Ben Ashton from AFL SuperCoach 360 weighs up the best vice-captain and captain options for Round 22.
Bontempelli vs North Melbourne
Bont’s last four scores are 152, 155, 99 and 61.
The last two scores are a little off-putting, but we’re talking about Marcus Bontempelli on a Thursday night against North Melbourne.
His last four scores against the Kangaroos are 132, 157, 123 and 169, and with the Bulldogs desperate to bank four points, expect Bont to lead from the front. I’d be happy to VC Bont with plenty of confidence.
Sheezel vs Bulldogs
Harry Sheezel’s 2026 season has been nothing short of ridiculous.
His record against the Bulldogs is only average, but he’s in career-best form and, importantly, the Dogs don’t tag. 140+ wouldn’t surprise me.
Ashcroft vs Hawthorn
Will Ashcroft continues to establish himself as one of the elite midfielders in the competition.
Even in a losing side last week, he still found plenty of the footy and looked dangerous.
If you’re looking to avoid the popular Thursday night options, Ashcroft is a genuine VC alternative.
Gawn vs Jackson
Two of the competition’s most dominant rucks going head-to-head will make for a fascinating battle.
I’m generally not a fan of captaining premium rucks against another elite ruckman, but Max Gawn has been unbelievably consistent all season.
At the MCG, with Melbourne likely to be led by their skipper once again, he’d be hard to ignore.
Grundy vs Port Adelaide
I talked up Brodie Grundy last week because I loved his run home, and nothing has changed.
I think he’ll have a huge influence against Port Adelaide, both in the ruck and around the ground.
If I owned Grundy, he’d absolutely be in my captaincy calculations.
Gulden vs Port Adelaide
Errol Gulden has been on an absolute tear.
Coming up against a depleted Port Adelaide midfield, this has all the signs of another massive performance.
A 150+ score certainly wouldn’t surprise me.
Heeney vs Port Adelaide
Similar to Gulden, Isaac Heeney should thrive against Port’s undermanned midfield.
This feels like the perfect matchup for him to bounce back with a 125+ score.
Bazlenka vs Essendon
Baz has been a little quieter by his lofty standards, but this matchup is hard to ignore.
Essendon have been leaking points, and Baz has the ability to explode at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Could this be another 150+?
Dawson / Rankine / Thilthorpe vs Richmond
I can’t wait to see how much damage Adelaide’s stars can do against Richmond.
I still think Jordan Dawson is the safest captaincy option of the three, but after Rankine exploded last week, you simply can’t ignore him.
And don’t be surprised if Riley Thilthorpe kicks six or more goals.
I’d have no hesitation captaining Dawson or Rankine.
Nick Daicos vs West Coast
Nick’s record against West Coast is simply remarkable.
His career scores against the Eagles are 125, 123, 147, 131 and 124. He’s never scored below 123 against them.
Another elite captaincy option.
Wanganeen-Milera vs Carlton
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been in terrific form, and this shapes as a huge game for both clubs.
I can’t see him slowing down anytime soon and would expect another premium score.
Final Verdict
There are plenty of genuine captaincy options this week, but my shortlist is:
* Sheezel vs Bulldogs
* Bazlenka vs Essendon
* Dawson vs Richmond
* Nick Daicos vs West Coast
* Wanganeen-Milera vs Carlton
At this stage, I’m leaning towards Bazlenka or Dawson as my VC, before locking in Nick Daicos as captain.
About The Author
Ben Ashton
