YOU ONLY have four more weeks to claim Draftstars glory this season, so make sure you're on top of things for the first round of the finals by checking out our fantasy cheat sheet. For more information, visit draftstars.com.au.
Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney, Thursday night, Adelaide Oval
The Crouch brothers – Brad (MID, $14,500) and Matt (MID, $15,100) – seem made for the finals, so would be excellent choices from a Draftstars perspective. They also enter September in top form, with Matt named an All Australian on the back off a 150-point effort last game against West Coast. Brad collected 133 points the same day.
The Crows were a little down on their usual output in that game against the Eagles two weeks ago, but Sam Jacobs (RK, $13,050) never really lets you down. The ruckman picked up 106 points – his 10th century of the season. He should be motivated for a big night against the Giants, too, given his lowest score of the season – a 65-point return – came in round one to GWS.
It's a midfielder's game, which makes Josh Kelly (MID, $14,550), Callan Ward (MID, $14,650) and Stephen Coniglio (MID, $12,600) three of the players most worthy of consideration from the Giants. Kelly is at the top of the list, having scored 105 last game and averaged 113 for the season. It's hard to see him pulling up now.
We tipped that Brett Deledio (FWD, $11,100) might be worth keeping an eye on as the finals approached, and the former Tiger showed why despite the Giants' round 23 loss to Geelong. Deledio scored 102 points – by far the best effort of his four games so far this season. He would be a slightly risky choice, but is coming good.
Geelong v Richmond, Friday night, MCG
One of the biggest questions in the daily fantasy world this week will be whether to select Joel Selwood (MID, $13,250) or not. After a month out with a serious ankle injury, you might have some reservations about whether he will be worth his hefty price tag. In short, don't hesitate. Pick him with confidence, as he thrives in the finals stage. He's also averaged 95 for the year.
The other Geelong candidates are obvious. Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $17,300) averages 120 for the season so you can't go wrong there, Sam Menegola (FWD/MID, $16,000) is an unheralded Draftstars gun and scored 131 against the Giants last game, while Scott Selwood (MID, $14,350) has also had a terrific season and is averaging 100 in 11 games. Then there's Mitch Duncan (MID, $15,000) with his 112-point average.
As for the Tigers, it's hard to go past the recently re-signed Dustin Martin (MID/FWD, $15,350). He has scored triple figures in six of his past seven games, and the one time he didn't, he still registered 99 points. But if you feel like everyone will have Dusty and you want a point of difference, Shaun Grigg (MID, $14,250) could be your guy.
Grigg has averaged 95 for the season and picked up a team-high 123 points in the Tigers' final home and away game against St Kilda. Toby Nankervis (FWD/RK, $13,100) is also in good form in the ruck after 119 points last week, while Dion Prestia (MID, $13,450) has (without too much attention) quietly pushed his average to 98 points in the past five weeks.
Sydney v Essendon, Saturday, SCG
Lookout Essendon if Lance Franklin (FWD, $14,950) comes ready to play like he did in round 23. 'Buddy' scored a mammoth 171 points thanks to his 10-goal haul which secured him the Coleman Medal, and he remains a consistent points-scorer. He's also got a very strong record against Essendon, so it's worth taking that into account.
So do some of the Swans' leading midfielders as well, and Luke Parker (MID, $14,750) and Josh Kennedy (MID, $15,350) will enter the contest after scoring triple figures in round 23 against Carlton. Zak Jones (MID/DEF, $10,800) and Callum Mills (MID, $10,550), both slightly cheaper defensive options, also scored well with 93 and 89 points respectively.
Michael Hurley (DEF, $14,150) will be back from injury and is averaging 101 over the past five weeks, but will he have to sacrifice some points if he's used to shut down Franklin? It's something Essendon is considering, so you should have it in the back of your mind as well.
There shouldn't be any such concerns about David Zaharakis (MID, $14,700), though. The midfielder has averaged an elite 109 the past five games and is in career-best form, while Zach Merrett (MID, $15,800) scored 144 in round 23 and is a jet. Brendon Goddard's (MID, $14,850) finals experience will also be important, and he picked up 129 points against Fremantle last game to seal Essendon's September spot.
Port Adelaide v West Coast, Saturday night, Adelaide Oval
You stick with the stars in the finals, so from a Port perspective Brad Ebert (MID, $13,850) and Ollie Wines (MID, $13,850) sit atop the bunch. Both gathered big scores in round 23 – Ebert's 121 points and Wines' 113 – while Paddy Ryder (FWD/RK, $13,450) scored 110 points and has averaged 91 for the year in the ruck.
If you're looking for a cheaper Power option in their elimination final against the Eagles, Sam Gray (FWD/MID, $13,000) could be your guy. Gray picked up a team-high 127 points in the Power's big win over Gold Coast in round 23, and although it was a season-high score for him, he had scored in the 80s in the previous two rounds so he can find the ball.
West Coast will lean on its guns if it's to get a win away from home, and there's few with more finals experience than Sam Mitchell (MID, $13,500). The former Hawk top-scored for his team in their vital win over the Crows in round 23 with 117 points – the best score of his 2018 campaign – and will be keen to ensure his career lasts another week.
Other Eagles to consider include Elliot Yeo (FWD/MID, $12,350), who has averaged 98.3 for the season, Andrew Gaff (MID, $12,750), whose 100.7 average is the best at the club, and also Jack Redden (MID, $12,500). Redden comes at a slightly cheaper price but has averaged 93 points in the past five games so has been in strong form.