Thursday night footy is back again for Round 2 of the 2025 season with a massive matchup between two Victorian powershouses at the home of football. Carlton will face Hawthorn at the MCG in what will be a huge challenge for the Blues who are coming off one of the most stunning losses in their club’s history last week. Hawthorn on the other hand are riding high as they target a premiership, sitting second on the ladder with two big wins.
As always this is all about the daily fantasy and this massive Thursday night game draws another massive $75,000 prize pool in the main contest at Draftstars. In addition, there are a variety of alternate contests:
AFL $75,000+ Blues vs Hawks
AFL $5,000+ Blues vs Hawks High Roller ($150 Entry)
AFL $3,000+ Blues vs Hawks Mini ($2 Entry)
The AFL Star contest is back again for 2025 and Draftstars are once again offering the biggest prize pool in Australian DFS history with a $1 million guaranteed final with $250,000 top prize! There are qualifiers and satellites running for every AFL match.
Betting Markets
Carlton ($3.02) vs Hawthorn ($1.39)
Points: 164.5
Line: Hawthorn -15.5
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Additionally, we have a full Carlton vs Hawthorn Betting Preview where we provide our best bet for the game as well as a great value Same Game Multi!
Weather
31 degrees, showers developing and windy. Showers in the afternoon and evening with a possible thunderstorm in the morning. Rainfall of up to 25mm is predicted so keep a close eye on the weather as the game approaches, and if it is excessively wet look to rucks, inside midfielders and players who score well with tackles.
Where to Attack?
Both sides were relatively stingy last season, however if you were looking for a position that can be attacked against the Hawks it was the backline where Hawthorn gave up above average points during 2024. This will suit the Blues who were one of the highest possession collectors in the league last year and loved to possess the ball across half back.
On the flip side I expect the Hawks to get on top of the matchup through the midfield and utilise their small forwards to hit the score board.
Game Script – Carlton backs, Hawthorn midfielders and small forwards
VALUE PLAYS
Cam Mackenzie ($9,640) was the player who took over the bulk of the centre bounces last week for the Hawks with Worpel out. He stepped up and attended 23 of the CBAs, which didn’t automatically result in a huge fantasy score but I love the role in this singe game slate where value plays will be hard to find. Alternatively, Josh Ward posted 88 fantasy points for a similar price point but was not as involved in the midfield to the same level.
Cooper Lord ($8,190) / Lucas Camporeale ($7,800) there is a big sub watch on these two so keep an eye out as the final teams are announced and pivot accordingly. Also be prepared that Cooper Lord was subbed off last week however that looked like a role for role move to bring on Sam Docherty who is unlikely to be the sub for a second week in a row. Despite the sub, Lord still racked up 70 points while Camporeale also saw plenty of the ball with 20 disposals and 76 fantasy points.
MID PRICED PLAYS
Oliver Hollands ($10,980) was playing off half back as expected last week and managed to put together 72 fantasy points from 19 touches. We would like to see more scoring than that, but the role is there and I will be going back to this play again this week drawing on his success to end last season when playing across half back.
Sam Docherty ($12,010) came on as the sub and played just 27% game time but did not miss a beat at all racking up an amazing 56 fantasy points. Obviously just keep awareness of the final teams but if Docherty is playing a full game at this price point he’s a total steal.
PREMIUM PLAYS
Dylan Moore ($14,190) will push up the ground and also hit the score board as the Hawks number one target up forward currently while they lack tall options. I expect Hawks to be on top of this game and will be stacking up their forward line, starting with Moore as my premium play given the Hawks high priced forwards are not typically big scorers.
Tom De Koning ($15,480) is looking like one of the top fantasy rucks in the game at this point, and the Hawks were consistently well beaten in the ruck last season. He should have the best of Lloyd Meek and will have every opportunity to back up his 132 fantasy point game where he racked up 28 touches, as Meek will be unable to go with him around the ground.
Suggested Draftstars Lineup
