MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 14: Max Gawn of the Demons marks the ball during a Melbourne Demons training session at Gosch's Paddock on December 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos for AFL Photos)
Ben Ashton from AFL SuperCoach 360 weighs up the best vice-captain and captain options for Round 23.
Jackson vs Crows
Jackson returned to form last week and now faces McAndrew/O’Brien in Perth. Freo will be desperate to bounce back, and Jackson should feast. Great VC option to kick things off.
Hall / RoMar / Hill / Wilkie vs Richmond
The Tigers love leaking SuperCoach points, so why not throw a Hail Mary this late in the season? Any of these guys could go nuclear. If I had Marshall, I’d be very confident running him at VC.
Sheezel vs Geelong
One of the most consistent premium scorers all season. I’d expect Mullin to go to LDU, leaving Sheezel to roam free as usual. Definitely in the conversation.
Baz vs North
Baz bounced back in a huge way for owners last week. There’s some risk of a FOS tag, but I’d still have Baz firmly in my captaincy calculations.
Ashcroft / Neale vs GCS
The Suns don’t tag, and both have been dominant. The Lions will want to finish the season strongly, and I expect these two to play a huge role.
Daicos vs Hawks
Hawthorn’s midfield can be restrictive, so I’m steering clear this week. Daicos has been elite, but this matchup isn’t for me.
Gawn / Kozzie vs Port
Port are a rabble, while Melbourne are charging towards a top-four finish. These two could monster this game. I personally love big Max for the C.
Whitfield vs WCE
Whitfield was held to 79 last time against West Coast thanks to a restrictive tag. He might not explode for 150, but I’d be shocked if he was held below triple figures again.
Bont vs Carlton
Three sub-tonnes in a row and an 88 against Carlton earlier this year. Bont hasn’t been his explosive self, and I’m not keen this week. Watch him completely ignore me and drop a 150+
Any Swan vs Essendon
Wowee. What a way to finish the round. Heeney, Gulden, Grundy… all capable of exploding. Oh, and Curnow could kick 10.
Final Verdict
I’m trusting my rucks this weekend. Jackson VC vs the Crows, followed by big Max Gawn C against a Port side decimated by injuries and with nothing left to play for.
Best of luck this round, legends! It’s been a challenging season, and it’ll be good to close it out and start looking ahead to 2027! 🏆
About The Author
Ben Ashton
