Plenty of options this week – but not all are created equal. There’s a clear VC play, a couple of elite fallbacks, and a few traps to avoid.
Let’s break it down.
Jordan Dawson vs Carlton
Safe. Reliable. Bankable. But captaincy is about ceiling — and Dawson just doesn’t quite scream huge this week. He’ll score well… just maybe not captain-winning well.
Nick Daicos vs Fremantle
Friday night Daicos. We’ve seen what he can do in the spotlight — and he absolutely has the ceiling to go large. The only concern is the injury cloud from last week. High upside, slight risk.
Max Gawn vs Essendon
The Blakiston curse? Not for Gawn. Coming off a 175 against a quality opponent and averaging 140+ on the season — he’s on another level right now. Essendon is a dream matchup for rucks, and if he gets on top early, this could get ugly. VC lock. Don’t overthink it.
Sneaky POD angle:
There’s also a case for Kozzy Pickett against a pretty porous Essendon midfield. If the game opens up, he could cash in big time. Only concern — potential attention/tag. If that happens, the ceiling comes right down.
Brodie Grundy vs Gold Coast
Up against Witts. Hard to see him matching Gawn’s ceiling, but still a solid ruck play. He’ll score well — just lacks that explosive upside this week.
Marcus Bontempelli vs Hawthorn
Big game. Big stage. Big player. Bont is as safe as it gets — but also has a genuine ceiling. In what should be a cracking contest, this feels like a game he stands tall. Elite VC/C option.
Geelong vs West Coast
This could (will) get ugly. Bailey Smith is the standout — massive upside against a struggling Eagles side. If things click, he could go nuclear. Max Holmes is tempting, but playing through a broken finger last week is enough to pass for captaincy. Baz over Holmes.
GWS vs Richmond
Ash / Callaghan / Whitfield – All solid… but none have shown that top-end ceiling yet this season. Not for me as captain options
Zak Butters vs St Kilda
Just not quite right at the moment. We’re not seeing the spike scores, and he doesn’t look fully fit. With better options available, easy pass.
FINAL VERDICT
VC: Max Gawn (LOCK)
C: Bontempelli or Bailey Smith (if VC misses)
Simple. High upside. Back the form.
