Wired for Success - Picks for Round 12
With nearly half of the AFL Fantasy season now behind us, every roster move in your AFL Fantasy Draft league carries extra weight. The competition is intensifying, and the difference between winning and losing can come down to a single smart waiver wire pickup. With the dreaded bye rounds set to dominate the next five weeks, there's never been a more important time to scour the waiver wire for hidden value.
Whether you’re dealing with injuries, navigating tricky matchups, or trying to get ahead of the byes, the waiver wire remains a goldmine—if you know where to look. This week, we’re highlighting players owned in under 30% of AFL Fantasy Draft leagues who are showing signs of breakout potential or are set to benefit from team changes, injuries, or role shifts.
From defenders and midfielders to forwards and rucks, these under-the-radar options could be the key to shoring up your team depth and sneaking a few wins while others scramble. In AFL Fantasy, it’s not just the stars that win leagues—it’s the smart, timely pickups that make all the difference.
Top Waiver Wire Picks by Position
Defenders
O’Connor (85) – After hovering around scores of 70 at best through the year, over the last two games, O’Connor has gone 110 and 85. There’s no real noticeable role change either other than getting more involved around stoppage. Still not confident in his week to week prospects with all the other names flying around Geelong’s defence and wing area but he is firmly on the watchlist.
Banks (110) – Since Jayden Short was a late withdrawal, Sam Banks has been standing up for the Tigers in defence. Taking kick ins and collecting disposals for fun at the moment, we have seen him score 93, 87 and now 110 in Short’s absence. With Short expected to either be back this week or next we know it wont last but jump on if Short misses again.
Prior (92) – Prior is a serious case of “Watch this space” after Zach Reid went down with another injury on Friday night. Prior scored 57 of his 92 points after Zach Reid went off injured and even took some kick outs. Has become a real option in the short term for those in desperate need down back.
Haynes (83) – Every week we think it’s the last week that Haynes will make the cut for this article but here we are after another solid score from him. Weitering has gone on record stating how much trust he is growing in Haynes to perform each week, so I guess we have to start showing that trust too. With a last five average of 82 that is warranted, so if you can afford to with bye structure, he’s worth going early on this week.
Hollands (81) – Speaking of players that keep popping up in these article, Ollie Hollands had one of the better 17 touch games we’ve seen in awhile. He was taking hits, making tackles and even kicked a goal. At this point though, Haynes has overpassed Hollands in our preference list.
Weddle (88) – Weddle is really starting to piece together some nice games which is no coincidence as he has been used as more of a swingman over the last few weeks. In his last four games he has scored 88, 71, 80 and 86 and has nice matchups coming up against Collingwood and the Bulldogs. If you can’t afford to stash a Haynes, don’t want to take a punt on Prior, than he is a great option.
Lester (77) – Here’s a fun fact. Ryan Lester’s last three games has 84, 86 and 77. We wrote about Lester earlier in the year after his score of 94 in round 2. Then we said it was a once off, he can’t be trusted and history suggests he will always go back to his floor (well below 50). Since he has produced these three scores we stick by most of that sentence other than he has proved us wrong that it was a “once off”. No real role change to the eye so we don’t like Lester despite his rolling last three average.
Hardeman (106) – A huge 45 point first quarter by Hardeman really set himself up for a great day. He has still scored under 50 twice since being freed of being the sub and we believe he will be trained up as a lockdown defender first before he’s taught to also accumulate like he did in this game. Not for us.
Quaynor (99) – Terrific game by Quaynor but let’s just leave it at that. Him and Howe have bene rotating between who stands up in Moore’s absence and we don’t want to get sucked in by scores like this from known low scoring fantasy players like Quaynor.
Atkins (89) – Will the real Port Adelaide half back flanker option please stand up. Atkins got his turn on Saturday night and he produced 25 touches. Fremantle are a great matchup for half backs so we have to be careful reading too much in to this but there is a couple of warning heres. Number 1 is we don’t know when Sinn will be back and number 2 is every week someone different pops up for Port Adelaide to do well from defence. This week it was Atkins and Evans. Next week it could be Burton. Too risky for us.
Evans (86) – As stated above, got the soft matchup and got his turn tonight. Didn’t provide as much drive as Atkins (209m gained vs 540 metres gained) but was still a trusted option down back for the Power. As said with Atkins, there’s too much volatility in the Port Adelaide backline options for us to go recommending any of them. Stick to the Haynes and Hollands of this world.
Wagner (84) – Back in the CBA mix for Fremantle this week and his scoring reflected that. Unable to produce any kind of consistency at the moment Wagner so only an option in real deep leagues and make sure you are only selecting him as a free agent. Does have a good bye round though as Fremantle only share the bye with St Kilda.
Milera (89) – Must’ve been the Eagles if even Milera was cashing in. Just don’t do it.
