Captaincy Candidates – Round 3

Captaincy Candidates

Rozee v Essendon

L3 v Essendon: 152, 141, 104 (132 avg.)

L3 @ MRVL: 73, 103, 108 (95 avg.)

While Caldwell does seem a like for like match up, the strength of Rozee’s form and match up stats earn him a shout. Quick hands and high SI economy make him a safe bet for a ton with a ceiling for 140+ if Essendon are as hapless as they were last week.

De Koning v Footscray

L3 v Footscray: 95, 50, 58 (68 avg.)

L3 @ MRVL: 77, 95, 131 (101 avg.)

Cameron put together a very physical 19 touch, 13 contested game against English last week. Tingles still not at full potency, so back TDK to dance around him for 125.

Macrae v Tigers

L3 v Tigers: 86, 87, 103 (92 avg.)

L3 @ MRVL: 162, 47, 86 (98 avg.)

It’s good to be back! 35 touches, 16 contested, 9 clearances and 10 tackles in what was easily a BOG, 162 SC performance. McIntosh didn’t tag last week as the Tigers got blown away on all fronts, so lock Macrae in for 130.

Neale v Cats

L3 v Cats: 109, 108, 128 (115 avg.)

L3 @ G: 133, 166, 87 (129 avg.)

The Cats were exposed on ball against the Saints, losing in stoppage clearance and possession differential. Back Neale and Dunkley to take them to task with no less than 125 for the pair of them.

Dawson v Roos

L3 v Roos: 127, 102, 134 (121 avg.)

L3 @ AO: 103, 143, 105 (117 avg.)

He’s really doing it all at the moment. 2:1 K:HB ratio, huge meters gained and SI all in a midfield role. Chilling in those 4th quarters is all that’s precluded him from being an out the gates, blinding pick. Gets an improved North at home this week. A lock for 120, with North being competitive probably helping him stay on message all game actually.

Xerri v Crows

L3 v Crows: 103, 81 (92 avg.)

L3 @ AO: n/a

Done trying to rule Xerri in or out based on opponent. He just cooked Max and threw down 15 contested possessions at 85% TOG and DE. ROB has nothing outside of center bounce, so back Xerri to have his way ATG and at stoppage for 130.

Serong v Eagles

L3 v Eagles: 111, 117, 146 (125 avg.)

L3 @ OS: 99, 109, 114 (107 avg.)

A limp start to 2025 for both Serong and the Dockers but I suspect they’ll overcompensate and go all out against West Coast – as valiant as we were up in Brisbane. A confidence restoring 130 from Serong. Identical proposition for Brayshaw, who surely returns inside.

Smoky Picks

Callaghan v Hawks

L3 v Hawks: 54, 101, 72 (76 avg.)

L3 @ UTAS: 101 (101 avg.)

In what’s probably their only deficiency right now, the Hawks have lost that midfield balance with Worpel out and Day labouring. So for those who want a caliente Saturday, Cally could be your man. Fresh off the bye, fully OB, a lot of energy. Confident he goes 120~.

Clark v Eagles

L3 v Eagles: 106, 115, 74 (98 avg.)

L3 @ OS: 122, 83, 138 (114 avg.)

Liking those more offensively oriented, mobile HBs against the Eagles as well as all MIDs this year. We gave up nearly 450~ points to Zorko, the other two Lions HBs and the defensive winger last week. Clark a lock for 120+.

Steer Clear

Rejoice! Jordon is on the bye this week!

Verdict

Feels good to do this again:

Macrae’s got to be in everyone’s calculations this week; on opponent, ceiling and insurance. I’ve got him backing into Brayshaw. Strong on De Koning and Neale as options either side of Macrae.