Wired for Success - Picks for Round 6
Welcome to the Round 6 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 6 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
Keane (87) - This season Keane has 3 scores under 30 so that’s all you really need to know, not why he got 87 or anything like that.
Milera (85) - One were always keeping one eye on due to his potential, but Milera and other Adelaide defenders scoring was increased on Thursday night due to the game style. 4 out of 6 of Adelaide’s main defensive unit had over 20 touches. Needs to be able to back it up before we can go recommending him as he hasn’t been able to that once this year.
Nankervis (72) - First full game tonight after starting as the sub last week but still has the lockdown defender role so we can’t get excited about him week to week.
O’Connor (70) - Last week O’Connor had a 68 point second half so we were excited to see what he produced this week. He couldn’t back it up in the first half, but he did score 43 points in the second half again. With Henry out he was tasked to play in defence, but we aren’t confident he has two big halves in him anytime soon.
Florent (86) – Hope you were able to use him as a loop option as mentioned last week. Played on the wing in the first half before switching back into defence in the second half. That’s now two good games in a row of 85+ by Florent and as we know from last year, he is more than capable of pumping out these scores. Has a very tough run coming up in respect to opponents and he’s back at the SCG a fair bit too where he actually doesn’t score traditionally well compared to other stadiums. Still one of the better options in defence still out there in deep leagues
Jeffrey (108) – Him and Noble really provided the run and dash for Gold Coast off the half back line this week and Jeffrey even was able to score a goal. With Rioli still to get moving, there’s a large chunk of Jeffreys points today that will normally go to Rioli once he hits form and Gold Coast don’t verse North every week. He’s now scored over 80 in 50% of his games but not consistent enough yet for us to recommend him.
Tucker (68) – With a 3 round average of 70+ and Scott dropped from the side, he was on our radar heading into the game but he didn’t set the world on fire. Played the sometimes fruitful wing role but he was unable to break that 70 barrier. Better options out there.
McGovern (100) – McGovern does these scores here and there, we know that, so we can’t get sucked in. Especially considering the opponent he came up against today and the fact he took 8 kick ins. Not for us.
Saad (91) – You must factor in the opponent, but Saad has now played well three weeks in the row. In terms of fantasy its translated to scores of 79. 83 and 91. One could interpret this as a bit of consistency in Saads game and he is benefitting from the loss of Newman down back more than any other options.
Haynes (90) – Had 10 marks and found himself on the wings at times with the Eagles slow ball movement. Like McGovern, we must factor in the opponent and like McGovern we won’t be recommending him to be picked up even as a free agent. The last time we got excited about Haynes was when he both played and scored well against Bulldogs for 89 points. He then backed it up with a score of 54 in a favourable matchup against Collingwood. Has another favourable matchup next week again North Melbourne but it is a case of “Fool me once” with Haynes we feel.
Hollands (83) – Of all the Carlton names floating around due to the inflated scores against West Coast it feels like Saad and Hollands are the only real two options for those in deeper leagues. Hollands didn’t need to kick two goals today like he did the last time he scored over 80. With a Good Friday matchup for those that want to roll the dice with a defence loop there are worst options. For what it’s worth Saad is a safer bet for the same strategy.
Fletcher (98) – Things are getting more real for Fletcher. Last week after having his first game ever with 20 or more disposals, he went and did it again. He even got his first batch of kick ins since round 3 and it was clear they were looking to transition the ball to him more out of the backline. His confidence is growing on the field and ours is growing off the field. One for those in deep leagues as the upside is there being such a young player with a high scoring pedigree (he averaged 95 for the Lions Academy in his junior years).
Bramble (86) – Kicked an important goal in the first half but there was no role change for him today. Had 56 points in the first half but resumed normal programming after half time. Teased us last year when he opened the year with scores of 84. 74 and 100 but the rest of the year was spent as a locked down defender like how he has started this year. Will no doubt return to his 60-70 scores shortly.
Johannisen (31) – He looked really unfit out there. This was not sub effected either as JJ played 74% of the game time and played off the half back line, but also had a small burst up forward. We know he’s a favourite of Bevos and a more than capable scorer when fit. Just keep tabs on him for now.
Reid (90) – We knew the matchup was good, coming up against the leaky Melbourne but we didn’t think Reid would cash in this much. Two scores in a row of 80+ and games coming up against West Coast, Collingwood and North has us thinking he’s not the worst option out there. Needs to get more kick ins to be a real option though.
El-Hawli (73) – Started as the sub but came on early with Bryan going down in the first quarter and took up a mainly half back role with some wing time. This score was from only 62% game time, so he has moved himself on to the watchlist for next week, if he is able to shake the sub vest.
