Captaincy Candidates – Round 2

Aaaand we’re back! Just got the drop from Motts that we’re on! To be perfectly honest, I’ve steered well clear of thinking about SC for the last couple of months after an infuriating R1. I’d been bullish on Hurn and DBJ for the entire pre-season but didn’t back myself in and went for Sicily and Lloyd instead – ugh!

Now of course, as we’ve seen, there’s far more to life than fantasy football. I hope during this hiatus that everyone’s been doing well and I for one have certainty missed the insight, banter and fun that SCT has played host to. It’s great to have the footy, SuperCoach and a sense of normalcy and community back; look forward to having some fun over the next few months with you all.

Straight down to business, and I’ll start by tooting my own horn a little. The first Captaincy Candidate article I put together in R1 (which now seems like a distant memory) was bang-on: Grundy and Neale popped off, while Danger and Gawn both sub-tonned. To be fair, neither of those calls were particularly tough to make but I think the lesson to take away is there’s no need to get too wild with an early round VC choice. When an obvious candidate like Grundy v Dogs presents itself, take it and avoid the risk of being left behind the eight ball.

Vice-Captaincy Candidates

GRUNDY v Tigers

• L3 v Tigers: 117, 137, 115 (123 av.)
• L3 @ MCG: 157, 86, 121 (121 av.)

If Round 1 proved anything, it’s that Grundy’s always gotta be in your VC/C calculations. With Tigers opting for Soldo as solo ruck tonight, Grundy’s serviceable averages at the G and against the Tigers make him a solid VC choice for 120 even with Cameron named.

GAWN v Blues

• L3 v Blues: 121, 111, 79 (104 av.)
• L3 @ MCG: 119, 99, 134 (117 av.)

With Kreuzer injured, we can expect Gawn to absolute monster the ruck contests. Even with Jackson playing second fiddle, you can back Gawn in for 130.

OLIVER v Blues

• L3 v Blues: 158, 88, 139 (128 av.)
• L3 @ MCG: 92, 96, 111 (100 av.)

Pains me to nominate my the bane of my SC existence, Satan Oliver, but you’d be a fool not to give him or Gawn a look this week. Blues leak midfield points, expect no less than 125 from the Devil.

Captaincy Candidates

J. KELLY v Roos

• L3 v Roos: 128, 111 (119 av.)
• L3 @ GS: 102, 82, 106 (96 av.)

Expecting a more experienced GWS midfield playing at home to get the drop on the Roos. Tending to potter along with low tons and then explode, Kelly can be backed in for a safe 100 with the potential a juicy 130.

DUNKLEY v Saints

• L3 v Saints: 127, 132, 99 (119 av.)
• L3 @ MRVL: 67, 153, 88 (103 av.)

While any of the three Big Dogs are viable C choices, the Saints poor stoppage work has allowed Dunkley in particular to pop off in the past. Should be good for 125.

T. KELLY v Suns

• L3 v Suns: 140, 130, 87 (119 av.)
• L3 @ MS: 140, 130 (135 av.)

Always worth looking into a captaincy candidate playing against the Suns and T. Kelly’s got a terrific record against them. With the Suns leaking points and the Eagles midfield stocks significantly bolstered, Kelly should be able to put up 125.

Steer Clear

Neale v FREO

• L3 v FREO: 79 (79 av.)
• L3 @ GABBA: 103, 85, 101 (96 av.)

Typically the Steer Clear section is just a reminder of who the Giants are setting De Boer onto. With the Giants not up against a prominent captaincy candidate this week, I’d suggest some caution around Neale. Granted “steer clear” might be a bit strong, but I’m just worried Longmuir will try some mind games on Neale and send a kid to run with him. Not worth the risking him serving up a sub-100 score.

Smoky Pick

Dangerfield v HAWKS

• L3 v Hawks: 106, 127, 130 (121 av.)
• L3 @ GMHBA: 156, 137, 163 (152 av.)

The viability of Grundy, Satan Oliver and Gawn as VC picks relegated Danger to this week’s Smoky Pick, as well as the fact that many coaches didn’t start him given the Cats opener v GWS. Plays GMBHA exceptionally well, Friday stage stage, classic rivalry – expecting 130.

Verdict

Looking at a combination of Grundy, Gawn or one the Big Dogs for me this week, will come down to whether I think Soldo can hold his own v Grundy. Where’s everyone else leaning?

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