AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 Preview | Best Matchups, PODs & Key Trends

The AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 preview is here and so is round 18 of the AFL. Last week we finally had all 18 teams playing which meant a full selection of players to chose from. More options doesn’t necessarily make coaches lives any easier, as there are always going to players who pop that we are not able to fit in.

We saw some premiums return to form with Merrett and Daicos going massive and rewarding coaches who kept the faith. Which players will do the same this week? Let’s get stuck into the Round 18 preview and take a look.

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DEFENDERS - AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 Preview

Sam Mitchell said he had nightmares about Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera last week and no doubt any coaches who did not play him for a massive 176 GDS would have too. This week he faces Sydney who have a very effective tagger in James Jordan. If you are brave, he could be one to fade but it is a risky play. Matchup wise, lately Richmond and Essendon have been the teams conceding the most points to defenders and coincidentally come up against each other this week.

Some budget options for coaches might be Archie Roberts (98 GDS AV) or Nick Vlastuin (92 GDS AV) but both would need big games to complete with the top scoring defenders. Whilst not strictly a defender on field, Nick Martin (120 GDS AV) does roam defensively and should be huge this week. As has been the case with defenders lately, the premium options keep performing consistently and it is just best to pick the safer options rather than going too risky.

Lastly, it is time to respect the young gun Colby McKercher (88 GDS AV – but ignore that). He has been incredible of late with a low of 110 GDS in his last 5. Plays Melbourne this week and take it to the bank – he will score 135 GDS minimum.

MIDFIELDERS - AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 Preview

After a few down weeks by his standards, Zach Merrett (120 GDS AV) went huge last week with a 170. Back in a midfield role (let’s hope it stays that way!) and coming up against Richmond this week, he could push that score again. Port have a juicy matchup this week at home vs West Coast and the in-form Connor Rozee (130 GDS AV) and Zak Butters (113 GDS AV) need to be strongly considered. I expect many coaches will start with both options and come home strong on Sunday evening.

Whilst I am a biased Brisbane supporter, Hugh McLuggage (121 GDS AV) keeps getting the job done every week for coaches and if you are ever unsure of your last couple of spots you can’t go wrong with him. Other midfielders who keep getting it done are Noah Anderson (120 GDS AV) and Nick Daicos (127 GDS AV) who come up against each other Friday night and hopefully go head-to-head with no tags and lots of touches!

RUCKS – AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 Preview

This week a lot of the best rucks come up against each other. Brodie Grundy (115 GDS AV) has had an amazing couple of months and faces Rowan Marshall (119 GDS AV) this round. Lately Grundy has been hard to score against and Marshall easier to score against, so I expect Grundy to be the best pick.

Other top averaging players:

-              Darcy Cameron (120 GDS AV) vs Jarrod Witts – tough

-              Tim English (122 GDS AV) vs Reilly O’Brien – tough

-              Max Gawn (127 GDS AV) vs Tristian Xerri (113 GDS AV) tough for both and not in the best of form

Based on his form I think Tim English will be the pick of the lot after Brodie Grundy but there are plenty of options to chose from. Venturing outside of these players is risky but Toby Nankervis (105 GDS AV) has an easy match up against Essendon and is a budget option, but the thought of voluntarily picking a Richmond player makes me vomit a little bit.

FORWARDS – AFL GameDay Squad Round 18 Preview

I would love to leave Bailey Smith (145 GDS AV) out of my team just so I don’t have to worry about him being a late out every 2 weeks but unfortunately, he is too good! I think you also have to start Matthew Kennedy (120 GDS AV) and Jack Macrae (115 GDS AV) based on their averages compared to the rest. From there, coaches have many options to choose from.

Matchup wise, there isn’t anything to reach too hard for this week in the forward lines. Jason Horne-Francis (96 GDS AV) has been frustrating at times but should be too good for West Coast this week. Caleb Daniel (104 GDS AV) should get a bit of the ball against Melbourne and has a safe floor compared to other forwards. Peter Wright (95 GDS AV) was decent against Richmond last time if you are looking for a riskier option. Izak Rankine (106 GDS AV) kicked 5 goals against Melbourne but seems to be playing deeper forward so may be riskier at a stronger Western Bulldogs. I expected Luke Jackson (111 GDS AV) to be poor once Sean Darcy returned but he keeps putting up some of the best forward scores each week, back him in at home!

POD REVIEW FROM LAST WEEK

1.     Lawson Humphries – 57 GDS – Surprisingly poor, maybe not quite a reliable premium yet but he will be one day soon

2.     Jarrod Witts – Rested

3.     Toby Nankervis – 122 GDS – Decent score but still below some premiums like English, Marshall and Grundy

4.     Tom Stewart – 87 GDS – Similar to Humphries, expected better

5.     Errol Gulden – 151 GDS – Big score!

Top 5 PODs for Round 18

Want to separate from the pack? Here are five PODs that could help you do just that:

1.     Archie Roberts

2.     Hugh McLuggage

3.     Toby Nankervis

4.     Peter Wright

5.     Colby McKercher

BOBS Early Starter – Team of the Round

Based on matchups, form, and GameDay Squad strategy, here’s an early look at a high-upside squad for Round 18:

Thursday, July 10

Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions🕢 7:30 PM AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne  Indoor venue – no weather impact

Friday, July 11

Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood🕢 7:40 PM AEST – People First Stadium, Gold CoastSunny, 7–21°C  Rain Risk: None

Saturday, July 12

Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows🕐 1:20 PM AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Indoor venue – no weather impact

GWS Giants vs. Geelong Cats🕓 4:15 PM AEST – ENGIE Stadium, Sydney⛅ Partly cloudy, 9–20°C. Rain Risk: Low

Richmond vs. Essendon🕢 7:35 PM AEST – MCG, Melbourne🌦️ Possible shower, 8–16°C Rain Risk: Moderate

Fremantle vs. Hawthorn🕗 8:10 PM AWST / 10:10 PM AEST – Optus Stadium, Perth🌧️ Showers, 11–18°C

Sunday, July 13

Melbourne vs. North Melbourne🕐 1:10 PM AEST – MCG, Melbourne🌧️ Showers developing, 9–19°C

St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans🕒 3:15 PM AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne🏟️ Indoor venue – no weather impact

Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles🕓 4:40 PM AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide🌦️ Shower or two, 10–17°C

Final Thoughts

Round 18 presents some interesting matchups. Not a lot of obvious and east scoring games but plenty of quality options, just about making sure you get the right ones in your squads. Keep an eye on final team selections and late changes before locking in your squad. Stay tuned for more insights from Blokes on the Ball, and good luck in GameDay Squad Round 18.