THE FIRST game of round 16 has been completed but don't stress if you forgot to get your fantasy squad in: Draftstars is here.
Draftstars is a daily fantasy platform that allows you to pick a team of AFL players and match up against other teams. It offers daily cash prizes in a range of different forms, so you can find the model you'd like to play and get involved.
Here's a rundown of this weekend's remaining AFL games and the players you might want to consider selecting in each contest in your nine-player line-up.
For more information about Draftstars, visit draftstars.com.au.
Geelong v Sydney Swans, Simonds Stadium, Friday
This looms as one of the games of the season so should provide plenty of interest for Draftstars coaches. Because of the quality of the players in this game, you'll need to carefully work your salary cap if you're looking to play a 'single' contest involving only Geelong and Swans players.
Patrick Dangerfield ($17,350, midfielder) is the obvious candidate if you are keen to select a marquee player because he is averaging a competition-high 118.1 points. But with a salary cap of only $100,000, it's important to see how many points a player averages per thousand dollars he costs. For Dangerfield, it's 6.8 points.
In that sense, fellow Cats star Mitch Duncan ($13,850, midfielder) might be a better option because he is averaging more points per dollar at a lower price. Mark Blicavs ($13,950, midfielder) and Nakia Cockatoo ($8150, forward), in his return to the senior side, might be other Cats to consider.
Swans midfielders Luke Parker ($16,000) and Dan Hannebery ($16,400) are there to grab if you're after an almost guaranteed 100-point game, but for a little less Kieren Jack ($13,550) is also averaging nearly 90 points a game. He'll be keen to put a big week behind him with a starring performance in his 200th game.
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood, Spotless Stadium, Saturday
All eyes will be on Collingwood star Adam Treloar ($16,600, midfielder) in Sydney on Saturday afternoon as he takes on his old team GWS. He's a match-winner and will rise to the occasion, so should be on your radar.
Remember, you need to take one ruckman into your Draftstars battle, and you should think hard about Brodie Grundy ($13,850, ruck). The young Pie is averaging nearly 92 points a game so would be a high-end choice, but may give your side a unique big man. Back him in against Giants big man Shane Mumford ($12,800 ruck).
Another youngster at Collingwood worth adding to your line-up is defender Jonathon Marsh ($8900). Marsh has hit form recently and is averaging the most points per thousand dollars of any Magpie (eight).
The Giants also have a surprising player topping that statistic, with running defender Zac Williams the best value choice. He'll set you back $12,400, but will bring in on average more than 87 points a game. Clever forward Devon Smith ($10,500) is back from injury but we wouldn't go with him just yet – if you're looking for a Giants forward, Toby Greene ($14,050) is the one you should pick with an average of 95 points.
Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions, Metricon Stadium, Saturday
Lions captain Tom Rockliff ($15,150, midfielder) is the player to watch here. There have been questions around his future at the club this week and he has promised a physical display against the Suns, so he will be keen to back up his words. But if you're looking for cheaper midfield options, Pearce Hanley ($12,350, midfielder) may be better value.
First-year forward Eric Hipwood ($6850) is a solid option if you get to your last forward or defensive spot and are searching around for a player. He's averaging 54 points but has a breakeven of just 43 this week which means the Draftstar formula will likely see him jump in price next round.
If you're keen on Gold Coast's Aaron Hall ($15,300), you might prefer to grab him as a forward instead of a midfielder. He's back in the side and back in form. Second-year forward Peter Wright ($8900, forward) might also offer your side a point of difference after starring with 88 points last week against St Kilda.
Western Bulldogs v Richmond, Etihad Stadium, Saturday
We loved what we saw from Clay Smith ($8700, midfielder/forward) last week for the Bulldogs, and he should be on your radar as a cheap option in two parts of your squad. Smith is back from his run of knee injuries and was terrific last week with 69 points.
