AFL GDS Round 0: Under-the-Radar Picks to Kickstart Your Fantasy Season

The Weekly Flyers

With trial games done and dusted for another year, Round 0/Opening Round is now upon us. This is finally our first look at AFL GDS for the year and for those coaches vying for the seasonal prizes, it is important to get off to a hot start.

Since there are only 8 sides competing in Round 0, at first thought coaches might think that there will be a lot of similar sides chosen due to less players available. However, last year Round 0 and bye rounds typically ended up with a lot of unique teams picked by GDS coaches due to there being less “must play” options. For example, in Round 0 there will be no Xerri, Marshall or Gawn playing…and the rucks available are all quite even. This means there will be plenty of variety chosen and a chance to move up the leaderboards quickly with the right choices.

With that in mind, below are a few players who will likely fall outside most coaches’ teams but they should certainly be considered if you have them available in your squads. Lets chekc out the Under-the-Radar Picks to Kickstart Your Fantasy Season.

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The best Under-the-Radar Picks to Kickstart Your Fantasy Season:

DEFENDERS

Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast Suns):

Brought to Gold Coast to be the main distributor off half-back, Rioli may get off to a hot start in 2025 without many coaches being onboard.

Jake Lloyd (Sydney Swans):

A veteran who is past his prime however more than capable of putting together fieldable scores. Was excellent against Gold Coast recently with 21 disposals including 10 marks on the half back flank.

Karl Amon (Hawthorn):

Still has his half back role at Hawthorn locked away and able to rack up 106 GDS quite easily against Western Bulldogs with limited gametime.

Harry Perryman (Collingwood Magpies):

Locked into the midfield rotation for Collingwood, Perryman will get plenty of opportunity in Round 0. Racked up 10 tackles against Richmond and could loom as a great option.

MIDFIELDERS

Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions): F

inished last season strongly and looking to continue that form into 2025. Doesn’t have the ceiling as high as other midfielders but with premiums like Green and Gulden injured, he will be worth looking at.

Massimo D’Ambrosio (Hawthorn):

Massimo picked up where he left off after a breakout year in 2024. 128 GDS against the Western Bulldogs and they love to get the ball in his hands.

Dylan Shiel (Essendon Bombers):

A recent (and unexpected) move to half back is a very fantasy friendly role for Shiel. Will be a unique option if played Round 0 by GDS coaches but at half back is likely to have a safe floor and could go big.

Finn Callaghan (GWS Giants):

With Green out, Finn will get plenty of time in the midfield rotation. Looked fantastic against Carlton with 114 GDS points and could dominate against the senior midfield of Collingwood.

RUCKS

Oscar McInerney (Brisbane Lions):

Quite a tough round to predict rucks. Thursday looks like it will be an extremely wet game (if it goes ahead at the GABBA!) which means plenty of stoppages. With Geelong experimenting with Sam DeKoning in the ruck, it is an opportunity for Big O to really cash in. One I will be strongly considering this week.

FORWARDS

James Jordan (Sydney Swans):

Jordan was disappointing from a GDS scoring perspective last year after high hopes early on. However, with no Mills or Gulden in Round 0, Jordan may be able to crack into the Sydney midfield rotation. Was impressive in the trial games against Gold Coast with 26 disposals.

Ben Hobbs (Essendon Bombers):

Hobbs was not on many coaches radar a few days ago but when given opportunity he is a known scorer and that is exactly what he did against Geelong. With premiums forwards like Miers and Cameron likely playing in the wet, Hobbs in a midfield role could be a safer option.

Tim Membrey (Collingwood Magpies):

Looked great against Richmond (not exactly A grade competition) but is pushing up the ground in his role and taking plenty of marks. Will want to impress with his early opportunities and may be able to squeeze out a good score in Round 0 with limited forwards options.

As Round 0 of the AFL GDS season kicks off, taking a calculated risk on unique selections could be the difference between an average start and surging up the leaderboard. With premium players missing and several overlooked options ready to shine, now is the time to think outside the box. Keep an eye on match conditions, team lineups, and player roles to maximize your squad’s potential. Stay ahead of the game and check back at Blokes on the Ball for more AFL GDS insights throughout the season