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.
If you’re struggling to find a captain, consider Toby Nankervis. He comes up against Fremantle this week. With Luke Jackson injured and Sean Darcy likely to return from a long layoff, Nank should dominate. He also scored 150 the last time these teams met.
Tom Liberatore should have a big game at Norwood Oval—a ground that’s produced some great fantasy scores in recent years. He also averages 109.7 in his last three games against Brisbane, so there’s plenty to like.
Sam Flanders plays at Barossa Park this week—a ground Gold Coast has obviously never played at—but he does have a strong history against North Melbourne, averaging 110 from their past three meetings. He’s a good sneaky captain option.
George Hewett isn’t the first name that comes to mind for captaincy, but he faces a dreadful West Coast outfit who are leaking points to midfielders. He had 136 the last time they played and averages 117 across their last three meetings. He’s also been in good form to start the season.
Caleb Serong hasn’t had the best start to the season, but he looks to be finding form. He had 121 last week and averages 110.3 in his past three games against Richmond, who are currently giving up big scores.
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.
He’s probably too good for this article, but Jordan Dawson is the ultimate Gather Round VC. In his last two Thursday night Gather Round games, he scored 133 and 112. Back him in for another big one.
Isaac Heeney scored 127 the last time he played against Collingwood and averages 95 from his last three at Adelaide Oval. Hopefully, he can bounce back this week.
Darcy Cameron is in great form, averaging 107.8 this season and coming off a 126 against Carlton. He scored 108 the last time he played Sydney and averages 109 in his last three at Adelaide Oval.
Rory Laird was subbed out last week, but it was reportedly precautionary with the short turnaround to Thursday night. He averages 105.3 in his last three against Geelong. Despite the role change this season, he could still go well on the big stage.
If you’re really scraping for a VC option, Reilly O’Brien has averaged 108.3 in his last three against Geelong, including 118 the last time they met.
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.
Scott Pendlebury is coming off a solid game against Carlton. He averages 84.7 in his last three against Sydney and had 79 the last time they met. He could deliver a serviceable score in your last midfield slot.
Essendon have been one of the easier teams for key forwards to score against, so I’m picking Jacob van Rooyen as a streamer. He scored 60 the last time he played the Bombers and 70 in his last game at Adelaide Oval. Pencil him in for a 65+ at your F5 position.
Key defenders have been scoring well against Richmond, so Brennan Cox could take plenty of intercept marks this week and post a semi-reasonable score.
If Will Brodie finds his way into the Fremantle side following Nathan O’Driscoll’s injury, I’d consider fielding him if you’re streaming at M7. He’s been in good WAFL form and Richmond are leaking points to midfielders.
Harris Andrews averages 84 in his last three against the Bulldogs and 73 across his last three overall. He scored 140 the last time they played the Dogs, so he could be worth a loophole or field play this week.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
