Wired for Success - Picks for Round 5
Welcome to the Round 5 AFL Fantasy Draft waiver wire picks! As the season progresses, staying ahead of the competition is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re looking to plug a gap in your squad or uncover hidden gems, the AFL Fantasy waiver wire continues to be one of your most valuable resources. This week, we’re focusing on players who are still under the radar, owned in less than 30% of AFL Fantasy leagues, but have shown potential to provide significant value.
As the AFL Fantasy Draft season moves forward, the pool of available talent becomes smaller, making it essential to target the right players who can elevate your team. Whether you need reinforcements in the defender, midfielder, forward, or ruck positions, we’ve identified top options who could make a real difference to your squad in Round 5 and beyond.
Remember, while the most popular names are often tempting, it’s the undervalued players who can provide the greatest return on your AFL Fantasy Draft investments. So, let’s dive into the players who are under 30% owned and could give you a competitive edge heading into the next round!
Top Waiver Wire Picks by Position
Defenders
Strong defenders can anchor your AFL Fantasy Draft team, and Round 3 continued to showcase some exciting options. Here are the standout names:
Hollands (87) - Putting him in the defender section cause two weeks out from position changes you should start viewing him as a defender for making squad decisions. Based on poor form has found himself available in approximately 80% of leagues. As promising as this score is he needed two goals to get there and even though it was quite wet he was noticeably not as clean as others. Still will be a defender in two weeks so in a lot of those 80% leagues there are options that will be rostered that don’t have his potential. We’d take him over any other 60s or 70s you are getting in your defence so make sure you roster him now if that’s what your defenders are popping out before it’s too late.
Saad (83) - Really tried his heart out again and had a fifty point first half. Kick ins were shared around even more for Carlton which isn’t great for his floor but there only one score under 70 so far this season out of four games. As always, he won’t set the world on fire each week but has averaged 70+ the last four years and is doing it again so far this year. Sometimes knowing what you’ll get is nice and easier to plan around. Less risky option than Hollands if you’re picking between the two.
Williams (83) – Also available as a forward. Conditions really suited him tonight but what took our attention was he was back in defence to try sharpen up their disposal out of the back once Cowan went down and we all know how fruitful that can be for Williams. High on the watchlist now to see if that role holds.
Haynes (54) - Off our waiver watchlist as quick as he was on it. We know the conditions did not allow him to collect the marks he normally relies on but now has 3 scores out of 4 under 70 and we just can’t rely on that.
O’Sullivan (96) - Plenty was said about his big preseason by his teammates, and we’ve seen that convert to a fantasy score in 2/4 games so far. The most impressive thing about O’Sullivan is his large TOG (over 90% every game). We have to be careful not to overreact here as the Geelongs defenders did as they pleased in this matchup and all their scores were escalated by the sheer number of marks they took back there (Guthrie 17, O’Sullivan 13, Humphries 13 and Stewart 11)
Mullin (81) - The fact Oscar Mullin scored 81 points shows just how much the Geelong backline got to do whatever they wanted. Do not go there.
Worrell (58) - Until Nick Murray is back those with Worrell just have to hold. Those without can wait to see how he goes once Nick Murray returns.
Fletcher (101) - Putting him in the Defenders section cause two weeks out from position changes you should start viewing him as a defender for making squad decisions. Feasted on the young Tigers brigade. In 2024 he played 90% of his time on the wing and in 2025 he’s played 80% of his time in defence. So, defence status incoming.
This was the first time in his career hes had over 20 touches. There’s plenty of talent there but there’s also plenty of talent elsewhere in the Brisbane lineup. Has two scores over 80 (Eagles and Tigers) and two scores under 50 (Sydney and Geelong). There’s a pattern forming for when he performs well and unfortunately, he doesn’t verse weaker teams every week.
Trainor (74) - Back-to-back 70s for the Richmond rookie but considering he was never a scorer as a junior we can’t be recommending him to add depth to your backline.
Bice (125) - This was a very impressive four quarter game by Bice on just so many fronts. Marks taken wise, kicking efficiency wise, inside 50 delivery wise. Name it he had it and the broadcasters were all over him too. It’s hard to see how him, Blakey and Roberts all function down back but he won’t be going anywhere soon. After starting as the sub in round 1 he has played two full games and that included kicking a critical goal in the last against Freo when they got the win. He won’t be going anywhere in the short term, even with so many names to return at Sydney. You’d think he needs to play lockdown at times, but his now shown ceiling alone is enough to make it worth rostering him in deeper leagues.
