The Keeper League - AFL Fantasy Podcast

Massimo D’Ambrosio is back on the 2G4P list after another strong score on the wing. It was a friendly matchup, but with three good games in a row, we ask whether he has finally turned a corner and become a legitimate draft and keeper league option again.
Sam Cumming has wasted no time making an impact, going straight into Richmond’s midfield mix and attending 23 centre bounces this week. With Taranto out and Prestia going down early, the opportunity is clearly there — and he now looks like one of the most interesting young names to track moving forward.
Noah Balta might be the wildest talking point of the week, rucking for Richmond and scoring 119 with 20 hit-outs. With DEF/FWD status and Richmond short on ruck options, we discuss whether this is just a short-term fix or something that could actually hold value for fantasy coaches.
We also dig into the other big role changes and waiver wire names from the round, including Kane McAuliffe, Tom Brown, Lincoln McCarthy, Sam Durham, Colby McKercher, Liam Henry, Peter Wright and more.
As always, it’s about working out what’s real, what’s role-driven, and what’s just a one-week spike.
If you're playing draft and keeper leagues, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
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https://keeperleaguepod.com.au/keeper-league-membership/
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Patrick Retschko headlines the week as one of the most important waiver wire moves, backing up his role change with another strong score across halfback. With Richmond committing to that setup and opportunity opening up, this looks like more than a one-week spike — and the competition is starting to react.
Lincoln McCarthy might be the biggest role shift of the round. A move to half back completely flipped his scoring profile, piling on disposals and marks in a way we haven’t seen before. The big question now is whether Brisbane sticks with it, because if they do, this changes everything for his value.
Hugo Garcia has officially arrived as a genuine 2G4P option. The CBAs are there, the confidence is growing, and he’s now producing like a legitimate midfield contributor rather than a fringe piece. This feels like a proper breakout moment rather than a flash in the pan.
Christian Moraes is another one turning heads, stepping into a wing role and delivering immediately. After strong SANFL form, he looks like he belongs at the level and fills a need Port have clearly been searching for. There’s real upside here if the role holds.
Across the board, there are plenty of emerging names putting their hand up — but as always, it’s about working out what’s sustainable and what’s matchup or role-dependent noise.
If you're playing draft and keeper leagues, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Become a Keeper League Podcast member:
https://keeperleaguepod.com.au/keeper-league-membership/
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/APjqvT22ze
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Cam Zurhaar headlines the week with a monster performance in a new half-back role, showing just how valuable role shifts can be in keeper formats. It’s not often you see a bull that far from his paddock and rack it up like that, and it’s already sparked plenty of waiver wire movement.
Elijah Tsatas continues his rise since returning to Essendon's side, starting to put it all together with his midfield work. The signs are strong that this is no longer just potential - this could be the breakout stretch.
Miles Bergman looks like he might finally be back. With Port controlling the game and allowing their defenders to accumulate, we saw glimpses of the scoring profile we know he’s capable of. The big question now: is this the turning point or just a one-off?
We also dive into the evolving 2G4P landscape, with more players ticking the boxes and others falling just short. Role changes, CBAs, and team trends are becoming more reliable indicators, and identifying these early is key to staying ahead in keeper leagues.
Across the competition, there’s a growing list of up-and-coming players putting their hand up — whether it’s through increased midfield time, new roles, or simply taking their opportunity. Knowing which of these are real and which are noise is what separates the good teams from the great ones.
And finally… is Andrew Brayshaw no longer too good for the podcast? Find out in this episode.
If you're playing draft and keeper leagues, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Become a Keeper League Podcast member:
https://keeperleaguepod.com.au/keeper-league-membership/
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/APjqvT22ze
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Round 5 had Gather Round taking centre stage — and it clearly took its toll. Heff and this week’s guest Checkers jump on after a massive weekend, a little dusty but still ready to break it all down.
On the field, a few standout performances caught the eye. Angus Anderson impressed with a strong debut that immediately puts him on the radar, while Nick Madden made a serious statement in the ruck with a performance that’s sure to get people talking. Bailey J Williams also stood out, capitalising on his opportunity and reminding everyone of the value he can bring in the right setup.
Across the rest of the round, it was another mix of role changes, matchup-driven scores and evolving trends that are starting to shape the early part of the season. There’s still plenty to work through, but the picture is becoming clearer with each passing week.
If you're playing draft and keeper leagues, this episode dives into the key takeaways you need to stay ahead — even if the boys are running slightly below 100% this week.
Become a Keeper League Podcast member:
https://keeperleaguepod.com.au/keeper-league-membership/
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Round 4 gave us another big look at how roles are evolving — and a few key storylines that could have serious keeper league implications.
Jacob Farrow headlines the week, with the underage prospect producing his first ton and putting his name firmly on the fantasy radar. It was a glimpse of the ceiling — and a reminder of just how high his long-term value could be.
In Adelaide, the ruck debate looks all but settled. Lachlan McAndrew dominated with a huge performance, while Reilly O’Brien struggled, strengthening the case that McAndrew is now the Crows’ clear No. 1 ruck moving forward.
Tom Sparrow continues to be one of the more interesting fantasy stories early in the season, thriving through increased midfield time despite still holding forward status — a combination that makes him incredibly valuable across draft and keeper formats.
Across the round, we also saw more players push into 2G4P territory, with names like McAndrew, Riley Bice, Bohdi Uwland, Will Powell and Sparrow now ticking that box, while others continue to hover on the edge.
There were big scores in the right roles, a few performances boosted by soft matchups, and more clarity starting to emerge around which trends are real.
If you're playing draft and keeper leagues, this episode breaks down the players, roles, and early-season shifts you need to know to stay ahead.
Become a Keeper League Podcast member:
https://keeperleaguepod.com.au/keeper-league-membership/
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/APjqvT22ze
Play FootyNumbers:
https://footynumbers.com
Play FootyHeads:
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