Captain’s Table – Round 9

Some huge scores in round 8 with the likes of Josh Kelly, Brodie Grundy and Rory Sloane were joined by Tim Kelly and Clayton Oliver, with the latter finally delivering on his SC potential. Who will be the best bet this week? Let’s take a look…

West Coast v Melbourne

(Friday – 6:10pm @ Optus)

Melbourne have won two in the row for the first time this season but now face the huge task of the Eagles in Perth, with the mental scars from last year’s Preliminary Final coming front of mind. The Eagles are a balanced side with several players capable of scoring large but aren’t of the dependable SC uber-premo quality.  The Dees on the other hand have two standout options. Clayton Oliver is back into consideration with his 172 SC point effort last weekend while Max Gawn is always capable to top the SC scoring for the week and with a 3-round average of 127.0 and a recent score of 156 against the Eagles he is the best choice on Friday night.

Best choice: Max Gawn

Collingwood v St. Kilda

(Saturday 1:45pm @ MCG)

Despite having a few options who could score well, I would not be banking on any Saints players in this game, preferring to back in one of the Pies mids or more likely Brodie Grundy. The ruckman has been in excellent touch averaging 124.1 in 2019 and 127.7 over the last 3 weeks. He will be sure to take a hold of the Saints and should be heavily backed as a potential captaincy choice.

Best choice: Brodie Grundy

Brisbane v Adelaide

(Saturday 2:10pm @ Gabba)

This is going to be a highly entertaining game with The Crows now up and about with the Lions a much better team at home versus away. Dayne Zorko has an impressive record against the Crows averaging 120.6 over his last 5 games against them but is now overshadowed by teammate Lachie Neale. Neale doesn’t have a great record against the Crows, but he is an all new beast this year and is the safest pick for the game. I do think the Crows can get a hold off the Lions in this game and if that happens Rory Sloane is the likely candidate to go large. A fantastic record against the Lions, averaging 132.3 over his last 5 games against them and he is currently in good form.

Best choice: Rory Sloane

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

(Saturday 4:35pm @ GMHBA)

Depending on which Bulldogs team rocks up, this could be an entertaining match. Either way it is a highly relevant SC match with plenty of premiums on show. Patrick Dangerfield is hard to support as a captain until he overcomes his niggling injuries, while Mitch Duncan and Tim Kelly are the form players with both averaging over 122 over the last 3 games. The Dogs hopes rest on stars Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae, although both don’t have a great record against the Cats.

Best choice: Mitch Duncan

North Melbourne v Sydney

(Saturday 7:25pm @ BA)

Ben Cunnington is the only viable option from the Kangas again as he rides a wave of good form, although his track record against the Swans probably rules him out. There is potentially a few decent options from the Swans, but none more attractive than Josh Kennedy with his current form and record against the Kangas. JPK is currently averaging 112.1 in 2019 and 116.3 over his last 3 games while pouring out huge scores against the Kangas in recent history with 151, 136, 90, 161 and 136 his last 5 games. Lock him in.

Best choice: Josh Kennedy

Essendon v Fremantle

(Saturday 7:25pm @ Marvel)

Three viable options this game given David Mundy’s recent form placing him into calculations but not a better option than Zach Merrett. With 4 scores between 123 to 135 in his last 5 games against the Dockers (with the other being 95) makes the prolific ball-winner a solid choice, but again there is one better. Nat Fyfe is in great form and knowing that the Bombers don’t tag (even if they did who do they have to stop Fyfe?) he could be set for a big night at Marvel Stadium.

Best choice: Nat Fyfe

Port Adelaide v Gold Coast

(Sunday 12:40pm @ AO)

Given the multitude of options on offer this week, there is no real value in backing anyone from this game and you would be to avoid.

Best choice: n/a

Richmond v Hawthorn

(Sunday 3:20pm @ MCG)

Just like the previous game, there doesn’t to be any players screaming out to be selected in this game, so it is best to avoid.

Best choice: n/a

GWS v Carlton

(Sunday 4:40pm @ GIA)

A mouth-watering battle between two of the games brightest and best talents in Josh Kelly and Patrick Cripps. Cripps is a beast in great form despite having a mediocre form line against the Giants, while Kelly is far from mediocre. Not only is Kelly now in form (averaging 122.3 over his last 3 games) he also scored an enormous 205 against the Blues last season. Two excellent captain options are here.

Best choice: Josh Kelly

Hot Sauce’s Top Picks

1. Josh Kelly
2. Nat Fyfe
3. Josh Kennedy
4. Brodie Grundy
5. Rory Sloane

Wildcard: Ben McEvoy

 

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