Florent (91) - Nothing new for his role tonight but it was just him and Bice sharing it around instead of the normal combo of Blakey and Roberts. Florent had not scored over 70 before this game so we can’t be doing anything rash. It is worth noting that he scored 90 in two out of three games at Marvel last year. It’s also worth noting that he did have ten scores over 80 in general last year (two of which were 130+). Florent’s definitely on our watchlist and should be for the 80% of teams in leagues that don’t have him rostered. He is also a loop option next week in defence for Saturday lockout leagues.
Tucker (78) - That’s now back-to-back scores in the 70s for Tucker so he’s on our watchlist now as the ball continues to live in Norths back half in games.
Idun (100) - Last year Idun had a run of 8 games in a row where he scored 70+ and he averaged 78 post bye. Idun is available in over 80% of leagues and there are far worst and less reliable options that people are considering so those in need of a defender with limited more obvious options can look Iduns way.
Sinn (48) - Today was as good of a matchup and conditions that he could’ve asked for and he still didn’t deliver. Hes off the watchlist now.
Byrnes (79) - Putting him in the Defenders section cause two weeks out from position changes you should start viewing him as a defender for making squad decisions. Has always been capable without the high ceiling and no matter the matchup is punching out ~70 at the moment. One for deeper leagues but those ones can always use a 70 odd score through their defence on a weekly basis and Byrnes seems to be the man for that at the moment.
Wagner (16) - We were excited about what he is capable of but look hampered from the get go and ended up being subbed off as one of the many freo players that got injured today.
Midfielders
Scoring midfielders are the backbone of any successful AFL Fantasy team. Here are this week’s midfielder options:
Pendles (100) - We’ve fallen for the same trap, writing off Scott Pendlebury. After 26 touches and 68 points before the bye he bought tackles back in to the equation with 29 touches and 7 tackles. There was a low number of CBAs in the game, but he was well in the mild field mix which is tough to see as sustainable through the year.
Three Thursday/Friday night games in a row still to come so worth grabbing if you need a loop option for your bench if you have Saturday lockout settings.
Sidebottom (91) - Is going at 95 over his last 6 games of football. This is real. Actually, started off half back tonight but still moved into the midfield. Have to remind ourselves that he is 34 years old, and we’d clearly prefer him based on form over Pendles if you’re picking up one of the older brigade there at the Pies. Be surprised if he’s eligible for this article next week so we hope you got in while you can on your roster and there’s some juice left in the tank yet.
Lord (74) - Here’s a quick recap of Lords season. In round 1 he plays midfield and has 57 points in the first half. He was then substituted out on 70 points during the third quarter.
In round 2 he starts as sub and performs well when he comes on in the last quarter.
He is dropped for round 3.
In round 4 he returns, gets 30% CBAs and scores 74 (with a 50-point first half). The storyline has Ned Long vibes where he performs when called upon but if Carlton keep losing, they just have to give last year mid season draftee more of a shot so he’s on the watchlist.
Long (31) - Like Lord, is just chomping at the bit to get more of a go as every chance he has had performed really well. Has scored 90 in a full game, 72 when he started as a sub and came on early and now 31 in a quarter of football. One to keep an eye on for streaming purposes when the Pies inevitably rest their older brigade through the midfield. Averaged 102 in the VFL last year so has a good scoring pedigree.
Dempsey (103) - Rostered in only 20% of leagues, Dempsey seems to be a bit of a downhill skier at the moment when it comes to when he will score well as it’s only been in two big wins at home he’s produced playing on the wing. Might be turning into a bit of a Cattery specialist as well but unfortunately Geelong isn’t back there until round 9. Still a lot better than some other choices we have in our midfields at the moment.
Bowes (82) - It’s been a weird season for Bowes as they try to find the right spot for him within the mix. The good news is every game the CBAs have been increasing, and Friday night was his lowest TOG of the year (64%) but highest CBA percentage of the year (45%). Needed two goals to get to 82 so he’s only on our watchlist for now as really needs an injury to the Geelong midfield to become a viable/reliable option.
Langford (36) - Role was definitely there with 60% CBAs but like a lot of his teammates just couldn’t get his hands on the ball. Team needs to improve for his scoring to improve but he stays on our watchlist for one more week.
Peatling (112) - No doubt due to form and not potential but over 70% of leagues haven’t rostered him so he remains eligible for this article. With Crouch out he was looking the best candidate for the CBA bump, but he actually had his second lowest percentage of the year (30%). It was Sid Draper who got the bump in there so all this was down to was Peatling play a terrific game off the half forward line. Will get swooped up but there’s nothing to suggest we won’t still see the low scores from him throughout the year. Still remains a chance for forward status so if that’s what your team needs, I’d consider him even more of other potential mids in this column.
Cumming (97) - Another that had his best game for his new club. The ball was caught on his wing for a lot of the game, and he made the most of it. With two games of 50 or less still can’t be trusted.