Chapman (103) – This was a game for the defenders on the MCG Like Barossa Park. Chapman benefitted from Wagner being out of the side like Worner (see below). However, against bigger bodied forward set ups we know he can’t produce these kind of scores as seen by his top score of 65 before this week.
Broad (95) – Like we said, the Richmond Freo game was just a game for defenders by the end of it. This was Broads highest score of the year by some way and we’d be willing to bet he will unlikely beat it again this year.
Trainor (90) – That’s now three games in a row over 70 for the youngster. We’ve said before he was never a scorer in his junior, but considering how some other defenders are scoring in deeper leagues you may have to start looking his way. If he goes 70+ against Gold Coast, he has officially turned himself in to more of a reliable option than someone you have on your list in deeper leagues.
Worner (86) – Don’t get mistaken thinking this is Wagner and pick Worner up. Plays too lockdown on the normal teams to be picked up in your AFL Fantasy squads.
Brown (85) – Even Tom Brown had 24 touches in the game that was played outside of the arcs. Even worst of an option than Worner. Don’t do it to yourself.
Byrnes (84) – Scores of 84, 79 and 72 in his last three with a low score of 62 still makes him a viable option for deeper leagues looking for a defender.
Weddle (74) – Weddle watch is still in full swing, but he was deep in defence tonight which does not excite us as much as the hybrid half back/ruck role that has been teased at times this year. Just remains on the watchlist.
Midfielders
Dempsey (84) - Building into the season nicely now and has three games in a row coming up on the wide expanses of the MCG coming up. Dempsey averaged 86 at the ground last year across six games including 90+ in four of those games. A definite option.
Bowes (74) - Looked terrific in the first half with 55 points, playing more in the backline compared to the last couple of weeks (likely due to Stewart being an exclusion). Couldn’t cash in as Geelong started to assert their dominance though. Need one more 80+ score to get excited though. Free agency only but we’d much prefer Dempsey.
Cumming (61) - Back to reality with a tough matchup which shows why he can’t be trusted week to week until we see a significant role change. Atleast he did better than Sholl on the other wing (subbed on 28).
Pendlebury (103) - Still getting a large number of CBAs (18 tonight) and has now had two scores in a row at 100+. We know it won’t last but the Pies are winning with the ageless Pendles and Sidey in there so as long as you can plan around potential weeks off or a sub here and there, they may see this plan through for longer than we thought. You might as well jump on and enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Long (104) - Plenty of media this week about Long after McRae alluded to him getting reward for effort and not starting as the sub. Has been on our watchlist for awhile now due to his performances to date even when he has played from the sub position. Equal leader with Daicos for clearances, equal leader with McCreery for inside 50s and second most metres gained for the Pies on Friday night. Averages 97 from his two full games this year and we actually prefer him over Pendles as an option at the moment.
Sheldrick (65) - After scoring 50+ points in a quarter last week, he came on again as the sub and scored 65 points in under three quarters. There are names only to come back in not out at Sydney (starting with McInerney next week), so it’s hard to see how he first gets and then sustains a full game from the half forward or midfield. If team selection makes it obvious, he will get that full game, like we saw with Long this week, he becomes a very viable streaming option.
Stephens (84) – His second game in a row avoiding the sub vest now and was stationed back in defence again to help. With Scott out of the side and McKercher injured in the game he comes a player of interest but not one we would be picking up off the waivers just yet.
Tom Gross (72) – Backed Up his 66% CBAs last week with 74% CBAs. Against a tough midfield he still managed to score 72 points on the back of 18 touches and 3 tackles. Always averaged in the 80s in his junior career through the Coates league and the Vic Metro championship games. However, the role is there so can at least expect a lower floor than some other options until his body starts getting tired in the second half.
Langford (77) – Played more of the half forward and wing today than the last two weeks where he was getting 50+ percent of CBAs. The only reason we had him on our watchlist was because that CBA role was growing. If he is pushed out to the wing and half forward, he can’t be considered an option the way Melbourne are travelling.
Sharp (77) – It was good to see him hold his spot with Young back in the side. This was Sharps third game of the season with over 90% game time and he managed to produce his top score for the year with 77 points. I don’t know what’s not clicking for Sharp this year as he’s playing the exact same wing role he had 10 scores of 80+ and 4 scores of 100+ last year in. For that fact alone he’s worth a stash if you’re desperate for a high upside midfielder in your squad.
McIntosh (74) – Still in the midfield rotation with Lalor out of the side today. When he is in there, he has a defensive role but he’s not putting up the scores we saw at the start of the year as that old body already looks like its slowing down.
