AFLW R2 – $5,000 SATURDAY CONTEST
The Pies host the Dees and the Cats travel to face the Bulldogs in a great two-game Saturday afternoon/evening slate.
With the Pies game (and possibly late game as well) likely to be rain-effected we could see a repeat of Friday’s high-scoring tackle-fest so coaches will need to monitor the radar before selection.
If it does stay dry, which we are assuming it does for this team selection, I really like the Demons to smash Collingwood this afternoon but forwards can take a points hit in the wet so it’s certainly a risky play to stack Demons forwards here.
Selection
Tegan Cunningham ($8,180): At 186cm, Cunningham is a problem for which the Pies have no answer for. She will get whatever ball she jumps for, and if she has a good night with her hands and kicks truly, she can notch up a 60-70pt game here. Her 36pts last week was basically from two halves given the wind in play. That won’t be the case here, the Magpies are awful and Cunningham will get all the supply in the world.
Eden Zanker ($7,140): Loved her game last weekend. Gets up the ground, gets back into that forward 50 quick. Pinch hits in the ruck and just looks heaps stronger this season. Always had the class, just needed the confidence which I’d say she found last week against the Dockers. Can repeat that 60+ effort here at a bargain price.
Kate Hore ($11,190): Third and final Demons forward, Hore is stuck in between positions which is impacting her fantasy output. Hopefully the Demons control the middle enough for Hore to remain a lead-up medium forward who gets up the ground and links the forward line. Can see her double her 44pt effort in the right conditions this arv.
Karen Paxman ($16,430): Fourth and final Demon, Paxman is the Demon gun you pay up for when you think that Melbourne will be dominant because she is capable of seriously high disposal numbers. Would not surprised me to see her notch 25 today. Add in a few tackles and likely a goal and you’ve got a well-rounded 80+ effort.
Ellie Blackburn ($16,130): Gun who just finds the footy. The Dogs love that short chip kick and Blackburn loves being the one to rack them up. Cats unlikely to run-with like the Crows did which means another 90+ is very doable. Loves the defensive element as well which is huge in AFLW DFS.
Julia Crocket-Grills ($8,670): JCG could see a good minutes and opportunity bump with no Nina Morrison in the side tonight. Averaged 16 disposals and 3 tackles per game in the VFLW this season so there is a solid floor and as mentioned, there is a ceiling game for her here if she grabs it. Could be a good POD play tonight.
Ash Brazill ($10,730): Brazill gets a nod here because I expect the ball to live down in her area all game and because I was impressed with her 5 tackles and 14 kicks first up last week. A key defender who kicks and tackles is solid gold and with Brazill (I think) likely to be around the footy, she will be involved.
Hannah Scott ($11,300): She takes the kickins which is very handy. They love it in her hands as she can kick 50 no worries. 17 kicks last week against the Crows. I do worry a little that she may not get the same opportunity here if the Cats aren’t winning it out of the middle but with bookmakers expecting a close game I am taking the punt on Scott seeing plenty of the pill.
Erin Hoare ($9,290): Debuts for her new club and should win every hitout she competes for so there’s 30 before she marks the footy or lays a tackle. Not a prolific ball winner but then again she was understudy to Pearce at the Dees last season so we don’t quite know what she will produce as #1 ruck. Coming back from an ankle a slight concern, as is the backup ruckman on the bench plus O’Connor playing forward, but she was a big signing for the Cats and I expect her to have a big game first up.
Salary Remaining: $940
AFLW Season
Games = 3
Spend = $45
Win = $35.65
Profit = -$9.35
