Welcome to our last multi game AFL DFS slate of 2024. This Saturday will bring us the last two finals of Week 1 of the 2024 AFL Season. Kicking things off mid-afternoon we have battle of the bridge rivalry with Sydney vs GWS at the SCG. The Swans have been on the top of the ladder for the majority of the season but limped to the end so all eyes will be on them to see if their mid-season form is still there.
Game two kicks off Saturday night with an elimination final between Brisbane and Carlton at the Gabba. The Lions have been one of the best form side of the second half the season and stormed back into the top 8 after a miserable start. They are bringing the finals experience of past years are many people's tip to end up in the grand final despite not making the top four.
Draftstars continue to offer massive prize pools with the Saturday main contest being worth a guaranteed $60,000 along with their usual variety of alternate contests:
- AFL $60,000+ Saturday
- AFL $5,000+ Saturday High Roller ($150 Entry)
- AFL $3,000+ Saturday Mini ($2 Entry)
The AFL Star contest is back for 2024 and Draftstars are offering the biggest prize pool in Australian DFS history with a $1 million guaranteed final with $250,000 top prize! There's only a couple more chances to qualify for the AFL Star final this season so jump into the qualifiers in the Draftstars lobby now!
Betting Markets
Sydney ($1.62) vs GWS Giants ($2.26)
Line: Sydney -7.5
Points: 172.5
Brisbane ($1.25) vs Carlton ($3.85)
Line: Brisbane -24.5
Points: 168.5
If you’re looking to bet on the AFL this season, then you can bet with PlayUp by using the same account that you have at Draftstars. PlayUp are Australian owned and offer an strong range of AFL betting markets and offers, including Same Game Multis.
Additionally, we have a full Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Betting Preview for the game where we provide our best bet for the game as well as a great value Same Game Multi!
Weather
Sydney – Partly cloudy, 24 degrees.
Brisbane – Sunny, 28 degrees.
No weather issues for either game tomorrow. Let's play ball!
Where to Attack?
As always when it comes to finals, there are limited options available to attack and even if the data suggests they exist, often the game is of a completely different brand at this time of the season.
That said, Carlton have been conceding above average points to key forwards and general forwards this season and in this matchup, I love stacking the Lions forwards given they are favourites and playing at home at the Gabba where they often rack up high fantasy scores.
Another avenue to consider is GWS backs against Sydney. The Swans have conceding above average points to all roles across the back line this year, which is no surprise considering they have been the top side all year and opponents therefore spend the majority of time in their own back line. The Giants love to play from the back line so I expect their defenders to score fantasy points even if they lose.
Game Script – Brisbane midfielders and forwards stacks
VALUE PLAYS
Brandon Starcevich ($6,000) These finals games are incredibly hard to find value in. You typically will not be looking for the same level of return as you would be on a regular multi-game slate during the season. That is why I love the minimum price play of Starcevich on this slate, especially in Lions stacks. Before an injury interrupted his season, Starcevich has ran off scores of 78, 58 and 57, which would all be solid returns on this slate. His season average is 46 points per game and without his sub/injury interrupted games you are looking at floor of over 50 points.
MID PRICED PLAYS
Will Ashcroft ($12,770) has moved into a solid midfield role in recent weeks after missing the majority of the season with his ACL injury, and he is showing the level fo form that supports the hype around him in his draft year. His last three games have seen scores of 136, 88 and 111 fantasy points and I expect him to stand up in his first final in which I expect the Lions to win comfortably.
James Peatling ($10,320) has forced his way into the Giants midfield this season where he is attend over 50% of their centre bounces consistently. His form has been undeniable for the Giants and it has resulted in solid fantasy scoring output with just one game under 82 fantasy points from his last six. Again that level of return with the ability to hit 100+ upside (he posted 133 points five games ago) at this price point is a no brainer in a finals slate like this one.
PREMIUM PLAYS
Lachie Whitfield ($16,910) has had a banner season and one of the few areas to target on this slate is backs playing Sydney. As noted in the outline above the Swans have been giving up above average fantasy points to all each position in the backline and GWS love to setup their play through their half backs.
Lachie Neale ($15,510) is just a lock and load in finals for me. Love this price point, and the Blues don’t have an obvious tagger in with Cincotta not named. Neale’s finals form is undeniable and particularly in this first final at home I expect a 100+ performance as the floor.
Suggested Draftstars Team
AFL Fantasy Cheat Sheet
