Captain’s Corner: Round 10, skippers to target and avoid

It was a tough round for many coaches last week with the likes of Jack Steele (injured), Patrick Cripps, Clayton Oliver, Max Gawn all failing to post three-figure scores in their respective fixtures last weekend.

Those who took the safe options of Jack Macrae (117) or Lachie Neale (115) were rewarded, albeit with lukewarm results.

Those who put their faith in the likes of Touk Miller (130), Christian Petracca (136) and Callum Mills (166) were handsomely rewarded with scores in excess of 130 points.

Let’s take a look at the best captaincy options for Round 10.

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Patrick Cripps

Looks like a good VC play this week back under the roof at Marvel Stadium against Sydney. I like when Cripps plays early in the round because he’s the perfect high-ceiling VC which can then be backed up by a Macrae or Neale as a safe C option if he flops. His record against Sydney is excellent and there’s no reason that he can’t continue that, provided Michael Voss keeps him out of the ruck!

Last 3 vs SYD: 133, 108, 157

Callum Mills

Mills is one of the most in-form SuperCoach players in the game right now, averaging 145 from his last four games which includes a 60 against Gold Coast. This will be a fascinating game to watch from a midfield perspective, with stars on both sides and I think if the Swans are any chance then Mills is going to need to lead the charge. Definitely worth some thought as a POD VC this week if you’re an owner.

Last 3 vs CARL: 117, 108, 93

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Jack Macrae

Back to his favourite venue this week and although he didn’t set the world on fire when the Dogs hosted the Crows in Ballarat a few weeks ago, I think he can post a big score here against a side he has historically dominated. Will be the safe VC option this week for many coaches.

Last 3 vs GCS: 146, 124, 169

Touk Miller

The Touk Train is chugging along nicely at present with a three-game average of 137.3 and the Suns are up and about after downing Fremantle last week. Miller also has a pretty good record against the Bulldogs having scored 120+ in two of his last 3 fixtures against them. You’d be brave to take on Macrae, but it could pay off if the Suns manage to secure the four points.

Last 3 vs WB: 96, 120, 140

Jarrod Witts

Finds his way back into Captain’s Corner this week on the back of the news that Tim English is very unlikely to play this week after being knocked around with illness. That leaves him up against Jordan Sweet and maybe Stefan Martin if he’s available. Either way I think that’s a great matchup and Witts should dominate the hitouts.

Last 3 vs WB: 97, 70, 114

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Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Max Gawn

No point separating them all out this week given the Dees are playing North Melbourne. Take your pick of Oliver, Petracca or Gawn this week, they should all score well in a thumping win provided Melbourne are switched on from the first bounce.

Rory Laird

It’s a shame that Laird missed the first two weeks of the season with a broken hand because he would be in a lot more teams than what he is currently. Since returning in Round 3, the Crows’ ball magnet has posted just one score below 116 – that is a staggering level of consistency and if you’re a Jack Steele owner you should be falling over yourself and finding the $35K required to bring Laird in as his replacement. While you’re going, you could do worse than making him your VC this week.

Last 3 vs STK: 132, 91, 124

Lachie Neale

I reckon the Brownlow medallist will smell an easy kill against Hawthorn in Launceston on Sunday. The Hawks are one of the worst contested possession and clearance sides in the competition and I expect the Lions to eat them alive in those departments. Could be a 150+ kind of day for Neale and I feel very comfortable having the C on him this week. It would take a 130+ score from my VC to activate a captain’s loophole.

Last 3 vs HAW: 70, 157, 114

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SC BANDIT’S RECOMMENDATIONS

VC: Jack Macrae or Rory Laird

C: Lachie Neale