Marquee Men: Who Costs the Most in Sokkah Fantasy 26/27?

Pillars of the Squad 

You’ve just got to have them. As much as this author has tried to skimp through previous fantasy seasons without the likes of Joe Lolley and Francis De Vries, I can’t deny the importance of the league's marquee players to a solid fantasy squad. While cash cows and reliable budget picks are crucial for a solid platform, it’s the week in week out stars who you can’t go without. The scoring system on Sokkah Fantasy ensures that investment in quality in all areas of the pitch is rewarded, with scoring contributions far beyond just goals, assists and clean sheets. For the run down on scoring, head over to the rules page to ensure you get bang for your buck with your squad.

But without further ado, keep reading to find out the 10 most expensive players in Sokkah Fantasy, and then decide if they will make the cut for your 2026/27 squad.

#10 | James McGarry | DEF - Wellington | $352,000

On the left edge of a Brisbane defence that was formidable to start last campaign, McGarry was a workhorse on the touchline with a keen eye for a pass. But as the Roar tapered off through the campaign, so did McGarry - all six clean sheets came before the turn of the year, but three assists in the final ten matches helped with a strong finish. McGarry averaged almost five duels a game across the season, along with a key pass each match and a shot on target every other. He shapes as an intriguing prospect this season - Wellington’s ceiling is something of an unknown, with pre-season results not indicating that their defensive assets will be a sound investment. McGarry is one to watch - a season opener against Victory is a tough start, but round two against the Mariners may provide him the chance to shine.

#9 | Daniel Wilmering | DEF - Newcastle | $364,000

Jets fullback Daniel Wilmering was always a reliable hand, but really broke out last season as the Box Office Jets stormed to the Premiership. The left-back scored once and jagged nine assists from his flank, and shapes as an intriguing option again as he'll now link up with former Adelaide star Zach Clough. Averaging over four duels a game and near on two key passes, the 25-year old has multiple routes to points in Sokkah Fantasy, but much will depend on how the Jets handle competing on multiple fronts this campaign.

#8 | Ryan Fraser | MID - Macarthur | $367,000

“He won’t get minutes” I continued to mutter under my breath as Ryan Fraser came on with a full half hour remaining against Perth just days after signing with Western Sydney last season. I then turned off the TV as he scored the stoppage time winner and clearly showed the quality that Wanderers had brought in. Another goal followed the next week in the first minute of the derby against Sydney, before he added another two goals and three assists in his 12-game stint with the Wanderers. Now, Fraser lands at Macarthur, a side who are nigh on impossible to predict each season, but have quietly put together a strong attacking squad this year. That bodes well for the Scotsman, who will get the opportunity to link up with Callum Talbot on the left side and look to cause some damage. A season opener against Perth gives Fraser the perfect chance to replicate his stunning arrival in the A-League once more.

#7 | Tom Lawrence | MID - Perth | $403,000

The best ability is availability, and unfortunately the mercurial Welshman only played 13 games for Glory last season. But when he did, he was a difference maker. Five goals and two assists in those 13 appearances, to go with a touch under two key passes per game and 10 big chances created, in a Glory side that took a while to find its feet. Now, with Adam Taggart gone, the Perth attack is Lawrence’s to lead. While he’s listed as a midfielder, he would often be listed as a second striker along with Taggart, and may fulfil that role again, if not playing as the 10. What Perth looks like this season is anyone’s guess, but if they are going to fire, then rest assured Lawrence will be right in the thick of it.

#6 | Ben Garuccio | DEF - Sydney | $403,000

A left-back workhorse with some attacking threat thrown in, Gooch is the marquee version of a Mr. Reliable. His base stats are strong with two key passes a game and almost five duels won, while the nine clean sheets he featured in with Sydney contributed a solid chunk of his points. Jacob Farrell provides some position competition this campaign, but one would still expect that it is Garuccio’s position to lose unless Patrick Kisnorbo feels strongly otherwise. While Garuccio is unlikely to deliver the same number of attacking returns as a Wilmering or FdV, his stable base and position in a very strong defensive setup means that he has multiple routes to points. 

