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After sifting through the stats, here are the targets that stand out to me in this matchup, which gets underway at 5:40 a.m. ET on Thursday morning.
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Forwards
Stud
Tom Lynch ($5,900) – We discussed Lynch in an earlier article as a potential target given his situation. He has very solid numbers in past seasons, but scored just 22 DKFP in Richmond’s season opener. He followed that up with 68 DKFP in the club’s first game back, thanks to three goals. With Lynch being extremely active, and just a $200 jump in salary, we seem to be getting a terrific deal.
Other to consider: Chad Wingard ($8,000)
Value
Shai Bolton ($5,400) – Bolton seemed like good value last week at $4,600, but we didn’t want to get sucked into his three goals in the first game of the season being a fluke. Obviously, he wasn’t going to repeat his 83-DKFP outing, but he came pretty close — scoring one goal and posting 73 DKFP. Even with the $800 jump, it seems like Bolton has a key role for Richmond, and salary isn’t yet adjusted.
Other to consider: Jack Higgins ($4,700)
Midfielders
Stud
Dion Prestia ($8,500) – Last week, Jaeger O’Meara ($7,700) was out for Hawthorn, which allowed some other guys to step up. Six of the top seven priced players at the position are Hawthorn players, which just doesn’t seem right, especially with a key piece returning. Prestia’s been a consistent Midfielder for Richmond all of last season, and the first two outings of 2020 — scoring 89 and 75 DKFP. He feels like the safest play among the group. The Hawthorn side could get messy. O’Meara is also a consideration in his return from a facial fracture.
Other to consider: James Worpel ($7,500)
Value
Trent Cotchin ($6,300) – Richmond’s captain is criminally underpriced here. He’s coming off 86 DKFP last week, and is arguably in an even better matchup this time around. I’d rank Cotchin as the top play to roster on the slate, given his salary.
Other to consider: Tom Scully ($4,500)
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Defenders
Stud
Bachar Houli ($6,800) – Houli didn’t play in the game back in March for Richmond, but burst back onto the scene last week. He went off for 100 DKFP without even scoring a goal — 12 kicks, 14 handballs and eight marks. It’s worth exploring that upside again.
Other to consider: James Sicily ($5,500)
Value
David Astbury ($3,700) – Defender is generally a good position to use one of your punt plays. Astbury scored 72 DKFP in his last game and has been a really solid option for almost no salary. Going down to Frawley and Broad can save even more for options that will still get points on the board.
Other to consider: James Frawley ($3,400), Nathan Broad ($2,900)
Ruck
Stud
Ivan Soldo ($6,200) There isn’t much of a difference between the two Rucks on this slate. They’re $300 apart in salary, and their performances should be pretty even as well. Whatever works best for your build , or if you have a gut play, go with it.
Other to consider: None
Value
Jonathan Ceglar ($5,900) – It may look like Hawthron has two Ruck options, but Ceglar is the play you want. Ben McEvoy (4,800) is basically a Defender that we’re being offered at another position. Not enough upside there.
Other to consider: None
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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.