THE LOOP-HOLE
Firstly I want to mention and clarify the Captaincy Loophole now with the rolling lockout; this basically gives you two cracks at picking your captain with a slight element of risk. You can implore it anytime now given the rolling lockout. In past years this was only relevant with a Thursday match with a partial lockout etc. In order to reap the rewards you can have two players from your side, let’s say Pendlebury and Cotchin, that you think will explode on the weekend, the one who is playing first (e.g. Pendles), put him as your vice captain. Here’s the slight risk, you bring onto the ground someone who you know will score zero (ideally R4) and put him as your captain for now.
As for round one’s Captain options, they are as followed.
Josh Kennedy
The Swans again play GWS for the round one opener and again it will be a one sided affair. The young Giants are still raw and you could pick from multiple Swans midfielders for your skipper but I’d opt for Josh Kennedy. Expect another huge score like his 137 of round one last year.
Gary Ablett
The captaincy lock for many. He will again be many coaches set and forget option, and coming off a huge 2012 expect more of the same. He will have Clinton Jones for company but I doubt that will slow him up much. Select the little master with confidence.
Dean Cox
The ever-popular Dean Cox, who again is the most popular premium ruckman, owned by 35% of sides at the moment. On Saturday night he will be up against Fremantle’s second ruck in Jonathon Griffin, while also shouldering the ruckwork on his own for the eagles, this could spell a big one for Coxy. Last year he was out pointed in the derbies with scores of 68 & 76, but he dominated in 2011 with 149 & 103. Expect a big one.
Patrick Dangerfield
He has been on fire during the pre season, looking the best at the Crows by a long way. Dangerfield’s finish to 2012 was superb, while his pre season has indicated he will back this up strongly. His past two encounters with the bombers have returned scores of 127 and 104; he is now in the elite of the competition and a safe choice every week.
Tom Rockliff
Bit of a smoky here with Rocky, will be a very popular pick in 2013. The Lions are in full flight at the moment and while Rockliff had a shocker in round 23 against the dogs in his forward role, in their first meeting of the year he racked up a huge 40 touches and 147 SC points. He has looked great over the summer and could have a big one first up.