Worrell (83) – Like Cooper Lord, we are huge fans of the work that Worrell is capable of when given the right role. This is now his third score over 80 in the last four weeks but they’ve also played smaller forward lines which helps with his ability to intercept. Way too capable of the odd stinker but you could do far worst than Worrell in your team.
Windsor (85) – There really are a lot of point to go around down back for Melbourne at the moment which is great to see. With St Kilda and Collingwood over the next two weeks, Windsor become a real option to stream out of your defence. Other than a sub standard 39 from Windsor last week, he’s actually scored 88, 78, 81 and 85 in four of the last five.
McVee (83) – We prefer Windsor to McVee that’s for sure but another option with the soft matchups over the next two weeks for those in desperate need. At the MCG he is averaging 82. Away from home he is averaging 46. He takes on Collingwood at the MCG in two weeks.
Jeffrey (118) – This marked Jeffrey’s third score over 100 this year, which is more than we can say about a lot of defenders. For that reason alone he is worth waivering over any of the Melbourne defenders spoken about above. Has Fremantle next week too so you should get a sugar hit straight away. Just be aware his floor is as bad as any so only for those that are finding they need a hail mary score out of someone each week.
Uwland (83) – Made the most of the soft matchup this week to produce his fourth score in a row over 70. It was all set up in the first quarter Got a couple of kick outs as well
Byrnes (81) – We’ve spoken about Byrnes plenty before, due to his predictability being his greatest strength. Right up there with Haynes as a great option for our defences who should score you 70 or above most weeks. Going at an average of 84 over his last three games.
Midfielders
McAuliffe (94) – Ok this is starting to get very interesting by McAuliffe. After averaging 105+ from the five VFL Games played this year, he’s come in to the AFL side and scored 53, 86 and now 94 in a mainly CBA role. The good part about the Tigers is there is a clear path to more CBA usage if you are performing and right now McAuliffe is performing. With rumours that Prestia is going to be available for selection after the mid season bye, there’s still plenty of time for McAuliffe to keep delivering for the AFL side. One of the high risk, high reward options out there.
Ralphsmith (82) – Kicked a couple of great goals from the wing but this is his first score over 70 all year so is not all of a sudden worth picking up.
Lord (87) – Unfortunately Carlton go on bye this week just as Cooper Lord was really working his way in to form. He did this all from the wing as well for the second week in a row. For the regular readers you’ll know we are big fans of what Cooper Lord is capable of but unfortunately that momentum will now stop and the CBA role isn’t there. We’d prefer McAuliffe or O’Halloran in the short term.
Morrison (101) – Over the last couple of weeks Morrison has been scoring a lot more from the wing but with the fluctuation in scoring of other Hawks wingman we just cant trust him. Still one of the better and more capable options in deeper leagues.
Stephens (110) – The yo-yo that is Dylan Stephens continues. Stephens has been luring us in all year with scores over 70 but just as you think you can stream him, he puts up 66 points against Richmond at the G. If you can’t pick when players will play to the score you need them to, its very difficult to recommend them for your squad.
Allan (94) – Take note, Edward Allan can score. Take note also, he didn’t get a single CBA despite Pendles and Sidebottom not being in the side. If he won’t get them then, we are out of ideas as to when he would. With Crisp and Perryman going more in to the midfield, he did more of his heavy lifting on the wing and half back line. Unfortunately doesn’t look like we have Ned Long 2.0 on our hands.
Johnson (97) – Matt Johnson is turning in to the ultimate tease. There is no doubt he’ll be a fantastic player for our sides if anything ever happens to Brayshaw or Serong (touch wood). His third score over 90 this year and again he did it mainly from a wing. Seems to be the Jeremy Sharp of 2025 for the Dockers but unlike Sharp, can’t at least be as predictable in his scoring (Sharp always did well at Optus). Still a great option for those looking for a midfielder considering what else is out there.
Berry (123) – In his first game not starting as the sub, Sam Berry went 123 from 43% CBAs. The rest of his time was spent on the wing or playing from half back. We know Berry can score when given great opportunity. We also know that Nicks will take that opportunity away from him in a heart beat. With Sydney, Brisbane and Hawthorn coming up, we don’t think he’s a great option but well done to those who were able to bank this score for their team.
Sheldrick (84) – Him and Jordon seem to be the two that had to sacrifice their CBAs to Callum Mills upon return so all in all Sheldrick did well to get to 84. With McInerney also returning after the bye it could get even harder for Sheldrick to get CBAs. As long as he isn’t the starting sub, he will always be a good option due to his high PPM. We just can’t guarantee he won’t be the sub.
Clark (93) – Very interesting game from Hunter Clark this week. This was actually the first time he had not been involved in the sub vest this year and he was trusted with 50% CBA share with Macrae out of the side. Despite taking another heavy knock, he made his way to 93. While he is severely injury prone, while he has the role he is a great short term option to play through your midfield.
