It has been an up-and-down year for Dal, not quite capturing the awesome form of last year but still managing to average a respectable 104 pts per game. This week could be the week he gets it back on track in a big way, as he averages 150 pts per game against the Gold Coast Suns – his only two scores against them being 112 and 189. Not only that, but most importantly, the latter score of 189 was achieved at Metricon Stadium, where they meet again this weekend.
2. Matthew PAVLICH Fremantle
Another to struggle somewhat with the new game plan under Ross Lyon, big Pav has dished up 95 points per match in 2012, and this week comes to the ‘G to take on the red-hot Tigers. However, Pavlich has a good record against them, averaging 115 pts per game against them, including 122 in 2011 (at the MCG) and 112 and 109 in 2010. On the statistics it looks like he might be in for a big day – and the Dockers, despite their horrendous Melbourne record, are desperate to win. Could the Tiges drop one they shouldn’t – and could Pav lead the way?
3. Cyril RIOLI Hawthorn
Another to have a very inconsistent 2012, Rioli is averaging 90 pts per game for the season so far – not spectacular, but hardly a disaster either. After dishing up 97 pts last week, he comes up aginst Port Adelaide this weekend – a team he averages 114 pts against in his career, including a huge 175 pts in the corresponding match in 2011 (at the MCG however). This one’s on Ports home ground and they have hit a rare vein of form – can Cyril be the one to ruin it for them?
GWS have the bye this weekend, and the Suns play the Saints – maybe Nick RIEWOLDT, Lenny HAYES or Brendan GODDARD are also worth a look as captain? I’d sneak a look at one D. SWAN too – looks like he’ll be back, and could wreak havoc on the Demons on Monday.