$100,000+ AFL Grand Final Line-Up
This will be most nerve-wracking and exciting day of my life. As a diehard Richmond fan, this anonymous Draftstars blog writer will be one of the spectators at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. I have tried to take my yellow and black glasses off with this write-up, hence the fairly even contribution from both sides. Probably the most cash I’ve left in the kitty as well. Let’s do this.
Here is a team you may consider for the $100,000+ AFL Grand Final
Forward
Kane Lambert ($11,450)
Kane Lambert was in and out of the Tiger line-up last season, but has well and truly established himself as a member of the best 22 in 2017. The nuggetty midfielder has averaged 85 Draftstars points per game and was one of the best performers in the Tigers’ thumping loss to the Crows in Round 5. Lambert posted 108 points from 24 disposals and eight tackles, which bodes well for him this weekend.
Charlie Cameron ($9,800)
Eddie’s apprentice played the best game of his career last weekend on the big stage. The classy speedster notched up a comprehensive 113 Draftstars points, finishing with five majors. Cameron has eclipsed 90 points on just five occasions this season, but he did so against Richmond last time around, scoring 96. Rumour has it Cameron is on the way to Brisbane, so he should perform.
Midfield
Dustin Martin ($15,000)
I selected Dusty last week for the first time in a long time and he underperformed – hopefully I’m not a bad omen. The Brownlow Medallist posted 88 Draftstars points last week, but he was still crucial in the Tigers win with 20 touches and three snags. As we’ve seen all year, he lets his footy do the talking – particularly evident during his Brownlow interview with Bruce. I’m expecting a big one after an already momentous week for the star.
Rory Atkins ($10,750)
Interesting story here. Well, not really a story, more of a fact. My mates were playing against a RoryAtkins21 in 2K18 MyCareer online a couple of days ago, and we are fairly certain it was him after stalking his Instagram and Twitter, which are both ‘RoryAtkins21’. He was pretty good for a 65 overall, and I rate the 2K commitment during possibly the biggest week of his life. Got to pick him off that, surely!
Brandon Ellis ($10,600)
As a Tiges supporter, Ellis was one of my top three hated players in 2016. He inconsistency knew no bounds and he almost took the turnover king title off Taylor Hunt. This year has been completely different, with the Tiger defender thriving off half-back and averaging 81 Draftstars points per game. Ellis has had two 40’s on the trot, which puts him at a bargain basement price for this one. Screams value.
Hugh Greenwood ($10,000)
Speaking of value, Greenwood is at a severely discounted price after stinking it up last weekend. The mature-age recruit collected just six disposals and 27 Draftstars points in a putrid display against the Cats. More significantly, the tackling machine laid just two tackles for the game. I expect him to bounce back in this all important Grand Final, especially as the relentlessness goes up another gear. Wouldn’t want to be on the end of a Greenwood tackle on Saturday.
Defence
Jake Lever ($10,000)
Jakey Lever comes up against a Tigers forward line that is extremely centimetre deficient. Their sole tall is Jack Riewoldt, who will likely be manned up by Daniel Talia, leaving Lever to do what he does best; take intercept marks. If Richmond bomb the ball forward, Lever will be right there floating across to take the grab. Expecting the big man to perform in what will likely be his last game in Crows colours.
Jason Castagna ($8,050)
The little maestro has been in some rather averaging form of late, posting five sub-40 totals on the trot. That was until his reasonable Draftstars effort last week, racking up 18 touches and a goal on his way to 62 points. Did score just the 28 points last time he played the Crows, but the Tiges got annihilated on that occasion. Could produce some magic on Grand Final day.
Ruck
Sam Jacobs ($13,200)
The big Sauce is the logical ruck option considering his last performance against Nank the Tank. Jacobs scored a whopping 158 Draftstars points in Round 5 against the Tigers, winning 50 hit-outs and 26 touches. He has been in some solid form of late as well, posting three tons in his past four games. Considering he is just $600 more than Nank, he is a no-brainer selection and a Norm Smith smokey.
The Line Up
FWD: Kane Lambert ($11,450)
FWD: Charlie Cameron ($9,800)
MID: Dustin Martin ($15,000)
MID: Rory Atkins ($10,750)
MID: Brandon Ellis ($10,600)
MID: Hugh Greenwood ($10,000)
DEF: Jake Lever ($10,000)
DEF: Jason Castagna ($8,050)
RUCK: Sam Jacobs ($13,200)
Salary Remaining: $1,150
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