Two teams on the rebound after disappointing losses in Round 16, the Swans and the Bulldogs now find themselves on the brink of missing AFL finals in season 2022 - something that would be considered a major failure if it were to happen. A loss here will leave either side outside the eight with plenty of work ahead of them, while a win will be seen as an eight-point victory in what should be a true finals atmosphere at the SCG on Friday night.

We’re keen to dive into our fantasy AFL preview with $75,000 up for grabs in the main contest on Draftstars, along with a range of supporting contests, as well as qualifiers to the $500,000 AFL Live Final.

  • AFL $75,000+ Friday at Draftstars
  • $50 AFL $500k Qualifier at Draftstars
  • $2 AFL $500k Qualifier at Draftstars
  • AFL $10,000+ Friday High Roller ($150 Entry) at Draftstars
  • AFL $5,000+ Friday Fiver at Draftstars 
  • AFL $5,000+ Friday Mini ($2 Entry) at Draftstars
  • AFL $3,000+ Friday Buck Hunter ($1 Entry) at Draftstars
     


In addition to previews for each and every slate this season, Daily Fantasy Rankings will continue with our AFL Resources page. This section provides you all the data you need to build your best line-ups. It includes daily cheat sheets for Draftstars, Player Correlation tables, Player Out tables, Scores Against tables, Tagging information, statistical breakdowns and much more!


CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR CHEAT SHEET FOR TONIGHT
 


Smatho and Roody have put together a Bonus Episode of the Draftstars AFL Show as they breakdown the Friday Draftstars Contest!

 


Betting Odds

Odds: Sydney $1.60 vs Western Bulldogs $2.28
Line: Sydney -7.5
Total Points: 164.5

Bet now at Ladbrokes!


Weather

Sydney


There’s been torrential rain around in Sydney and New South Wales recently, but we have a nice window of sunshine for Friday. Hopefully the ground is in good shape and we should get a high standard of football without the influence of any weather.

 

Where to Attack?

Let's take a closer look at our AFL Data Tools to find any trends that might help us construct winning lineups on Draftstars for this match.


The Bulldogs will welcome back ruckman Tim English in what will be a massive boost to their chances in this match. The Swans concede the 2nd highest number of points to opposition number 1 ricks, and a deeper dive into our DFR Ruck Analysis tool shows how they have struggled against established ruckmen such as Nankervis, Gawn, Marshall and Witts this season. The Swans have switched between Peter Ladhams and Tom Hickey throughout the season without much success, and in Round 3, Tim English monstered Hickey with 28 hitouts, 24 disposals and 138 fantasy points. Joel Amartey comes in here to bolster their ruck stocks.



Both teams are pretty stingy in the middle of the ground, and the Bulldogs are pretty loaded in that area, but you can look at the pointy ends of the ground for opportunity to build in some Swans. The Dogs give up the 3rd most fantasy points in the league to defenders, while they also have a problem with their opponents top 3 forwards - in particular key forwards. The below-average Bulldogs backline might have some trouble containing Buddy and Co. this Friday!

Game Script – Bulldogs ruck, Swans backs/forwards 


VALUE PLAYS

Dylan Stephens ($7,380)

Unlike last night’s game, there’s a number of cheap value picks in this contest that will allow you to have the budget to pull in the premiums. Dylan Stephens looks the best pick and although he’s coming up against a tough Dogs midfield, he should be able to hit value. Had an 89 against Geelong early in the season and a 79 against St.Kilda two weeks ago, and that’s a great return at this price tag.

Rhylee West ($7,650)

The son of a gun looks like a keeper as Rhylee West has started to find his groove, not only in the Dogs forward line, but moving up the ground also. Love his high tackling numbers and if he can hit the scoreboard then it’s a bonus. Had a huge 112 two weeks ago against Hawthorn, so the ceiling is there, but with a floor of around 50, he looks a safe pick.


MID-PRICE PLAYS

Lance Franklin ($10,940) / Sam Reid ($10,190)

The key forwards of the Swans look strong plays tonight and it’s hard to go past the ageless Lance Franklin. The superstar forward continues to produce solid football, even at 35 years of age, and is a dangerous opponent for anyone, let alone the struggling Bulldogs defenders. Sam Reid might be a nice pivot at the same price for slightly less ownership, although he may be denied the free hitout points this week with Amartey included as the second ruck. However this might free up Reid, and potentially Franklin, to roam up the ground also. If your game script has the Swans winning, then you’ll need one of these guys.

Jake Lloyd ($12,770)

If the Swans defenders are allowed to chip it around then Jake Lloyd will be first in the queue for some cheap +6’s. Lloyd has had some down games this season but racked up 141 two weeks ago to remind us that his ceiling is still massive. His price hasn’t moved this season, so he looks a great play here.


PREMIUM PLAYS

Tim English ($15,340)

It might be best to spend your premium dollars in the ruck this match with Tim English returning to the side. His concussion woes are definitely becoming a concern, but he’s looked excellent every time he’s hit the field this season. If he can get near the 138 points from Round 3 against the Swans, then that will go a long way to help you get the cash in this contest!


Suggested Draftstars Team

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