Statesman’s Skippers Round 22
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.
Captain Loophole
Friday will be a fantastic game, Adelaide can secure top spot while the Swans can keep their top four hopes alive. Contested ball should be king in this finals type game. In last year’s semi-final it was Josh Kennedy that lead the way, and as there is much debate about his fitness the obvious answers might by Sloane, Parker and the Crouch boys. Of course, if you have Buddy in your team you might as well take the punt as he could have a night out.
Best unique skipper options from this week remaining clashes:
Western Bulldogs v Port
Gun: Marcus Bontempelli: Not quite as big as we expected this year, although when in the guts he scores like a premium, a joy to own.
Captain Risky: Chad Wingard: First game back last week and it was not like he missed a beat with 121, the midfield role makes him a scoring gem. Although the concern, like Bont and Robbie, is the forward role at times.
Collingwood v Geelong
Gun: Taylor Adams: Continues his fantastic form since Pendles injury. With a 134 ave in his last three, he is the competitions most in form player and very unlikely to gain the tag.
Captain Risky: Sam Menegola: Delivered a 110 last week, but will his midfield time reduce with Duncan back? Go with him If you have limited options.
GWS v West Coast
Gun: Josh Kelly: A superstar and does not seem to be phased about all the talk on where he is playing next year. Potential to get attention but is smooth enough to handle it.
Captain Risky: Toby Greene: He is just one of those players, drama follows him but so can big scores. 114 against the West Coast in Round 10 and at home he could add to that.
Carlton v Hawthorn
Gun: Marc Murphy: It was 6 years ago since he last averaged over 110 and for a while it looked like that year was a one off, but Marc has been brilliant all year and deserves to be considered in the top ten for the season.
Farewell: Luke Hodge: A fantasy staple, especially when named as a defender and just get the feeling he will leave nothing out there in his last two games.
Gold Coast v Essendon
Gun: Brendon Goddard: Although Merrett and Heppell might be more talked about, BG has been solid as a rock this year and against the Suns should have a big day out.
Captain Risky: Touk Miller: New coach started him in the guts, and we saw what he did at the end of last year. One of the future inside players for the Suns so expect him to get good time and score well.
Melbourne v Brisbane
Gun: Dayne Beams: Simply outstanding last month with three scores above 140, and I am now sad that I don’t have him in any format – playing too safe. If you have him in a final risk away my friend.
Captain Risky: The Ruckman: I had Max as the gun last week then he pumped out a 75, Stef has seemed slow on his return to the number one role, below a ton average in his last 5. Your pick is as good as mine.
St Kilda v North Melbourne
If you have any St Kilda players just pick them this week, Kangaroos are leaking points. And sadly this is how WeGotBigCox will knock me out of the listener league finals yet again (he is loaded with Saints players) – Bag of Salt over here please!
Fremantle v Richmond
Gun: Dustin Martin: Surely we don’t see Fremantle give up as many points as last week, although even a tighter defence will not stop the Brownlow favourite.
Captain Risky: Nat Fyfe: His good form of recent times mean his is less risky this week and should rewarding those that stuck with him through his mid-season slump.
Good luck in your finals this week