Callum Wilkie leads his team out onto the field during the round seven match between St Kilda and West Coast at Marvel Stadium, on April 26, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
ANOTHER round is here and it’s time to set yourself Fantasy ready for what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
Even though we’ve jumped hurdle after hurdle this year, nothing can dampen the spirits of a determined Fantasy coach and our very own Roy is the ambassador of that group, leading the charge!<\/p>\n
FANTASY\u00a0LATEST Tips, strategy, draft, podcasts, more<\/a><\/p>\n Tonight, teams will drop and draft coaches will be holding their breath, hoping that Tim English (RUCK, $1,051,000) is going to return. English has been on the sidelines for three weeks and will be welcomed back into draft teams with open arms if he is named.<\/p>\n Also, keep an eye on his teammate Marcus Bontempelli (MID, $1,009,000) who is battling a knee injury of his own. Bontempelli has had limited training this week after getting through last weekend’s game for his score of 114.<\/p>\n Make sure you join The Traders tonight when they go live, covering all the important issues.<\/p>\n Trap or treat?<\/p>\n Here are some of the traps to avoid and some treats worth considering for the round ahead.<\/p>\n Callum Wilkie (DEF, $1,013M) – TRAP Finn Callaghan (MID, $955,000) – TREAT Hugh McCluggage (MID, $808,000) \u2013 TRAP Hugh McCluggage kicks a goal during the R7 match between Brisbane and Adelaide at the Gabba on April 26, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n Angus Anderson (MID, $440,000) \u2013 TREAT Samuel Cumming (MID, $343,000) – TREAT Most traded in<\/p>\n Patrick Retschko (MID, $338,000) After over 13,000 traded in Patrick Retschko (MID, $338,000) last week, another 22,000 have joined the gang in round eight. Retschko scored 91 last week, backing up the 65 he had in round six.<\/p>\n The time to grab Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (MID\/DEF, $1,013M) as a \u2018bargain’ is slowly running out. He’s dropped $150,000 from his starting price and is now rising in price each and every week. He has a great draw where he plays Carlton, Gold Coast and Richmond over the next three weeks.<\/p>\n Patrick Retschko during Richmond’s game against North Melbourne in R6, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n Most traded out<\/p>\n Lachie Jaques (DEF, $586,000) It’s that time of the year where coaches are looking to offload those rookies who might have \u2018maxed-out’ in price. Monitoring a player’s breakeven will assist with these decisions but at the end of the day, if it suits your structure and you’re getting a player you like, anyone can be traded.<\/p>\n After averaging 57 over his last three games, over 16,000 Fantasy coaches are cashing out on Lachie Jaques (DEF, $586,000). The serviceable rookie has been great, but coaches are moving him on to bigger and better things.<\/p>\n Lachie Jaques during the R2 match between Western Bulldogs and Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on March 20, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n Draft: One-week wonders<\/p>\n A strategy in draft is to find one-week streaming options. This means, finding a player who has low ownership (most likely in the free agents) and an option for a one-week play. You may require a player like this to fill any holes in your team while you wait for an injured player to return or for one of your players to gain dual-position status.<\/p>\n Here are some players with low ownership that might be worth a punt on for this week.<\/p>\n Josh Lindsay (DEF) v Richmond \u2013 Coming off 97, Lindsay is definitely an option for those running deep leagues. Sitting in seven per cent of drafts, he meets the Tigers this week at Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n Harry Rowston (MID) v Gold Coast \u2013 Good match-up this week and Rowston was awesome in round seven with a season-high 93. Sitting in six per cent of leagues, he’s another one for those deep drafts.<\/p>\n Jye Amiss (FWD) v Bulldogs \u2013 After Jeremy Cameron and Charlie Curnow combined for 17 goals against the Bulldogs in the last two weeks, have a punt on Amiss who is in less than five per cent of leagues.<\/p>\n Live Teams Show<\/p>\n The Traders will be live from 6.15pm AEST on Thursday to cover all the important ins and outs as teams are announced. They break down the popular trades, discuss captains and answer all your burning questions. Watch the Live Teams Show every Thursday night via AFL.com.au<\/a> and the AFL Live Official App and ask your questions in the comments.<\/p>\n Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at\u00a0Apple Podcasts<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n Calvin’s best captains<\/p>\n No. 1 –\u00a0Tristan Xerri v Geelong @ GMHBA Stadium, SAT 4:35pm AEST No. 2 – Marcus Bontempelli v Fremantle @ Marvel Stadium, FRI 7:30pm AEST No. 3 – Nick Daicos v Hawthorn @ the MCG, THURS 7:30pm AEST No. 4 – Luke Jackson v Western Bulldogs @ Marvel Stadium, FRI 7:30pm AEST No. 5 –\u00a0Bailey Smith v Kangaroos @ GMHBA Stadium, SAT 4:35pm AEST Get expert advice from The Traders during the season in the Fantasy Hub<\/a>. Follow AFL Fantasy on X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> and ‘like’ the Facebook<\/a> page to join in the conversation.<\/p>\n
Over 1200 coaches have traded in Wilkie this week and it’s easy to see why. He’s averaging 115 this year, but this is a timely reminder … you don’t get the scores he has already had. Spend that money wisely.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a player with a nice run then look no further. Callaghan plays Gold Coast, Essendon and West Coast over the coming weeks and it doesn’t get much better than that.<\/p>\n
He’s a trade target to keep an eye on, but since his return, McCluggage hasn’t played over 70 per cent game time. He’s been managed over the last three weeks and we can’t launch until this changes.<\/p>\n
It’s not too late to grab Anderson \u2013 but it needs to be done this week. With a breakeven of -6, Anderson has been sensational this year and find himself averaging 79. He’ll soon be over $500k.<\/p>\n
If you already have Retschko and even Anderson, then Cumming sits as the next in line. The No.7 draftee scored 58 last week and his appears job security appears strong. A worthy target!<\/p>\n
\nNasiah Wanganeen-Milera (MID\/DEF, $1,013M)
\nJason Horne-Francis (MID\/FWD, $941,000)
\nChristian Petracca (MID\/FWD, $958,000)
\nSamuel Cumming (MID, $343,000)<\/p>\n
\nTom Blamires (DEF\/MID, $549,000)
\nSam Grlj (DEF\/MID, $572,000)
\nDeven Robertson (MID\/FWD, $511,000)
\nJagga Smith (MID, $619,000)<\/p>\n
Xerri had it all his own way last year against Geelong with a massive 156. Coming off a huge 145, expect Xerri to dominate this match-up, just like Sweet (101) and Williams (115) have recently.<\/p>\n
In the last six games against the Dockers, Bontempelli has scored over 140 four times with 141 last season. Even with a sore knee, Bontempelli managed 114 last week and loves playing under the Marvel roof.<\/p>\n
Will be a very popular vice-captain option tonight and with an average of 127 next to his name, it\u2019s easy to see why. Daicos scored 88 and 128 against the Hawks last year, a team that can be tricky on their day.<\/p>\n
Grundy (116), Blicavs (93) and Meek (98) are the latest rucks to feast on Bulldogs and Jackson meets them in some hot form, scoring 135, 103 and 131 in his last three games. Getting the job done!<\/p>\n
North Melbourne is the hardest team to score against but that won\u2019t stop Smith at home where he has scored 145, 154 and 130 this season. He had 132 on the Roos in 2025 and continues to reward his coaches.<\/p>\n