AFL $100,000+ ANZAC Day Bombers v Magpies
The biggest home and away game of the year is here, the annual ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood. Both sides are going into this game with a record of two wins and two losses, having both won in impressive fashion last week. It looks like an intriguing match between two teams who are pushing for places in the eight. There is a huge $100,000 up for grabs, which is the equal biggest daily fantasy contest in Australian history. The winner of this will take home a cool $15,000.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $100,000+ ANZAC Day competition
Forward
Joe Daniher ($10,050)
Last year’s medallist has stated the season below his lofty standards, but really looked s though he turned a corner in the second half last week. Daniher struggled against Port Adelaide, however bobbed up with two second half goals to seal the bombers win and hopefully launch his season. It was this time last year that the media was criticising his kicking, Daniher responded with 5 goals straight and the ANZAC Day medal. Daniher is a big game player, and there is no bigger game than this.
Jake Stringer ($9,100)
The Package also had his best game for the season last week, kicking four goals against the Power. Stringer was playing in the midfield for the first three rounds but played mainly forward last week. Stringer at his best is an explosive forward, capable of turning a game on his own, but he needs to show his best more often. He should be able to run amok in the potent Bomber forward line and finish with a good score.
Midfield
Scott Pendlebury ($16,100)
Pendlebury has a history of dominating on ANZAC day, having won the medal on two occasions. Pendlebury has been at his consistent best all season, scoring over 100 DS points every round this year. He has been playing more defensively than usual, but still can win the ball and is laying a lot of tackles. You can expect another prolific performance from this classy player.
James Aish ($10,850)
Aish is really starting to hit his stride at the Magpies, playing in a half forward/wing role. Aish was a prized recruit when he came down from the Lions but struggled to find consistent form. He has taken some big strides this season and is one of the reasons why the Magpies have improved this year. Aish is averaging 89 Ds points in his last three matches, a similar performance here would be a great return for his salary.
David Myers ($10,750)
Myers is starting to hit some form after a delayed start to the year, racking up 91 DS against the Power. Myers is a big bodied midfielder who is a massive kick, who provides a lot of grunt around the stoppages for the Bombers. H will be looking to continue his improved form and cement his place in the side.
Jordan de Goey ($10,600)
After an eventful offseason, de Goey finally returned to football last week against the crows with a solid performance. de Goey is a bright talent who is till trying to establish himself at the AFL level. Essendon might struggle to find a good matchup for him as their backline is very tall with the like of Hurley, Hooker and Hartley playing down there. de Goey miht be able to run them off their feet and dominate the ANZAC day game.
Defence
Sam Murray ($10,350)
Murray has started his AFL career off in fine fashion, providing a lot of run off half back for the Magpies. Murray’s greatest asset is his electrifying pace, he is always looking to take the game on and run with the footy whenever h gets a chance. The Bombers have been criticised for their lack of pressure, which could play into the hands of Murray.
Andrew McGrath ($9,750)
Lat year’s Rising Star winner has been suffering a little from second year blues as he looks to find the consistent form that he had last year. McGrath was touted to move into a midfield role for the Bombers but was sent back last week and looked more comfortable. McGrath should get plenty of opportunity to rebound the ball as the Magpies have a dominant midfield and are generally poor by foot going forward. McGrath really appeals at his price, he Is a good value pick.
Ruck
Tom Bellchambers ($11,950)
Although Grundy is the in-form ruckman in the competition, Bellchambers gets the nod here due to salary cap constraints. Bellchambers has not been in great form so far this year but looked better against the Power last week. Bellchambers finished with a season high 45 hitouts, albeit not against any recognised ruckmen. He will need to lift to quell Grundy’s influence, but in order to fit in other decent players into your team, sacrifices have to be made.
The Line Up
FWD: Joe Daniher ($10,050)
FWD: Jake Stringer ($9,100)
MID: Scott Pendlebury ($16,100)
MID: James Aish ($10,850)
MID: David Myers ($10,750)
MID: Jordan de Goey ($10,600)
DEF: Sam Murray ($10,350)
DEF: Andrew McGrath ($9,750)
RUCK: Tom Bellchambers ($11,950)
Salary Remaining: $500
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