Bandit’s skippers: Round 7 captain’s to target and avoid

Last week showed just how important picking a good VC score can be to setting up your score for the week, with those coaches who took Marcus Bontempelli (182) against Fremantle giving their score a big boost over the rest of the competition.

Nick Daicos (145) would have been another good option, while Tim English (131) and Rory Laird (126) were also reasonable scores to have up your sleeve.

It’s also an important round this week because many coaches may be relying on a C score, rather than a VC score this week. With GWS playing early on Saturday afternoon, popular loophole Nicholas Madden will be locked before the likes of Bont, English, Oliver, Cripps and Laird play.

This is another make-or-break week in terms of captaincy options, so let’s dive into the best options.

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Rowan Marshall

Time is ticking on the Saints big man who was a popular starting pick but so far hasn’t been able to live up to the hype. Now averaging less than 100 PPG for the season but he could get an easy kill here against a Port side with no really established ruckman. Has a very good record against the Power too.

Last 3 v PORT: 127, 132, 160

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Lachie Neale

Was quiet last week after going huge the week before, but he should score well in this fixture against Fremantle. The Dockers give up the most points to midfielders of any team in the competition and that could well be a problem again this week.

Last 3 v FREM: 87, 171, 79

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Josh Dunkley

Another player who probably hasn’t quite delivered on the pre-season expectations, but that’s pretty harsh for a guy who has only dropped below 100 points in a game once in six games. He monstered Fremantle last time he played them and could do it again.

Last 3 v FREM: 155, 87, 93

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Marcus Bontempelli

If there’s a challenger to Jeremy Cameron in terms of the best player in the competition right now, it has to be this guy. He was simply sublime against Fremantle last week and his form is a big reason why the Dogs’ season is back on track. Should score well again this week against Hawthorn.

Last 3 v HAW: 115, 136, 114

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Tim English

Six scores of 130+ to start the season is ridiculous and there’s no reason why he can’t add another one to that scoring run this week under the roof at Marvel. Looks like a set and forget captain option at this point.

Last 3 v HAW: 102, 82, 103

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Clayton Oliver

Had a quieter week against Richmond on Anzac Day Eve, but I’m tipping a really strong bouceback game from Clarry against the Kangaroos. No obvious tag options and Gawn back in the side should lead to a big score. His record against North is exceptional.

Last 3 v NM: 178, 116, 137

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Tom Stewart

Aside from the knee injury in Round 1, he’s been every bit the D1 player that we thought he could be at the start of the season. Those who picked him up at a discount over the last couple of weeks would be feeling pretty content with their decision at this point.

Last 3 v ESS: 103, 107, 123

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Rory Laird

Really looking forward to this game on Sunday afternoon. I’m expecting Rory Laird to have a big game back on the Crows’ home deck – his record against Collingwood is outstanding, averaging a massive 161 against Collingwood in his last three games! Looks a safe C option if your VC doesn’t fire.

Last 3 v COLL: 154, 144, 185

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Jordan Dawson

His record against Collingwood doesn’t hold a candle to Laird’s, but if you like him this week as a POD then there’s no reason to jump off.

Last 3 v COLL: 92, 99, 81

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Nick Daicos

It honestly baffles me how little attention and respect this kid is getting from opposition teams. Don’t give me the whole ‘we’ll back in our structure against Collingwood’s structure’ rubbish, this guy needs to be tagged if you’re going to beat the Pies. Daicos cut the Crows up last time he played them, so let’s see how they approach him on Sunday.

Last 2 v ADEL: 163, 53