Captain’s Corner: Round 22, skippers to target and avoid

Plenty of coaches made use of some big SuperCoach scores last week to help them get a win in their league finals or continue their late season charge in the overall rankings.

Clayton Oliver (152) and Rory Laird (145) led the way for many, with popular players like Dunkley (155), Neale (138), Petracca (136) and Gawn (136) also posting big scores.

It’s preliminary finals week for lots of leagues, so let’s take a look at the players who are most likely to help get you over the line and into a coveted Grand Final spot.

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Lachie Neale

Looks like the obvious choice as VC on Friday night against St Kilda this week. The Brownlow Medal favourite is finishing the year strongly – three of his last four scores have been 120+ and the other score in that period was 110. A potential tag this week holds no concerns for me, I think he’ll put up another big score.

Last 3 vs STK: 123, 118, 72

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Josh Dunkley

Has to get a mention this week on the back of a monster score last week against the Dockers. Dunkley’s record against the Giants in recent times is excellent, with his last three scores against them all being in the triple figures. It’s been chocolates or boiled lollies with him this season but hopefully he can post another big score.

Last 3 vs GWS: 114, 132, 128

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Jack Macrae

Another Dogs midfielder who’s record against the Giants is outstanding. Macrae hasn’t set the world on fire in recent weeks, but that’s as much about his role as anything else and he’s just not had as much opportunity as some of his teammates. The Dogs need to win their last two games if they’re any chance to play finals, so I think he’ll have a big game.

Last 3 vs GWS: 155, 140, 133

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Rory Laird

Laird plays early in the round this week which will make life pretty easy for lots of coaches. Comes up against North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval which should be ideal for his scoring once again this week. If you’re VC-ing someone in an earlier game, I think they’d need to score at least 130 to make it worthwhile taking the C off Laird.

Last 3 vs NM: 156, 149, 105

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Touk Miller

Copped the Finn Maginness tag last week against the Hawks saw his streak of 100+ scores finish at nine. It will be interesting to see what Geelong do with him this week; do they sit on him again or do they back their midfielders in a head-to-head contest? Hopefully he can get off the chain.

Last 3 vs GEEL: 133, 81, 101

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Clayton Oliver

It’s really stung not being a Clayton Oliver owner this year and it looks like he’ll continue to rub salt into the wound this week against an understrength Carlton side. No Cripps, Hewett or Kennedy means he’ll likely be going up against more inexperienced bodies and that spells trouble for the Blues.

Last 3 vs CARL: 140, 127, 158

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Christian Petracca

Another guy who could run riot either through the midfield or as a forward this week in what is a must-win game for the Dees. Played a good game against the Pies last week and with no obvious tagging options for Carlton, I think he gets off the chain again.

Last 3 vs CARL: 101, 126, 103

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Zach Merrett

Had a poor game last week against GWS, which was his first sub-130 score in six weeks. Gets back to Marvel Stadium this week against Port Adelaide and has a chance to post another big score against a side which he averages 109 against across his career. Another left-field captain option for late in the round if you need a Hail Mary pass!

Last 3 vs PA: 130, 91, 108

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Callum Mills

Hasn’t had a really big score for about a month now, his last 130+ score coming against the Bulldogs back in Round 17. This is a really important game for both of these sides with a potential top two spot up for grabs if other results go their way. Hopefully Mills puts in a big one and if you’re looking for a POD captaincy option this week, he could be your man.

Last 3 vs COLL: 100, 74, 100

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SC BANDIT’S RECOMMENDATIONS

VC: Neale / Laird

C: Laird / Oliver

POD option: Merrett