Ben Ashton from AFL SuperCoach 360 weighs up the best vice-captain and captain options for Round 20.
Dawson vs Daicos
A mouth-watering matchup tonight between two absolute SuperCoach guns.
I actually prefer other options this week, but either Jordan Dawson or Nick Daicos (hopefully both!) could put on a clinic. Both are legitimate great VC options in a game I expect Adelaide to win comfortably.
Gawn vs Geelong
Rucks feast against Geelong, and Max Gawn has been the most dominant ruckman in SuperCoach in 2026.
If Heath is named, there are slight concerns — particularly if Gawn spends more time forward — but regardless of the ruck matchup, I love Gawn as a VC option this week.
Smith vs Melbourne
Baz hasn’t been at his best recently, but the absence of Max Holmes leaves a massive hole for the Bulldogs.
Melbourne don’t tag, and this has all the ingredients for the spike score owners have been waiting for.
I actually think Baz could top-score this game, and he is absolutely worth considering as a VC option.
140+ is on the cards.
Jackson / Brayshaw vs West Coast
We are seriously spoiled for choices this week.
Luke Jackson and Andy Brayshaw are solid VC/C options against the Eagles in Perth. I slightly prefer Jackson, but there’s not much between them.
Carlton vs Gold Coast
I have zero confidence putting the VC or C on anyone from this game.
Hawthorn vs Essendon
Essendon leak points, but Hawthorn are such a balanced team.
You could throw a VC/C on Day, Newcombe or Sicily, but I wouldn’t do it with any real confidence — especially after seeing Newcombe’s score last week against Richmond.
Heeney vs GWS
The big question is whether Heeney cops a tag.
Both teams will be desperate after disappointing losses last week, but I expect Sydney to bounce back strongly. Heeney will play a huge role if the Swans dominate.
Grundy vs GWS
Grundy hasn’t been at his best recently, but this matchup screams a potential spike score.
I’d be shocked if he scored under 120.
Bontempelli vs Richmond
Captain 🔒 Enough said.
English vs Richmond
You could go there if you really wanted to, but there is no reason to do it before Bontempelli.
Neale / Ashcroft vs Port Adelaide
Port are in serious trouble through the midfield, while Brisbane are absolutely purring heading towards September.
The Lions should dominate, and either Neale, Ashcroft, or both could go massive.
Xerri vs Marshall
I don’t love trusting premium opposing rucks for the captaincy.
Not for me — but I do rate the next option.
Sheezel vs St Kilda
Sheezel continues to produce at an elite level and should run rings around the Saints.
An excellent fallback captain option. 130+ with ease
NAS vs North Melbourne
After seeing NAS get held last week by Mullin, I have zero confidence with the possibility of an FOS tag. I’m steering clear.
Final Verdict
I’ll be choosing two of:
Gawn, Bontempelli, Sheezel
At this stage, I’m fairly confident it will be Gawn and Bontempelli.
However, if Heath is named, I could make a late pivot and go Bontempelli and Sheezel.
Best of luck this round, legends. Don’t forget to check your loophole options!
About The Author
Ben Ashton
