As we embark on another AFL Fantasy season, I wanted to quickly reflect. 2026 is my 10th year writing for DT Talk and it’s my 8th season covering the cash cows for the AFL Fantasy community. In that time, I have written articles for this website: from a cabin in Canada, until 3 AM in order to meet a preseason deadline, on my phone during a bucks party bus trip, during relief lessons while at “work”, from the passenger seat of my car while my brother drove us to Dad’s 50th birthday party. You get the idea. For the past decade, it has been a privilege to guide fantasy fanatics towards the correct players, and I hope I can once again steer you towards success in the upcoming season. Thank you for reading my hard work over the last 10 years and thank you Warnie for replying to my email a decade ago – now onto the important stuff!

2025 was a year of firsts in the cash cow landscape. It was the first time we saw a club hand 15 players an AFL debut, while another team failed to play ANY debutants – something that has never happened in V/AFL history before. We could be on the verge of witnessing history during the new fantasy season as well. Will we see a rookie earn TPP for the first time? Will someone *cough Jagga Smith cough* challenge Michael Barlow’s insane first-year average of 109.8? Will West Coast’s cash cow class go down as the best a single team has ever provided us with? All these questions and more will be answered over the next 165 days, but right now, we need to zero in on our starting picks.

Opening Round has given us a solid platform to launch from and there are a handful of cash cows who have essentially picked themselves thanks to their scores last weekend. The rest of the sub $400K club is just as important though, with every coach eager to get their season off to a flying start. In years past, I have tried to strike the right balance between highlighting rookies we should start the season with, while also discussing season-long prospects within my rankings. For 2026, I have given a heavier weighting towards starting picks for your team in AFL Classic. However, there is a bunch of information on ALL the cash cows who may play an important role this fantasy season. So make sure to check back in on this page during the season if you want to have a successful campaign. Keep a cool head over the next few days as our players become locked in and good luck for the season ahead!

Rookies/cash cows are typically defined as players priced at $400,000 or lower to commence the season

Fry’s Cash Cows – 2026 Rookie Watchlist

DEFENDERS

1. Josh Lindsay, Eagles

AFL Fantasy Price: $278,000
Preseason Score: 76 from 87% TOG
2024 Average: 74.8 from 4 U-18 champ games; 75.8 from 6 Coates Talent League games

I’m all in on Josh Lindsay. Yes, I know there are a lot of mouths to feed in West Coast’s backline, but the development of the 19th overall pick should quickly become a priority for Mini McQualter. Expect the footy to spend tons of time in defence for the Eagles in 2026 and as a result, Lindsay should have every opportunity to score. An average in the mid 70’s in his final junior season doesn’t jump off the page however, the former Geelong Falcon was labelled as one of the best ball users in the entire draft class. He’s sitting at D6 for me right now and I believe he’ll be able to put up some serious numbers in his first pro season.

2. Lachlan Blakiston, Bombers

AFL Fantasy Price: $399,000
Preseason Score: 86 from 81% TOG
2025 Average: 79.3 from 3 WAFL games, 50 from 1 VFL games; 38 from 11 AFL games

Narrowly scraping into the cash cow price bracket, Lachlan Blakiston has quickly established himself as a must-have starter. The mid-season recruit began his AFL career playing as a key back, although a strong summer has Blakiston poised to start 2026 as Essendon’s R1. He has already shown in the preseason that he can hold his own in the ruck – outduelling Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall in their AAMI matchup for a score of 86. Let’s hope he can make some convenient cash and score in big doses while Nick Bryan continues to rehab his torn ACL.

3. Lachie Jaques, Bulldogs

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Opening Round Score: 76 from 76% TOG
Preseason Score: 63 from 79% TOG
2025 Average: 70.8 from 20 VFL games

There is a bit of recency bias here, but Lachie Jaques had already generated plenty of buzz as a cash cow before Opening Round. He showed promising fantasy potential in the VFL last year and earned praise from his teammates throughout the summer. A 76-point outing against the reigning premiers on Saturday forced the hand of non-owners, with Jaques now residing in over 40% of teams. He will have to contend with Bailey Dale and new recruit Connor Budarick for touches in the backline, although the halfback flank position in Bevo’s best 23 appears to be Jaques’ to lose. He should rack up enough +6’s to stay relevant as a rookie for a decent stretch of the season.