Caleb Daniel ($11,800, forward) isn't getting as much love as he might deserve for the NAB AFL Rising Star award, but the diminutive Doggie is blitzing the fantasy scene and averaging 83 points a game.
It's hard to know what you'll get from the Richmond players, aside from perhaps star Dustin Martin ($15,400, forward/midfield), who is averaging 102 points an outing. Anthony Miles ($13,850, midfielder) and Shaun Grigg ($14,600, midfielder) are also averaging more than 90 if you are searching for an unheralded type to bring home the win.
Melbourne v Fremantle, TIO Stadium, Saturday
Everyone loved seeing Jayden Hunt ($7250, forward) stream down the wing in the Demons' loss to Adelaide last week, but it would be risk adding him to your Draftstars side. As coach Paul Roos said after the game, Hunt was great, but he only had 14 touches. Hold off for now.
Unfortunately Freo's Michael Barlow ($14,600, midfielder/forward) is out with a broken finger, so look elsewhere for your high-scoring Freo players. Michael Walters ($12,850, forward) might fill the breach in one of your forward positions.
Carlton v Adelaide, MCG, Sunday
Adelaide goalkicker Josh Jenkins ($11,950, forward) booted five majors the last time these sides met and will be hard to shut down on Sunday for the Blues. He finds a way to hit the scoreboard on a regular basis and has been a multiple goalkicker nine times this season.
Running defender Rory Laird ($14,150, defender) continues to post big numbers and should come into contention for a backline position, while Sam Jacobs ($13,850, ruck) presents as a good option for teams with an average of 91 points.
Everyone loved seeing Jack Silvagni ($9350, forward) debut for the Blues last week against Collingwood, and He enters this weekend as the second-best Blue in terms of average points per thousand dollars in cost. Kade Simpson ($14,700, defender) is at the other end of his career but continues to average more than 100 points an outing without fuss.
Bring Simpson in and have no worries he'll perform for you in whatever type of Draftstar contest you're playing – be it single games, turbo or double up matches, or even the live draft contest, which is coming soon.
West Coast v North Melbourne, Domain Stadium, Sunday
West Coast has had a clear advantage over North at Domain Stadium, winning five of its past six contest with the Roos in Perth. That's something to keep in mind when choosing players from this game to make up your Draftstars line-up.
Patrick McGinnity ($10,000, forward) came into the Eagles' side for the first time this season last week and kicked four goals against Essendon to score 83 points. But it would be a risk to pick him on that performance – his previous best haul was two goals.
Against a far better opposition it's smarter to play it safer. So look at the likes of Luke Shuey ($14,500, midfielder), Andrew Gaff ($14,050, midfielder) or maybe even Chris Masten ($11,350, midfielder) to help fill the void.
The vast expanses of Domain should suit North Melbourne's hard-running forward Mason Wood ($11,000, forward/midfielder), who has turned heads in recent weeks. Averaging 77 points, Wood is great value at seven points every thousand dollars he costs.
North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow ($12,400, midfielder) reaches his 200-game milestone against the Eagles, so will be primed for a strong outing. Swallow brings a consistent score without a hefty price tag.
Essendon v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Sunday
Plenty of teams have loaded up against the struggling Bombers this year, and the Saints should do the same on Sunday. You can't bank on too many Bombers to perform this year, except perhaps Zach Merrett ($16,500, forward/midfielder), who is averaging 114 points a game.
Essendon will battle to find someone to go with St Kilda star Jack Steven ($16,000, midfielder), and he'd be expected to reach his breakeven of 100 points. Nick Riewoldt ($15,750, forward) is another obvious choice if you're filling up with Saints.
But Draftstar takes a little more nous than that, so look around and find guys like Seb Ross ($14,750, midfielder), who flies under the radar but is averaging 98 points a game.
With David Zaharakis ($13,900, midfielder) out due to suspension, there's not much else to like about Essendon in the fantasy stakes. Steer clear if you can.