AFL $50,000 Saturday Cheat Sheet
It is Round 9 in the AFL which means that we are rapidly approaching the half way point of the season. The race for the finals is probably down to eleven teams, which includes the current top eight as well as the Giants, Kangaroos and Magpies, with all the other teams unlikely to make it. There are five games on today with the highlights including the clash between the Kangaroos and the Giants in Hobart as they look to find a spot in the eight, as well as the Suns v Power game in China. There is a massive $50,000 up for grabs, with a huge $5,000 going to first place.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $50,000+ Saturday competition
Forward
Sam Menegola ($13,850)
After a quiet couple of weeks, Menegola was huge last week against the Magpies, finishing with 24 touches and three goals on his way to 121 DS points. Menegola and the Cats midfield should be able to dominate against the hapless Bombers, who look to be in total freefall. The Bombers have been murdered in stoppages, which is where Menegola thrives. Expect a big day out for Menegola.
Dylan Clarke ($6,300)
Clarke will make his debut for the Bombers as they look to inject some youth into their lineup. Clarke has been tearing it up at VFL level, racking up huge possession numbers. Look for Clarke to get plenty of midfield time as he tries to establish himself in the AFL. He has a knack for finding the footy, and at his cheap salary, he looks to be a great value pick.
Midfield
Patrick Dangerfield ($15,300)
It has been a big week off the field for Dangerfield, who has confused his two roles as Geelong footballer and AFLPA President by calling for suspensions for players from other teams. His remarks seemed unprofessional and not thought out, but hopefully he can put it all behind him and make a statement on the field. Dangerfield should be able to dominate the Bombers in stoppages and he should be able to kick some goals when he pushes forward. Look for a big game from the star Cat.
Callan Ward ($13,700)
The Giants are struggling at the moment, losing their last two matches, resulting in them dropping out of the eight. They need to bounce back against the Kangaroos or else they will find themselves more than a game outside the eight. Ward bounced back last week with a 104 DS point performance after averaging 68.5 DS points in the two previous weeks. The Giants need a big game from their captain to steady the ship, especially against a red-hot Kangaroos midfield.
George Hewitt ($9,800)
Hewitt has been working into some consistent form recently, scoring above 65 DS points in his last four matches. He managed to score 84 DS points, due to extra time in the midfield. Hewitt should be able to continue this increased output against the Dockers who have not been playing their best football away from home. Look for an easy win for the Swans and strong game from Hewitt.
Ed Phillips ($8,000)
Phillips was very stiff to miss out of a rising star nomination after a brilliant debut. Phillips was everywhere, finishing with 24 touches and 86 DS points. Phillips’ running power was impressive for a first gamer, he looks like a strong athlete who can find space to win the ball. He has stayed with a low salary, making him a great value choice.
Defence
Heath Grundy ($10,700)
The evergreen Swans defender has been playing exceptionally well recently, scoring over 90 DS points in his last three outings. Grundy is an elite one on one defender but is also one of the best intercept players in the league. Grundy should be able to dominate against the Dockers who have struggled going forward this season. Expect another solid outing from Grundy.
Jackson Thurlow ($9,700)
Thurlow is a good rebound half back player for the Cats who has solidified his spot in the best 22 in the last two weeks. Thurlow has averaged a solid 80 Ds points across his last two game in the team and can really build on that this week against the Bombers. The Bombes have been horrid at delivering the ball inside 50, which will really allow the Cats’ rebound defenders to run amok, which will hopefully result in a big game from Thurlow.
Ruck
Tom Bellchambers ($12,550)
The big Bomber has been one of the few players who can be happy with his form in recent weeks, averaging 102.5 DS points over the last two weeks. Bellchambers is a good tap ruckman but excels with his work around the ground, especially in the forward half of the ground. He gets a matchup against Zac Smith this week, who is a below average ruckman. Bellchambers should be able to give his midfielders first use and record a good score on the weekend.
The Line Up
FWD: Sam Menegola ($13,850)
FWD: Dylan Clarke ($6,300)
MID: Patrick Dangerfield ($15,300)
MID: Callan Ward ($13,700)
MID: George Hewitt ($9,800)
MID: Ed Phillips ($8,000)
DEF: Heath Grundy ($10,700)
DEF: Jackson Thurlow ($9,700)
RUCK: Tom Bellchambers ($12,550)
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