Will Day celebrates a goal during the Opening Round match between Hawthorn and Sydney at the SCG on March 7, 2025. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

AFL FANTASY is back.

Even though we saw two games played over Opening Round, AFL Fantasy started with Richmond's upset win over Carlton on Thursday night.

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The Traders' Fantasy preview: Round 1

Calvin, Roy and Warnie talk you through all the news, captains and more

Trap or treat?

Who are some of the traps to avoid and some treats worth considering for round one?

Rowan Marshall (RUCK, $1,201,000) – TRAP
You can't pay over a million dollars for someone who hasn't played a single game this pre-season. Marshall is currently in 14 per cent of teams. If that's you … fix it now.

Nick Daicos (MID, $1,074,000) - TRAP
After opening his account with a score of 60, Daicos now has a breakeven of 173 and will start to bleed cash immediately. Consider starting someone else and pick him up at a later date.

Nick Daicos during the Opening Round match between Collingwood and GWS at Engie Stadium on March 9, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Will Day (MID, $760,000) - TREAT
Day started the year priced at an average of 74 and scored 129 in the Opening Round. The good thing is … his price won't move until this round ends. Get on now!

Sam Taylor (DEF, $528,000) - TREAT
A treat for those who like to play the breakeven game. Taylor scored 118 last week and now has a breakeven of -51. The flag is … that's his highest Fantasy score ever!

Popular rookies

  • Levi Ashcroft (MID, $328,000) – 78 per cent owned
  • Zach Reid (DEF, $230,000) – 59 per cent owned
  • Harry Boyd (RUCK, $230,000) – 55 per cent owned
  • Isaac Kako (MID/FWD, $304,000) – 51 per cent owned
  • Sam Davidson (FWD, $230,000) – 50 per cent owned

A wise man once said … "rookies dictate the structure of our teams". Selecting the right rookies from the start is the most important aspect of playing AFL Fantasy. Levi Ashcroft (MID, $328,000) at the top of the list heading into round one, but coaches may want to reconsider with the young Lion confirmed as the starting substitute.

Zach Reid (DEF, $230,000) is another popular option in defence after scoring 75 in the AAMI Community Series. This score now has some Fantasy coaches flirting with the idea of player the Essendon defender on their field.

During the week, Warnie released his ultimate rookie guide where he ranked his best rookie options across all positions. A must-read heading into round one.

Levi Ashcroft in action during the match sim between Brisbane and Gold Coast at People First Stadium on February 20, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Draft: One-week wonders

A strategy in Draft is to find one-week streaming options. This means finding a player who has low ownership (most likely on the waiver wire) and an option for a one-week play. You may require a player like this to fill any holes in your team while you wait for an injured player to return or for one of your players to gain dual-position status.

Here are some players with low ownership that might be worth a punt on for this week.

Jake Bowey (DEF) v Greater Western Sydney
After scoring a nice 95 in the AAMI Community Series, Draft coaches have let Bowey slip through to the keeper. He finds himself in only 10 per cent of draft leagues and is capable of hitting 80-plus on the MCG.

Aaron Naughton (FWD) v North Melbourne 
In the AAMI Community Series we saw Naughton look dangerous as a key forward, scoring 93 against the Hawks. If the Dogs kick away in this one, he could walk away nice a nice bag himself.

Aaron Naughton flies for a mark during the AAMI Community Series match between Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium on February 27, 2025. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Draft: Captain Smokies

In draft, every player is unique so it's important to think outside the box when it comes to finding a captain. Here are some smokies to consider if you're a lucky owner.

Rory Laird v St Kilda @ Adelaide Oval, Sunday 12:05pm ACDT
Everyone from the Power feasted against the Saints in the AAMI Community Series, especially those across half-back like Finlayson (115) and Evans (108). Laird could start with a bang!

Jarrod Witts v West Coast @ Optus Stadium, Sunday 3.10pm AWST
Witts scored 141 and 135 against the Eagles last year and this match-up doesn't get any easier for rucks. A great unique captain option in the final game of the round.

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Calvin's best captains

No.1 – Max Gawn v Greater Western Sydney @ the MCG, SUN 3.20pm AEDT
In Opening Round, GWS lost its main ruck, Kieren Briggs to concussion and then Darcy Cameron took over, scoring a massive 126. Gawn will have it all his own way at the MCG.

No.2 – Tristan Xerri v Bulldogs @ Marvel Stadium, SAT 7.35pm AEDT
Last year, rucks scored with ease against Tim English and in round 16, Xerri posted 129 against him. This tackling machine laid 14 in the AAMI Community Series and scored 133. 

No.3 – Jordan Dawson v St Kilda @ Adelaide Oval, SUN 12.35pm AEDT
Dawson is coming off a nice 135 in the AAMI Community Series and faces a team that gave Port Adelaide plenty of points. He averaged 119 at home last season and will be huge again.

No.4 – Dayne Zorko v Sydney @ the SCG, SAT 4.15pm AEDT
A tag is the only concern for Zorko but I love his ‘piggery’ so I’m backing him in. He dominated the Swans last season for scores of 127 and 131 … and this time it should be even easier.

No.5 – Lachie Whitfield v Melbourne @ the MCG, SUN 3.20pm AEDT
The Melbourne weather scares me a little here with plenty of rain forecast on Sunday afternoon. Whitfield scored 127 against Melbourne last year and on their day, the Dees can give up plenty of points.

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