Rd 15 SuperCoach VC & Captain Picks – Bont among top Dogs picks

Vice-Captain Options for Round 15

Nic Martin

Watching Nic Martin live over the weekend highlighted his impressive work rate. However, I noticed that his Time on Ground (TOG) was significantly lower than usual, sitting at around 80% compared to his typical 90%+. In the first quarter, he was active, accumulating 12 disposals with a 75% efficiency. Chris Scott quickly aimed to curb his influence by sending O’Connor to tag him, resulting in just 3 disposals in the second quarter. Martin remains an ideal Vice-Captain (VC) option, demonstrating a high ceiling on multiple occasions.

Andrew Brayshaw

Andrew Brayshaw thrives against Essendon, with his last three performances against them yielding SuperCoach scores of 137, 129 and 132. Essendon ranks as the fourth easiest matchup for opposition midfielders and Brayshaw averages 129.85 points at home over seven games this season. I believe it is more likely that Setterfield goes to Serong at stoppages, who is more impactful around clearances.

Bailey Smith

I believe, if a tag is implemented, it is likely that Holmes cops it will, as Holmes’s ball use is more damaging. Smith has recorded scores between 118 and 156 on eight occasions and exceeded 147 three times. He appears to be enjoying his time at the new home ground, averaging 131.75 points over four games, including scores of 147 and 154 SuperCoach points. Smith possesses the ceiling that makes him an appealing VC option.

Hugh McCluggage

Hugh McCluggage has emerged as a standout player in the competition. His ability to avoid tagging most weeks, thanks to Neale’s presence, enhances his scoring potential. McCluggage boasts a three-round average of 119 and scored 136 in the last encounter. He has achieved scores between 118 and 159 on eight occasions this season. With only 10% ownership, he could be a clever selection this week.

Tristan Xerri

Although Tristan Xerri may have disappointed some last weekend, he was around 100 SuperCoach points at three-quarter time before finishing the last quarter with zero disposals, one tackle and 13 hitouts. I am willing to give him a mulligan, he is a proud and aggressive player who will see this week as a critical opportunity to prove himself against young star TDK. In their earlier matchup this season, Xerri recorded 14 disposals (13 contested), 11 tackles, and 43 hit-outs 19 more than TDK culminating in 144 SuperCoach points.

Captain Options for Round 15

George Hewett

North Melbourne represents the third easiest matchup for opposing midfielders. With Walsh sidelined, Hewett will likely receive additional midfield minutes. He has recorded seven captain-worthy scores this season, including 171 SuperCoach points in their earlier meeting. Notably, North Melbourne is his second-best career matchup. Hewett has demonstrated a high ceiling this season, making him a strong Point of Difference (POD) VC option.

Marcus Bontempelli

I anticipate a bounce-back performance from Marcus Bontempelli this week. He was effectively tagged out of the game last weekend, but the matchup against Richmond presents a favorable opportunity. Richmond has proven to be the easiest team for opposition midfielders, with recent scores from Heeney (123), Martin (163), and Merrett (156) highlighting this trend. Bontempelli has faced Richmond 11 times, boasting his highest career average of 128.3 and has averaged 136.5 over his last four encounters.

Bailey Dale

Captaining Bailey Dale carries an element of risk, but those willing to take the plunge may reap significant rewards. Richmond ranks as the easiest matchup for opposing defenders, having conceded high scores to players like Blakey (146), Whitfield (116), Martin (163), McKercher (129), and Maric (126) in recent weeks. Dale’s highest career average is against Richmond, where he averages 115.8 over five games, and he has found success at Marvel Stadium in 2025.

Ed Richards

I did not expect to include Ed Richards in my article at the start of the season, let alone see him priced at $618k. Excluding McCarthy, he holds the second-highest three-round average among midfielders at 129.7 SuperCoach points. As mentioned in Bontempelli’s section, the matchup against Richmond is favorable for midfielders. Over the last six weeks, Richards has averaged 129.6 SuperCoach points, and in their last encounter, he scored an impressive 163 SuperCoach points. He is a strong option this week.