Pies vs Power: Lock in These DraftStars Anchors for MCG Blockbuster
Saturday afternoon at the MCG doesn’t get much better than this as Collingwood hosts Port Adelaide in a high-stakes winter clash on June 20. With both sides desperate to cement their top-eight credentials, expect a fierce, physical contest under the Melbourne sky. It’s a fantasy coach’s dream, with plenty of points up for grabs in what should be a fast-paced, high-transition encounter.
Our FootyBets.ai simulator has crunched the numbers, and these five stars are dominating our optimal lineups:
- Zak Butters (Port Adelaide, MID - Projected 117.6 pts): The ultimate set-and-forget option. Featured in 10/10 optimal lineups, Butters is primed to tear the MCG turf apart with his trademark high-volume disposals, clearance work, and relentless tackle pressure.
- Jeremy Howe (Collingwood, DEF - Projected 82.3 pts): Another unanimous selection in our top lineups. Howe’s elite intercept marking and kick-ins from defensive 50 provide a rock-solid scoring floor.
- Xavier Bamert (Port Adelaide, MID - Projected 79.3 pts): Finding his way into 100% of optimal lineups, Bamert’s high work rate and contested ball-winning ability make him an essential link-man for Port stacks.
- Jack Crisp (Collingwood, MID - Projected 92.2 pts): Appearing in 8/10 lineups, the durable veteran is a safe bet for 90+ points through his hard-running transition play and elite efficiency.
- Lachie Schultz (Collingwood, FWD - Projected 79.0 pts): Also appearing in 80% of lineups, Schultz is your go-to forward target, expected to hit the scoreboard and rack up high tackle numbers inside 50.
Position-by-Position Quick Tips
- DEF: Jeremy Howe is a lock, but consider pairing him with Josh Daicos (projected 98.9) if you want to capture some elite, high-possession ceiling off the wing.
- MID: Lock in Zak Butters, and look to Jase Burgoyne (projected 87.7) as a high-value mid-tier partner to round out your midfield.
- RUC: Darcy Cameron (projected 91.6) is the preferred big man this week, showing up in 4/10 lineups to dominate the hit-out battle.
- FWD: Target Ned Long (projected 71.2) alongside Schultz to secure a gritty, high-tackling forward line.
Ready to build a winning ticket? Check out our AI’s Top 10 optimal lineups for this MCG blockbuster directly below!