Captain’s Table – Round 17

Some huge scores last week by some of our favourite captain options with 12 scores of 140+. Most coaches will welcome back captaincy regular Patrick Cripps but lose Josh Kelly. Let’s see who the best options are this week.

West Coast v Collingwood

(Friday – 6:10pm @ OS)

The Pies are desperate for a return to form but will face arguably the hardest task in the AFL right now – beating the Eagles in Perth. The Eagles have plenty of options with midfield stars Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff likely to have a big game with Shuey enjoying the Pies in recent years averaging 117.3 over his last 3 games. Skipper Shannon Hurn has dominated the Pies in recent years averaging 112.7 over his last 3 games and having a career best season.

The Pies will hope Brodie Grundy can dominate his massive dual against his Eagles counterpart. Grundy has dominated all before him the last few weeks averaging 150.7 in his last 3 games. You just could bet against him in this form and will be the #1 choice for VC this week.

Best choice: Brodie Grundy

Sydney v Carlton

(Saturday 1:45pm @ SCG)

The Swans are up and about and led by their potential matchwinners Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy, Isaac Heeney and Jake Lloyd. Anyone one of them could lead the way with JPK my surprise choice to lead the way. Patrick Cripps could easily top score this game but being his first game back from injury against the excellent Swans midfield and possible hard tag, I’d think Swans star is a better bet.

Best choice: Josh Kennedy

Hawthorn v Fremantle

(Saturday 2:10pm @ UTAS)

The Hawks are on the biggest roll of their season and face an out-of-form Dockers side. Despite that, the evenness of the Hawks side would suggest they’re unlikely to have the top scorer other than James Sicily playing in defence. Nat Fyfe will look to carry the Dockers to what they hope could be a season turning win, although he doesn’t have great form against the Hawks leading into the game.

Best choice: Nat Fyfe

Essendon v North Melbourne

(Saturday 4:35pm @ Marvel)

This promises to be a great game – likely match of the round. The in-form Kangaroos against an improved Bombers side with big finals implications for both ensure it should be a fiercely contested battle. Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel are the Bombers likely options in this game, but both are suited to a fast and open game, which game is likely to be not.Ben Cunnington should dominate the middle and return to form, but it’s Todd Goldstein who will top score dominating the Bombers poor ruck options. Goldy should run wild and if you have him, is an excellent option.

Best choice: Todd Goldstein

Gold Coast v Adelaide

(Saturday 7:25pm @ Metricon)

The Suns just don’t have an option that can be justified in this game, while the Crows have plenty.Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch, Rory Laird and Reilly O’Brien all have the potential to dominate the game. I really like Mrouch and Sloane in this game, and if Sloane can hit the scoreboard, he should dominate the scoring.

Best choice: Rory Sloane

Geelong v St. Kilda

(Saturday 7:25pm @ GMHBA)

The Cats look to be a lock against the Saints, but it could be Rowan Marshall that provides the best option. Likely to face a weaker opposition ruck and is in great form averaging 133.4 over the last 5 games.Patrick Dangerfield is Marshall’s strongest competition as he is in his best form of the season and loves playing in Geelong. Tim Kelly is due for a big score also.

Best choice: Rowan Marshall

Richmond v GWS

(Sunday 1:10pm @ MCG)

This should be a great contest, with an in-form Tigers at the G against an out-of-form Giants side missing superstar Josh Kelly. The Tigers rarely provide a decent captaincy option, so it is exciting star Stephen Coniglio who is the best choice here. Averaging 132.2 over his last 5 games, is a an excellent choice this week.

Best choice: Stephen Coniglio

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne

(Sunday 3:20pm @ Marvel)

Plenty of options in this game, especially with bigMax Gawn returning. Braydon Preuss playing alongside Maxy could impact his score but could only help Clayton Oliver roving to both players as they should dominate the smaller Doggies. He averages 121 against the Doggies and will fight it out against the Doggies gun midfielders Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli and Josh Dunkley. Macrae has found some touch averaging 135.3 over his last 3 games and could outshine his teammates in a must-win clash for the Dogs.

Best choice: Jackson Macrae

 

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

(Sunday 4:10pm @ AO)

Another contender for match-of-the-round and the most likely to live up to the tag. Port bring back 2019’s best reinvigorated SC beast Travis Boak and can just see him having a big game to lift his side. Scott Lycetthas been in great form but will now be playing with a banged-up knee and possibly Paddy Ryder as ruck/fwd duo. Lachie Neale scored huge last week and loves playing against Port averaging 128 in his last 3 games against them. It’s Boak vs Neale in this one, and they are tough to split.

Best choice: Lachie Neale

Hot Sauce’s Top Picks

1. Jackson Macrae
2. Brodie Grundy
3. Rowan Marshall
4. Lachie Neale
5. Clayton Oliver

Wildcard: Robbie Gray

 

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