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It is officially upgrade season. Now is the time to start converting your cash cows into premium performers who had slower starts but are ready to deliver value in your AFL Fantasy side.
Embed from Getty Images1. Caiden Cleary
At just under $400,000, Cleary is my number one trade target this week. With back-to-back strong performances, he’s proven himself as a fieldable forward option. His work rate, intensity and defensive pressure are impressive, and we’re seeing him impact the scoreboard in multiple ways against different defenders.
With no Tom Papley for the next five weeks, he’s secure in his role and positioned to generate another $100-150K. Given the recent positional changes in the game, there’s simply no reason not to prioritize Cleary as your top downgrade option.
2. Tom Gross
Priced just over $300,000 with an average in the 60s, Gross has demonstrated reliable scoring across different matchups. While not ideal for your on-field lineup compared to options like Ashcroft, Lindsay or Davidson, he represents solid value at his price point.
Is it a double downgrade week? Probably not. One up, one down is the strategy. For Cleary owners, Gross becomes your secondary cash generation outlet; for non-Cleary owners, securing Cleary first remains the priority.
3. Riley Bice
With two consecutive six-figure price jumps and a breakeven of negative 28, Bice is heading rapidly toward $700,000. His fantasy-favorable role makes him comfortable to leave on field while premium defenders show volatility in their scoring.
To get consistent 70s from a player now at half the premium price (and a quarter of what he cost a fortnight ago) represents tremendous value. He still has considerable cash to generate, making him essential even if you’ve missed his initial rises.
Embed from Getty Images4. Nick Daicos
Daicos handled the James Jordan tag impressively, showcasing his work rate and contested ball winning ability. His history against Brisbane is excellent, with tons in his last three encounters during home and away seasons.
Though not as cheap as last week, a player averaging 100 with a breakeven of 86 projects for a baseline around 105. He offers strong VC potential this week and represents solid value despite the not-ideal fixture.
5. Zach Merrett
At $1.131 million, Merrett is undeniably expensive. However, his upcoming six-week fixture run beginning with West Coast is exceptional based on emerging 2025 matchup data.
His scoring diversity through goals, stoppage work, and transition play could make him the top fantasy player during this stretch. The question is whether allocating that premium price is worth it when players like Daicos, Green, and Brayshaw are available $100,000 cheaper.
6. Nick Martin
Recently gaining forward status, Martin excelled with uncontested possessions and marks against Melbourne. Playing as a wingman/high half-forward, his appeal stems primarily from his favorable fixture list.
His dual position flexibility creates additional lineup options, though players $100,000 cheaper could deliver similar output. This selection represents a fixture play rather than a form selection.
Embed from Getty Images7. Harry Sheezel
Despite significant midfield minutes and Wardlaw’s impending return, Sheezel continues scoring in the hundreds. When given freedom behind the ball, he delivers knockout performances.
Averaging 106 with a breakeven of 122, he represents one of the best defensive options available this season. Waiting another week to see North Melbourne’s structure with Wardlaw’s return might be prudent before investing.
8. Jason Horne-Francis
After consecutive tons, Horne-Francis offers better value with an attainable breakeven of 73. If you’ve avoided him until now, you’ve been rewarded by dodging his early season struggles while setting yourself up for value acquisition.
His ceiling appears lower than some alternatives, and with Rankine, Daniel, McCrae, Smith, Petracca and Martin providing strong forward options, Horne-Francis isn’t essential this season. Still, his value diminishes with each passing week.
9. Christian Petracca
Under $900,000 with promising recent form, Petracca’s fixture list opens tremendously after this week’s Fremantle matchup. His work rate and ground coverage have returned, even without hitting the scoreboard.
While Daicos takes priority this week due to acquisition difficulty after a potential score spike, Petracca represents a premium forward option whose trade priority will increase next week once his favorable matchup stretch begins.
10. Saad El-Hawli
At $260,000 with a negative breakeven, El-Hawli remains widely targeted despite being owned by only 30% of teams. His ranking suffers due to consecutive games as the substitute, which significantly impacts cash generation potential.
He’s a viable option if you’ve secured the primary cash generators (Cleary, Gross, Bice) and need to move on from underperforming players like Pryor, Davidson, Sanders, or Decony.
