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.
Lachie Whitfield should bounce back from his score of 86 last week. He scored 160 the last time he faced Adelaide at Adelaide Oval and averages 124 from his last three games at the venue.
Melbourne are the second-easiest team for midfielders to score against, so expect the Fremantle mids to cash in. While most will look at Andrew Brayshaw, I think Caleb Serong is primed for a big one after scoring a “quiet” 101 against Richmond. He averages 111 from his last three against Melbourne and had 123 the last time they played.
Noah Anderson hasn’t been in top fantasy form (just 94 last week against North), but he gets a great matchup this week against Richmond, who are leaking points to midfielders. Back him in for a big bounce back.
We all know Toby Nankervis leaks points to opposing rucks, and Richmond are currently the second-easiest team for rucks to score against (only behind West Coast). That makes Jarrod Witts a good captain option if you’re struggling to find one.
Melbourne are also the second-easiest team for half-backs to score against—so if you’ve got Jordan Clark, he should go big. He also averages 101 from his last three appearances against the Demons.
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.
Hugh McCluggage is in red-hot form, averaging 124 over his last three games. He’s also been scoring well at the Gabba, averaging 110 from his last three there.
Harry Sheezel has a brilliant scoring history against Carlton, averaging 126.3 in his last three games against them, including a 134 the last time they met. He’s playing a different role but hopefully will be in for another big one.
Tim English should be a solid VC option. He’s averaging 104 this season and scored 128 the last time he faced St Kilda. He averages 101 from his last three meetings with them. The Saints are currently the 7th-easiest team for rucks to score against.
Lachie Neale hasn’t been putting up huge numbers lately, but with Collingwood one of the easiest teams for midfielders to score against, he could bounce back this week with no obvious tag incoming.
I don’t mind Sam Durham as a VC option on Friday night against West Coast. He doesn’t have the best scoring history against them but West Coast give up bulk points to midfielders. He also looks to be playing Jye Caldwell’s midfield role while he’s out, which is a more fantasy-friendly gig. If you’re desperate, give him a go.
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.
Charlie Curnow is currently sitting on a lot of draft benches, but hopefully West Coast played him into form. He faces a weak North Melbourne defence this week and scored 101 the last time he played them. Worth bringing on field.
I’d consider fielding Heath Chapman after last week’s performance. As mentioned, Melbourne are easy to score against as a half-back, and with Luke Ryan sore, Chapman could mop up plenty.
Brad Hill should be fielded this week. The Bulldogs are one of the easiest sides for wingers and high half-forwards to score against. He scored 98 the last time he faced them.
Lachie Bramble has been in solid form, averaging 70 over his last three games. He’s up against St Kilda this week—a team that gives up plenty to half-backs—and scored 79 against them the last time they met.
Sam Powell-Pepper has been a solid forward this season, averaging 67 despite a poor Round 1. Sydney are middle-of-the-road for medium forwards, but I think he continues his form and pushes for another 70-point game.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
