Fantasy sports and real-money betting have collided — and AFL fans in Australia are loving it. With traditional fantasy leagues continuing to thrive, AFL fantasy betting brings a fresh edge to footy punting in 2025, combining daily contests, player stats, and prize pools that change with every round.
In this guide, we’ll explain how AFL fantasy betting works, where to play legally in Australia, and how to start building winning line-ups based on form, matchups, and fantasy value.
What Is AFL Fantasy Betting?
AFL fantasy betting is different from your regular multis or head-to-head picks. It’s a skill-based contest where punters build teams of AFL players and earn points based on their real-life performances during a round or match.
You win based on how well your fantasy team performs relative to other players in the same contest — similar to DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) formats.
There are two main ways to play:
- Tournaments – Compete in paid entry contests for a set prize pool (e.g., $10k for top finishers)
- Head-to-Head – Go 1v1 with another punter — winner takes the pot
How Does Scoring Work in AFL Fantasy Betting?
Each player on your fantasy team earns points based on key in-game stats. Here’s a basic breakdown (varies slightly by platform):
| Stat | Points |
|---|---|
| Kick | +3 |
| Handball | +2 |
| Mark | +3 |
| Tackle | +4 |
| Goal | +6 |
| Behind | +1 |
| Hitout | +1 |
| Free For | +1 |
| Free Against | -3 |
You’ll need to select a squad of 6–9 players within a salary cap, balancing stars (like Christian Petracca or Zach Merrett) with cheaper options that can offer breakout value.
Where Can You Bet on AFL Fantasy in Australia?
Fantasy betting platforms are growing, but only a few are fully licensed and focused on Aussie sports.
1. Draftstars – The Leader in AFL Fantasy Betting
Australia’s largest daily fantasy sports platform. Offers huge AFL contests every round, including $50K+ guaranteed pools on major matchdays.
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Custom contests (public or private)
- Live score tracking and multi-entry options
2. MoneyBall (Currently inactive but expected to return)
Previously one of the original DFS operators in Australia. Keep an eye out for relaunches or similar platforms.
Fantasy vs Traditional Sports Betting
| Feature | Fantasy Betting | Traditional Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Based on player stats | ✅ | ❌ |
| Compete vs punters | ✅ | ❌ (vs bookie odds) |
| Fixed odds | ❌ | ✅ |
| Skill-based | ✅ | Partially |
| Prize pools | ✅ (variable) | ❌ |
Fantasy betting rewards strategy and research — not just odds shopping or momentum punting. Ideal for stat-heads who love tracking disposals, tackles, marks, and role changes.
AFL Fantasy Betting Tips for Beginners
- Form Matters – Pick players in hot form, especially midfielders with high disposal numbers.
- Value Picks Win Tournaments – Don’t just stack stars; uncover cheaper breakout players to beat the cap.
- Watch Late Team Changes – Lockouts vary by platform; keep an eye on subs or late outs.
- Target Matchups – Pick against leaky defences. Players facing West Coast or North Melbourne often rack up fantasy points.
- Track Role Shifts – A half-forward moving to centre bounce can be a goldmine for fantasy points.
Who Should Try Fantasy Betting?
- AFL fans already playing free fantasy comps (like AFL Fantasy or SuperCoach)
- Punters who prefer data-driven decisions over pure odds
- Anyone who enjoys tournament play, multi-entry strategies, or daily competitions with guaranteed prize pools
Final Word: AFL Fantasy Betting Is Just Getting Started
AFL fantasy betting bridges the gap between fandom and betting strategy. You’re not just backing teams — you’re backing player roles, stats, and performance trends. And in 2025, with major platforms like Draftstars offering bigger pools and more contests than ever, it’s the perfect time to get involved.
Want More Fantasy and Betting Tools?
Compare platforms, betting features, and fantasy-friendly apps built for Aussie punters.
👉 Visit Top Betting Australia — your ultimate destination for fantasy betting reviews, sportsbook rankings, and weekly AFL betting insights.