The 2024 AFLW season is just a couple of days away, with action set to begin on Friday, August 30th. It can be a daunting task putting together an AFLW Fantasy team as a newcomer but rest assured, I gave the AFLW Fantasy a crack for the first time last season and managed to finish #3 Overall, as well as taking home a weekly prize along the way. And despite such an unreal finish, I’m glad to be back and help some other newcomers take the AFLW Fantasy competition by storm in 2024. And similar to last year, I’ll bring you my best premium and bargain picks for the season to come below!
AFLW Fantasy 2024: Best Premium & Bargain Picks
Before I get into the best picks for each position, I just want to preface by saying it’s important to keep in mind the fixture this year. Yes, it’s a 10 round season again, but 11 games per team will be crammed in with each team having a double-game fixture between Rounds 4-7.
Each coach will look to strategize differently over these rounds, but my philosophy is to start as many early round players (Rounds 4-5) as much as possible, before trading to later round players (Rounds 6-7) to maximising your 2x scores. So, make sure to keep that in mind when picking your starting side!
Defenders
Best Premiums
Eilish Sheerin (RIC $925K) – By all reports has moved into the midfield and looked great in the practice game with 16 disposals and 6 tackles. She’s an absolute lock and load play in my opinion.
Jordyn Allen (COL $680K) – Had a bit of a down year in 2023 but is a gun and should bounce back to her high-scoring best with Ruby Schleicher back from injury, allowing Allen to play more of a rebounding role rather than a lockdown.
Also Consider: Nicola Barr (GWS 919K), Tarni Evans (GWS $850K), Ella Heads (SYD $838K), Sinead Goldrick (MEL ($600K)
Best Bargains
Serene Watson (STK $413K) – Had a juicy role in the practice game as a distributor out of defence and finished the game with 78 fantast points. Anything close to that is huge value for us.
Dayna Finn (CAR $316K) – Top scored for the Blues last week with 83 fantasy points. The Irish woman is a talent and could be in for a big year.
Also Consider: Katie Lutkins (BRI $369K), Abbey McDonald (GEE $344K)
(Eilish Sheerin pictured above)
Midfielders
The midfield is where the bulk of your points will come from, so you’ll need to spend up here. I believe it’s important to have at least 2 absolute guns ($1.3m+) that will likely be your captain and vice-captain options for the year. Mid-pricers with upside can also be worth taking a punt on in this position, and you’re never short of $300k rookies that can have an immediate impact in the midfield and make you some early game cash.
Best Premiums
Ebony Marinoff (ADE $1.66M) – Just lock her in. She’s a star and ticks all the boxes in fantasy. Noffy is a captain option each and every week.
Ash Riddell (NM $1.50M) – Absolute ball-magnet. She matched her AFLW record with 38 touches in the practice match despite limited TOG%.
Charlie Rowbottom (GC $1.46M) – One of the most talented ladies in the competition. She’s only getting better and should be in for another big year. Rowbottom has the potential to finish the season as the highest fantasy scorer.
Also Consider: Jassie Garner (NM $1.65M), Laura Gardiner (SYD $1.50M), Mon Conti (RIC $1.38M), Aisling McCarthy (FRE $882K)
Best Bargains
Mattea Breed (HAW $351K) – Burst into fantasy relevancy with a huge display in the practice game where she posted 76 points, which was the second most for the Hawks.
Shineah Goody (PA $300K) – Looks set to take the competition by storm in her first season. 110 points in the practice match and should be starting on the field for every team.
Also Consider: Sachi Syme (PA $400K), Mikayla Pauga (GWS $363K) Emily Gough (ESS $344K), Hayley Bullas (SYD $339K)
(Shineah Goody pictured above)
Rucks
Rucks in fantasy are typically a position where a lot of fantasy coaches like to ‘set-and-forget’ although there are some enticing options to work your mind around.
Best Premiums
Mim Strom (FRE $1.03M) – The 5th highest priced ruck but could easily finish as the top scorer in my opinion. Ally Morphett (SYD) would be the pick if she wasn’t under and injury cloud, but Strom is still very handy.
Lucy Wales (HAW $840K) – Dominated the practice game with 125 fantasy points albeit against not great opposition. Still, Wales represents great value at her price point.
Best Bargains
Eilish O’Dowd (GWS $300K) – Showed a bit in the practice game and remains the #1 bench pick at the basement price.
(Lucy Wales pictured above)
Forwards
It’s likely you should opt for a similar structure in their forward line as in defence. You’ll be looking to pick 2-3 premiums, 1-2 mid-priced players, and 1-2 rookies. We're pretty scarce in the forwards this year, so check out the team sheet!
Best Premiums
Bonnie Toogood (ESS $1.32M) – Was eased into the season with not much TOG% in tricky conditions in the praccy. However, don’t be fooled, Toogood is a superstar and is the #1 priced forward for a reason.
Katie Brennan (RIC $927K) – The Tigers have a nice fixture to start the season and Brennan should capitalise on that. She looked brilliant in the practice match too with 3 goals on her way to a team-high 97 points.
Also Consider: Kate Hore (MEL $1.11M)
Best Bargains
Ruby Tripodi (NM $379K) – Enjoyed a new role in the midfield in the praccy after a tough season as a forward last year. If she keeps that role she represents fantastic value for us.
Sarah Grunden (SYD $360K) – 47 points in the practice game and although that’s not massive, it’s still value at her price. It’s a tough year for value in the forward line.
