It’s time to say good riddance to the bye rounds. It’s already the back end of the season and I have found some picks for Round 17. Let’s keep them rolling.
Tristan Xerri
Tristan Xerri has been a standout performer in SuperCoach, achieving scores of 122, 141, and 141 in his last three outings against English, resulting in an impressive three-round average of 136.6 points. Although his form has slightly dipped recently, he is still averaging 128 SuperCoach points at Marvel Stadium this season. With a high ceiling for vice-captaincy, Xerri is expected to be a popular choice this Thursday night.
Marcus Bontempelli
Marcus Bontempelli’s recent scores of 66, 177, and 63 present a tempting opportunity for non-owners to acquire him at a favorable price. He has a strong affinity for playing against North Melbourne, boasting a remarkable career average of 117.1 points from 16 matches. In his last three games at this venue, Bontempelli has delivered scores of 123, 157, and 169 SuperCoach points. Anticipate both Xerri and Bontempelli being top choices this week.
Nick Daicos
Nick Daicos could have delivered a standout performance against West Coast, finishing with 34 disposals and 131 SuperCoach points. He has recently demonstrated his ability to overcome tagging, enhancing his viability as a captaincy option. This week, he faces Carlton, who may employ a run-with role, and his recent history against them includes scores of 94, 101, and 150 SuperCoach points. Doe his recent form tempt you?
Tom Green
Tom Green, often overlooked in discussions this season, boasts impressive recent scores of 115, 140, 110, and 136, giving him the third-highest three-round average among midfielders in the competition. West Coast has allowed the second-most points to opposing midfielders and Green has historically thrived against them, averaging 119.2 points over five matches. He could serve as a unique point-of-difference (POD) option this round.
Lachie Ash
Lachie Ash has not received enough recognition for his performance this season. He holds the second-highest average among defenders in 2025 for players with over 15 games. His last seven games have yielded scores exceeding 104 SuperCoach points, although he has yet to demonstrate a significant ceiling. With Whitfield absent this week, Ash is likely to secure additional kick-ins, and he previously scored 130 SuperCoach points against West Coast, who present the third-easiest matchup for opposing defenders.
Max Holmes
Having owned Max Holmes for most of the season, his early struggles have transformed into a valuable selection. He currently holds the second-highest three-round average in the game, trailing only Grundy at 139 SuperCoach points, and averages an impressive 120.16 points over six games at GMS this season. Targeting teams like Richmond, who are the easiest matchup for opposing midfielders this season, is advisable, especially considering their recent generous scores. Last weekend, they allowed ten players to score between 99 and 153 SuperCoach points, making Holmes a strong candidate to lock in.
Bailey Smith
Bailey Smith enjoyed a solid stretch of seven games, scoring 111 and 154, before a dip to 85 against Brisbane pre-bye. He has thrived at GMS, averaging 122.4 SuperCoach points this season. His previous scores against Richmond are less relevant, as he has not faced them since 2023. Should your vice-captain underperform, Smith will likely emerge as a popular alternative.
Vice-Captains:
- Marcus Bontempelli
- Tristan Xerri
- Nick Daicos
Captains:
- Max Holmes
- Tom Green
- Bailey Smith
