FootyBets.aiBig Big Sound, Big Big Scores: GWS vs Essendon DraftStars Preview
The footy heads to Engie Stadium this Saturday, May 9, 2026, as the GWS Giants host the Essendon Bombers in a twilight blockbuster. Expect a high-octane clash with plenty of fantasy points up for grabs, particularly for a Giants side that's absolutely stacked with accumulator talent and ready to put on a clinic at home.
Our FootyBets.ai model has crunched the numbers, and the Giants are dominating the optimal builds. Here are the core plays driving our lineups this weekend:
Toby Greene (MID) Our AI is locking the Giants skipper into 100% of optimal builds. Projected for a massive 101.3 points, expect Toby to push high up the ground to rack up easy marks and disposals before drifting deep to slot a couple of crucial snags.
Lachie Ash (DEF) Projected for a slate-breaking 116.6 points, Ash is the ultimate distributor out of the back half. He is heavily featured in our builds because he’s guaranteed to stuff the stat sheet with intercept marks and those lucrative +6 combos (kick and mark) all afternoon.
Brent Daniels (MID) Featuring in every single optimal lineup, Daniels is a daily fantasy pressure machine. His 83.3-point projection is built on an elite work rate, high tackle counts, inside-50 entries, and his trademark goal assists.
Jake Stringer (FWD) The Package in charcoal and orange is proving to be a fantasy goldmine. Locked into 100% of our builds with a solid 75.5 projection, Stringer brings that explosive burst from the stoppage, tackles hard, and is always good for multiple shots on goal.
Kieren Briggs (RUC) Appearing in 9 of our 10 lineups, Briggsy is the premier ruck choice for this clash. He doesn't just win hit-outs; he acts as an extra midfielder, consistently racking up contested disposals and bruising tackles around the ground.
Position-by-Position Quick Tips
- RUC: Lock in Kieren Briggs for his around-the-ground grunt, though Bombers big man Nick Bryan offers a unique contrarian pivot.
- DEF: The Giants' half-back line is the key. Target Lachie Ash and Harry Himmelberg for premium uncontested ball.
- MID: Ride the orange tsunami with Stephen Coniglio and Finn Callaghan, but don't ignore Essendon ball-magnet Zach Merrett for guaranteed volume.
- FWD: Keep it simple. Jake Stringer and Toby McMullin offer the perfect blend of high half-forward pressure and scoreboard impact.
Ready to take down the prize pool? Scroll down to check out the AI-generated Top 10 optimal DraftStars lineups for this matchup!