#5 | Joe Lolley | MID - Newcastle | $447,000

The Jets are certainly shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams in the league again this campaign. The best attacking team in the competition last season, they lost some key figures but Mark Milligan has had the opportunity to bolster his attack, and the signing of Joe Lolley does exactly that. We have been fortunate to have been able to watch Lolley in the A-League Men's for the last four years, and while he will head into his fifth campaign at age 34, there were still flashes of brilliance throughout an injury-riddled last season. Four goals, two assists and eight big chances created when he did play, Sydney’s attack suffered when he didn’t. Lolley still commands the notion of being a must-have until proven otherwise - and if he can stay fit and slot into his new home on the Jets right flank, then that is likely to remain true.

#4 | Sam Cosgrove | FWD - Auckland | $451,000

The sole forward on this list, Cosgrove burst onto the A-Leagues scene last season, taking home the Golden Boot in his first campaign as he finished equal with Adelaide’s Luka Jovanovic on 12 goals. But it wasn’t just finding the back of the net that made him a fantasy must have, the big Englishman was a duels monster - winning almost nine duels on average each game as Steve Corica’s side used him as a target to bring long balls to ground up top. At nearly three shots a game (1.1 on target) Cosgrove was not short on opportunities. That may well increase this season with Cosgrove even more nailed as Auckland’s primary attacking option following the departures of Guillermo May and Jesse Randall. The big question mark for managers looking at Cosgrove is when do you do it? The Auckland talisman is suspended for the first two matches - which means you won't miss a price rise/fall, but does give you a decision to make. His first two fixtures after suspension? Brisbane & Wellington. Tasty.

#3 | Francis De Vries | DEF - Auckland | $456,000

FdV burst into the A-Liga for new boys Auckland in 24/25 with a mercurial fantasy season, quickly establishing himself as arguably the best fullback in the competition. The All Whites defender scored twice, had eight assists and delivered key passes for fun. He backed that up with one goal, seven assists, 2.6 key passes per game and 14 big chances created in 25/26. Steve Corica has left and in his place is Pedro Moreira, and we are yet to see how the Portuguese manager will utilise FdV down the left. If he retains the unbridled attacking licence he had in the first two seasons - then he remains one of the best picks in the game in an Auckland defence that is likely to be stoic once again. But with Melbourne City, Wanderers and Macarthur up in the first three games, that backline is likely to be tested and we’ll have a clear look at his two-credentials early.

#2 | Alexander Badolato | MID - Newcastle | $460,000

Talented youngster leaves Western Sydney Wanderers and blazes a trail elsewhere - stop me if you’ve heard this before. After a brief stint at Melbourne Victory, Badolato left Wanderers to link up with the Jets last season, and made an instant impact. A sublime goal in the F3 Derby in round one raised eyebrows, before a hat-trick against the Victory in round two confirmed he was the real deal. He added three assists to those goals as well before an ACL rupture against Auckland in Round 11 brought his season to a close, but the 21-year old is fit and ready to go once more. If Mark Milligan gets the Jets attack humming like he did last year, then Badolato is likely to be in the thick of it. The only question will be are there too many mouths to feed - with Zach Clough and Joe Lolley on either side and Nikos Vergos up top, Badolato will need to stamp his claim early as the focal point if he is to live up to this price tag.

#1 | Nicholas Milanovic | MID - Western Sydney | $468,000

You may ask why someone who didn’t play in the A-League last season is priced at almost a sixth of your salary cap. You would be justified in doing so. I would then choke up (Vince McMahon.gif) and refer you to his 2024/25 season before he went overseas. Mila was mercurial that season and pretty much at the heart of everything Wanderers did. 12 goals, six assists, five duels a game - he was a man on fire and an absolute fantasy stud. And now he is back, and the most expensive player in Sokkah Fantasy. What that means though - is he’ll need to prove he’s back at that level quickly to justify the outlay required to get him into your team. He’s likely to be a focal point for the Red and Black attack yet again, complemented by the likes of Miguel Di Pizio, Dylan Scicluna and Angus Thurgate looking to provide service for Hiroshi Ibusuki and Brandon Borrello up top. If he returns to that form then he is a no brainer as a pick - but with Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne City all featuring in Wanderers’ first four outings, you could be forgiven for watching and waiting.

So, there you have it. Pick your marquees, and then count your pennies to see how you can fill out the rest of your squad. How many of these players are going in your squad? Are you taking them early? Or betting on an early price fall and planning to snap them up for a bargain?

Sokkah Fantasy opens for the new season at midday, Sunday 27 September.

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