Vice-Captaincy Candidates
NEALE v Dogs
- L3 v Dogs: 114, 101, 100 (105 av.)
- L3 @ G: 130, 147, 166 (148 av.)
Just has to be in your VC/C calculations each week, especially now that he’s back at the Gabba. Hasn’t got a great record v the Dogs’ inside depth, but the Lions will be hungry for a win after (somehow) another loss to the Tigers. A lock for 140.
MACRAE v Lions
- L3 v Lions: 155, 135, 156 (149 av.)
- L3 @ G: 155, 162, 82 (133 av.)
Dunkley’s return came at the expense of Bailey Smith it seems, with Macrae named yet again in the middle this week. Has a terrific record against the Lions, solid for 125.
CRIPPS v Eagles
- L3 v Eagles: 78, 151, 103 (111 av.)
- L3 @ OS: 149, 112, 94 (118 av.)
The bye will have done him some major good after playing injured for most of the season. With Hutchings (at the time of me writing this) still out, Cripps should return fresh and freed up for a 130.
Captaincy Candidates
SATAN OLIVER v Roos
- L3 v Roos: 109, 75, 91 (92 av.)
- L3 @ AO: 205, 108, 101 (138 av.)
Shocked Keays gave him no attention last round, was phenomenal. North have sporadically used McDonald as a tagger but he’s too valuable down back and probably couldn’t keep up with Satan anyway. AO’s smaller proportions are really conducive to his game, could very well hit 140 this week.
MITCHELL v Freo
- L3 v Freo: 150, 126, 100 (125 av.)
- L3 @ OS: 164, 150, 126 (147 av.)
Similar to Cripps, Titch popped off just before his bye and should be set for a hot return. Plays Optus exceptionally well, solid for 125 in what will be high-stoppage game v the Dockers.
GRUNDY v Crows
- L3 v Crows: 123, 141, 103 (122 av.)
- L3 @ AO: 123, 141, 104 (123 av.)
Only had 10 more HOs than Sinclair last week, but did superb work around the ground after half time for a 92 point second half with near team high tackles, handballs and clearances. Should repeat for 130 this round.
Steer Clear
GAWN v Roos
- L3 v Roos: 212, 117, 111 (147. av)
- L3 @ AO: 107, 140, 130 (126 av.)
Revealed after that game that he’d played with a latissimus tear, having had lower TOG and sharing the ruck duties with Jackson more than usual. Still easily the best ruck in the comp, and will handle Goldy, but only a low-ton this round.
Smoky Pick
KELLY v Blues
- L3 v Blues: 115, 57 (86 av.)
- L3 @ OS: 90, 150, 105 (115 av.)
Beginning to look very comfortable up at Perth and developing a great partnership with Nic Nat – we’re actually winning center clearances lol. If the Eagles can bust up Carlton (sorry, Motts), Kelly could serve up 130+.
Verdict
Can’t go wrong with Neale VC this week. If by some miracle that doesn’t pan out, I’m liking a refreshed Titch coming off his bye v Freo.
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Can’t decide between Neale or Macrae for the VC…
TU: Neale
TD: Macrae
Yeah. Tough one, bAps. Neale with the form but Macrae an excellent record v Lions.
For me, there’s too many cooks (inside MIDs) in the kitchen for the Dogs now – whereas Neale is so clearly the Lions’ primary user.
Thanks for all your work GD.
And for the Grundy shout
Made my round less miserable
Np, Abs.
Appreciate it.
Neale into Grundy
130 passmark, if Gawn is out will change Grundy to Goldy
I thought the Dee’s game was in Tassie at Blundstone arena?
Nope, they scratched that.
Thanks! A very popular footy website didn’t update their fixture and still have it as in Tassie. Glad I asked
It was originally scheduled to be, but changed since Tasmanian borders will remain shut to all states until at least 31st August.
How about Dustin Martin? Or is that a steer clear
Don’t have Neale…or Macrae might have to VC oliver
Dusty not a bad option, just lacks consistency. Oliver an excellent VC pick – roll with that, Tim.
Thanks GD, great work as always!
Thoughts on Dusty as VC this week- More considering Cotchin being out this week – Dusty will therefore spend more time in the guts!
MARTIN v Port
L3 v Port: 104, 121, 127 (117 av.)
L3 @ AO: 108, 160, 121 (130 av.)
What r people’s thoughts on Neal into Oliver?
Did you read the article, Sam…
Ok GB Satan this week?
Lol, Bomber. To be fair, last round I said Satan might get tagged but Steele was a good back-up.
Either way, he’ll pop off again at AO this weekend. Plays it so well.
I did GD. I just wanted other people’s thoughts that’s all. Not sure if I should go with Grundy or Oliver for C. Great write up. Thanks for all your hard work.
I have a similar problem. It’s either
Neale or Macrae as Vice
into
Oliver or Grundy as Captain.
Like GD points out Oliver might get tagged but I think he is correct the Roos won’t.
Grundy could be a dual ruck with Cameron.
If I knew Grundy was solo ruck I’d lock him in as Captain.
Grundy, for mine is more likely to dual ruck that Oliver is to get the Tag.
So Oliver for Captain.
sooo I decided to go
Macrae into Oliver
Thanks gra. I’m going Neal into Oliver for now. That will change 20 times before the bounce
GP. Cameron was dropped last round and Grundy then played his best game in a while, doubt Cameron gets a recall.
I’m putting myself in the pies fitness manager’s position.
Before last weeks games he looks at the draw and goes the next four games are:
Swans
Crows (O’Brien) (short turn around)
Dees (Gawn)
North (Goldstein)
Lets give Grundy a bit of a breather by playing Cameron and him on the short turn around against O’Brien.
(I don’t think Cameron will be back)
As Sir Humphrey would say – ‘that’s courageous Minister’…..
Surely it’s Neale into Grunds all day ;)’
Hey Batts,
it’s looking like you and Gunboat are right.
Pies website has an article on who’s in the selection framework and it’s their other ruckman Max Lynch that did well in the scratch match last round, kicking two goals.
So Cameron looks to be out of the picture.
Ah. Sorry, Sam. Sometimes I just worry that people don’t read it.
If I had to chose between Grundy or Satan, I’d go Grundy just based on the fact that the Pies should pound the Crows and on a smaller oval Grundy will be able to cover plenty of ground.
All good mate no worries. Up to change 7 now
With Neale, Oliver, Titch, Cripps and Grundy its gonna be a difficult choice this round for me. I’m thinking Neale into Oliver. Or would Neale into Titch be better?
Goldy (Gawnless) into Mitchell for me.
After all the great pondering and discussion in this thread it turned out you couldn’t go wrong with just picking one of Neale or Macrae.