Anzac Day DraftStars Gold: Crush the Clash Between Essendon & Collingwood

The traditional Anzac Day blockbuster hits the MCG this Saturday, and the 2026 edition promises absolute fireworks. While the Bombers will bring the early heat to the 'G, our FootyBets.ai projections are heavily backing a black-and-white blitz. Expect a fierce contest where Collingwood’s runners dictate terms, control the footy, and feast on fantasy points.

Our AI simulations have heavily favoured the Pies, and here are the core guys dominating our optimal builds:

• Josh Daicos (Collingwood, MID): A perfect 10/10 optimal appearances. He’s projected for a massive 109.2 points, ready to rack up uncontested marks and outside disposals running up and down the wide expanses of the MCG.
• Angus Anderson (Collingwood, MID): Also in 100% of our top builds. He provides the inside grit, meaning his score will be heavily padded by clearances and in-and-under tackles.
• Lachie Schultz (Collingwood, FWD): The quintessential DFS pressure forward. Schultz (80.9 projected) will get his points through relentless forward-50 tackles and hitting the scoreboard with a couple of opportunistic snags.
• Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood, MID): The veteran loves the big stage. Appearing in all 10 optimal lineups, expect him to accumulate plenty of cheap link-up disposals and marks around the ground.
• Brayden Maynard (Collingwood, DEF): Sitting in 9/10 lineups with a juicy 91.2 projection. "Bruzzy" will be launching the counter-attack, vacuuming up intercept marks and rebound 50s all afternoon.

Position-by-Position Quick Tips

• RUC: Look to the Bombers here. Lachlan Blakiston is our preferred big man, featuring in 60% of our optimal builds. He’s projected to gather solid hit-outs and mop up points at ground level.
• DEF: It’s all about the Pies' half-back line. Lock in Brayden Maynard and pair him with Harry Perryman for a reliable stream of intercept marks and kicks.
• MID: Josh Daicos is the anchor, but if you want immense ceiling, his brother Nick Daicos boasts a slate-high 110.0 projection. Use Angus Anderson for steady tackling output.
• FWD: Lachie Schultz and Patrick Lipinski are your go-to options. Both are heavily favoured by the AI to capitalize on Collingwood's inside-50 dominance.

Scroll down to check out the Top 10 optimal DraftStars lineups our AI has cooked up for this massive Anzac Day clash!