Preliminary Finals have arrived and what a cracking two games we have! To make them even better, make sure you have filled up a couple of Draftstars teams to give you something else to cheer about.

Warnie and Calvin have crunched the numbers with their picks for the two games coming up.

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Good luck and please, gamble responsibly.

Melbourne v Geelong @ Optus Stadium
Friday Night Kitty: $100k

Isaac Smith (FWD/MID, $13,460)

After posting 106 on the Demons in round 23, Smith must be considered in your “hard to fill” forward line. Let’s not forget that this guy is one of most experienced finals footballers in the league and he proved that last week with 94.

Tom Sparrow (MID, $6,680)

Sparrow hasn’t put a foot wrong in recent weeks despite not playing many full games this year. His time on ground is a concern, however he scored 78 (v Bris) in the first final and even had 11 CBAs, the fourth most for the midfielders. In round 23 against the Cats he dominated as well with 74 and will be highly selected in this match-up. Do not let that turn you off though.

Max Gawn (RUC, $15,580)

Max is a BIG game player and in his last two games he has topped the scoring for the Demons. Here are his most recent and relevant games this year for this match-up.

Qualifying Final v Lions = 135pts v the Lions
Round 23 v Geelong = 139pts
Round 4 v Geelong = 123pts

If you need to squeeze coin, you could consider Stanley who had 80 in round 23 against Gawn and was impressive last week against Mumford with 123. He will save you $3.5k but also has the ability to score <60. Whereas Gawn will be 120 to 150 in this match-up.

Port Adelaide v Brisbane @Adelaide Oval
Saturday Night Kitty: $90k

Stefan Martin (RUC, $7,740)

Although it has been three months since he last played, the inclusion of big Stef allows us to save some coin in the ruck. He’s played just 44 minutes of senior footy in the last 134 days but will take the role as the No. 1 ruck. While his minutes may be limited, it is a final and he’ll be leaving it all out on the ground.

Riley Bonner (DEF, $10,690)

Dan Houston is probably the sexier name and the one coaches will pick as default, considering he’s so cheap but Bonner was great last time against the Dogs in R23 as they give up plenty of uncontested marks. He should have lower ownership and if he can replicate the 11 marks he took in the final game of the round, then he’ll help you be in the money.

Jason Johannisen (FWD, $6,790)

There’s not too many good reasons to pick JJ, but as one of the few players priced under-$7k that could do something, he’s worth a punt. It’s all stacked against him in a forward role as Port’s backline is pretty tough to score against based on the numbers this year. Just have in the back of your head his price is low due to being a sub and hope for one of those 70+ scores he is capable of producing. 

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