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 has been on fire lately, averaging 110 over his last five games. He doesn’t mind playing Port Adelaide either—he scored 135 the last time they met and has averaged 120.7 across their past three meetings.
Rory Laird has a great history against Gold Coast, averaging 119 in their last three meetings. He also scored 124 the only time he’s played at People First Stadium. That said, those numbers are from his time as a midfielder, and he’s now playing in defence.
I’ll back Lachie Neale to bounce back this weekend. Richmond have used Kamdyn McIntosh as a tagger, but it hasn’t been overly effective—Jack Macrae still scored 113 last week. Neale averages 118.7 in his last three against the Tigers.
This one’s a bit risky, but Bailey Dale could be a sneaky pick. He averages 113.3 against Fremantle from his last three games and posted a 134 the last time he played at Optus Stadium.
Josh Kelly has a great matchup against West Coast, who are the easiest team for midfielders to score against. He’s averaged 111.7 in their last three meetings, but has only managed 88.3 in his last three at ENGIE Stadium.
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.
You’d feel pretty confident chucking the VC on Bailey Smith. He’s averaging 119 this season and has averaged 119 in his last three games against Melbourne.
Sam Walsh scored 130 the last time he played Collingwood. While his form’s been down in 2025, he’s worth a look based on his scoring history against the Pies.
Dan Houston has averaged 107 in his last three games against Carlton. While those games were as a Port Adelaide player, his role at Collingwood is similar—he should be a solid VC option.
Steven May scored 110 the last time he played Collingwood and averages 90 in their last three meetings. With a lot of balls likely flying over his head, expect a busy night of kick-ins and intercepts.
Jack Viney has been a little underwhelming this season, averaging just 77.3. But he loves playing at GMHBA Stadium (104.7 average in his last three there) and against Geelong (102.7 average in his last three meetings).
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 Carlton, averaging 89.3 in his last three games and scoring 95 the last time they met.
I’d be backing in Christian Moraes on the wing for Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval this week. St Kilda have been one of the easier sides for midfielders to score against this year.
Taylor Walker makes the streamers list again. The veteran was on fire last week and doesn’t mind the conditions at Peoples First Stadium, where he scored 94 last time. He should be good for 70+ this week.
If Callan Ward can avoid the sub vest, he could have a decent outing against West Coast. He’s been playing on the wing and has averaged over 80 in his last three games against the Eagles, who are easy to score against.
Rory Lobb could be a fieldable option this weekend. Fremantle have been one of the easiest teams for key defenders to score against, and Lobb scored 107 the last time he played them.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
