Bandit’s skippers: Round 11 captain’s to target and avoid

What a huge Round 10! So many popular premium players and rookies alike produced monster scores, resulting in the biggest scoring round of the year to date.

Well done to those who nabbed Zak Butters (184) as VC on Friday night against Melbourne, he was simply outstanding as he racked up 41 disposals, two goals and ten clearances.

Those who missed Butters still had plenty of chances to latch onto a good captain score. Clayton Oliver (120) was the safe VC play in the same game, Zach Merrett (162), Josh Dunkley (153) and Rory Laird (145) were all excellent picks and Lachie Neale (128) and Rowan Marshall (126) weren’t far behind.

The fixture looks like it will be tricky this week, with lots of popular loophole options playing in the first half of the round. So, nailing your captain options this week and perhaps going a little left of centre could seriously pay off.

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

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Errol Gulden

He couldn’t repeat his performance from the pre-season against Carlton, could he? He scored 188 points in that game in what was the tipping point for many coaches starting with him in 2023. Could be a nice wildcard option this week.

Last 1 v CARL: 72

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Jack Steele

Steele has been pretty banged up so far this year, fracturing his collarbone and then tweaking a knee in Round 8 against Adelaide. That didn’t stop him from putting in a superhuman effort against GWS on his way to 135 points. Gets a nice matchup against the Hawks who do have a habit of giving up scores to midfielders.

Last 3 v HAW: 107, 125, 91

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Rowan Marshall

Demands a mention on the back of his 122.2 five-round average, but the Hawks are one of the best teams when it comes to limiting the influence of rucks. Not even Tim English could crack the ton against them. Proceed with caution.

Last 3 v HAW: 173, 78, 86

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Christian Petracca

He’s going to be the main man in the midfield against Fremantle with Clayton Oliver highly unlikely to play this week. The Dockers do leak points to midfielders, so I think he’s one of the better VC options this weekend.

Last 3 v FREM: 134, 53, 98

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Tom Green

The Giants head to Geelong this week and I reckon they’re not only a live chance of winning the game, but I think it also sets up for Tom Green to really explode. I’m calling it now, I think he can drop a 150 against a Cats midfield which is seriously battling with injury.

Last 2 v GEEL: 96, 41

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Marcus Bontempelli

Just continues to get the job done week in, week out this season and despite tweaking his knee last weekend, he played out the game and still scored fine. Should have his way with the Suns this week who gave up some big scores to Brisbane midfielders last week.

Last 3 v GCS: 130, 93, 133

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Zach Merrett

The Eagles have deployed taggers in the last couple of weeks to good effect, limiting Noah Anderson and then Will Day to disappointing scores. I’m not as concerned about them trying to tag Merrett though, who, without sounding disrespectful to the other two boys, is a class above. Looks a safe play this week.

Last 3 v WC: 111, 119, 125

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Nick Daicos

Can’t see him getting tagged by North this week, should be good for 120 at least you’d think given the gulf in quality between these two sides.

Last 1 v NORTH: 99

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Jordan Dawson

Hasn’t set the world on fire over the last couple of weeks, but that’s probably reflective of how the Crows are going as a side with mixing their best and worst form. Gets back to the Adelaide Oval this week where he’s averaging 131 this season.

Last 3 v BRIS: 107, 79, 64

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Rory Laird

Back to his best last week against the Dogs, which might suggest that he’s over whatever injury niggles he might have been carrying? Looks a safe option at home this week if you VC fails to fire.

Last 3 v BRIS: 142, 129, 86

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Lachie Neale

Played an excellent game against the Suns last week and gets back to his home town on Sunday against a side he has a very good record against.

Last 3 v ADEL: 115, 147, 148

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Josh Dunkley

Just so consistent in his performances to date, dropping below three figures just once. Could he drop another big score on Sunday? I wouldn’t bet against it.

Last 3 v ADEL: 142, 65, 88

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SC BANDIT RECOMMENDS

VC: Steele / Petracca / Green

C: Bontempelli / Merrett / Laird