can’t build on his 113 DS points from last week.
Christian Salem ($11,860)
Salem played exceptionally in his first ever AFL final. Racking the ball up at half back and spending periods in the midfield, Salem looked composed and used the ball effectively. The Demons appreciate it when he delivers the ball inside 50 and, consequently, get the ball in his hands whenever they can. He has notched scores greater than 100 over his past two games and is one of the in-form players in the Demons lineup. A steal at $11,860, too.
James Worpel ($9,460)
The Worpedo has certainly made a statement in his first season of AFL football. Also known as ‘the bull from Bannockburn’ Worpel has stated his claims as one of the toughest going around. Toughness makes great finals players and Worpel just needs to snatch his opportunity. Despite having the characteristics, and catching the eye during 2018, Worpel didn’t have his best night against the Tigers but will be better for the run.
Defence
Jordan Lewis ($11,460)
Jordan Lewis played 264 games and won four premierships at the Hawks. After crossing over to the Dees in 2017, he now faces off against his once loved club in a no-holds-barred encounter. Talking WWE, Lewis would be one guy you’d back in against The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match-up and this final probably won’t be far off that. Solid over his past month, Lewis is a proven finals performer and a smart choice for your side.
Michael Hibberd ($9,120)
Hibberd came back into the side in mid-August and hasn’t missed a beat since. He is playing more of a lockdown role, rather than dashing out of defence and delivering the ball forward with his elite kick, still, at $9,120, he makes up part of a good value defence that is capable of outputting solid finals scores. His seasons best score of 107 gives us hope he could produce in September.
Ruck
Sam Weideman ($8,8900)
Well, what can be said about Weideman? After not showing a whole lot, especially for a high draft selection, in his first 17 games, the Weed made a statement against Geelong in his first final. He was the best player on the field at quarter time and continued along the same vein to finish with 24 disposals, two goals and 118 DS points. Who is to say he can’t do it again against the Hawks? Not me! Consider, as well, his value is almost half of Max Gawn’s and he becomes a smart choice.
Written by Brin Duggan Follow @BrinDuggan
The Line Up
FWD: Luke Breust ($12,230)
FWD: Aaron vandenBerg ($9,890)
MID: Liam Shiels ($14,490)
MID: Ricky Henderson ($12,070)
MID: Christian Salem ($11,860)
MID: James Worpel ($9,460)
DEF: Jordan Lewis ($11,460)
DEF: Michael Hibberd ($9,120)
RUCK: Sam Weideman ($8,890)
Salary Remaining: $530
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
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