Rucks
Stanley (94) – Huge number of CBAs for the Geelong game, meant a huge number of opportunities for Stanley to score well and he delivered. English has always been one of the easier ruckmen to score hitouts against but this was only the fourth time in Stanley’s long career he had over 40 hitouts. Interestingly it was the second time in two years against English. Stanley has West Coast on the cards next week so is a great option for those in desperate need of a ruck to stream (or those with their ruckmen on bye).
Fort (72) – Always an option for those in need when McInerney isn’t playing. Theres a big watch over Big O at the moment as he is clearly struggling to get up each week. Fort is a good stash for those in deep leagues with a flex spot as he’s always good for a 65-80 each week. We expect to see enough of him between now and season’s end to warrant that spot.
Forwards
Neale (89) – 5 goals for Shannon Neale meant he achieved his highest fantasy score of his career. Has shown from previous rounds that this is an anomaly so he cant be trusted enough to grab off the waiver.
Clarke (98) – Angus Clarke was not a real known junior scorer and he made the most of the soft matchup with three goals on debut. Despite him being a clear ripper of a country bloke (based on his post game interviews) we can’t be getting sucked in by these scores. His top score in the VFL before his debut was 83.
Perkins (89) – Perkins has largely been a disappointment this year but he also made the most of the opposition on Friday with 24 touches and a goal. No difference in the role unfortunately, with his usual sprinkle of CBAs in there. Our advice is just use this as another example of how good it is to stream players against weaker opponents as opposed to using a waiver pick on Perkins.
O’Halloran (93) – Very interesting score by O’Halloran in the first game of 3 without Callaghan in the side. Kelly is not too far off but he had his most CBAs of the year this week (19) and produced 93 from 19 touches and 7 tackles. With Richmond next week, there are far worst streaming options available to those in need.
Jones (79) – Darcy Jones is finally scored over 70 for the first time since he scored 123 in round 4. Clearly is capable on his day but the season has shown that is too far and few between. Not for us.
Ah Chee (112) – Someone that is starting to have less time between their good scores is Ah Chee. Still he hadn’t scored over 70 since round 5 and despite having a 96, 85 and now 112 in his repertoire for this year, he is too unpredictable to be playing in your draft team.
Reid (94) – A score of 94 from a forward is always going to be talked about but this was only he second score over 60 in the last 8 weeks. Pass.
Turner (72) – Similar to McVee and Windsor, we have to ignore their recent score against Brisbane when talking about them. Now available as a forward and a defender to help with flexibility, he has scores of 72. 75 and 86 in three of the last four. We’re sure there’s better options, but we’d be amiss not putting Turner on your radars.
Sharman (85) – Sharman was at his high flying best this week and has now gone 85 and 106 in his last two at Marvel. Doesn’t play there again until Round 14 so we can’t be recommending him before that.
Long (79) – Was always going to do well today coming up against his old side and delivered with three goals in the first half. Unfortunately, the consistency has gone out of Long’s game that we saw earlier in the year as he was only able to produce 9 points in the second half. Still one of the better forward options still available to us due to his upside.
Owens (109) – Owens was matched up on all types of defenders during the game but seem to be marking most of what was coming his way in clearly his best game of the year. Now has three scores over 80 in his last four so has become a legitimate option for our forward lines ahead of his round 13 bye.
Positional Rankings at a Glance
To help you prioritise your pickups, here’s a quick ranking of the top options by position.
Defenders
Please note all players are not in Bold which means they are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round regardless.
Sam Banks
Nick Haynes (bye next week)
Ollie Hollands (bye next week)
Jaxon Prior
Josh Weddle
Watchlist: Joel Jeffrey, Ryan Byrnes Ryan Lester, Rory Atkins, Caleb Windsor, Bodhi Uwland
Midfielders
Please note all players are not in Bold which means they are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round regardless.
Oliver Dempsey
Matt Johnson
Kane McAuliffe
Hunter Clark
Watchlist: Harry Morrison, Xavier Lindsay, Harvey Langford, Dylan Stephens, Angus Sheldrick, Sam Berry, Cooper Lord
Rucks
Please note all players are not in Bold which means they are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round regardless.
Rhys Stanley
Darcy Fort (if Big O isn’t named)
Forwards
Please note players in Bold are worth a waiver wire even in shallow leagues for AFL Fantasy Draft.
All players not in Bold are only worth a waiver in deep leagues or leagues where the waiver wire order resets at the conclusion of each round.
Justin McInerney
Mitch Owens
Jack Ginnivan
Xavier O’Halloran
Ben Long
Watchlist: Bailey Humphrey, Daniel Turner, Cooper Sharman, Angus Clarke, Archie Perkins
Get Ahead of the Game
Use this guide to make the right waiver moves and maximise your AFL Fantasy Draft team's scoring potential heading into Round 12.
Securing those high-upside pickups at this point in the season can make all the difference. Whether you're looking to strengthen your squad for the bye rounds or chasing that next breakout star, timely waiver wire decisions are crucial to staying competitive. Players like Jaxon Prior could be the key to setting your team apart as the season heats up.
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