Clohesy (28) - Really let us down this week after delivering on the preseason promise last week. Was dominated on his wing and we did not see this floor coming. Will need to perform consistently to be trusted again.
Ashcroft (82) - Again the opponent helped, and he got a natural bump from all the extra points going around. Still isn’t in the CBA mix at Brisbane and until we see that bump up, we have other options ahead of him.
Dow (78) - Dow had 22 CBAs today which is his highest market share of the year to date. This puts him on to the watchlist as if he can maintain something close to this.
Mcintosh (49)- Mcintosh himself had 17 CBAs for the game before he was subbed off in the last quarter. So much promise and the role was there again today but he just didn’t deliver to the level he has been. Fair enough if you drop him to find other options this week but he has produced 3 scores over 70 before this including an 88 and a 100.
Sheldrick (51) - Scored 51 points as the sub in the last quarter. We all know hes let us down already once this year, but we’d hate for you not to realise he did that this weekend as it proves the scoring he is capable of. Too many names to come back at the Swans still for us to think it can turn into anything we can trust at this point.
Reid (64) - The defence role was touted by McQualter in the press conference last week and we got to see it play out today. He got going in the second half with 18 of his 25 touches coming then and even had two kick ins (one of which went straight to the opposition). Found himself working the wings at time but still, this role is much more promising for him as an option so he’s staying firmly on our watchlist to see what shape the role takes.
Baker (84) - Got his first full game today and avoided the sub vest. Was really charged up and got right in Serongs grill too and the aggressive style seem to translate to better scoring. Still not excited for him as an option.
Forwards
Forward talent can vary week to week, but these waiver wire options emerged after Round 3:
McStay (72) - Back helping out in the ruck this week with Cox out of the side. Only half decent forward option on over 70% of waivers with a run of three Thursday/Friday night games coming for this with later lockouts in their league so worth a free agency pickup if you find yourself with those settings.
Dangerfield (94) - Putting him in the forward section cause two weeks out from position changes you should start viewing him as a forward for making squad decisions. Faded a little in the last but was strong throughout the rest of the game when the game was on the line. That’s two good performances in a row now following a slow start to the season. Interestingly said on air after the game the plan for him to play forward was only for the first four games so does that mean more midfield time incoming? We know he’ll be rested/injured at times throughout the season but like Sidebottom and Pendles the old brigade are more worth getting at the start of the season before they really start to show their age through the season. We’d prefer Mannagh or Pickett if they’re available in your league.
Mannagh (88) - 114, 112 and 115. These are the kind of scores that Mannagh showed us is his capable of last year in AFL Fantasy. From Round 17 onwards, Mannagh went at 83 last year and you’d expect him to go at that if not better this year. It will be the last time he makes the criteria for this article as he should get gobbled up in a lot more leagues.
Pickett (87) - It happens every year where Pickett gets talked up in preseason. This year there were trade rumours sprinkled in but the talk of his form still felt a bit more real. We saw not much from him in the practice match before his four week suspension has kept him out of the start of the season. Got 60% of CBAs but that role hasn’t always been fruitful for him in the past but it helps with his floor that you can see when he’s full time forward. Don’t go wasting a waiver pick if your setting is “last pick to bottom” but high our on our watchlist for his role next week.
Walker (85) - Three scores of 80+ in a row and will be a lure to a lot of teams but Walker. Last year alone four of his first five were 80+. Does have a Thursday night game next week if you have a late lockout then that’s worth a free agency pickup but otherwise don’t be a moth to a flame with Tex’s scores. He is just as capable of 30s and 40s which are too tough to plan around.
Humphrey (60) - Back to reality with Humphrey playing the exact same role as previous weeks but just did not get as much of it against a harder midfield brigade in Adelaide. Still has good upside compared to other forwards available as he’s getting 80% TOG, 30% CBA role and in a good team. Will beat up some weaker opponents (like he did the demons).
Ainsworth (69) - Two games and two scores of 69. Nothing to see here yet but if Gold Coast do continue to improve his role is one that should benefit as a result.
King (45) - Didn’t perform today against a very solid defence but North and Richmond in the next two means he’s worth a look for those that need a streaming option up forward.
Lalor (95) - Putting him in the forward section cause two weeks out from position changes you should start viewing him as a forward for making squad decisions. It’s just a matter of time until he pulls it all together. Has been sitting on our watchlist waiting for a score like this but since it’s his first score over 70 we can’t get too excited just yet. One for the very deep leagues in need of a forward.
Rayner (85) - 7 CBAs for Rayner today which is about where he’s been hovering. There’s no real method to the madness with when Rayner does and doesn’t perform. You just know he will do one extreme or the other each week. This was his first score over 60 so don’t get excited.
