Fantasy draftees (L-R): Nick Daicos, Ben Hobbs, Neil Erasmus. Pictures: AFL Photos / fremantlefc.com.au

PICKING the highest-earning cash cows is an important part of playing Toyota AFL Fantasy Classic, but for Keeper Leagues in Fantasy Draft, they can help set you up for a dynasty.

Keeper leagues were introduced last season to the AFL Fantasy platform. In this format of Fantasy Draft, coaches will draft their squad and have the ability to keep players from one season to another. Keeper (or dynasty) fantasy leagues are popular among different sports around the world, and some have been running for decades.

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The key for sustained success is making sure you’ve got the best kids coming through who will be stars of the future.

Collingwood’s Nick Daicos (MID, $284,000) is the most selected player in Fantasy Classic and will be hot property in keeper leagues. The fourth selection in last year’s NAB AFL Draft averaged 136 Fantasy points from his five games in the NAB League to have the highest 2021 average of all draftees.

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It’s not just his Fantasy game that’s going to see him get picked up across Fantasy leagues this year. The father-son selection is a good chance to play in round one and the Pies have already suggested Daicos would be playing a half-back and midfield role. Music to the ears of many as this likely to be Fantasy friendly.

FANTASY FREAKO'S ROOKIE NOTES 22 cash cows to keep tabs on

NAB League scores can be a guide as to see how the new draft class perform against their peers, state league scores can often be a truer representation. No, the points may not correlate when they play up a level in the AFL, but it can indicate whether they are an accumulator in their given role.

Over the years, Fantasy Classic coaches have looked at mature age recruits as their cash cows. Like Daicos, WAFL star Greg Clark (MID, $190,000) could make an impact when he makes his debut for the Eagles. Keep an eye on how he progresses after sustaining an injury that saw his arm in a sling following the intra-club match. 
 
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The 24-year-old had a fantastic season for Subiaco, averaging 28 disposals and 114 Fantasy points. He recorded 26 disposals, six marks, two goals and a whopping 14 tackles in the WAFL Grand Final to collect him 155 Fantasy points.

Similarly, No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis (MID, $290,000) played at state level, representing South Adelaide in the SANFL.

Jason Horne-Francis during a North Melbourne pre-season session at Arden Street Oval on January 21, 2022. Picture: nmfc.com.au

Although he doesn’t make the top 25 averaging draftee table below, the new Roo averaged 74 Fantasy points from 20 games for the Panthers as an 18-year-old which should hold him in good stead for his debut season.

Horne-Francis was outstanding in the SANFL preliminary final against Glenelg, finishing with 24 disposals, three goals and 112 points.

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Panthers teammate Matty Roberts (MID, $224,000) also had senior experience, averaging 51 points from seven games with a two-goal game in the preliminary final for 74 points. The Swans have been known to play their kids, so he’s one to watch.

Junior scoring has long been a metric Fantasy coaches use to help justify selections. While there isn’t always a correlation, it’s some data that you can use to help make your calls in Fantasy Classic and while you’re adding kids to your Fantasy Draft keeper league.

The upcoming practice matches and AAMI Community Series games will shed some light on how the newbies will shape up and who could be looking at making a debut this year.

Download the Official Draft Kit compiled by The Traders for numbers of all draftees in both the national and rookie drafts from their primary competitions.

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Top 25 averaging Draftees

Player (Pick)

Club

Position

Classic Price

Primary Comp.

Fantasy

Games

Nick Daicos (4)

COLL

MID

 $284,000

NAB League

136

5

Connor MacDonald (26)

HAW

MID

 $240,000

NAB League

121

4

Greg Clark (62)

WCE

MID

 $190,000

WAFL

114

19

Neil Erasmus (10)

FREM

MID

 $272,000

WAFL Colts

111

4

Charlie Constable (63)

GCS

MID

 $513,000

VFL

111

9

Josh Ward (7)

HAW

MID

 $278,000

NAB League

108

5

Jake Soligo (36)

ADEL

MID

 $220,000

NAB League

105

7

Jase Burgoyne (60)

PA

DEF/MID

 $190,000

SANFL U-18

105

8

Hugh Jackson (55)

PA

MID

 $190,000

SANFL U-18

104

16

Angus Sheldrick (18)

SYD

MID

 $256,000

WAFL Colts

103

9

Arlo Draper (45)

COLL

MID

 $202,000

SANFL U-18

102

9

James Willis (32)

GEEL

MID

 $228,000

SANFL U-18

101

12

Harvey Harrison (52)

COLL

MID

 $190,000

SANFL U-18

101

17

Joshua Rachele (6)

ADEL

MID/FWD

 $280,000

NAB League

99

4

Zac Taylor (44)

ADEL

MID

 $204,000

NAB League

99

7

Mitchell Knevitt (25)

GEEL

MID

 $242,000

NAB League

96

9

Ben Hobbs (13)

ESS

MID

 $266,000

NAB League

95

6

Matthew Johnson (21)

FREM

MID

 $250,000

WAFL Colts

94

6

Taj Woewodin (65)

MELB

MID

 $190,000

WAFL Colts

94

15 

Brady Hough (31)

WCE

MID

 $230,000

WAFL Colts

92

11

Finn Callaghan (3)

GWS

MID

 $286,000

NAB League

89

6

Cooper Murley (49)

COLL

MID/FWD

 $194,000

SANFL U-18

88

4

Jack Williams (57)

WCE

RUC/FWD

 $190,000

WAFL Colts

88

15 

Joshua Goater (22)

NM

MID

 $248,000

NAB League

85

7

Garrett McDonagh (50)

ESS

DEF

 $192,000

VFL

85 

9

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