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The Australian Football (AFL) season has resumed following a pause after just one game. This article will feature plays from Thursday morning’s DraftKings Showdown slate between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans, which is set to begin at 5:40 a.m. ET.
The AFL is new to all of us at DraftKings, so it’s important to do you 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 standout to me in this matchup.
Set your lineups here: AFL Showdown $60K Blinder [$20K to 1st] (SYD vs BUL)
For more on the rules and fantasy scoring setting for your lineups, visit the DraftKings AFL Information page.
Forwards
Stud
Isaac Heeney ($6,800) – Heeney’s 78.3 DKFP average stands out to begin with, but he’s been even better since the AFL restarted. Heeney’s scored five total goals for the Swans in the last two matches, scoring 101 and 86 DKFP, respectively. Strike while the iron’s hot, especially when the price isn’t jacked up.
Other to consider: Bailey Smith ($7,300)
Value
Tom Papley ($5,700) – Papley is another play that’s been stronger for the Swans since the AFL returned. He was on the radar to begin with, scoring three goals in the first game in March, totaling 54 DKFP. Papley’s now up to six goals on the season, scoring 79 and 73 DKFP in the last two games.
Other to consider: James Rowbottom ($4,600), Nick Blakely ($4,500)
Midfielders
Stud
Josh Kennedy ($6,700) – Midfielder’s a position to pay up, and there are other strong options to target. But Kennedy stands out as one of the top end plays, yet at a very fair price. Kennedy’s scored no fewer than 76 DKFP in any of his three contests this season, including 102 and 84 DKFP in the two games since the return.
Other to consider: Jack Macrae ($8,600), Luke Parker ($7,500)
Value
Lewis Taylor ($4,300) – I think Kennedy is the best “value” at the position, and while Florent is an awesome target, I didn’t want our stud and value to be $300 apart. Taylor’s a target you can dive all the way to the bottom for, and expect a worthwhile return on the salary. Taylor’s averaging 53.7 DKFP through three games this season.
Other to consider: Oliver Florent ($6,400)
Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our DraftKings Sports Calendar for the latest updates.
Defenders
Stud
Caleb Daniel ($6,600) – Daniel’s been very consistent for the Bulldogs, but also pleasantly improved his DKFP in each outing this season. Now averaging over 70 DKFP, Daniel went for 83 DKFP in his last outing. One way or another, Daniel finds ways to dispose of the ball on the defensive end, which is always worth some kind of fantasy points.
Other to consider: Jordan Dawson ($6,200)
Value
Hayden Crozier ($5,400) – Crozier is another play that stands out for his consistency, but has shown some welcomed improvement since the restart. Crozier’s averaging 67 DKFP, scoring 82 and 67 DKFP in the two games back. He’s done it back accumulating at least 16 disposals in each contest.
Other to consider: Jason Johannisen ($5,800), Bailey Williams ($5,500), Alex Keath ($4,700)
Ruck
Stud
Callum Sinclair ($6,300) Sydney’s had an odd rotation at Ruck this season, but Sinclair’s the guy right now. Frankly, the musical chairs, combined with some limited performances from Sinclair scare me away here. Sam Naismith ($5,300), who would be the top target if healthy and playing his normal role, is returning and could also see some time. I’d rather pay down and avoid the situation.
Value
Tim English ($5,800) – We know exactly what we’re getting in English, which is ideal at Ruck — go for GPP upside at other positions. This is the only Ruck we can almost certainly count of to get a full match in.
Set your lineups here: AFL Showdown $60K Blinder [$20K to 1st] (SYD vs BUL)
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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.