Another big slate of AFL matches await this Saturday and many fun ways to tackle this one for your fantasy lineups on Draftstars. First up is arguably the match of the round as the Dogs and Crows go to war at Marvel Stadium in what should be a very entertaining clash. The Giants and the Cats meet in the twilight slot at Engie Stadium, before two evening matches to finish off the day’s action. The Tigers and Bombers always provide a great spectacle at the MCG, while the Dockers and Hawks match could have massive implications for the make up of the top eight.
As always, this is all about the daily fantasy and this Saturday slate draws another massive $50,000 prize pool at Draftstars in their main contest, plus more qualifiers for the $1 million AFL Star contest! In addition, there are a variety of alternate contests:
AFL $50,000+ Saturday at Draftstars
AFL $5,000+ Saturday High Roller ($150 Entry) at Draftstars
AFL $3,000+ Saturday Mini ($2 Entry) at Draftstars
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AFL Daily Fantasy Lineup Tips: Round 18 Saturday
AFL Round 18 Saturday: Where to Attack?
With three fairly competitive matches between finals aspirants on this slate, the obvious match to target is Essendon against Richmond. Both teams have been extremely leaky in terms of fantasy points this season.
Richmond give up huge points to opposition forwards, and in particular to key forwards where they are the league worst. However they are just as bad at the other end of the ground with easily the league worst in conceding points to opposition defenders.
Essendon haven’t been much better in recent weeks. They are in the top 3 worst in the league to inside mids, ruckmen, wings and defensive opposition players over the last 10 matches.
The question is anyone from either team capable of taking advantage of this match up?
There’s not a lot of holes to pick apart from the other three matches as those teams are in the top eight for a reason.
Fremantle have been giving up above average points to opposition defenders, while Geelong continue to concede points in the ruck. Pick your spots wisely!
Game script: Essendon forwards/backs, Richmond mids/backs, Hawthorn backs
AFL Round 18 Saturday: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Isaac Kako ($7,000) seems to be starting to find his feet at AFL level, with a solid string of games including recent scores of 55, 52 and 79. Not huge numbers but perfectly fine at minimum price. Last week, Kako was very good with 17 disposals, 5 tackles and a goal. If he can repeat that form against the Tigers, who give up plenty of points to forwards, then Kako should be a great value pick.
Elijah Tsatas ($8,810) is back in the seniors after some massive numbers in the VFL. Tsatas has been racking up 30+ disposals and 100+ fantasy points most weeks, but he’s yet to translate that form into the big time. In fact, he’s been pretty frustrating if you’ve picked him in your lineups. Hopefully he can avoid the sub vest, and get a full game in the guts against the lowly Tigers to hit value. If Tsatas is the sub, then you can pivot to Angus Clarke ($8,960) around the same price.
AFL Round 18 Saturday: Our Mid-Priced Fantasy Picks
Nate Caddy ($9,610) has been building nicely in season 2025 and could be due to have a huge breakout game here against the weak Tigers defence. Caddy has back-to-back scores of 77 and bagged 3 goals last week. He is looking menacing with his attack in the air and perhaps a big bag of goals is just around the corner. If you want to pay up for a similar role then Peter Wright ($12,300) is certainly in play as well.
Jarman Impey ($11,290) has been in good form recently with two tons and an 87 in the last month. Impey has been providing great run and dash out of the backline in the absence of Josh Weddell. The Hawks are happy to give him the ball which has resulted in more possessions and more marks which are great for fantasy. Gets a good match up here against Fremantle so ticks a lot of boxes.
Dion Prestia ($12,570) is often like a choose your own adventure when you pick him in your fantasy lineups. It’s either a pulled hamstring, a 50-point quarter, or endless wondering if he’s still even on the park. Since returning from injury he has had moments that were sensational with a 111 against GWS and a 120 against Adelaide. However he’s also had a couple of stinkers around that as well. This is definitely a high risk, high reward play, but you’ve got to take those to win the big contests. The Bombers have been giving up huge points to opposition midfielders, and Richmond don’t have many good ones so it’s a great chance for Prestia to go large for us (or pull a hammy first quarter). A slightly safer option is Jacob Hopper ($12,570) at the same price.
AFL Round 18 Saturday: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Zach Merrett ($16,360) was a Christmas gift last week at his price against Gold Coast after it was clear he was going to be released back into the middle, and he duly rewarded the faithful with a masterful 145. His price has now risen but he’s still a great premium choice on this slate. There’s no more playing him in defence. Just let him follow the ball and accumulate at will. The Tigers don’t really have anyone capable of stopping him so I expect another 120+ from the fantasy pig.
Heres our Suggested Draftstars Lineup for AFL Round 18 Saturday
Weather Report Saturday July 12th 2025
Melbourne - Partly cloudy, 16 degrees.
Sydney - Sunny, 18 degrees.
Perth - Rain, 18 degrees.
Early forecasts are for some rain around Perth on Saturday which may impact the Dockers and Hawks match. Keep an eye on the radar closer to the start time and adjust as required.
AFL Betting Markets Round 18: Saturday
Western Bulldogs ($1.61) vs Adelaide ($2.33)
Line: Bulldogs -8.5
Points: 179.5
GWS Giants ($2.10) vs Geelong ($1.74)
Line: Geelong -3.5
Points: 171.5
Richmond ($2.93) vs Essendon ($1.41)
Line: Essendon -15.5
Points: 163.5
Fremantle ($1.90) vs Hawthorn ($1.94)
Line: Fremantle -0.5
Points: 156.5
Also, be sure to check out our full AFL Preview and Betting Tips for each match. Our experts break down each individual game and highlight some key bets that you can follow!