4. Sam Grlj, Tigers

AFL Fantasy Price: $322,000
Preseason Score: 39 from 67% TOG
2025 Average: 57 from 4 U-18 champ games; 80.4 from 7 Coates Talent League games; 72.5 from 2 VFL games

At times this preseason, I’ve flirted with putting Sam Grlj at No. 1 in my DEF power rankings. The uber-exciting Tiger is another teenager who should get ample opportunity in his first pro season. Known for his attacking flair and pace, Grlj is set to start life as an AFL footballer in defence and there is enough optimism to suggest we should find room for him in our starting squad. The big question surrounding Grlj is whether he’ll accumulate enough touches to maintain positive cash generation. There may be some scoring lulls throughout the 2026 campaign, but I believe he’s worth paying up for.

5. Jai Serong, Swans

AFL Fantasy Price: $274,000
Opening Round Score: 72 from 84% TOG
Preseason Score: 62 from 85% TOG
2025 Average: 89.4 from 20 VFL games

I’ll admit it, I was ready to draw a line through Jai Serong as a starting pick. Fast forward to the end of Thursday night’s game and the discarded Hawk was everyone’s new D8! A 54-point first half against Carlton raised the eyebrows of every astute fantasy coach and it appears as though Serong will take up residence on a wing for Dean Cox. It shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to see him succeed, with Serong chalking up 14 scores of 100+ across the last two VFL seasons (34 games). Don’t expect him to score like his brother Caleb, but Jai has all the tools to become the newest cash cow out of Sydney.

6. Zeke Uwland, Suns

AFL Fantasy Price: $346,000
Opening Round Score: 42 from 62% TOG
Preseason Score: 33 from 67% TOG
2025 Average: 67.5 from 4 VFL games

Are we looking at Finn O’Sullivan 2.0? With each week that passes, Zeke Uwland’s fantasy stocks continue to drop and a lot of coaches are now questioning whether the Gold Coast phenom deserves to be in their initial side at all. Scores of 33 and 42 as an AFL footballer aren’t great to look at and a time on ground percentage in the 60’s is just as worrying. As I mentioned on the podcast with Warnie, I won’t be shocked to see the Suns take a cautious approach with Zeke to start his career and low fantasy output should follow. Still, he is an immense talent and a pop score of 75-80+ early on in the season with silence the doubters. Hopefully…

Best of the rest – Defenders

Jacob Farrow (Bombers, $314K) – Through no real fault of his own, coaches have cooled on Essendon’s first-round draftee. 29 points from 52% TOG in the preseason match wasn’t inspiring, but the West Perth product has displayed pinpoint accuracy when disposing via foot this summer and he is in line for an early debut. Don’t be surprised if Jacob Farrow has some reasonable scores throughout 2026 and rewards those who take the punt.
Josh Gibcus (Tigers, $230K) – If there was a shortage of defensive rookies, then Josh Gibcus might be getting a bit more love. However, as a tall defender, it’s hard to stand out from a fantasy standpoint. Gibucs has had his AFL career marred by injuries to date and other young guns have leapfrogged him on the depth chart. Hopefully he can string some regular games together this year, although I’m only expecting an average in the 40’s.
Michael Sellwood (Bulldogs, $230K) – Following a 61-point game against Brisbane, Michael Sellwood is finding his way into a fair share of starting teams. While the 2025 mid-season recruit managed to lay an impressive 7 tackles on debut, I have my doubts over his scoring consistency. Originally recruited as a midfielder out of Peel Thunder, it’s hard to see Sellwood excelling as a small defender for the Doggies. I understand the intrigue, but he’s one I’m currently fading.
Lachlan Carmichael (Bulldogs, $270K) – It’s possible that Sellwood remains a placeholder in Bevo’s backline until Carmichael is fit. If he were fully healthy, Carmichael could stake a claim for the No. 1 spot in the defensive rookie rankings after a stellar season at the junior level. He claimed MVP honours for the Allies in the U-18 carnival (95 AVG with 24.7 disposals per game) and posted the second-highest fantasy average in the Coates Talent League (109 AVG with 27 disposals per game – 19.7 kicks). A syndesmosis injury ruined his chances of being picked as a starter, but Carmichael’s fantasy pedigree means we need to launch once he eventually makes his AFL arrival.

