Last week yielded impressive results for Vice Captains (VC) and Captain options, with 5 of our top 7 picks performing exceptionally: Xerri (146), Merrett (172), Sheezel (120), Gawn (198), and Bontempelli (141).
This week features numerous key players and enticing matchups. Let’s maintain this momentum!
Round 9 Vice Captains
Nick Daicos
Nick is poised to be a popular selection this Thursday night. Despite encountering close scrutiny last week, he was on track for a captain-worthy score before conceding a critical 50-meter penalty, which significantly impacted his total. Daicos has demonstrated his capability to navigate through tags, achieving solid scores in 4 of the last 6 rounds. With a recent average of 128.7 SuperCoach points over three rounds, including a remarkable 172 against Brisbane, he remains a strong option. His last two performances both netted 130 SuperCoach points, and he scored 65 in his inaugural year. Fremantle recently allowed substantial scores to Macrae (160) and Rankine (120). Although rumors suggest Collingwood may rest some players, Daicos is unlikely to be among them.
Andrew Brayshaw
Brayshaw’s streak of 100-point games ended with a score of 87 against St Kilda. However, he remains in excellent form, boasting a 5-round average of 130.8. With Collingwood focusing on team defense rather than tagging, opposing midfielders have capitalized, evidenced by scores from Dangerfield (133), Neale (113), Heeney (118), Hewett (125), and Libba (142). Given reports of Collingwood resting senior players, Brayshaw could capitalize on this situation. He averages 132.5 SuperCoach points this season at Optus Stadium, making him a solid VC choice.
Max Gawn
Gawn delivered an outstanding 198 against West Coast, dominating Flynn. His current form is reminiscent of a “cheat code” with a 3-round average of 163 and a 5-round average of 151.2 SuperCoach points. He faces Hawthorn, who have been relatively stingy in conceding points to opposing rucks. However, Gawn’s impressive history against Hawthorn, with a career average of 130.2 over 12 games, includes 4 scores exceeding 168 SuperCoach points. Owners should continue to ride this wave.
Round 9 Captains
Zac Merrett
Merrett’s determination was evident last week, contributing 11 disposals at 100% efficiency in the final quarter, which was crucial for Essendon’s victory. He may face the James Jordan tag this week, but if you have a late loop, consider VC Merrett due to his high ceiling against Sydney. His history against Sydney includes 7 captain-worthy scores in his last 12 games, with notable performances of 132, 139, 140, 168, 159, 129, and 141. While risky, he could prove to be a valuable VC choice.
Chad Warner
Warner has been on a roll lately, primarily playing as a full-time midfielder, attending 19 of 26 CBAs. He has produced two consecutive captain-worthy scores (121 and 140 SuperCoach points). Given his favorable history against Essendon, with an average of 115.6 across 5 games, he could easily notch 25 disposals and 2 goals. His highest score of 155 SuperCoach points came in 2022 at the MCG, reinforcing his reliability.
Marcus Bontempelli
Bontempelli delivered a commendable performance last week with 23 disposals, 3 goals, and 141 SuperCoach points. Since returning from injury, he has recorded scores of 159, 128, and 141. Although his career average against Gold Coast is tempered by earlier lower scores, his recent performances (136, 124, 130, and 133) suggest he is currently one of the safest options available.
Zak Butters
With the South Australian Showdown approaching, Butters is coming off an impressive start last week against the Western Bulldogs, finishing with 109 SuperCoach points. Historically, 4 out of his last 6 scores against Adelaide have been captain-worthy (124, 156, 134, and 125). Given his recent form, I’m confident in selecting him as captain this week.
Lachie Neale
Neale has found his rhythm after a slow beginning, with scores of 113, 139, and 124 in his last three games. He faces a favorable matchup, carrying a career average of 119.4 against North Melbourne, including a standout score of 176 in 2023. North Melbourne ranks as the third easiest matchup for opposing midfielders, making Neale a strong captain choice.
Toby Nankervis (POD Captain, 2% ownership)
Nankervis has a mixed record against West Coast, but the uncertainty surrounding their ruck situation could work in his favor. While specific statistics may be limited, opposing rucks have recently thrived against the Eagles, making West Coast a favorable matchup.
Vice Captains
- Andrew Brayshaw
- Nick Daicos
- Max Gawn
Captains
- Lachie Neale
- Marcus Bontempelli / Toby Nankervis
- Chad Warner
