In an interesting scheduling decision, AFL Round 20 features two games this Friday night. Essendon will host the Western Bulldogs at Marvel stadium and the Bulldogs will be going all out to not only get a win, but boost their percentage as much as possible The Dogs are currently sitting one win behind 8th spot and will need to run perfect down the straight of the season if they expect to squeeze into finals. In the second matchup we get the battle of the bridge with the GWS Giants hosting the Sydney Swans. The Giants are charging towards a big finals run but the cross town rivals, Sydney would love nothing more than to throw a spanner in their way and ruin their final finishing position.
As always, this is all about the daily fantasy and this Friday 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+ Friday at Draftstars
AFL $5,000+ Friday High Roller ($150 Entry) at Draftstars
AFL $3,000+ Friday Mini ($2 Entry) at Draftstars
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AFL Daily Fantasy Lineup Tips: Round 20 Friday
AFL Round 20 Friday: Where to Attack?
All eyes will be on the Essendon versus Western Bulldogs game for AFL fantasy strategy here. Stacking up the Western Bulldogs is going to be the clear strategy on this slate with the Bulldogs being over 50 point favourites. That means specifically load up on Bulldogs inside midfielders who should dominate this part of the ground where the Bombers are giving up over 7 points per game above league average over the last 10 games (third most in the league). From here we move to the forwards, and anytime you are expected to win by nearly 10 goals, the forwards should take advantage. The Bombers have been a good team to target, giving up over 2 points per game above league average to key forwards and slightly above league average to general forwards.
It doesn’t end here though, because the Bombers have been giving up an unbelievable 15 points above league average to the designated kicker over this same time period which is only behind the Tigers in the league. They are also giving up over 9 points per game above league average to general defenders, so you can really stack the Bulldogs players across all positions.
If you are looking for a traditional game stack where we stack the Bombers backs to offset the Bulldogs midfielders and forwards this works as well. The Bulldogs give up slightly above average fantasy points to attacking half backs, general defenders and designated kickers.
In the other game you can look to stack up attacking half backs against the Swans who have been giving up over 7 points per game to this position. GWS don’t concede to any positons apart from ruck where they give up the 6th most points in the league.
Game Script – Western Bulldogs midfielders and forwards, Essendon backs
AFL Round 20 Friday: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Caleb Poulter ($7,250) is one of the perfect options to target, assuming he isn’t the sub. With Sam Davidson out there should be opportunity open on the wing, which has been Poulter’s best position historically. While he doesn’t get to the senior level as much these days, he has shown ability in the right matchup to hit the 100 point mark, so I love this play at this price point for the upside.
Xavier O’Halloran ($9,930) has been consistently seeing over 60% of the Giants centre bounces for the last three games and this has produced an average of 81 points over this period including a high of 107 points. This makes for a solid value play given the role on a two-game slate where finding value will be a challenge.
AFL Round 20 Friday: Our Mid-Priced Fantasy Picks
Ryley Sanders ($10,300) has shown the ability to hit huge scores this season in the right game. He posted a 130 point game against St Kilda earlier in the year and a 100 point game the next time they played the Saints. The Bombers shouldn’t pose much difference in terms of opposition, and I expect a full fill up across the board for the Bulldogs. Also if this game gets out of hand, Sanders will likely see more opportunity in the midfield.
Aaron Naughton ($10,700) has been one of the form key forwards in the competition over the last four games kicking a total of 15 goals and averaging 93 fantasy points, including two games over 100 points. As outlined in detail above, this matchup will suit the Bulldogs key forwards down to the ground with the Bombers not having enough matchups for both Naughton and Darcy. Of course, if you want to spend up further, Sam Darcy ($13,930) is another elite option on this slate.
AFL Round 20 Friday: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Matthew Kennedy ($14,950) has had a career season this year for the Bulldogs and his price has dipped slightly after a 30 point game two weeks ago against the Crows. I expect him to be back to his best in this matchup and offers the best value of the Bulldogs midfielders at this price point. He posted 113 points when the Bulldogs met the Bombers earlier in the season.
Tim English ($17,260) will get one of the best matchups in the league for a ruck on this slate against the 100 year old Todd Goldstein. The Bombers have been giving up over 8 points per game above league average and English has been in elite form averaging over 112 points per game from his last 6 games, with just one game under 100 points from his last 7 matches.
Heres our Suggested Draftstars Lineup for AFL Round 20 Friday
Weather Report Friday July 25th 2025
Melbourne – perfect weather all year round at Marvel Stadium!
Sydney – 18 degrees and mostly sunny. Great winter football conditions.
AFL Betting Markets Round 20 Friday
Essendon ($11.00) vs Western Bulldogs ($1.04)
Points: 177.5
Line: Western Bulldogs -52.5
GWS Giants ($1.49) vs Sydney ($2.65)
Points: 167.5
Line: GWS Giants -12.5
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!