Wade Derksen (Blues, $230K) – The Blues threw Wade Derksen an AFL lifeline a few weeks ago and he could play a role for us given his basement starting price. In the practice hitout vs Geelong, Derksen was everywhere during his 88% game time – racking up 83 points with 18 disposals and 8 marks. All signs point to the former Giant being more of a depth piece at Carlton and with Jacob Weitering fit, Derksen will likely start the season in the VFL. One to monitor.
James Leake (Giants, $262K) – Is it FINALLY James Leake season? In short, probably not. Thanks to a high amount of preseason injuries at GWS, Leake is in line to be a player who may benefit. He posted an encouraging 72 points in trying conditions during the AAMI hitout, only to then find himself in a familiar position as the first emergency for the Opening Round. Let’s hope he enters the fray right when we’re in need of a downgrade option.
Xavier Taylor (Demons, $310K) – I’ve been doing plenty of homework on Xavier Taylor in the lead-up to Round 1. Drafted 11th overall by the Demons, the intercepting DEF looked in line to fill the void left by Steven May and his solid junior numbers (73.2 AVG from 7 Coates Talent League games) indicated that he should be on our radar. However, Taylor failed to take the field in the weather-interrupted preseason match vs. Richmond, meaning he’ll probably start the season out of the AFL mix.
Max Kondogiannis (Bombers, $230K) – 🚨 DEBUTANT ALERT!! 🚨 I had to take big old Max Kondogiannis out of the deep dive section after the Bombers declared he would line up against Hawthorn. As a tall defender who averaged under 70 in the Coates Talent League and the U-18 Championships last season, you don’t need to find room for Kondo at this stage.

Deep Dive

We can’t fit all of these cash cows into our starting team. In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced defenders to consider throughout the season.
Dylan Patterson (Suns, $334K)
Bo Allan (Eagles, $246K)
Oskar Taylor (Giants, $294K)
Cooper Simpson (Dockers, $340K)
Matt Whitlock (Kangaroos, $230K)
Zane Duursma (Kangaroos, $325K)
Harrison Ramm (Power, $268K)

MIDFIELDERS

1. Jagga Smith, Blues

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Opening Round Score: 82 from 79% TOG
Preseason Score: 118 from 81% TOG
2024 Average: 94.2 from 4 U-18 champ games; 113.1 from 12 Coates Talent League games; 81.7 from 3 VFL games

One of the easiest starting picks we’ve had in recent years, Jagga Smith should be sitting at M7-M8 for every serious fantasy coach. His head-turning preseason has given us a small taste of what we can expect from Carlton’s ball magnet throughout the 2026 season. Harry Sheezel averaged a whopping 97.3 points as a rookie, with Nick Daicos coming close with an 86.8 clip in year one. Smith has a chance to seriously challenge those two legendary cash cows in his first pro campaign.

2. Willem Duursma, Eagles

AFL Fantasy Price: $350,000
Preseason Score: 67 from 78% TOG
2025 Average: 94.5 from 4 U-18 champ games; 106.4 from 13 Coates Talent League games; 79.5 from 2 VFL games

Indifferent would best describe my thoughts about Willem Duursma’s fantasy game this preseason. I’ve come around in the last week or so and I believe we should pay up for the latest No. 1 overall pick. A lot of the fantasy community is forecasting low team totals in terms of fantasy points for West Coast, but that doesn’t mean that Duursma won’t find enough of the footy to be a relevant rook. He chalked up stellar numbers in 2025 with Gippsland Power and Vic Country (106.8 AVG from 17 combined games), while holding his own at VFL level with 80 and 79 in his two games for Casey. Whether you choose to field him or bench him may be a week-to-week proposition, but either way, Duursma is worth finding room for in your initial squad of 30.

3. Tom Blamires, Kangaroos

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Preseason Score: 92 from 78% TOG
2025 Average: 92.4 from 21 VFL games

Talk about a pre-season bolter! Tom Blamires only became an AFL-listed player two weeks ago, and yet, that hasn’t stopped him from making an immediate and lasting impression. In North’s narrow preseason victory against Collingwood, Blamires thrived on the halfback line by gathering 24 possessions and forcing his way into nearly 30% of fantasy teams. It is worth flagging that Colby McKercher was missing from that lineup vs. the Magpies, although Blamires could still find a spot in the best 23. If he’s chosen to make an early debut, then the Frankston ball-winner should become a priority for your midfield bench.

