The first week of 2022 AFL finals continues with another huge clash between premiership contenders Melbourne and Sydney.

Both sides bring scintillating form into September and are well placed to challenge Geelong for the flag, so expect a high-quality encounter at the MCG!

Draftstars have put up $75k in the main contest, so let’s crack into some fantasy!

  • AFL $75,000+ Demons vs Swans at Draftstars
  • AFL $10,000+ Demons vs Swans High Roller ($150 Entry) at Draftstars
  • AFL $5,000+ Demons vs Swans Fiver at Draftstars 
  • AFL $5,000+ Demons vs Swans Mini ($2 Entry) at Draftstars
  • AFL $2,500+ Demons vs Swans Buck Hunter ($1 Entry) at Draftstars
  • AFL $2,000+ Demons vs Swans Micro ($0.5 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 this Qualifying Final Friday Draftstars Contest!

 

 

Betting Odds

Melbourne vs Sydney at the MCG (Melbourne -12.5, 161.5) - Bet now at Ladbrokes!


Weather


 

There is a chance of showers on Friday night in Melbourne, however I don’t expect the potential rainfall to impact on this game too much. Select your teams without worry!
 

Where to Attack?

This slate is wide open, and the high pressure of finals could bring new strategies into our calculations. Let’s call on the Daily Fantasy Rankings Data Tools to assist our selections!



Melbourne have conceded the most possessions and points to defenders all year, as they play a forward half game. With a fully fit and firing midfield, I expect the Demons to send the ball inside 50 plenty of times on Friday night, so back Sydney defenders to rack it up. If the Dees can be efficient up front, also expect designated kickers Lloyd and Blakey to get a kick out boost.



Sydney have conceded 1.9 points over average to rucks across the season. The Swans have been forced to chop and change their ruck division all year and even though Tom Hickey comes into this game fit and in decent form, the dynamic duo of Max Gawn and Luke Jackson should get on top.

Game Script –  Sydney Backs


VALUE PLAY

James Harmes ($8,510)

Harmes performed strongly on return against Brisbane, scoring 78 points in a midfield/half forward role. The hard nut has a solid floor of around 60 points and if he gets a run with role could see plenty of stoppages. To top it off, Harmes has shown a 100-point ceiling in the past.


MID-PRICE PLAY

Ed Langdon ($10,000)

Langdon has had an up and down year, failing to meet the fantasy heights of previous campaigns. However, at this price he must be considered. The hard running wingman has scored over 80 in each of his last three games against the Swans, and loves the wide open spaces of the MCG.

Nick Blakey ($10,650)

There aren’t many options available to us when it comes to exploiting the defenders vs Melbourne trend, but Blakey is one of the best. The ‘Lizard’ has taken his fair share of kick outs this year, loves a +6 and scored 84 against the Dees earlier in the year. Blakey’s sub $11k price is enticing considering he has been over this mark for most of 2022.


PREMIUM PLAY

Max Gawn ($14,930)

Mr September is back for another flag tilt. Gawn dazzled in Melbourne’s successful finals campaign last year and he gets a fantastic matchup tonight against a solo Hickey. In his last five matches against Sydney, Gawn has averaged 123 points.

Clayton Oliver ($16,360)

Oliver is made for finals. He wins the ball more often than not in the contest and will thrive in the high stoppage game that this is likely to be. Oliver’s average of 112.5 is the best on this slate and he has dropped below 100 just four times. Given those stats, $16k is a generous price which makes ‘Clarry’ an easy lock.


Suggested Draftstars Team

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