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.
Hugh McCluggage had a slow start against Sydney last week but gets a great matchup against West Coast, a team that has consistently leaked points to midfielders. He averages 127 in his last three games against the Eagles.
Jack Steele also started slow in Round 1, but his record against Geelong is strong—averaging 124 in their last three meetings, including a 147-point performance the last time they played. Against a tough Cats side, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to rack up tackles and score well.
Christian Petracca looked back to his best last week against GWS. Now he faces a weaker North Melbourne side, which should give him plenty of opportunities to dominate. He’s averaged 121 in his last three games against the Roos.
Connor Rozee looks like a strong Saturday afternoon option. Richmond conceded the fifth-most points to midfielders in Round 1, and with Port Adelaide looking to bounce back from a poor performance, expect their captain to lead the way. He also averages 118 from his past three against Richmond.
You should have no issue trusting Bailey Smith with the captaincy this week. St Kilda conceded the most points to midfielders in Round 1, and with Smith likely to see more inside midfield time, his scoring potential looks even better.
Vice-Captain
For vice-captains, we focus on players featuring in the first two games of the round—guys who fit the same mold 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.
I’m hoping James Sicily moves back into defence full-time with Jack Scrimshaw out, which should boost his scoring. He had 114 the last time he played Carlton and averages 108 in their past three meetings.
Blake Acres has a solid record against Hawthorn, averaging 105 in their last three matchups. If he can replicate that, he’ll be a great VC option as Carlton looks to bounce back.
If Sam Docherty avoids the sub vest, he could be a strong VC play on Thursday night. He racked up points quickly when he came on last week and has averaged 119 against Hawthorn in their past three meetings.
Jack Crisp started the season well with 101 points against Port Adelaide. He should put up a similar score against the Bulldogs, having averaged 104 against them in his last three games.
Tom Liberatore seems like an obvious choice given his role as the Bulldogs’ most experienced midfielder. He scored 108 last week and should deliver again on Friday night.
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 has a strong recent record against the Bulldogs, averaging 88 in their past three matchups.
I’d be fielding Lachie Cowan after his impressive performance last week. He’s only played against Hawthorn once but managed 79 points in that game.
Brady Hough has played against Brisbane twice, scoring 72 and 111 in those meetings. If he can land somewhere in that range again, he’ll be a solid option. The Lions also gave up the sixth-most points to defenders in Round 1.
Harry Morrison seems to have locked down a wing role at Hawthorn and is averaging 71.5 this season. He has a good record against Carlton, averaging 88 in their last three meetings, so expect a 70+ score again.
Taylor Walker scored 80 the last time he played Essendon and has averaged 79 in their past three matchups. If he avoids the sub vest, he should put up a similar score, especially with Adelaide’s improved midfield delivery into the forward line.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
