FootyBets.aiWest Coast vs Richmond: Your Ultimate DraftStars Playbook
The footy heads west this Saturday, May 2, 2026, as the West Coast Eagles host Richmond at the formidable Perth Stadium. Both squads are desperate to stamp their authority on the season, and with plenty of midfield firepower on display, this clash promises a goldmine of fantasy production. Expect a fierce, high-disposal contest that will heavily reward savvy DraftStars managers.
Our FootyBets.ai algorithm has run the numbers, and a few undeniable core plays have emerged. Here are the heavy hitters anchoring our top optimal builds:
- Oliver Hayes-Brown (Richmond): A lock in every single AI simulation. Expect the big man to monster the hit-outs and float around the ground for crucial contested marks.
- Sam Cumming (Richmond): The Tigers' new engine room beast. He’s set to rack up a massive score through a sheer volume of contested disposals and bone-crunching tackles.
- Liam Duggan (West Coast): The ultimate sweeping defender. Duggan is primed to feast on uncontested marks and mop up plenty of +6 kick-ins across half-back.
- Dion Prestia (Richmond): The veteran ball-magnet remains a clearance machine. Expect a rock-solid floor built on a mountain of easy touches and inside-50 entries.
- Elliot Yeo (West Coast): Absolute gold with forward status. Yeo will inevitably push up into the midfield to gather disposals, lay his trademark heavy tackles, and likely snag a goal to boost his ceiling.
Quick Position Tips
- RUC: Don't overthink it—Oliver Hayes-Brown is the undisputed king of the ruck taps for this slate. Set and forget.
- DEF: Look to Liam Duggan and Tom McCarthy to control the tempo for the Eagles. They'll easily rack up the +3 marks all game long.
- MID: Load up on the absolute ball-magnets. Dion Prestia and Tim Kelly will dominate the disposal counts, while young gun Harley Reid adds explosive tackle numbers.
- FWD: Elliot Yeo is a must-have thanks to his midfield rotations, but don't sleep on Jake Waterman or Tom Burton to hit the scoreboard and spike your total with multiple goals.
Ready to take out the prize pool? Check out FootyBets.ai’s Top 10 optimal lineups below and get building!