The Late Cut: AFL $2,500 Eagles v Demons

The final week of the JLT Community Series begins with a double header. First up, the Suns are taking on the Bulldogs and the Eagles are playing host to the Demons in the late match. Draftstars will be running a $2,500 game for each of the matches. The Late Cut will be taking a closer look at the late game. Both teams have come off impressive wins in their second JLT match with the Eagles smashing the Dockers and the Demons touching up the Blues. It will be a competitive game as both teams are looking to go into the season in good form.

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Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $2.5k+ Eagles v Demons competition

Forward

Josh J. Kennedy ($12,800)

It was business as usual for the spearhead in his first hit-out for 2017, collecting eleven touches and finishing with 5 goals against the Dockers. Kennedy did as he pleased against the poor defense and will go into this match better for having a run under his belt. Another bag is within reach for Kennedy.

Christian Petracca ($10,100)

Petracca is one of the most interesting players going into this season. He has the potential to be anything – if he stays healthy. Petracca kicked a lazy four goals in his best on field performance against the Blues. He will probably get extra time in the midfield which can only help his production.

Midfield

Luke Shuey ($14,350)

Shuey hit the ground running in his first match for 2017, cruising through the midfield finishing with 27 touches and 107 DS points. Shuey is an explosive midfielder who can win his own ball, but is better utilised when he has someone feeding it to him. The addition of Sam Mitchell along with Matt Priddis means that Shuey will have two of the best inside midfielders flicking the ball out to him, allowing him to do as he pleases. Shuey should be able to score big again.

Andrew Gaff ($13,700)

The outside midfielder is one of the best gut runners in the competition. He breaks lines and provides run and carry for a team who is lacking in genuine foot speed around the ground. Gaff is a perfect midfielder for the preseason competition they are often played more freely than a regular seaon game which suits Gaff’s game. Gaff is coming off an 87 DS point game against the Dockers and can easily repeat the performance against the Demons.

Angus Brayshaw ($11,000)

Brayshaw has started his preseason in excellent fashion, averaging 71.5 DS points over his two matches so far. Brayshaw is not a massive possession winner, but he is extremely hard at it, and a tackling machine. Tackles are an underrated fantasy stat, with each one returning 4 points, which is more than every other stat except goals. Brayshaw may only collect 15-20 possessions, but his 5+ tackles per game make him a solid prospect.

Jake Melksham ($9,650)

The former bomber has started his career in red and blue in decent fashion, averaging 71.5 DS points over his first two preseason matches. Melksham finished with 23 disposals and 83 DS points against Carlton in his last match, which is an excellent score for a player with a salary below $10,000. Expect to see Melksham getting plenty of time through the midfield and another similar score.

Defender

Christian Salem ($9,550)

The silky rebounding defender looms as a big player in this match after the injury to Michael Hibberd. Salem provides the Demons with a huge amount of run and carry off half back and his silky skills means that he gets used as often as possible. Salem is the kind of player who can really elevate his game this year and push Melbourne into the eight.

Sharrod Wellingham ($9,250)

Wellingham has looked as though he is back to his very best in the Eagles two preseason matchups, averaging 26 disposals and 100 DS points over the two matches. Wellingham has been running hard off half back and rebounding well for the Eagles. A similar performance to his first two will see your lineup in a good position to win.

Ruck

Nathan Vardy ($9,300)

With the injuries to Lycett and Natanui, Vardy appears as though he will be the number one ruckman for the Eagles. Although he is coming up against the best big man in the game, Max Gawn, Vardy still should be able to score well as he is also a threat going forward. Vardy is an excellent value play at the salary.

The Line Up

FWD: Josh J. Kennedy ($12,800)

FWD: Christian Petracca ($10,100)

MID: Luke Shuey ($14,350)

MID: Andrew Gaff ($13,700)

MID: Angus Brayshaw ($11,000)

MID: Jake Melksham ($9,650)

DEF: Christian Salem ($9,550)

DEF: Sharrod Wellingham ($9,250)

RK: Nathan Vardy ($9,300)

Salary Remaining: $300