Bailey Dale – Deck of DT 2025

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Why should I pick him?

Bailey Dale seems to be a forgotten man in the early AFL Fantasy season, sitting in just 1% of teams at the time of writing. Defence has been a challenging position to find value in among the top-tier players this season. Popular options like Harry Sheezel, Nic Martin, and Flanders are projected to move away from the half-back role, which previously delivered massive scores. Similarly, Lachie Whitfield’s averages have declined, and his injury history is a concern. Luke Ryan left a sour impression last season, Docherty’s return could cut into Nic Newman’s scoring, and Zorko’s age makes him a risky choice.

Instead of paying a premium for a top-tier defender this season, it might be wise to look one tier lower — enter Bailey Dale.

Like many Bulldogs players, Dale’s Fantasy value has suffered in the past from being “Bevo’d.” For example, in Round 4, he was inexplicably played as a forward, resulting in a disappointing score of 47. The following week, he wore the green vest and was subbed on late, managing only 14 points. However, after this rough start, Dale went on a nine-game streak averaging 111 points, including his season-high score of 160 in Round 6 — a ceiling very few defenders can reach.

Dale surpassed 100 points in 11 games last season and dipped below 80 only three times after the sub-vest game. This consistency, coupled with his 160-point ceiling, makes him an enticing prospect.

Another factor working in Dale’s favour is the reduced competition for Fantasy points in the Bulldogs’ backline. In previous seasons, players like Ed Richards, Caleb Daniel, and Jason Johannisen all posted premium-level scores at times, but none emerged as a standout due to the crowded Fantasy scoring pool. With Richards moving into the midfield, Daniel leaving the club, and Johannisen struggling with age and injuries, Dale is now the Bulldogs’ undisputed quarterback. This role should give him the consistency he’s lacked in the past.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

Despite averaging over 97 points per game after his sub-vest debacle, Dale demonstrated a concerning floor at times. For example, in Round 22, he scored just 45 points — his lowest of the season. Such a score can be disastrous if you’re counting on a player to be among the top six defenders. It’s worth noting that he wasn’t tagged in this game; the Bulldogs were simply dismantled as a team.

Dale also showed vulnerability to opposition attention. In Round 11, he caught the eye of James Jordan but managed to fight through it, prompting Sydney to redirect their tag to Ed Richards and later Treloar (after Richards was injured).

The Bulldogs’ early-season fixture doesn’t do Dale any favours either. Four of their first six games would rank as “red” on the difficulty scale, although games against Collingwood (Round 2) and St Kilda (Round 6) could provide some relief. This challenging draw might lead to fluctuating scores early in the season, making it hard to gauge his form.

Finally, Dale isn’t a guaranteed top-six defender, nor is he significantly underpriced. With an awkward starting price and a career-high average of just 95 points, he carries some risk as a starting option.

Deck of DT Rating.

Queen

Bailey Dale ticks many boxes in a defensive line where underpriced premiums are hard to find. He doesn’t have an early bye and has the potential to deliver 6–7 points of value based on last season’s form. The key question is whether that value is enough. Would you be better off paying up for proven performers or looking for cheaper alternatives with more upside?

His early-season draw and low ownership percentage present both opportunities and challenges. While he may not have been on your radar initially, he certainly deserves consideration now.

If you want to hear more about premium defenders, check out the Ball Boys AFL Fantasy Podcast!

Mitch Casey

One half of the Ball Boys AFL Fantasy Podcast duo