Bandit’s skippers: Round 17 captain’s to target and avoid

Coaches welcomed back many premos from their bye rounds last weekend and there were some large scores going around as a result.

Those coaches who took Lachie Neale (143) as a VC on Thursday would have been very pleased with their choice, but there were plenty of other big scoring options with Zach Merrett (168), Nick Daicos (149) and Tom Stewart (147) all going past 140 points in a huge scoring week.

Coaches banking on big scores from Marcus Bontempelli (114), Jordan Dawson (102) or Rory Laird (84) would have been disappointed, particularly with Dawson and Laird given the Crows beat North Melbourne pretty comfortably at home.

Another opportunity to nail a big score this week with some very friendly match ups on the cards, so let’s get into it.

PRICE DROP! Sign up to SC Playbook for the remainder of the AFL & NRL Season for just $40 for the full package! Gain access to stacks of additional premium articles every week during the season, our Whatsapp community featuring Qnas with our team of contributors and late mail, and plenty of other bonus features. SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Embed from Getty Images

Marcus Bontempelli

Had a quiet game by his standards last week against Fremantle but still managed to score 114. Looks like the obvious play as a VC on Friday night against Collingwood, but doesn’t have a great record against them.

Last 3 v COLL: 125, 92, 76

Embed from Getty Images

Tim English

Played out a good battle with Darcy in the ruck last week with both players having plenty of hitouts and impacting the scoreboard. His record against the Pies is poor though, which needs to be considered.

Last 3 v COLL: 96, 63, 70

Embed from Getty Images

Nick Daicos

Running hot at the moment with a five-round average of 129.2. I’m not sure the Dogs will opt to tag him this week and even if they did there’s no obvious candidate to do that job in their side as far as I can tell? Nice point of difference option to Bontempelli this week as VC.

Last 1 v WB: 69

Embed from Getty Images

Lachie Neale

Really hitting his straps in the last five games with an average of 125 in that period. With Dunkley being subbed off last week that rules him out as a VC option for mine, so Neale looks like the obvious choice with a superb record against West Coast to boot. Averaging a massive 140.6 in his last three outings against the Eagles.

Last 3 v WC: 123, 133, 166

We’re stoked to link up with betr for the 2023 AFL season! Check them out -> FOLLOW HERE

Josh Kelly

Not for the faint-hearted, but Kelly’s record against Hawthorn is excellent, averaging 118 against them across his career to date. We know how big his ceiling can be on his day, so this would be a huge difference maker if he explodes.

Last 3 v HAW: 80, 121, 103

Embed from Getty Images

Christian Petracca

Putting together the best SuperCoach season of his career to this point and coaches are jumping on with his ownership nearly doubling since Round 9. St Kilda at Marvel this week is a tricky match up, but his last few games against them have been reasonable.

Last 3 v STK: 106, 92, 127

Embed from Getty Images

Connor Rozee

Ran rampant against Essendon last week and it looks like he’ll get a similar opportunity against the Suns in Adelaide on Saturday night. Not a player that I’m considering at this stage, but I couldn’t talk you out of him if you’re a fan.

Last 3 v GCS: 113, 94, 125

Embed from Getty Images

Tom Stewart

Should be able to do as he pleases this week against North Melbourne. The last time the Cats hosted the Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium he scored 152!

Last 3 v NM: 97, 118, 152

Embed from Getty Images

Zach Merrett

Those who finally moved Oliver on to Merrett last week would have been rapt with that decision as the Essendon skipper smashed out 168 points against Port Adelaide in the wet last week. Averaging 132 against the Crows in his last three and looks like a safe play if Keays doesn’t tag him.

Last 3 v ADEL: 143, 135, 120

Embed from Getty Images

Rory Laird

Very quiet game from the Crows ball magnet against North but he’ll need to step up against a much-improved Bombers midfield on Sunday. I prefer other options but could be a nice unique if the majority jump off after a sub-par effort last week.

Last 3 v ESS: 143, 123, 97

Embed from Getty Images

Jordan Dawson

Only including him to say that my thinking on Laird also applies to Dawson. Nice ‘against the tide’ pick as coaches will jump off him, but there’s better options this week in my opinion.

Last 3 v ESS: 97, 122, 73

Over the next 12 months an estimated 60% of all fixed rate mortgages are going to expire. Patty and George from Mortgage Choice SCW can get you the best rate possible. It’s a super easy process, so flick them a message. Save $129 by mentioning SC Playbook for a FREE CONSULT!

SC BANDIT RECOMMENDS

VC: Bontempelli / Daicos

C: Neale / Merrett

Best POD: Laird