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.
Harry Sheezel has returned to the half-back line over the past few weeks and is scoring much better in that role. He scored 121 against Brisbane the last time he played them and averages 115.7 over his last three games at Marvel Stadium.
Connor Rozee has been up and down this season. While his track record against Adelaide isn’t great, he’s been performing well at Adelaide Oval, averaging 106 from his last three games there. Back the captain to stand up in the Showdown.
Tim Taranto is a strong option this week against an easy opponent in West Coast, particularly for midfielders. He averages 113.3 in his last three games against them.
Dayne Zorko looks primed for a big game against North Melbourne. He averages 109 from his last three against them. With Keidean Coleman returning, Jaspa Fletcher may shift to a wing, which should allow Zorko to keep his scoring role.
Jarrod Witts has a good track record up at TIO Stadium, averaging 95.3 from his last three games there. He comes up against Tim English this week, who concedes a fair few points to opposition rucks. Witts is averaging 107.5 in their last three meetings.
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.
Jack Steele looks to have turned a corner after scoring 113 last week. He’s reportedly back to full training and should lift from here. He also averages 118.7 from his last three games at the MCG.
Luke Ryan scored 144 the last time he played Collingwood and averages 107.7 in his last three meetings with them. Despite some recent dips in form, he’s a solid VC option.
Caleb Serong has been a little down recently, but he averages 110.7 against Sydney in their last three meetings, including a 101-point outing last time they played.
Blake Acres has a strong history against his old side, averaging 115.3 from his last three games against St Kilda and scoring 103 the last time they met. However, his MCG average is just 69.7 from his last three games there, so there is some risk.
Harry McKay could be a left-field option. St Kilda are lacking in tall defenders this season, and McKay scored 110 the last time they played, averaging 96.3 from their past 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.
North Melbourne haven’t been fielding their usual key defensive options recently, so Eric Hipwood could be set for a big game against them. Key forwards Mitch Georgiades and Peter Wright have both gone big against them over the past two weeks.
West Coast are leaking points to key position players this season. If you’re desperate, Noah Balta could be worth a punt—he scored 79 the last time he played them. At the other end, Tom Lynch is another potential option.
James Harmes will be worth another shot this weekend. Gold Coast have given up the most points to mid/forwards, and Harmes averages 68.3 from their last three meetings.
Jake Waterman has a strong scoring history against Richmond. He scored 148 the last time they played and averages 98.3 from their past three meetings. He could kick a bag this weekend.
Geelong have given up the most points to key defenders this season. GWS face them this week, so expect Jesse Hogan to bounce back with a decent score.
Want more projections? View the top 20 projected scores of the round here…
