AFL GameDay Squad Round 23 Preview | Best Matchups, PODs & Key Trends
- The Goal Practitioner
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 14
AFL GameDay Squad Round 23 Preview is here and as we draw closer to the end of the AFL GameDay Squad season, the jostling for prize cards is well and truly heating up. These next two rounds are crucial. Every move counts, and your selections this week could be the difference between pulling a generational fantasy talent or getting stuck with a prize card you’d rather leave unclicked (looking at you, Clayton Oliver).
AFL GameDay Squad Round 23 Preview
Final Rounds = Matchup Madness
The best part about the run home? Some teams are playing with everything on the line, others have packed it in, and some stars are putting their hands up for big finishes. This creates some prime fantasy matchups, and the key to success this week will be targeting those in-form players with favourable roles and matchups.
Whether it’s Sheezel vs Richmond, Dogs v West Coast, or Geelong’s chase to feed Jez, there are plenty of angles to attack.
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DEFENDERS – Strongest Line in 2025
The defenders have arguably been the most consistently high-scoring line this year, with multiple players putting up forward-like ceilings. This week, there's no shortage of options again.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has become a fantasy weapon. He’s been a gun all year, and with a soft matchup this week, he’s poised to go big again. The Saints love the ball in his hands and his run and carry should be on full display.
Jack Sinclair continues to put together a strong season and should also be a solid option in the same matchup. Given how freely the Dons allows ball movement across half-back, and frankly scoring of any kind has to be a lock.
Andrew McGrath could sneak into some starting squads as a left-field play.
Jordan Clark has been elite all season and should be a popular pick again despite a slightly tougher matchup on paper. At home, he’ll be tasked with moving the ball for Fremantle and could be their main distributor again.
Dayne Zorko looked sore two weeks ago, but returned to form last round. If you think Brisbane are going to hit their stride late, he’s in the mix.
The biggest matchups to exploit this week come from the North Melbourne vs Richmond game and the Bulldogs vs West Coast clash. Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher, Caleb Daniel, and Bailey Dale all have big ceilings and should be strongly considered.
Lachie Whitfield and Max Holmes are in form and have been consistent contributors. One question mark is whether Lachie Ash bounces back. His prior form was excellent and many coaches should be tempted to run it back and reward him selection and avoid jumping at shadows. John Noble also comes into the frame now that Rioli is out — he’s taken more responsibility and is pushing the play.
MIDFIELDERS – Fantasy Heavyweights + POD Spice
This round brings two standout games for midfield stacks. The first: Fremantle vs Brisbane — where the stars should go head-to-head without much tagging.
Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw have shown they can post massive scores when left to roam, and recent weeks suggest they may finally shake the tags. With Dunkley, Ashcroft, and McCluggage on the other side, we’ve got five premium mids to choose from — all with 110+ upside.
Then we’ve got Adelaide vs Collingwood. In their last matchup, Jordan Dawson and the Daicos brothers went big. History could repeat here with both sides playing free-flowing football and no clear taggers in sight.
Looking for value? Tom Powell has a sneaky-good matchup against Richmond and is gaining midfield time. Tim Taranto is back, fresh and fired up. He could return with a bang and is a POD with top-10 potential.
Errol Gulden is another standout. With Mullin likely to tag either Heeney or Warner, expect Gulden to rack up uncontested footy across the wings. The matchup is gold.
Finally, Bailey Williams is a smokey. He’s gone big when the Dogs dominate, and with West Coast likely to be on the end of a belting, he could go 120+.
Once you have considered the above, consider how you possibly Fade Rowell? the form Mid of the last 5 rounds.
RUCKS – Four Genuine Guns
It’s hard to split them. The top ruck matchups are all fantasy-friendly this week:
Tim English has the matchup of the round and has been arguably one of most dominant rucks.
Rowan Marshall is facing a Dons side under the roof with potentially no real ruck presence and should be a walk-up start.
Tristan Xerri comes back fresh and already posted a 170 vs Nankervis this year — crazy upside.
Max Gawn, despite facing Meek, drops to the fourth pick based purely on form.
With Brodie Grundy missing, the choice becomes who you fade. All four could go large — picking the wrong one could burn your round, picking the right one could win it.
FORWARDS – Feast or Famine
The question on everyone’s mind — how much do Geelong feed Jeremy Cameron? If the Cats want to push him toward 100 goals, expect him to be front and centre inside 50 all day. It’s a bold strategy, but if you believe they’re hunting milestones, he’s a must-pick.
Bailey Smith is a lock when ‘fit’, and this week, he’s in that boat again. If he gets his usual role, he’s capable of posting forward-line-high scores.
From the Dogs: Aaron Naughton, Kennedy and Sam Darcy both offer serious upside. If the Dogs rack up a big win, they could both be in the mix for three goals and 90+ GDS scores.
Adelaide forwards also deserve attention. In their last matchup, they torched the Eagles. Given their form line both should be considered.
POD Picks – Round 22
As a note, these “PODs” from Cash Money were the least spicy PODs we have ever seen.
Tom Stewart – Scored 88. Poor score for the only true POD on this list.
Matt Rowell – Continued his hot run. Reliable, but hardly a true POD.
Rowan Marshall – R1 and a gun. Strong choice, but again, hardly left-field.
Shaun Mannagh – In red-hot form over the last 5.
Izak Rankine – A top-7 forward playing the 18th team - POD?
POD Picks – Round 23
Time to go bold. Here are your legitimate PODs for Round 23:
Tom Powell – Midfield time trending up, dream matchup.
Bailey Williams – If the Dogs dominate, he’ll punish.
Zac Bailey – Quiet achiever who’s been in elite form.
Marcus Windhager – Unleashed last week and set to repeat.
Tom Liberatore – Overlooked due to midfield depth, but still a premium.
Final Word – Good Luck Legends
This is it. Whether you're chasing league wins, overall rank, or just trying to take down your mates, Round 24 is where reputations are made. Pick your matchups, back in your gut, and don’t be afraid to get spicy.
And remember, use code BOBAFL to sign up and start your GameDay Squad journey — free packs, elite players, and maybe even a premiership of your own.
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