Dow (66) – Another game where he saw 65%+ of CBAs and had 20 odd disposals but wasn’t laying as many tackles today which is why he only put up a score of 66. Could really tell the difference in his frame standing near Serong and Brayshaw.
Ward (108) – Terrific four quarter effort playing on the wing for the Giants. His game had it all and he even had got a knock that would have taken 99% of the rest of the players on the field off the ground but he shook it off. His first score over 50 in three games so this is just enough to put him on the watchlist. The low floor on his scores is all too common for the veteran warrior.
Wehr (97) – Another that had a great game today and took advantage of the skinny ground, but we should not be drafting in to our squads.
Windhager (94) – Windy has popped his head up in this forum way too many times and we forgive but don’t forget. We remember when he scored 113 against Geelong and had a game coming up against Richmond, he became a no brainer top waiver wire option. We also remember he then went on to score 54 against the Tigers. He then went on to prove it was no fluke by scoring 54 the week after that against Port. All the pieces are there, and the role is there but will also be defensively minded first and we don’t love that. Still has far more upside than a lot of options so must remain on the watchlist.
Rucks
Stanley (65) - Serviceable in a less than ideal matchup or game style for a ruckman. Beggars can’t be choosers and is still the best of a bad bunch at the moment for ruckman available in over 70% of AFL Fantasy leagues.
Draper (101) – Should also be available as a forward if needed there. The loss of Bryan is really Draper’s gain. It will be interesting to see how Essendon play this as Goldstein was playing well in the VFL before this bye. Our gut is telling us they will run with Draper and only bring Goldstein in for the odd game here and there. Waivers will come in before we know the answer and we still reckon its worth taking a punt on Draper as when he solo rucked last year, he had scored of 94. 79, 91 and 78. The potential upside is much better than a lot of forward or ruck options going around in some leagues.
Forwards
Fogarty (74) - Hasn’t been setting the world fire but at the same time has three scores of 70+ so far this season. Kicked 4 goals in the second quarter for 49 points but even with all that, we are not excited about him as an option. Has a tough run coming up also.
Walker (70) - For those that have followed our content you would know we are not big fans of Tex as an option. At half time, after bringing the energy and even roving contests like he was a small forward for 53 points, we were ready to apologise and admit we were wrong. Lucky, there was a second half to remind us of what Tex is capable of all too fondly, especially as the season drags on. 0 mark second half for 17 points. Only one score under 70 still which is better than a lot of other forward options but just don’t do it. Tough run of defenders coming up too.
Cleary (83) - Hanily kicked a couple for the Swans, but Cleary brought the pressure for the second week in a row. An interesting prospect that’s come out of the Swans Academy to keep our eyes on. He started to become a big scorer in the VFL side with a 110 average over his last four games.
Elliot (71) - Kicked 3 goals and was still subbed out of the game as a tactical sub but there might be more going on there. Regardless this was his first score over 70 this year and even with Schultz out of the side we can’t be recommending him.
McStay (52) - Not as big of a ruck support this week as he has been in previous weeks. Until we saw any kind of form again can’t be considered anymore as even a streaming option with the early fixtures.
Ainsworth (85) – A player of interest here at ADP due to the natural improvement that should occur being in a better side this year, but this was his first time over 70 this year. Has Richmond next week so is a streaming option for those in need but we wouldn’t be wasting a waiver wire pick on him as he has Sydney and Brisbane the following two weeks.
Long (80) – Similar to Ainsworth is playing in the forward half in an improved side so with that comes natural score boosting. In this week’s case it means having the opportunity to kick 3 goals. He is averaging 72 this year and that cant be ignored in deeper leagues considering how consistently he is scoring. He is stationed in the forward 50 though so we will naturally see the fluctuations in his scores.
Cottrell (82) – Didn’t have to play a forward lockdown role tonight and we saw the benefit of that. With Hollands starting to play time in the VFL, the time for him to benefit is running out. Not for us.Durdin (78) – Played his first game of the year against the Eagles and kicked four goals. This was only the second time in his 48 game career he has scored over 70. Don’t get lured by the first up effort. He won’t be able to sustain it playing the role he plays.
Lord (64) - Just like Ned Long was, Lord is just waiting on his turn to have a full game as the time he has had on the ground he has scored at a very good rate. Was a late Inclusion on the back of Acres being a late out and once he was subbed on for Kemp, he scored 64 in three quarters. Get ready to pull the trigger as a depth option for your forward line if he’s ever named for a full game.