4. Jack Carroll, Saints

AFL Fantasy Price: $332,000
Opening Round Score: 78 from 71% TOG
Preseason Score: 59 from 79% TOG
2025 Average: 81.8 from 12 VFL games; 21 from 3 AFL games

I initially had Jack Carroll somewhat making up the numbers in this midfield grouping. Now that his magnet has been moved to a +6 friendly role, we need to strongly consider paying up for the discounted Saint. On the back of his Opening Round performance, Carroll has seen his ownership increase by 20% and I am one of the coaches who has opted to shuffle my rookies to ensure he is in my outfit. There’s even merit in finding room for Carroll on our field if you’re looking at starting multiple cash cows in your MID line. Drafted and used as a midfielder throughout his AFL career to date, a switch to defence seems like the move that will unlock Carroll’s fantasy potential.

5. Dyson Sharp, Bombers

AFL Fantasy Price: $302,000
Preseason Score: 50 from 76% TOG
2025 Average: 106.8 from 4 U-18 champ games; 92 from 2 U-18 SANFL games; 60.9 from 9 SANFL League games

Essendon fans should be stoked to have landed Dyson Sharp in last year’s draft, with the inside bull set to start his AFL career splitting time between the midfield and half forward. That means FWD status should be a lock come Round 6, but it is also a tiny flag regarding Sharp’s fantasy output. He should produce points without much fuss and if any of the bigger names in Essendon’s midfield succumb to injury, then Sharp is in line to be a major beneficiary. Depending on how deep you are batting with midfield rookies, the bullocking Bomber might be on the outside looking in and he’s no guarantee for me a few days out from the first lockout.

6. Dan Annable, Lions

AFL Fantasy Price: $330,000
Preseason Score: DNP
2025 Average: 86.2 from 4 U-18 champ games; 114 from 3 Coates Talent League games; 75.8 from 8 VFL games

Dan Annable is the cash cow who I have struggled the most to place in these rankings. Chris Fagan and the rest of the Brisbane shot callers have been full of praise for their latest academy stud – even pumping up his tyres before he was drafted back in November. Despite all the positivity surrounding Annable, he faces an uphill climb to become a weekly starter at the Lions and may even register low TOG out of the gates. A calf complaint for Hugh McCluggage opens the door for Annable to make his debut this weekend and his impressive numbers suggest it would be foolish to ignore him. I’m just not convinced we’re going to see his full skillset in year one, given the top-tier talent Brisbane has at their disposal in the midfield. I hope he proves me wrong, because we can never have enough rookies and Annable may become a fix-up trade target following their Round 3 bye.

7. Sam Cumming, Tigers

AFL Fantasy Price: $326,000
Preseason Score: 11 from 12% TOG
2025 Average: 70.2 from 4 U-18 champ games; 86.6 from 5 U-18 SANFL games; 57.5 from 4 SANFL League games

If it wasn’t for a shoulder injury in the preseason clash with Melbourne, there’s no question that Sam Cumming would find himself higher in my midfield rankings. Arriving at Richmond with the 7th overall pick, the prized recruit will miss a month of footy and the fantasy community will be forced to wait before we see him unleashed. Once he does regain full fitness, then Cumming should become a sought-after player given the senior opportunities we expect Adem Yze to hand him. Make sure that you keep the talented Tiger in your thoughts when he becomes available for selection.

8. Jack Watkins, Power

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Preseason Score: 69 from 73% TOG
2025 Average: 98.4 from 18 SANFL League games

You could be forgiven for not knowing a lot about Jack Watkins. Frankly, I barely knew who he was and I consider myself an “expert” when it comes to cash cows! Let me quickly educate you – Watkins captained North Melbourne’s VFL side in 2023 and 2024 (averaging 89.3 fantasy points across those two seasons) and claimed back-to-back BnF wins, he then made the move to SA in the 2025 offseason, was selected in the SANFL team of the year last season (averaging 98.4 fantasy points and 27 disposals), earned a rookie spot at Port Adelaide and proceeded to gather 20 touches against the Eagles for a score of 69 a few weeks ago. I’m not convinced that Watkins will be picked early, but he could be handed a gig under Josh Carr in the not so distant future and emerge as Ollie Wines’ long-term replacement.

