Ben Ashton from AFL SuperCoach 360 weighs up the best vice-captain and captain options for Round 18.
Heeney vs Fremantle
Massive-game player in a massive game, but he was well held twice against Fremantle last season with 2 sub-tonnes.
We all know Heeney has a huge ceiling, but recent history has me looking elsewhere for my VC this week.
Jackson vs Grundy
Both rucks have enormous ceilings, and no Shrek or Ladhams is a positive for both.
That said, I generally avoid premium rucks when they face each other. Jackson’s midfield craft gives him the edge over Grundy for me, but neither makes my preferred VC options this round.
Nick Daicos vs North Melbourne
The only recent meeting (2025) produced a 107, but Nick is in outstanding form and should absolutely be in VC calculations.
My only concern is a possible Finn O’Sullivan tag, which has me leaning slightly towards the next player.
Harry Sheezel vs Collingwood
It’s time we stop ignoring Harry Sheezel’s form.
📈 3RA: 169.3
📈 5RA: 147.2
Collingwood rarely tag, although Sheezel did score just 63 in 107 minutes against them last season. He’s the hottest player in SuperCoach right now and shapes as one of the safest VC options of the round.
Prediction: 130+… and a 160 again wouldn’t surprise me.
Luke Parker vs Collingwood
Collingwood continue to leak points to defenders, and Luke Parker is in scintillating form with a 3RA of 131.
I wouldn’t pick him ahead of Sheezel, but he’s a very interesting POD for the brave owners. Prediction: 125+.
NAS vs Butters
NAS is perfectly placed to finish the season with a bang. No Sinclair, a 146 3RA, and a matchup against Port makes him an easy VC/C selection.
Butters has quietly averaged 127 across his last three, but I don’t think he has the same ceiling as NAS. Clear selection here = NAS.
Rowan Marshall vs Port Adelaide
Solo ruck. Against Port. Coming off a 133.
Why not? I probably wouldn’t trust him with the captaincy, but he’d be a very fun VC play for owners chasing upside. Prediction: 130+.
Geelong vs GWS
I’m not in love with anyone here. Baz produced scores of 154 and 73 against the Giants last season, while Holmes went 134 then 72. I’m also happy to pass on Callaghan, Clarry and Ash this week.
Carlton vs Hawthorn
Pass.
Dawson vs Anderson
Both have been very good without producing monster scores lately.
Neither is in my captaincy plans, but I certainly wouldn’t talk anyone out of picking them.
Bont vs West Coast
This could easily be a ceiling game for the Bulldogs superstar.
He scored 148 against the Eagles eleven months ago, and another huge score wouldn’t surprise as the Dogs continue their finals push.
Melbourne vs Richmond
🔒🔐Max Gawn
🔒 Kozzy Pickett
Can’t fault either as genuine captain options against Richmond.
For me, Gawn is an absolute lock.
Lachie Neale vs Essendon
Essendon have been generous to opposition premiums all season, so Neale is definitely a sneaky captain option.
He hasn’t truly exploded for a while though, so he’s not one I’ll be backing personally.
Will Ashcroft vs Essendon
Will’s form has been excellent, averaging 136 across his last three.
I actually like this option more than Neale this week and think he could be a very fun POD captain selection.
Final Verdict
I’ll be using the VC on Harry Sheezel or Nick Daicos and banking anything 130+.
If that doesn’t land, Max Gawn gets the captaincy.
Best of luck for Round 18!
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