Hayward (95) - Hayward has a knack for pumping out a 90+ score here and there (he did it 3 times last year). He needed four goals to get him to that score tonight. In 9 years, he’s never averaged in the 70s so we’re not expecting anything to come from this performance. It is worth noting that Vandermeer (3 goals), Chandler (3 goals), Keays (2 goals) and now Hayward (4 goals) have all done well against the Roos so there’s a clear pattern forming.
Jones (123) - No idea where that came from, but the opposition had a lot to do with it. Had one of those games where even the bounce of the ball and tips from people’s hands were going his way. His top score this year before this one this year was 62 so don’t get sucked in.
Riccardi (74) - First game of the season and played as the second ruck today coming in for Keefe. Won’t get the Eagles every week so can’t be considered an option yet.
Georgiades (96) - His last 3 weeks have been 103, 55 in a half (nothing in the second half) and now 96 points. Has a tough two-week patch but is the clear focal point of this attack now and finds himself up on the wings too which helps the scoring. Was on Caminiti for majority of the day but had Wilkie at times to who is now slouch. A viable streaming option now against weaker opponents (North the next one in Round 7)
Caminiti (76) - Continued his role in defence today and seem to be pushing through some kind of knock or injury so did well to get to 76. The role doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon so he will remain a good option until that role changes again.
Powell Pepper (75) - The barometer was good again today and could’ve been even better if he kicked straight (3 behinds). Did a couple of tremendous run-down tackles as well. Now has 90, 68 and 75 in his last three. We will always be scared by his potential floor and ability to pick up injuries but if you are braver than us you can do far worst.
Richards (72) - His scores are following a pattern not too dissimilar to Powell Pepper. If you’re picking between the two than we’d rather Powell Pepper as he’s atleast shown scores in the 90s before in that forward pressure role for Port.
Garcia (42) - What a fall from grace. When Steele was withdrawn during the week it seemed like the stars were aligning for another Garcia 100+ score and we were very excited. He still got his CBA share but just couldn’t find that space and tackle pressure that the Tigers allow you to have. Unfortunately, the honeymoon for owners will end once Steele returns. Non owners shouldn’t try becoming owners.
Hall (36) - Did look good at times but it wasn’t showing on his fantasy score board. Got run down to for holding the ball. This is the kind of score we saw coming and now he’s on shaky ground with Henry and Butler on the return paths to the side.
Harmes (103) - He just fits the criteria for this article (not owned in over 70% of AFL Fantasy leagues) but it will be the last week he’s in here. That’s now two good games in a row playing that half forward role so has to be considered as one of the better options available to us.
Frederick (80) - Could’ve been even better of a score if Bolton had hit him when he was free 15m out. Has shown that he can pop up like this in the past but not worth spending any waiver wire picks on.
Positional Rankings at a Glance
To help you prioritise your pickups, here’s a quick ranking of the top options by position.
Defenders
Please note all players are not in Bold which means they are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round regardless.
Riley Bice
Oliver Hollands
Oliver Florent
Connor Idun
Josh Weddle
Watchlist: Zac Williams, Blake Hardwick, Ryan Byrnes, Darcy Tucker
Midfielders
Please note players in Bold are worth a waiver wire even in shallow leagues for AFL Fantasy Draft.
All players not in Bold are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round.
Steele Sidebottom
James Peatling
Oliver Dempsey
Scott Pendlebury
Thomson Dow
Watchlist: Cooper Lord, Harvey Langford, Stephen Coniglio, Harley Reid, Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield, Conor Nash, Ned Long, Levi Ashcroft, Jack Bowes
Rucks
Please note all players are not in Bold which means they are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round.
Nick Bryan
Bailey Williams
Forwards
Please note players in Bold are worth a waiver wire even in shallow leagues for AFL Fantasy Draft.
All players not in Bold are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round.
Shaun Mannagh
Patrick Dangerfield
James Harmes
Bailey Humphrey
Anthony Caminiti
Watchlist: Kysiah Pickett, Mitch Georgiades, Sam Powell Pepper, Sam Davidson, Joe Richards, Mitch Owens, Jade Gresham, Nate Caddy, Darcy Jones, Sam Lalor
Get Ahead of the Game
Use this guide to make waiver moves that will maximise your AFL Fantasy Draft team's scoring potential heading into Round 4.
Making smart waiver wire decisions early in the season is key to staying competitive in AFL Fantasy Draft leagues. By incorporating high-upside pickups like Riley Bice or Shaun Mannagh, you can gain an immediate edge over your opponents and set the tone for the rest of the season.
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