Best of the rest – Midfielders

Patrick Retschko (Tigers, $230K) – A month ago, it seemed like a formality that Patrick Retschko would appear in these rookie rankings. Fast forward to the present and he’s once again on the outs. Richmond made a late move for the one-time Geelong Cat late in the trade period, which led fantasy coaches to believe we would see Retschko getting plenty of run during the preseason. If he lights it up in the VFL he could become a potential buy, but I would proceed with caution.
Angus Anderson (Magpies, $230K) – Recruited out of the SANFL with a late draft pick, Angus Anderson is another basement-priced MID worth monitoring. The mature-ager posted a 92.5 point average for Sturt in 2025 and he managed to stand out during the scratchy with GWS while the Daicos bros were sidelined. When Collingwood inevitably opts to rest their older stars throughout the year to preserve their bodies, Anderson may get his chance to shine.
Charlie Edwards (Crows, $230K) – I wouldn’t get my hopes up if you’re expecting to see Charlie Edwards’ name on Adelaide’s team sheet come Thursday night. The third-year Crow is yet to break through for his first taste of AFL footy, however he is certainly trending towards having his boyhood dream realised. I fear that there he is still hovering on the fringe of being best-23 and Edwards’ job security will be shaky throughout the whole season.
Harry Schoenberg (Eagles, $320K) – Speaking of job security, former Crows midfielder Harry Schoenberg is also fighting to become a weekly contributor for an AFL side. Landing at West Coast in the offseason with one of their additional rookie picks, the now 25-year-old has put forth a solid block of work this summer and remains in the selection mix for Round 1. From a fantasy standpoint, I don’t think we can trust him especially with Schoenberg available only as a pure MID.
Josh Smillie (Tigers, $230K) – Prior to being selected in the 2024 draft, some considered Josh Smillie a chance of being the No. 1 pick and no matter how many injuries strike him down, the undeniable talent is there. The highly-touted Tiger is yet to play his first professional match and a niggling quad injury is going to keep him sidelined for at least a few more months. Let’s just hope he finally gets a chance to showcase it at the top level.

Deep Dive

We can’t fit all of these cash cows into our starting team. In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced midfielders to consider throughout the season.
Harry DeMattia (Magpies, $230K)
Luke Urquart (Kangaroos, $230K)
Adam Sweid (Dockers, $254K)
Harry Kyle (Swans, $298K)
Tyan Prindable (Magpies, $230K)
Luke Beecken (Lions, $230K)
Jack Dalton (Hawks, $230K)
Ollie Greeves (Hawks, $230K)
James Tunstill (Lions, $254K)
Ben Camporeale (Blues, $230K)
Sam Swadling (Magpies, $230K)

RUCKS

1. Lachlan McAndrew, Crows

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Preseason Score: 81 from 69% TOG
2025 Average: 96.8 from 16 SANFL games

Everyone should own Lachlan McAndrew by now. The Adelaide ruckman has overtaken Reilly O’Brien in the pecking order and a terrific summer has helped him become the 9th most selected player in the entire game. The conundrum every fantasy coach is faced with is whether to field him at R2 or play it safe and utilise him as your R3? I have jumped back and forth on where I sit in this discussion, although those who are considering investing in McAndrew as an on-field rookie should do so with some level of confidence. He averaged over 38 hitouts a game last year in the SANFL and he filled up the stat sheet in the AAMI matchup vs. Fremantle. It’s important to have a contingency plan in place in case ROB puts his name back in the selection frame, but make no mistake, McAndrew is a home run cash cow pick as long as he maintains the R1 role.

2. Cooper Duff-Tytler, Eagles

AFL Fantasy Price: $338,000
Preseason Score: 35 from 73% TOG
2025 Average: 77 from 4 U-18 champ games; 99 from 5 Coates Talent League games; 67 from 1 VFL game

I toyed with the idea of placing Zane Zakostelsky here, but the superior job security that CDT will (likely) maintain throughout the season sees him claim the No. 2 spot in the ruck rankings. West Coast spent an early pick on the guy who will hopefully become their hitout specialist for the next 10-15 years and Cooper Duff-Tytler has already shown glimpses of fantasy promise. A capable forward who will pinch-hit in the ruck during year one, CDT should be presented with as many senior games as he can handle in 2026. After he averaged 20+ disposals in the Coates Talent League, there is some optimism that Duff-Tytler can become a rare, relevant cash cow in the ruck department. He is hardly a must-have, with many considering it a win if the Eagles’ rookie manages to post a 45+ average.

