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 are averaging under 100 could deliver big scores this week.
Errol Gulden comes up against West Coast in a dead rubber at Optus Stadium. West Coast have been an easy opponent for fantasy, and this week should be no different. Hope for a big score as Gulden averages 123.7 from his last three meetings and scored 127 the last time they met.
Bailey Dale should enjoy the Fremantle matchup, as they’ve been a soft opponent for rebounding defenders. He scored 120 last week and is averaging 113.3 from his last three games against the Dockers.
Isaac Heeney could have a big game against West Coast. The Eagles are the third-easiest team for high forwards to score against, and they also give up plenty to inside mids. Wherever Heeney plays, he should score well. He’s averaging 113.3 from his past three against them.
Lachie Ash has been quiet over the past fortnight, but he comes up against St Kilda, traditionally an easy matchup for defenders. He scored 113 the last time he played them and is averaging 108.3 across their last three clashes.
Tom Atkins is a gutsy call, but Richmond have been the easiest team for midfielders to score against by a mile in recent weeks. While he might not go massive, Atkins should be good for around 100 if you’re desperate for a captain option.
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.
With Ollie Wines suspended (and Jason Horne-Francis and Miles Bergman injured), Port’s midfield is decimated. That leaves Zak Butters to carry the load against Gold Coast. Despite some patchy form, he could put up a big score and is worth a VC look on Friday night.
Clayton Oliver has a strong record against Collingwood, averaging 102.7 from his last three matchups. He scored 109 the last time they met and had 104 last week on the MCG.
George Hewett posted 125 the last time he faced Essendon. After a big win last week, Carlton’s confidence should be high, and the Bombers are one of the easier midfields to score against.
Josh Daicos went off in this exact fixture last year in Round 24, scoring 128 points against Melbourne. He averages 131.7 from his past three against them. While his recent form has dipped, there’s hope he can rediscover it this week with a top 4 spot on the line for Collingwood.
Touk Miller has an excellent record against Port, averaging 115.3 from his last three meetings. With Port’s midfield depleted, he should thrive. He also played himself back into form with 105 last week.
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.
Angus Sheldrick has a good matchup against West Coast, who give up big scores to forwards and inside mids. He should use this as a chance to lock in his midfield spot for next season and should put up a good score.
Patrick Lipinski has struggled for Fantasy form recently, averaging just 55 from his past five games. But he has an excellent record against Melbourne – 139 the last time they met and a 95 average from their past three encounters.
Rhys Stanley comes up against Toby Nankervis, who is renowned for conceding points to opposition rucks. Stanley scored 106 the last time he faced Richmond, making him worth streaming if needed.
Patrick Dangerfield could also benefit from the Richmond matchup, provided Geelong don’t rest too many stars. He’s averaging 92.5 from his past three games against the Tigers.
With Izak Rankine suspended, Sam Berry might get extra midfield time. North Melbourne is one of the softest midfields to score against, and Berry scored 85 the last time he faced them.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
