Hi Squad!
As the AFL preseason gets into full swing, we’re here to drop some fantasy spice for the 2025
season tailored for the GameDay Squad community. Let’s take a cheeky look back at 2024 before everyone starts throwing out phrases like #moremidfieldtime or #hesburningupthetrack.
Sign up for GameDay Squad using the code 'BOBAFL' and score 3 free packs to kickstart your fantasy squad
Unlike AFL Fantasy or SuperCoach, where salary caps and deep value rule GameDay Squad is all about value on the trade market. Here, it’s not about stretching dollars but maximizing the multipliers you bring into your squad. With that in mind, we’re kicking off 2025 with a focus on th best AFL GameDay Squad Defenders —a mix of locks, high-potential rotations, and the trusty backups to keep in your pocket for when things go sideways. Head here if you want to know more about Gamedays Squad.
My Top Defenders for 2025
My Locks
Harry Sheezel – The Rising Star, Literally.
If you don’t already have this guy locked into your team, are you even trying? Sheezel is pure class. He’s young, he’s dynamic, and he’s got that special “it factor” that screams fantasy points. There’s a minor concern about where North Melbourne plays him, but honestly, he could line up in the ruck and still put up great numbers. Stop overthinking it—lock him in and enjoy the ride.
Lachie Whitfield – Seagull Supreme, Back Again.
Whitfield soared to elite heights again in 2024, running GWS’s backline like his personal fiefdom. Kick-ins? Whitfield. Cheap marks? Whitfield. Bonus points for just being near the ball? Somehow still Whitfield these factors are what made him the best AFL GameDay Squad Defender in 2024. No Perryman or Cummings to cramp his style makes him an even safer pick in 2025. Tags are the one risk here—playing the Swans is a nightmare, as I painfully learned in 2024 when fading him cost me a top finish for the week. Lesson learned. Whitfield is firmly locked in for 2025.
Sam Flanders – The Big Fish in the Backline Pond.
Flanders has the potential to not only dominate defenders but also challenge for the title of Fantasy King of 2025. His scoring ceiling is astronomical, and his versatility makes him a must-have across all comps. The only downside? You’ll have to pry a diamond card off another coach if you don’t already have one. (Anyone holding extras? Let’s talk.)
Dayne Zorko – Angry Old Man Energy.
At 35, Zorko has no chill—and we love him for it. The angrier he gets, the more he hunts the ball like it owes him money. In 2024, his move to half-back resulted in some seriously juicy scores, thanks to his +7 game. The big question for 2025 is his durability. If Coleman stays healthy, there’s a chance Zorko’s role could shift. But if he stays fit, he’s a must-have.
Nic Martin – The Late Bloomer Turned Star.
Martin was the fantasy revelation of 2024, proving that age is just a number for older draftees. His ability to find space and rack up disposals is elite, and his hunger for the ball is unmatched. If Essendon can climb out of the bottom eight, his scores will only get better. Expect him to hold down a key spot in defence this year.
The Next Tier: The Rotational Gang
Luke Ryan – The +7 Maestro.
When avoiding needing to actually defend, Ryan is a fantasy dream. In 2024, injuries forced him into an actual defending role, which put a damper on his scores. But if Fremantle’s key defenders stay healthy, expect Ryan to spend his time racking up cheap kicks and marks again. He’ll be in (and out) of my team all season.
Jack Sinclair – Mr. Reliable.
Sinclair is a mature-age breakout who continues to shine. He’s split time between midfield and defence, which means his scoring potential is solid but capped. He’ll dominate matchups against teams that give up defensive points and will be a week-to-week game-changer.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – The Future QB1.
NWM is shaping up to be St Kilda’s defensive quarterback, dishing out points like a point guard in basketball. The risk? A potential move up the ground to bolster the Saints’ shaky midfield. If he stays in defense, he’s gold.
James Sicily – The SicDog.
With Hawthorn’s key defenders back, Sicily can return to his natural game and rack up intercept marks. There’s some risk of a forward-line cameo, but if his role is secure in defense, he’ll be a star.
Dan Houston – The Victorian Dark Horse.
Now playing for a big Vic club, Houston’s will be recognized as a true star. He’s a gun, but Collingwood’s game style might limit his scoring. Watch his role early to see if he’s worth a long-term investment.
Honourable Mentions
Nic Newman (would have been great but has ruptured his patella tendon in Jan 25), Jordan Clark, Max Holmes, Bailey Dale, Liam Duggan, and James Stewart all deserve a shoutout. They’ll be invaluable during bye rounds and injuries, but don’t count on them as week-to-week locks. They’re the reliable backups you keep in your back pocket for emergencies.
Get invloved, and use our code "BOBAFL" at sign up for to jump start your team with some free packs. Drop us a comment below who you think will be the top Defender in 2025 and their average.
Good luck for 2025!
Cheers,
The Goal Practitioners
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