Deep Dive

We can’t fit all of these cash cows into our starting team. In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced ruckmen to consider throughout the season.
Aidan Schubert (Hawks, $262K)
Mitch Edwards (Cats, $230K)
Kayle Gerreyn (Bombers, $230K)
Max Heath (Demons, $376K)
Callum Coleman-Jones (Kangaroos, $230K)
Oscar Steene (Magpies, $230K)

FORWARDS

1. Deven Robertson, Eagles

AFL Fantasy Price: $232,000
Preseason Score: 73 from 86% TOG
2025 Average: 102.3 from 15 VFL games; 15.5 from 4 AFL games

Over 60% of coaches are hoping a fresh start in WA is the blueprint to unlock Deven Robertson’s fantasy game. Luckily for us, he comes at a serious discount after Robertson failed to break into Brisbane’s AFL side with regularity. In fact, during six seasons with the Lions, he appeared in more VFL games (52) than he did AFL games (47), despite putting up outstanding numbers at the state level. For his career in the two’s, Robertson has averaged 103.5 fantasy points and over 26 disposals, which bodes well for his fantasy output in 2026. Leading all West Coast midfielders for CBA’s against the Power is a strong indication that Robertson will finally get the midfield minutes he has craved – making him an easy selection at F5-F6 to start the season.

2. Leo Lombard, Suns

AFL Fantasy Price: $230,000
Opening Round Score: 75 from 80% TOG
Preseason Score: 71 from 82% TOG
2024 Average: 90 from 9 VFL games; 23 from 4 AFL games

If you’re brave enough to rock two on-field rookies in your forward line, then Leo Lombard is the other clear-cut choice. Some would argue he deserves to be ahead of Robertson in these rankings and I can understand those who believe the second-year Sun is in for a ripper season. He has managed to hit the scoreboard consistently, kicking five goals in two appearances thus far and impressing with his attacking flair and toughness. Of course, it would be foolish to suggest that Lombard will maintain this pace and kick 45-50 goals for the season, but his recent output suggests he doesn’t need to kick bags to be an important source of cash gen. Projected to kick a goal or two a game and produce a fantasy average around the 65-point mark, Lombard is a lock for me.

3. Lachy Dovaston, Kangaroos

AFL Fantasy Price: $290,000
Preseason Score: 81 from 73% TOG
2025 Average: 67.2 from 4 U-18 champ games; 82.2 from 16 Coates Talent League games; 85 from 1 VFL game

While the high-point totals may not eventuate, it’s clear North Melbourne filled a massive void in their forward line by drafting Lachy Dovaston. The livewire small forward kicked 47 majors last year for the Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro, while also managing to hit the scoreboard in his lone VFL game for Box Hill. Aside from his innate sense for where the sticks are, what stood out to me was Dovaston’s tackling pressure as he laid 97 total +4’s in his 21 games last season. It wasn’t a coincidence that he also recorded 6 hugs in the preseason clash with Collingwood and while small FWD’s aren’t known for their fantasy scoring, Dovaston could buck that trend.

4. Latrelle Pickett, Demons

AFL Fantasy Price: $306,000
Preseason Score: 26 from 81% TOG
2024 Average: 57.3 from 18 SANFL Reserve games; 45 from 3 SANFL League games

Latrelle Pickett is another sub-six-foot excitement machine that was drafted in the middle of the first-round last November. He deserves more hype than just being labelled as ‘the cousin of Kysaiah Pickett’, with Latrelle making a name for himself with 32 goals in the SANFL reserves comp – including four on Grand Final day in Glenelg’s triumph. If you scored fantasy points for jaw-dropping highlights, then Pickett would go close to being the best forward on the board, but unfortuantely he is a low-possession winner and projects as a slow-burn cash cow at best. If you need to fill out your FWD bench, then there is merit in picking the Demons’ spark plug, although I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

5. Sullivan Robey, Bombers

AFL Fantasy Price: $318,000
Preseason Score: DNP
2025 Average: 89.2 from 9 Coates Talent League games

While he won’t be picked in our starting sides, we got news yesterday that Sullivan Robey is going to play VFL footy this weekend for Essendon. Not only is that great for the Bombers’ young gun, it could also soon be a welcome gift for fantasy coaches with Robey one of the biggest risers in the lead-up to draft night last year. The 192cm MID/FWD possesses all the traits to be an elite AFL contributor – highlighted by his monster 140-point game last August that included 40 disposals, nine marks and three goals. A back issue forced Robey to have his training loads scaled down during his first preseason and the fact that he’s taking to the park is a massive win. Let’s hope he can string 4-5 strong games together and become a downgrade target for us at an opportune time.

