Captains
Picking a captain in keeper leagues can be a challenge, especially if injuries or lack of depth leave you without a standout option. That’s where we come in. Instead of the obvious choices, we’re looking at some under-the-radar captaincy options who could deliver big scores this week.
Bailey Dale is in cracking form, averaging 112 from his last five games. He faces Richmond this week—a side he averages 109 against from his past three matchups. Even more promising, he’s averaged 137 in his last three games at Marvel Stadium. He’s a strong captaincy option.
Brodie Grundy has a juicy matchup against Port Adelaide, who have been giving up massive scores to rucks recently. While he only averages 84.3 from his last three against them, he’s coming in hot with a three-game average of 132. Expect another big score.
Toby Nankervis also has a favourable matchup against the Western Bulldogs. While Tim English scores well himself, he tends to leak points to his direct opponents. Nank is averaging 115 from his last three games and should post a similar score again this week.
As we saw last week, Adam Cerra looks set to benefit from extra midfield time with Sam Walsh out of the side. He scored 103 the last time he played North Melbourne, who are one of the softest matchups for inside mids. He should go large again.
Vice-Captains
For vice-captains, we focus on players featuring in the first two games of the round—guys who fit the same mould as our captains but aren’t the go-to selections. If you’re looking for an early VC loophole play, we’ve got you covered.
Caleb Serong is finding form at the right time. He had 146 last week and is averaging 118 from his last three. While his previous three average of 100 against Essendon isn’t huge, the Bombers have been giving up points lately, so there’s upside.
Luke Jackson should thrive as Fremantle’s solo ruckman this week against young ruckman Vigo Visentini. With Essendon leaking points to rucks at the moment, Jackson has a strong chance to capitalise.
Gryan Miers continues his hot run, averaging 111 from his last five and coming off a 112 last week. He also averages 102 from his past three against Brisbane, so a 100+ score is well within reach this week.
Luke Ryan is a bit of a left-field pick, but he has a great record against Essendon, averaging 114.3 from his past three matchups, including 110 last time. He’s also averaging 96 from his last three games at Optus Stadium. There’s risk, but also reward.
Streamers
Here we highlight players with strong scoring history against their upcoming opponents or other factors that suggest they could be worth a punt. Whether you’re scraping the waiver wire or looking for a sneaky bench loophole, these are the names to consider.
Jeremy Howe is one to consider this week. St Kilda have been a soft matchup for key defenders, and while Howe isn’t a traditional key back, he plays a similar intercepting role. With St Kilda lacking tall targets, there should be plenty of opportunity for marks and possession in Collingwood’s back half. A 70+ score is well within reach.
Ryan Burton looks to have taken over Port’s kick-ins last week from Kane Farrell. That alone boosts his scoring potential. Add to that Sydney’s generosity towards general defenders, and Burton is a sneaky good play. He’s averaged 81 from his past three against the Swans.
Corey Wagner has been named on the ball for Fremantle and may go to Zach Merrett in a tagging role. If Merrett plays in the midfield, Wagner should have every opportunity to rack up tackles and uncontested possessions. He’s scored well in tagging roles before and could repeat that this week.
Josh Treacy should be worth a punt in your side this week. Essendon have been the easiest matchup for key forwards in recent weeks. While Treacy doesn’t have a strong record against the Bombers, this is a perfect opportunity for a 70+ score.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