Waterman (70) - Welcome back Waterman after getting injured in round 1. A reminder that Waterman averaged 77 last year which included an average of 90 after round 10. Is used to producing from not much supply and that is the case even more this year than last. Has Essendon, Richmond and Melbourne in three of the next four games so is a good option for those in deep leagues that need high risk high reward kind of options in their forward line that can pop. Has a Friday night game this week too.
Ah Chee (96) – Brisbane forwards made a mockery of the Bulldogs defence and Ah Chee was a key part of that chipping in with two goals of his own and 22 disposals. Has too much of a floor for us and only put up 60 points on Richmond last week, so he can’t even be one of those players that are predictable against weaker opponents.
West (86) – Theres a bit of a pattern forming when teams verse Brisbane, where they are letting some half decent scores to small forwards who like to roam up the ground. West helped continue that trend but the only thing we should take away from this is to look out for similar players against Brisbane. Not to draft West in to your squads.
Hipwood (86) – Similar to Ah Chee he just came up against a defence that was out of sorts today and is vulnerable to doing that. If he can’t do it against Richmond last week than his usual 80+ runs that he can go on for a few games is just too hard to predict and we advise its best to avoid.
Morris (77) – Like Hipwood and Ah Chee he just feasted on the poor defensive efforts of Bulldogs but there’s nothing in this for our Draft squads. Don’t think about it.
Menzie (96) – Terrific game for Jye kicking four goals in his second full game this year. Unfortunately, his TOG is very low (averaging ~60% in his two full games) which shows the fitness base isn’t there for us to trust his scores each week. Another one you should avoid despite the good score.
Hobbs (88) – Only played 63% game time and got no boost in CBAs with Caldwell out of the side. Can’t be trusted but does have an easy run coming up if you need a loop option.
Gresham (75) – There just seems to be way more energy in Gresham the last couple of games as he backed up his score of 95 from the week before with 18 disposals and one goal. With the easy run coming up for Essendon as previously spoken about he is a streaming option.
Caddy (46) - Took some real heavy hits but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise like some of his teammates against Melbourne. He’s off the watchlist for AFL Fantasy teams now.
Frederick (76) – Now has three scores over 75 to start the year but he has had a pretty good run for a small forward. One firmly on our watchlist.
Garcia (82) – Like Windhager is just too inconsistent to be viable but it was good to see him still get over 50% of CBAs even with Steele back in the side.
Sharman (81) – Really building into the year and loving the freedom up forward without Max King in the side who we know is still a fair bit off. The most impressive part of his game now is he’s playing over 95% of the game on the ground and he kicked these three goals opposed to Sam Taylor which is no easy feat.
Gunston (101) – A slightly better option that Sharman now as he is in great form for his age. It seems counterintuitive considering we always bag out Tex Walker as an option and here we are promoting the six goal Gunston. The main reason is he scored 81 before the bye against GWS and after Geelong comes up against, Eagles, Richmond and Melbourne who are very vulnerable to the forward position. A good option for the short term if you’re struggling up forward.
Georgiades (82) – Running at an Average of 85 over his last four games, he won’t feature in this article for long. Has good matchups in two of his next four and is clearly growing in confidence by the week. It was good to see him finish the game off strongly against Hawthorn as that is something he is struggling to do.
Powell Pepper (75) – Was the barometer again tonight along with Horne Francis and kicked a critical goal in the last to help stop the momentum. Seems like he’s playing out of his skin at the moment and is only scoring in the 70s. We’d prefer others in AFL Fantasy.
Richards (74) – Scoring Very similar to Powell Pepper which shows there are options in deeper leagues. If you are in a position of picking between the Port forwards we have the rankings as Georgiades, SPP and then Richards due to SPP likely to have more tackles week to week.
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.
Oliver Hollands
Jaspa Fletcher
Oliver Florent
Adam Saad
Zach Reid (Short term)
Watchlist: Luke Trainor, 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.
Ned Long
Scott Pendlebury
Oliver Dempsey
Marcus Windhager
Thomson Dow
Watchlist: Jeremy Sharp, Angus Sheldrick, Harvey Langford, Mark Blicavs, Jack Bowes, Tom Gross
Rucks
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.
Sam Draper
Rhys Stanley
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.
Sam Draper
Jack Gunston (short term)
Mitch Georgiades
Jade Gresham
Cooper Sharman
Watchlist: Jake Waterman, Ben Long, Ben Ainsworth, Sam Powell Pepper, Cooper Lord, Joe Richards, 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 6.
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 Ned Long or Jaspa Fletcher, you can gain an immediate edge over your opponents and set the tone for the rest of the season.
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