Last Week’s Recap
Last week, I got a bit carried away and included 10 players in my write-up. Some weeks, as I delve into the numbers, more players stand out and last week was one of those. Across the 10 picks, the average score was 130.9 SuperCoach points with only 2 of them scoring below 120. Notably, Josh Dunkley and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera posted the two highest scores of the round with 167 and 149 SuperCoach points, respectively. This week is no different, as some players were unfortunately left out of this week’s write-up. Let’s keep the success rate rolling!
Round 23 Vice-Captain options:
Jack Sinclair
Sinclair may not have a stellar record against Essendon, but his recent form is undeniable. He has posted four impressive captain-worthy scores in a row 120, 132, 128 and 135 SuperCoach points. He plays a favorable role, taking most kick-ins and generally starting across halfback before pushing up to the defensive side of the stoppage, allowing him to create plays easily. His stat line from the weekend read beautifully 30 disposals (23 kicks), 6 tackles, 4 kick-ins, 5 score involvements, 11 marks and a goal for 135 SuperCoach points. I doubt he will need to pay much attention to any Essendon forwards, making him a strong option this week.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Currently, Wanganeen-Milera is a top player in the AFL market with everything he touches turning to gold. His shots on goal are bouncing in the middle of the points and looking like no chance of going through for a goal and then bouncing like a Shane Warne leg break for a goal. He can do nothing wrong! In the last two months he has achieved remarkable scores which have included 142, 155, 149, 162 and 149 SuperCoach points. He could even score 200 this week.
Josh Dunkley
Dunkley is riding a wave of form, boasting the 4th best 5-round average in the competition at 134 SuperCoach points. His recent scores include 151, 129, 135 and 167. While his record against Fremantle isn’t great, his current form demands respect. A solid pick.
Caleb Serong
Serong thrives against Brisbane, holding a career average of 120.5 SuperCoach points from 6 matches, including a stellar 170 the last time they met at this venue. Although he has been somewhat inconsistent lately, he looked strong against Port with 131 SuperCoach points. Some players just perform better against certain matchups and Brisbane appears to be one of them for Caleb.
Matt Rowell
Rowell has averaged 130.8 SuperCoach points since Round 10 with his last 5 scores being 156, 161, 143, 134 and 146. When a player is in this form, you ride the wave! While his record against GWS isn’t stellar his last 5 scores at this venue have been 121, 147, 156, 143 and 134. Hard to argue with that!
Round 23 Captain options:
Max Gawn
Gawn deserves a spot in my article most weeks. He is averaging 126.1 for the season and a 3-round average of 139.7. This week is no exception, as he faces Meek, who is surprisingly the 4th easiest matchup for opposing rucks. Additionally, Hawthorn is Gawn’s second-favourite team to play, with a massive average of 131.1 SuperCoach points over 13 games. Owners, lock him in!
Jordan Dawson
Collingwood has been allowing decent scores to opposing midfielders over the last two weeks, including Newcombe (126), McCluggage (157), Neale (142) and Dunkley (135). Dawson is in All-Australian and Brownlow form in 2025 and when matched against a team struggling for confidence, he could deliver a big score. He is coming off two massive performances: 149 against Hawthorn and 146 against West Coast. His last four scores against Collingwood are impressive: 132, 107, 150, and 149. A very safe captain option.
Tristan Xerri
After three weeks off, I expected a bit more from Xerri over the weekend. I remember watching his earlier matchup against Nankervis and found it thrilling. Both are among the most physical rucks in the league, giving 110% at every contest. Xerri has a solid career average against Richmond of 117 SuperCoach points and in his last two appearances against Nankervis, he scored 150 and 144 SuperCoach points. North has been under pressure lately and they will see this as an opportunity for a win with Xerri driving that effort.
Marcus Bontempelli
Not much needs to be said about this pick. The Western Bulldogs must win to stay in the finals race. Bontempelli has the highest season average at 128.7, the highest 3-round average at 148.3 and the highest 5-round average at 149 SuperCoach points. He faces West Coast, who ranks as the 2nd easiest matchup for opposing midfielders and it’s on his home ground. You know the drill.
Tim English
I could name several Bulldogs in this week’s article, but I’ve selected the two players I believe will rank highest at the end of the game. Tim English scored 202 against GWS two weeks ago and I believe he can replicate that this week. West Coast has conceded the most points to opposing rucks this season and his last three scores against them have been 124, 118 and 160. Lock him in for 150 this week.
Vice-Captains:
- Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
- Jack Sinclair
- Matt Rowell
Captains:
- Marcus Bontempelli
- Tim English
- Max Gawn/Jordan Dawson
