There will only be a short write up on VCs this week as there is one VC option that stands head and shoulders above the rest. This is Tim Taranto. But if that fails, I’ve got a few nice fallback captaincy options.
VC Selections
Tim Taranto is yet to drop under a ton for the year and coming off scores of 126 and 138 in his last two, he has a 3-week rolling average of 124.3.
With a match up against West Coast in the first game on Saturday, he should be locked in as everyone’s VC after the Eagles have allowed 8 scores of 120+ against them in the last two weeks.
If you do want to look elsewhere or are part of the 27.08% of coaches that don’t own Taranto, you could look at Sam Walsh, who’s last 2 scores of 128 and 131, career average of 111.25 against the Lions or Rory Laird who has a 3 round rolling average of 116 and seems to be back in form.
Top Captain Selections
If Taranto somehow defies the odds and scores under 120 this week, my top options to carry the C for Round 8 are:
1. Jack Steele
Steele had 128 last week in his second game back from injury, showing that collarbone is completely fine, with a typical man of Steele like 11 tackles. His CBAs were back to normal, after being down in his return match following a shoulder injury. Comes up against North Melbourne who had Petracca (142) and Oliver (125) tear them apart last week. St Kilda are a high scoring fantasy team this year, and Steele could be huge. Playing the last game of the round, could be a nice way to end your weekend with your captain storming home.
2. Clayton Oliver
Clarry just keeps getting it done. One of only 2 players that have played every game this year yet to drop under 100, comes up against Gold Coast who allowed Taranto (126) and Short (123) to rack it up last week in a losing side. Oliver has a career average of 117.63 against the Suns, and a career average of 117 at Heritage Bank Arena. Safe as houses captain selection every week.
3. Tim English
Had his first score below 100 for the year last week, which was still a 99. Remarkable consistency, averaging 120 for the year, 5 games of 115+ from 7 this year, with a ceiling score of 145. Comes up against GWS this week, who allowed Ladhams to dominate the ruck last week on his way to a score of 130. Now, you don’t have to watch much football to know that English is a much better player than Ladhams… Consistent, high ceiling, nice match up. Back him in with confidence.
4. Christian Petracca
The other half of the dominant Melboune midfield duo, Petracca is in some nice form himself. 3-round rolling average of 117.3, a 142 last week and also coming up against a Gold Coast outfit with no Touk. Scored 136 against them last year. both Dees boys could be in for a big day, in what could be a very large win.
5. Tom Green
This man has gone from an under-priced premium to start the year to an absolute captaincy candidate. Averaging 112.5 for the year, fresh off a 136 last week, and only 1 score below 100 for the season. Had 97 and 101 against the dogs last year and he’s a much better player this season. Another safe option this week who has shown he also has a ceiling.
