MCG Mayhem: The DraftStars Locks You Need for Hawks vs Giants

Friday night footy at the MCG doesn't get much better than this, as a rampant Hawthorn outfit hosts the lethal GWS Giants. Expect a high-octane, fast-paced transition battle where uncontested marks and uncontested possessions will reign supreme. It’s a fantasy coach's dream under the lights, and our AI has crunched the numbers to find the ultimate edge.

The AI Core Locks

• Lachie Whitfield (GWS | DEF): Appearing in 10/10 optimal lineups with a massive 115.1 projection, Whitfield is non-negotiable. He’ll control the game off half-back, racking up uncontested disposals and rebound marks on the wide MCG wings.
• Toby Greene (GWS | MID): The Giants skipper is a perfect 10/10 lock, projected for 85.7 points. Expect him to feast on goals, pressure tackles, and inside-50 entries.
• Massimo D'Ambrosio (HAW | MID): Hawthorn's link-man features in every single optimal lineup. His elite kick-to-handball ratio and run-and-carry will see him effortlessly cruise past his 85.4 projection.
• Blake Hardwick & Lloyd Meek (HAW | FWD): Both Hawks are locked into 100% of our lineups. Hardwick's versatility to grab intercept marks and kick goals, combined with Meek's dominant aerial presence and hitouts in the forward half, makes them elite forward-line cheat codes.

Position-by-Position Quick Tips

• DEF: Lock in Lachie Whitfield, but pair him with Harry Himmelberg (4/10 lineups) for a high-marking GWS defensive stack.
• MID: Go with Connor Macdonald (9/10 lineups) for reliable disposal numbers and high-tackle output.
• RUC: Hawthorn's Ned Reeves (5/10 lineups) is the optimal play to dominate the hitout battle.
• FWD: Do not overthink it—lock in the dual-threat of Blake Hardwick and Lloyd Meek to anchor your attack.

Ready to build a winning ticket? Check out our AI-generated Top 10 optimal lineups below to see exactly how to structure your squads!