Statesman’s Skippers Round 10
Each week I’ll take a look at captain options for those of us who don’t own Dangerfield, Mitchell, Merrett and Rockliff. Unfortunately, we all cant own these players and have to look elsewhere. So, we are going to look at the underbelly of the weekly contests that hopefully can unearth some unique skipper options, including those in the loop hole games. Yes some will be risky but that could be the difference of you getting your league win and stay in the hunt for finals action this year.
Loopy tricks:
This week we have a double hit on the loop hole and this will be the case for next 5 weeks, so all you clever coaches should be having the twin hit at captains. Pick wisely.
Who to loop?
With Geelong, Port, Sydney and Hawthorn part of this week’s loops there are plenty of options available for every team. The Hawks have been giving up points to opposition defenders in recent weeks, last week Smith and Howe both scored season highs against Hawthorn. This fact brings Lloyd and Newman into VC frame as both have been in fantastic form of late.
The Cats produced the best loop hole captain last week with Mitch Duncan scoring 169, and he could go very big again, Menegola has been a solid scorer averaging 103 over his six games and of course there is always Selwood to bank on.
Brad Ebert has clearly been the Power’s top scorer, although he has a history of his fantasy output decling after the bye. Boak was massive in China pumping out a 150 although it was only his second ton of the year. A risky option would be Robbie Gray, he is averaging 78 but with Wingard out with injury he could get the midfield time that helps him become an elite scorer.
Outside Mitchell the Hawks only have risky options in McEvoy, Hodge and Smith, while many of the Swans could go massive and the best loop hole option this week is:
Lance Franklin – The Hawks have been hit hard with injuries in defence leaving it open for the big fella to have a huge night out.
Best unique skipper options from this week clashes:
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
Unique but safe: Seb Ross: After a slow start Seb has been hitting great form with a five game average of 112 and 135 last week and the Bulldogs are a good opposition for big scores.
Captain less Risky: Jack Billings: was a risky captain option last week and keeps up his good form with 113 and a three game average of 126, this lad is quality.
Melbourne v Gold Coast
Gun: Aaron Hall: With Ablett most likely to get the Vince tag it will be Aaron Hall’s time to shine in the NT. With 156 and 134 in his last two games he is set for another big score this week.
Ruck bonus: Jarrod Witts: Without Max Gawn and Jake Spencer, Melbourne has been giving opposition rucks a day out and this week its Witts to reap the rewards.
Richmond v Essendon
Gun: Dustin Martin: He had been out of form and some were saying my injured over the past month but was back in form with 122 last week.
Captain Risky: David Zaharakis: Quality player but can be tagged so scores can be up and down. With 135 last week and last three average of 106, he is in good form.
Adelaide v Fremantle
Gun: Rory Laird: 110 five game average, just keeps ranking them up while the tag goes to Sloane.
Captain Risky: Bradley Hill: No-one would have guessed he would be Fremantle second highest scorer but his form is just remarkable with a three game average of 126 – that’s big.
Collingwood v Brisbane
Gun: Dayne Beams: We always knew he could score so enjoy it while he is on the park, 144 last week and will go big again.
Captain Risky: Jeremy Howe: Lack of established forwards in the Lions line up means heaps of clean up footy for the Collingwood defence and his 125 last week might just be the start of a big run.
Carlton v North Melbourne
Gun: Sam Docherty: The best defender for the next decade, pumping out an average of 114.8 that is simply amazing.
Captain Risky: Jarrad Waite: It’s all or nothing and against Carlton without Sam Rowe. Me thinks it’s all this week – some are saying Liam Jones maybe his opponent.
West Coast v GWS
Gun: Andrew Gaff : Averaging 109 this year, showed last week the rest of the team need to be firing and they will be keen for a form reversal this year, add GWS injury worries means big scores.
Captain Risky: Elliot Yeo: Unsure if this is still risky, bad week by the Eagles but back at home they will go big.