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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, 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 DraftKings lineups here: AFL Showdown $30K Sticks [$5K to 1st] (BRI vs. GEE)
For more on the rules and fantasy scoring setting for your lineups, visit the DraftKings AFL Information page.
Forwards
Stud
Brandan Parfitt ($7,100) - Parfitt’s only played in three games so far this season, but has played the last two contests for Geelong and has been extremely productive. He’s averaging 87 DKFP and has by far the best matchup on the slate at his position. Parfitt’s dual-position eligibility gives you flexibility in slotting him into your lineup.
Other to consider: Tom Hawkins ($5,700)
Value
Eric Hipwood ($4,400) - Hipwood’s a solid value for his price point, averaging 55 DKFP. He’s been at his best in his last two games, scoring 80 DKFP and following that big performance up with 60 DKFP. He has one of the better matchups on the slate and should continue to play a slightly larger role for Brisbane.
Other to consider: Cam Rayner ($4,100), Lincoln McCarthy ($3,900)
Midfielders
Stud
Lachie Neale ($9,200) - The matchup doesn’t do any favors for Neale, but we can look right past that given his consistent dominance. Neale’s the safest play on the slate and the first place I’m looking to anchor my lineup. Neale’s 114-DKFP average clearly indicates he stuffs the stat sheet, but it’s also important that he does it every match. He’s scored at least 104 DKFP in all five outings for Brisbane this season.
Other to consider: Jarryd Lyons ($8,300), Mitch Duncan ($7,600)
Value
Mitch Robinson ($6,000) - Robinson has the same tough matchup as Neale, but is still underpriced given what we’ve seen. He’s always around the ball for kicks and handballs, including 24 of them two contests ago, when he scored 93 DKFP. That’s great upside at his price, and it comes with a very safe floor.
Other to consider: Joel Selwood ($6,800), Quinton Narkle ($5,200)
Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our DraftKings Sports Calendar for the latest updates.
Defenders
Stud
Zach Tuohy ($6,100) - Defender generally isn’t a position to pay up at, but if you do, Tuohy is where you want to invest. He’s scored at least 62 DKFP in each of his last four matches, including a season-best 74 DKFP in his last outing.
Other to consider: Daniel Rich ($6,300)
Value
Darcy Gardiner ($3,700) - While guys like Tuohy and Rich are likely the better plays outright, you can get 80% of the production from guys that are a fraction of the salary. Gardiner averages 47.2 DKFP and has that 55-DKFP upside. It’s just not worth paying up too much when you can get slightly less production for so much cheaper.
Other to consider: Grant Birchall ($4,000)
Ruck
Stud
Oscar McInerney ($6,200) - We only have two options at Ruck when it comes to the showdown slates, but this one is still a much different situation. Both plays are on the Brisbane side, and Geelong doesn’t have a play on the slate.
Value
Stefan Martin ($5,000) - Martin is the top Ruck for Brisbane right now and checks in at the cheaper price. He scored 51 DKFP last match, and is the safer play of the two.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: AFL Showdown $30K Sticks [$5K to 1st] (BRI vs. GEE)
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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.