AFL SATURDAY $50,000+ CHEAT SHEET
Did anyone notice the complete seismic shift that happened in round 18? Everything just got real. It went from, like, cruising in fourth gear, taking it easy because you’re not in any real rush to get to work to charging up to fifth, weaving in and out of traffic (safely of course), trying to get home as soon as you possibly can because your significant other messaged you saying they got pizza for dinner… and the footy is going to start at 7:20.
Yep, with just five rounds to play, clubs have stepped it up. Evident in the remarkable matchup between Geelong and Melbourne last week, nothing can be taken for granted. And that means we are witnesses to tenacious games of footy across the board.
This week a packed out MCG will host Richmond and Collingwood, who are unpredictably sitting first and third. Adelaide and Melbourne will face off in a potential battle for eighth. Geelong and GWS also face fights to sneak a finals berth and Gold Coast, Carlton, St. Kilda and Brisbane are playing for pride.
It’s a real, “hold onto your seats” end to the season, starting from this week. Make sure you’re prepared. Preparation step one; get on the Draftstars website or download the Draftstars app. Step two; submit your Draftstars $50,000+ Saturday team and give yourself the chance to win almost $5,000. Step three; buckle up.
Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $50,000+ Saturday competition
Forward
Will Hoskin-Elliott ($10,070)
For those who didn’t know, Will Hoskin-Elliott, is a new father. That being considered, we are going to excuse the two performances prior to his 83 DS point in round 18 and chalk them up as being impeded by the curdling sound of a baby shrieking at three o’clock in the AM. Hoskin-Elliott’s baby, Flynn, obviously settled down last week and allowed Dad to kick three majors and output 83 DS points. Priced at $10,030, he is undervalued.
Liam Baker ($5,000)
Baker is a name even the most die-hard Tigers fans would struggle to claim to know. I’m not even sure he has a Wikipedia page… Plucked from relative obscurity in the 2017 rookie draft, Baker has worked his way into selection calculations on the back of five goals and two starring performances in the VFL over the last two weeks. He’s the kind of guy that could pull a Luke Ronke and snag seven big ones in his Melbourne debut. Don’t miss the boat!
Midfield
Jordan Lewis ($12,420)
Love him or hate him, Lewis has been a stalwart of the competition for 13 years. He’s won four flags, he’s an All-Australian and he’s been reported countless times. But more so, he’s a consistent performer and polished player. In a game celebrating a momentous accomplishment, expect Lewis to continue his run of form and rack up disposals on his way to a 100+ DS score.
Rory Sloane ($12,230)
On the other side of the coin to Jordan Lewis, we have Rory Sloane. He’s likeable. He throws himself into contest after contest, and he’s a gun. After inking a huge five year deal at Adelaide, his form has been exceptional, averaging just under 100 over his last three games. Additionally, he thrives in the contest. Something we can expect in the Crows’ matchup against Melbourne. It stacks up for a big Sloane game this week.
Dion Prestia ($12,080)
After returning to the side, Prestia has played high-level, consistent football over the past month. He’s been arguably Richmond’s best midfielder in that period and his output has reflected it. His highest score of the year, 106, came last week, and, with a bevy of gun midfielders in his side, Prestia is unlikely to cop any extra attention. Get him in.
Christian Petracca ($11,720)
For those who watched the Geelong/Melbourne game last week, you would have seen Petracca putting on a clinic. Despite not yet reaching the lofty heights we set for number one draft picks, he’s not far off. And he definitely has the potential to get there. His thirst for the contest and Pendlebury like awareness for the game makes him a threatening player whenever he gets the ball. 110 DS points last week, and a three match average of 98, makes him a smart choice for your team.
Defence
Luke Hodge ($11,870)
Luke Hodge hates Geelong. Brisbane haven’t beaten the Cats at GMHBA or Simonds and their last victory came at Skilled stadium in 2003. When they were incredible. Despite starting the game as rank outsiders, Brisbane could pull off a heist here, but they’ll rely heavily on Hodge’s experience and guile. Consequently, expect him to be comprehensively involved in the match.
Darcy Gardiner ($9,550)
Gardiner has burst out of the blocks in two of the past three weeks, picking up 27 disposals and 118 DS points and 21 and 99 two weeks later. He reads the play well, uses the ball well and Brisbane don’t mind getting the ball into his hands to link up on the rebound. Similarly with Hodge, his impact will play a vital role in the Lions being competitive against Geelong.
Ruck
Jarrod Witts ($14,450)
Witts racked up an eye-watering 132 DS points last week against Sydney. Two weeks before he produced a score of 124. He’s in form. Now add the fact he faces off against Carlton and Matthew Lobbe, a man almost 10cm shorter than him, and he becomes a must-have proposition. He is worth his lofty price tag, and should blow by the 100-point barrier once again.
Written by Brin Duggan Follow @BrinDuggan
The Line Up
FWD: Will Hoskin-Elliott ($10,070)
FWD: Liam Baker ($5,000)
MID: Jordan Lewis ($12,420)
MID: Rory Sloane ($12,230)
MID: Dion Prestia ($12,080)
MID: Christian Petracca ($11,720)
DEF: Luke Hodge ($11,870)
DEF: Darcy Gardiner ($9,550)
RUCK: Jarrod Witts ($14,450)
Salary Remaining: $610
Check out the new Fantasy Insider podcast which discusses the Buddy conundrum and previews this Saturday’s $50,000 contest!
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
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