As we enter the critical phase of the season, selecting the right captain is essential for securing your finals spots in your leagues.
This week presents an opportunity to focus on rucks, along with a few unexpected options.
Tom Green
Tom Green has emerged as a strong performer this SuperCoach season, averaging 111.4 points. Impressively, 12 of his 16 games have seen him surpass the 100-point mark, with standout performances of 136 and 140 in recent weeks. With Essendon’s current injury crisis, I expect Green to exceed his career average of 110.3. The team has been particularly generous to opposing players recently, allowing substantial scores to Taranto (135), Anderson (127), Serong (149) and Holmes (155).
Finn Callaghan
Finn Callaghan has demonstrated consistent form, with 10 of his 14 games this season yielding over 100 SuperCoach points. He recently showcased his potential with a high score of 144 against West Coast. Facing a severely undermanned Essendon, especially with Caldwell, Parish, Hobbs and Setterfield sidelined, GWS is likely to dominate the midfield, presenting an excellent opportunity for Callaghan.
Josh Dunkley
Missing the chance to place the vice-captaincy on Dunkley by a mere 20 seconds last week was a tough blow, but securing 150 SuperCoach points was still a positive outcome. Over the last three rounds, he boasts an average of 123.3 points. Although his record against his former team isn’t stellar, his recent form includes 28 tackles in three weeks and he holds the highest three and five-round averages among all Lions players.
Tim English
In five of his last six games, Tim English has scored over 109 SuperCoach points. He particularly thrives against Brisbane, a team typically challenging for opposing rucks, ranked as the third hardest to score against. English has a favorable career average against the Lions, with recent scores of 112, 88, 139, 138 and 124. This week, he could be a valuable point of difference (POD) vice-captain option.
Lloyd Meek
Lloyd Meek enters this week with impressive recent scores of 140 and 151. He faces the third easiest team for opposing rucks to score against, indicating he is in excellent form and possesses the potential for a late vice-captaincy POD option.
Brodie Grundy
Grundy is performing at nearly career-best levels, and I anticipate that those fortunate enough to have trades will be moving Xerri in favor of him. Grundy has an astonishing three-round average of 153.3, complemented by a five-round average of 154.8. Over his last nine games, he has averaged a remarkable 144.44 SuperCoach points. He will be matched up against a North Melbourne team missing Xerri, positioning him as my top captain pick for the round.
Toby Nankervis
This week appears to be favorable for the rucks, especially with Nankervis facing West Coast, who have conceded the most points to opposing rucks in 2025. Recent performances against them include significant scores from Cameron (111), De Koning (123), Xerri (153) and O’Brien (161) SuperCoach points. While Nankervis has not historically excelled against West Coast, I predict he will turn that trend around this week.
Vice-Captains:
- Tom Green
- Finn Callaghan
- Josh Dunkley
Captains:
- Brodie Grundy
- Toby Nankervis
- Lloyd Meek
