Under the Roof: Bulldogs vs Dons DraftStars Masterclass

Sunday afternoon footy under the roof at Docklands is back, and it’s a ripper as the Western Bulldogs lock horns with Essendon. With a fast deck expected at Marvel Stadium, this clash promises high-scoring, end-to-end action that should translate to massive daily fantasy numbers. Expect the midfield battle to dictate terms as both sides look to stamp their authority early in the 2026 season.

Our FootyBets.ai models have crunched the numbers, and a few key names are standing out as absolute must-haves for your DraftStars builds. Here are the most heavily selected players from our optimal simulations:

Matthew Kennedy (MID) Projected for a massive 111.1 points, Kennedy appears in every single optimal build. He’ll be hunting the hard ball all day in the engine room, racking up clearances, bone-crunching tackles, and contested disposals.

Ed Richards (MID) Transitioning into a premier midfield weapon, Richards (105.6 projected points) provides devastating run and carry. Expect him to link up through the corridor, hoarding uncontested marks and sweeping disposals on the fast Docklands turf.

Peter Wright (RUC) "Two-metre Peter" is leading the ruck line in 100% of our top builds. He’s guaranteed to accumulate points through a solid base of hit-outs, combined with strong contested grabs and a couple of snags inside 50.

Jacob Farrow (DEF) Anchoring the Bombers' backline, Farrow is an optimal staple projected for 75.0 points. He’ll be mopping up across half-back, taking vital intercept marks, and driving the rebound 50 count to keep his fantasy score ticking over.

Position-by-Position Quick Tips

• RUC: Don't overthink it—plug in Peter Wright to handle the big-man duties and hit the scoreboard.
• DEF: Alongside Farrow, Lachie Jaques (projected 86.1) is featuring in 90% of our models. Back him in for plenty of +3 marks.
• MID: Build your core around Kennedy and Richards, but if you want game-breaking upside, sprinkle in the Bont—Marcus Bontempelli boasts a massive 112.3 ceiling.
• FWD: Jordan Croft is the primary target up forward. Slot him in for marks on the lead, goals, and forward-half pressure.

Ready to cash in on Sunday footy? Scroll down to check out FootyBets.ai’s top 10 optimal DraftStars lineups for this blockbuster clash!