:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67002313/DFS_Logo_Headline.0.png){kind=logo}
The AFL season has resumed, following a pause after just one game. This article will feature plays from the Friday-Saturday four-game main slate, which is set to lock at 11:45 p.m. ET, with games beginning until 5:40 a.m. ET.
AFL is new to all of us at DraftKings, so it’s important to do your research. Make sure you check out the info page below in order to better understand the rules and scoring, and how it translates to fantasy.
After sifting through the stats, here are the targets that stand out to me in this matchup.
Set your lineups here: AFL Showdown $50K Blinder [$10K to 1st]
For more on the rules and fantasy scoring setting for your lineups, visit the DraftKings AFL Information page.
Forwards
Stud
Brad Ebert, POR vs. WCE ($7,000) – Ebert is the safest play at his position, scoring a goal and producing double-digit kicks in all three games this season. You’re going to get a well-balanced stat line, with high upside on marks, which he had eight of twice so far this year. Ebert has a tougher matchup, but I’ll take the more trustworthy play here.
Other to consider: Michael Walters ($8,100), Kyle Langford ($6,300)
Value
Justin Westhoff, POR vs. WCE ($5,000) – There’s some solid value at the position. Westhoff’s averaging 73.3 DKFP and has been incredibly consistent. He’s scored at least 69 DKFP in all three matches this season and has two games with multiple goals. Getting a high-floor play for this cheap is a great value.
Other to consider: Dan Butler ($5,300), Brett Bewley ($4,600)
Midfielders
Stud
Andrew Gaff, WCE at POR ($8,900) – Gaff’s the most expensive play on the slate and with good reason. He’s averaging over 105 DKFP this season, and that number jumps to 109 if you only take the games since the season resumed. The matchup is a bit more difficult in this one, but not enough to fade the highest upside play on the slate.
Other to consider: Travis Boak ($7,900), Matthew Rowell ($7,800), Andrew McGrath ($6,600)
Value
Jack Martin, CAR at ESS ($5,800) – Martin’s been playing his best since the season resumed, averaging 81.5 DKFP. His price point is still extremely reasonable after his strong play, giving us a high-upside play in a mid-price tier at a productive position. I prefer a couple of my most expensive plays to be midfielders, but you still need to save somewhere at the position.
Other to consider: Ben Ainsworth ($5,700)
Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our DraftKings Sports Calendar for the latest updates.
Defenders
Stud
Sam Docherty, CAR at ESS ($7,500) – On the flip side, defender is usually where I’ll try to pay down and save some salary. But if you pay up here, Docherty is worth targeting. He’s very consistent with his marks and kicks, scoring at least 88 DKFP in each game this season, and 95 DKFP in each game since the restart. He has a good matchup against Essendon to continue this high level of production.
Other to consider: Lachie Weller ($6,500)
Value
Trent McKenzie, POR vs. WCE ($5,100) – McKenzie’s having a solid season, consistently totaling a high number of kicks, and bringing upside for marks — he had 11 in the first game of the season. He jumped $900 after scoring 72 DKFP last week, but even with the increase, McKenzie’s still underpriced.
Other to consider: Jayden Short ($5,200), Jake Carlisle ($3,800)
Ruck
Stud
Scott Lycett, POR vs. WCE ($7,300) – I don’t necessarily think we need to pay all the way up to Lycett, but there’s no denying that he’s the highest upside Ruck on the slate. He has outings of 85 and 90 DKFP so far this season, which can’t be said for other targets, but paying this much and getting a floor game would really hurt.
Other to consider: Rowan Marshall ($6,000)
Value
Marc Pittonet, CAR at ESS ($5,400) – Pittonet is the safer choice, offering consistent production in the 70-DKFP range for nearly $2,000 cheaper than Lycett. You might not get the 90-DKFP ceiling, but you know you’re getting consistency.
Other to consider: Nic Naitanui ($5,500)
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.