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.
Jack Sinclair should bounce back this week against Richmond. He scored 134 the last time they played and is averaging 118.3 from his last three matches against them.
Ollie Wines was in good form last week, scoring 119 points against Geelong. We think he can back it up this week against Fremantle who he scored 111 against in their last meeting. He’s also averaging 105 from their last three encounters.
Callum Mills might be a good option this weekend. He faces Brisbane, a team he scored 131 against last time. He’s also averaging 124 from his last three games against the Lions and scored 117 the last time he played at the Gabba. Also, Brisbane have surprisingly been an easy team for general defenders to score against recently.
Jack Steele was the sub last week, which might make some coaches nervous, but he’s playing his 200th game this weekend. He faces Richmond, who are currently the easiest team by a mile for midfielders to score against. If you’re desperate, he’s a viable captaincy option.
Caleb Serong is having a disappointing fantasy year, but he comes up against Port Adelaide, who have been leaking points to inside midfielders lately. He scored 97 the last time he played them and should crack the ton this week. With Hayden Young out with a groin injury, Serong should see a midfield boost without Young taking points off him.
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.
Jeremy Cameron is under the spotlight again. He needs to average nine goals per game to reach the 100-goal milestone for the season. This week against Essendon could be the perfect chance to kick a big bag, so stick the VC on him and hope for the best.
Gryan Miers could fly under the radar while the focus is on Cameron. He’s capable of floating into pockets and sneaking a few cheap goals. He averages 102.7 from his last three against Essendon and scored 112 the last time they met.
Shaun Mannagh, who is averaging 108 from his past three games, should continue his good scoring this week. Half-forwards have been getting off the chain against Essendon recently, so expect a good score.
Josh Daicos has another good matchup this week. Hawthorn is an easy side for rebounding defenders, and Daicos scored 100 the last time he played Hawthorn. He is also averaging 100.3 from his last three games at the MCG.
Jack Ginnivan is a more left-field option, but he loves playing his old side. He’s averaging 100.7 from three matches against Collingwood and scored 115 the last time they met. Expect him to turn it on again.
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.
Shannon Neale could benefit from all the attention on Jeremy Cameron. He got on the end of a few goals last week against Port Adelaide and comes up against another soft opposition in Essendon. He scored 89 the last time he played them.
Taylor Walker has an unreal record against West Coast, averaging 136.7 from his last three games against them. He’ll be eager to make a statement and lock in a finals spot for the Crows with a big performance against the Eagles. With his 300th game in Round 24 coming up, he’s also worth grabbing off any waivers for your keeper league grand final if you think you’re a chance.
Stephen Coniglio has been back for a couple of weeks now and is starting to look solid again in the midfield for GWS. Coming up against North Melbourne this week in Canberra, he’s a handy forward-line option. He’s averaging 107 in his last three games against North and should score above 70 (if he’s not rested this week).
Sam Berry could benefit if the Crows rest a few players this week against West Coast. He’s someone who needs a big game to cement his finals spot, and he scored 123 the last time he faced the Eagles.
Dan Houston is another bounce-back candidate. Hawthorn are a good opponent for rebounding defenders, and Houston has a strong history against Collingwood, averaging 100.3 from their past three meetings. He managed 81 earlier this season against them, and with criticism around his recent form, he’ll be looking to respond.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
