G’day coaches, Andrew here Coach of Beast Mode from Blokes on the Ball. In this article, I’ll take an early look at the midfield line for GameDay Squad (GDS) and provide some preseason insights on the best Midfielders for AFL GameDay Squad which you need to have on your radar.
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Overview of the Position
· Weekly players on-field: 6
· 2024 highest averaging player: Errol Gulden (131 GDS)
· Number of players who averaged 120+ GDS in 2024: 14
Highest Averaging Midfielders (2024)
The midfield is a challenging position to fill. With more viable options than any other line but only six positions to field each week, choosing the right players is crucial. At the start of 2025, there will be 14 midfielders who averaged over 120 GDS points per round in 2024—and plenty of other options to consider.
Unlike defenders and forwards, the gap between the highest-scoring midfielders is relatively small. For instance, Caleb Serong (120 GDS) and Errol Gulden (131 GDS) represent the extremes of the top 14. This narrower gap means there are fewer “set-and-forget” players in the midfield, requiring GDS coaches to rotate players based on weekly matchups, form, and weather conditions.
Let’s look at some players likely to feature prominently in 2025 teams and a few who might be flying under the radar.
Best Midfielders for AFL GameDay Squad - Premium Options
Errol Gulden
We can’t start without highlighting the highest averaging player of 2024. Errol Gulden burst onto the fantasy scene in 2023 and continued his dominance in 2024. He delivered massive scores, especially during rounds 13-18, where he averaged a whopping 150 GDS points. However, from rounds 19-24, his average dropped to 118 GDS.
Gulden will be a popular Round 0 option thanks to his early game. The big question for 2025 is whether he can maintain his top spot or if a slight regression is on the cards based on his late-2024 performance.
Zach Merrett
The ever-reliable Zach Merrett. He makes you feel warm and safe every week as he runs around getting as much ball as humanly possible. Another fantastic year for him in 2024 with a 127 GDS average and will no doubt be a popular option in round 0. Zach is now 29 years of age but with Essendon having yet another trade period with no action, it is unlikely there will be any significant change in his role and output.
There are always rumors of him going to half back but I don’t expect it to happen in 2025 and if it does…it may launch him even higher in to the GDS scoring stratosphere. His platinum rarity is available for $2.50 on the transfer market which is an absolute bargain for those wanting to plan for round 0. Zach was also rewarded with an All Star card in 2024 which can pop up on the transfer market from time to time!
Sam Walsh
Walsh missed the first 4 rounds of the AFL season but arrived in full force with a 164 GDS in his first game. From there he played out every remaining game of the 2024 season, only going below 100 GDS on 3 occasions. Walsh is an accumulator and will be a GDS star for years to come however his inside ball work is so incredible that he does not get the marks and kicks like some of the other premium midfielders do.
\For example in 2024, Gulden averaged 5.6 marks and had a 2.69 kick to handball ratio where Walsh averaged 3 marks and had a 0.89 kick to handball ratio. If we can see some growth in those areas from Walsh he will be my pick for the best player of 2025 but until then he will always come with a risk.
Under the Radar
Tim Taranto
After a stellar 2023, Tim Taranto struggled by his standards in 2024, finishing with a 110 GDS average. However, he reminded everyone of his potential with a massive 162 GDS in Round 24. If he can complete a full preseason, he’ll definitely be one to watch.
Christian Petracca
Christian Petracca had his 2024 season cut short but is looking in elite shape this preseason. He’s a tempting point of difference (POD) option. At his best, Petracca is a proven scorer capable of big games and hitting the scoreboard. Don’t be surprised to see him in some coaches’ early lineups.
Final Thoughts
The midfield will be hotly debated all year. Be careful about chasing scores, as players can be big one week and quiet the next. If you can nail the right picks against the “popular” options, you’ll be well on your way to GDS success.
Stay tuned for more preseason insights. Jump into the action with our code BOBAFL to get your free packs when joining. Let us known who you think will be best in 2025 and their seasonal average.
Cheers,
Beast Mode
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