Plenty of obvious options this week… but also a few traps. Let’s break it down.
Nick Daicos vs Hawks (Thursday)
Coming off an inefficient 40+ touches, but this matchup worries me. Hawthorn can restrict, and a Maginness tag feels very likely.
Verdict: Risky start — I think he will be popular but I’d rather hold off and target Friday night.
Marcus Bontempelli vs Fremantle
Proved it again last week — never doubt the Bont. Even if he’s not 100%, he finds a way. Expect a Dogs response.
Verdict: Premium VC option.
Luke Jackson vs Bulldogs
Elite form and thriving as the main man. Even if English returns, Jackson is flying. Hard to see him being stopped right now.
Verdict: Safe, in-form VC play regardless of team news.
Zak Butters / Jordan Dawson (Showdown)
Pride game — expect both to go big.
Butters gets the nod, pumping out 120s even with attention.
Verdict: Butters > Dawson (just).
POD – Lachie Neale vs Essendon
Flying under the radar. Lions are humming and Essendon’s midfield has been soft.
Verdict: Huge VC/C POD upside.
Bailey Smith (or Holmes) vs North Melbourne
Ceiling for both is there, but the potential O’Sullivan tag adds serious uncertainty.
Verdict: Too hard to trust — as a Baz/Holmes owner I’m steering clear.
Tristan Xerri vs Geelong
Breakeven of 192… and honestly, he could still get there. Unreal form and the matchup suits.
Verdict: The ultimate Round 8 captaincy play… but we said that with extreme confidence vs Essendon too…. My lock for Captain if Friday night is anything sub-130.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera vs Carlton
Bit of a yo-yo season, but last week showed the ceiling. If he gets space, he can do serious damage.
Verdict: High-risk, high-reward — could tear Carlton apart.
Grundy vs Gawn
The Gawndy battle. Could easily neutralise each other.
Verdict: Both could go big, but I’d lean towards the form of Grundy. Gawn’s role/form has me steering clear.
Isaac Heeney vs Melbourne
Highest averaging mid vs a vulnerable midfield. If named, he’s right in play.
Verdict: Elite captaincy option.
Callaghan / Oliver vs Gold Coast
No tag expected, so both have upside — but hard to trust.
Verdict: Fallback options only. Safer plays earlier in the round.
Josh Lindsay vs Richmond
We can dream… back-to-back 120s? Why not.
MY FINAL CALL
VC: Bontempelli / Jackson (Friday night)
C: Tristan Xerri
