It was a high-possession, high-mark game for the SUNS against West Coast in Round 1, resulting in a number of impressive AFL Fantasy scores.

The bulk of the scoring was done by the defenders, with three of Gold Coast’s best highlighted below as potential inclusions for your Fantasy teams ahead of Round 2.

Jack Bowes (DEF - $643k)

Bowes had a field day in the defensive half on the weekend, racking up an equal game-high 14 marks and 30 disposals for a whopping 135 Fantasy points. What is even more impressive, is 28 of those disposals were kicks – giving him close to maximum Fantasy output for his touches. Even though there’s no points awarded for it – Bowes also went at 100% efficiency which is worth a mention.

Bowes was the third-highest scorer in the AFL for the round and should see plenty more opportunity for high scores this year. An asset of his game is his responsibility to take the kick-ins. Bowes took six of the SUNS’ 10 kicks ins and played on each time, boosting his score by 18. Going up $35k after Round 1, Bowes is projected to continue to rise in price with a low breakeven of just 53. If you’re in need of a premium defender, Bowes is a great option and has low ownership of just 1% which could work in your favour to separate from the pack. 

Oleg Markov (DEF – 408k)

Markov worked out to be one of the best picks of the round, with his score of 108 making him the fourth-highest price riser, going up $38k from his original starting price. Markov, like Bowes, was prolific in finding space and accumulating plus sixes through marks and kicks. He too finished with 14 marks to go with 17 kicks and three handballs.

Markov will be an attractive trade target this week, with a low breakeven of 16. He has a Fantasy friendly role which should see him record high numbers in marks and kicks, although it’s worth noting the match against West Coast had a higher number than average. At just $408k, Markov should continue to rise in price over the weeks to come and will be a good early-season investment.

Jack Lukosius (DEF - $612k)

Another defender to rack up an impressive AFL Fantasy score on the weekend was Jack Lukosius. His score of 105 was also benefitted from the kick to kick in the backline, with the precise ball-user registering 11 marks, 20 kicks and three handballs.

In 2020 Lukosius had his breakout year to become a relevant Fantasy option in defence, and looks again to be someone who can push the elite bracket with his role in the team. This year, Lukosius is likely to push up the ground more and more as Senior Coach Stuart Dew wants to see the third-year gun deliver the ball into the forward line regularly with his superb foot skills. At a price tag of just above $600k, Lukosius is a cheaper option than others in his scoring bracket and with a breakeven of 69 he should continue to climb in price.

Fantasy Stats: Centre-bounce attendances (CBA):

Fantasy stats: Kick-ins (play on): 

Jack Bowes 6 (6), Wil Powell 2 (2), Connor Budarick 1 (0), Sean Lemmens 1 (1).