This Friday night of football for AFL Round 23 will feature two games. Essendon kick things off hosting St Kidla in a dead rubber at Marvel Stadium. Daily fantasy players will be absolutely licking their chops with this game as the fantasy scores will likely be through the roof. The Saints have been affectionately named, sideways Saints, as they rack up uncontested possessions without moving down the field at will.
The main event from a football perspective will be out west where Fremantle will host the Brisbane Lions. The Dockers have stormed into the top four and are currently stitting 2 permiership points above the Bribsane Lions, which means the winner of this game will be in the box seat to lock in a top four finish and the double chance in the first week of the finals.
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+ 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 23 Friday
AFL Fantasy Round 23 Friday: Where to Attack?
The focus here should be on the early game. In particular, Essendon, who have been giving up one of the highest amounts of fantasy points in the league over the last ten games. From an inside midfielder perspective they have conceded the third highest points in the league during this period at over 6 points above league average per game. Across the back line they are giving up a massive 13 points per game above league average to the opponents designated kickers (second most in the league), and this can be stacked with general defenders where they are also giving up the second most points in the league. Finally, up forward they are giving up the fourth most points in the league to key forwards at over 4 points per game above league average.
Meanwhile on the other side, the Saints are conceding a whopping 10 points per game above league average to wings and attacking half backs, which is just under 6 points per game higher than the second highest team in the AFL over this period.
In the other game we see two of the top teams and neither have any clear avenues of attack, notably the Lions have been one of the toughest teams to score against all season.
Game Script – St Kilda midfielders, key forwards and designated kicker / Essendon wings and half backs
AFL Fantasy Round 23 Friday: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Cooper Sharman ($8,560) is essentially the Saints number one target up forward now by default. This has produced varying results but as the season comes down to these dead rubbers against very sub par sides it is becoming a more viable option. Last week he posted a 97 point game against the Tigers, which wasn’t his highest score of the year (106 against Fremantle early in the year) so we know the upside is there. As we noted above, the Bombers have their troubles with key forwards and the Saints are just under 5 goal favourites in this matchup.
Alex Dodson ($6,000) will make his AFL debut this week after being drafted 53 by the Saints in 2024. He has had some eye catching performances at VFL level this season with two scores of 141 and 139 fantasy points from his last four outings. At the bare minimum price point and going into the game against the Bombers, who have given up the most points in the league to rucks over the last 10 games, he is a viable option. Obviously, if you would prefer to spend up at ruck the obvious alternative is to just roster Rowan Marshall ($17,280) who will also benefit from the elite matchup and has been back to his absolute fantasy monster best in recent weeks with of 135 and 142 over the last two rounds.
Jade Gresham ($9,300)… the Bombers are plugging their midfield with anyone right now and it won’t get any easier this week with Zach Merrett adding to their injury woes. Two weeks ago Gresham was heavily featured in the middle starting at 45% of their centre bounces, before that number reducing to 14% last week. Over those two games he posted scores of 87 and 74 so he should be considered as a play again this week. Isaac Kako ($6,930) had plenty of centre bounce opportunity last week at 69% attendance, but it didn’t amount to a fantasy return, however if he was to receive this again this week it would still be worth considering.
AFL Fantasy Round 23 Friday: Our Mid Price Fantasy Picks
Hugo Garcia ($10,570) was provided with a full time midfield role for the Saints last week attending over 70% of their centre bounces and returning 101 fantasy points. Now everything about last games scores should bed asterixed given it was most likely the highest fantasy scoring game by a team all season. However, there is no reason to believe this game will be much different. Garica should hold his role and at this price point in this matchup a 10x return is right on the cards.
AFL Fantasy Round 23 Friday: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($18,030)… what more is there to say here. Maybe the most exciting player in the league to watch right now and the in-form player of the competition. There probably isn’t a safer 100 point game although you will need much more at this price point. Will the Bombers bother with a tag on him at this point in year?? It remains to be seen. Nasiah has posted a 123 point per game average over his last 6 games, that included scores of 147 and 151. He also was taking the majority of the Saints kick outs last week and as we noted above, the Bombers are giving up a boat load to designated kickers.
Here's our Suggested Draftstars Lineup for AFL Fantasy Round 23 Friday
Weather Report for Friday 15th August
Marvel Stadium – perfect weather all year round!
Perth – 17 degrees and mostly sunny. Great winter football conditions.
AFL Betting Markets Round 23 Friday
Essendon ($4.60) vs St Kilda ($1.20)
Points: 169.5
Line: St Kilda -28.5
Frematnle ($1.81) vs Brisbane ($2.04)
Points: 167.5
Line: Fremantle -2.5
Also, be sure to check out our full AFL Friday Preview and Betting Tips for each match. Our experts break down each individual game and highlight some key bets that you can follow!