6. Ty Gallop, Lions

AFL Fantasy Price: $263,000
Opening Round Score: 64 from 80% TOG
Preseason Score: 45 from 86% TOG
2025 Average: 54.6 from 15 VFL games; 33 from 2 AFL games

Look, these are dirty areas to be shopping in. I thought about adding Brayden Cook or Todd Marshall at this spot, but I’ve gone rogue in the hopes that Ty Gallop can be a compelling money maker to start the year. It’s not a slam dunk choice to say the least, with Gallop boasting a fantasy average of 47.6 through his seven career games. It’s worth pointing out that the key forward has produced three scores over 60 in his limited time as an AFL footballer, with the sub vest accounting for some of those low point totals. Playing in Brisbane’s potent forward line should help Gallop flirt with a reasonable score each week, but he is just as likely to drop a 30.

Best of the rest – Forwards

Phoenix Gothard (Giants, $230K) – We are quick to identify the rookies who became must-have players after Opening Round. On debut, Phoenix Gothard was not one of them. He kicked an important goal in their victory over the Hawks and with the likes of Darcy Jones and Brent Daniels in street clothes, Gothard could continue to get senior games. Still, that doesn’t mean he needs to be in the mix for fantasy coaches.
Hussien El Achkar (Bombers, $230K) – Hussien El Achkar is a serious goal threat. After kicking 66 snags in 20 games at the U-16 level, “The Huss” maintained his form in the Coates Talent League with 19 goals in 2024 and 28 in the season just gone. However, he relies heavily on those goals to chalk up fantasy points. Poised to form a lethal 1-2 tandem with Isaac Kako, El Achkar will get his chance to debut in Round 1, but my advice is to leave him out of your fantasy side.
Brayden Cook (Crows, $334K) – Most coaches have probably invited Brayden Cook down to training during the fantasy preseason. He has certainly sat in my squad at times, with convenient MID/FWD status and the lack of an early bye adding to his appeal. However, I can’t trust Cook to perform and justify his starting price as it sits right now. He is a player I will be watching with a close eye against the Magpies in Round 1 though.
Todd Marshall (Power, $394K) – Born again as a backman, could Todd Marshall be a legitimate play? There are over 8% of coaches who currently think so and his eye-catching 82-point game vs. West Coast could be a sign of what is to come. Helping himself to 18 disposals and 10 marks in that clash, Marshall comes at a severe discount after a knee injury robbed him of the 2025 season. I can’t bring myself to do it.
Tobyn Murray (Dockers, $230K) – It’s possible that by the time you read this, Tobyn Murray has been picked to make his AFL debut on the weekend. Drafted out of Geelong’s VFL program, the 20-year-old could be lining up to take on the Cats after his impressive preseason with the Dockers. Don’t go expecting eye-popping numbers, with Murray producing an average of just 60.2 last season from his 17 appearances.
Finlay Macrae (Eagles, $293K) – If this bloke had a different surname, I swear I would have never written a word about him. But, Finlay Macrae finds himself a talking point in a rookie article once again – this time though, as a West Coast Eagle. There is a world where Macrae is picked by McQualter to take on the Suns in Round 1, although my mail indicates he’s behind a few on the depth chart. If we were playing WAFL Fantasy, he would be extremely relevant and I don’t think the change of colours is going to drastically change his fortunes.

Deep Dive

We can’t fit all of these cash cows into our starting team. In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced forwards to consider throughout the season.
Sid Draper (Crows, $307K)
Talor Byrne (Blues, $230K)
Jacob Newton (Eagles, $230K)
Toby Murray (Crows, $230K)
Mitchell Marsh (Crows, $266K)
Charlie Banfield (Saints, $230K)
Harvey Harrison (Magpies, $300K)
Jay Polkinghorne (Cats, $230K)

Fry

Australian coffee/burrito enthusiast and the frustrated owner of 16 fantasy teams. Writer for SportsbyFry and DT Talk 🤙