1. Michael BARLOW Fremantle
2. Todd GOLDSTEIN Nth Melbourne
Beanpole GOLDSTEIN has come right back into form (and SC calculations) with the long-term injury to team mate Hamish McINTOSH. GOLDY is averaging 92 pts per game in 2012, with his last three weeks yielding 153, 127 and 100 pts respectively. This week he takes on the might of the Adelaide Crows, a team against which he averages 125 pts per game, including scores of 144 in 2011 and 107 in 2010. The Kangas have a good record against the Crows too – could GOLDY be the one to lead them to an upset victory?
3. Stevie JOHNSON Geelong
One of the freakiest footballers to ever grace the field, Stevie J can make the impossible possible – while also somehow occasionally making the most basic things look beyond him! Averaging 93 pts per game this year, JOHNSON’s season has mirrored that of his team – flashes of brilliance, not outstanding all the time but getting the job done. This week he plays Sydney, who he averages 113 pts against, including 120 last year at the SCG. Prior to a quiet Carlton game before the bye, JOHNSON has back-to-back weeks of 156 and 146 pts – could he reproduce that form again this Friday night?
As usual, we also need to scrutinize the top players who are playing against poorer opposition – however, this week there is a unique situation with Gold Coast having the bye, and Melbourne and GWS playing each other. Perhaps Melbourne spearhead Mitch CLARK is worth a look, given the form he has been in this year – other than that, it’s pretty slim pickings. In the absence of GAJ and PENDLBURY, SWAN, THOMPSON and BOYD seem to gaining a fair bit of support for the big ‘C’ this weekend.