This week Shane Mumford returns for the Giants, did any one hold onto him? If so he will be a welcome, albeit belated, return for your side. Alex Fasolo is also back, while we are set to rue the loss of the all important mid season cash cows. Everyone should be secure the majority of the pre-season rookie gems, but the stepping stones that continue the price generation are the mid season cows. Nick Robertson has failed and gone backwards after a promising start, Blake Acres is set for a stint on the side lines and this week Tiger Sam Lloyd has been dealt the axe. It can be a fickle game.
Looking at last week’s top scorers, Gary Ablett was again outstanding. He racked up 184 SC points against the Saints and is quickly taking the anticipation out of Brownlow medal night. Brent Harvey turned back the clock with 179 points, while fellow midfield jets Patrick Dangerfield (152), Josh Kennedy (151) and Joel Selwood (140) were all dominant.
Here are my captaincy selections for this week!
Joel Selwood
Selwood is a no brainer for your VC. He takes on the Roos tonight in a huge match at Simonds Stadium, he was back in full flight last week and don’t expect anything different this time around. Without Johnson he will cop a lot of attention but I doubt it will phase him. Selwood averages 127 against the Roos over their past four meetings.
Ryan Griffen
Griffen has had a slow start to the season off the back of a pre season niggle. He is now primed to really stamp himself on the season fresh off the bye. With the ability to find plenty of the ball and the likelihood that Libba will receive the tag, some big numbers could be on the cards for Griffen.
Brent Harvey
If you are looking for something unique for the loop hole, Harvey could be your man. He was sensational last week with 39 touches and 179 SC points, staking his claim as a must have SuperCoach forward. Last year against the Cats he racked up 37 touches and 130 points as well as polling the three Brownlow votes – one to consider.
Trent Cotchin
I’ve heard plenty of coaches who are weighing up the options of whether to trade this man. He has not been at his blistering best but it’s more so due to the side’s woeful form, he has been far from the Tigers worst performer through this horror start. Hold onto him and watch him tear it up against the Giants. He is a keeper.
Ablett vs Pendlebury
Gary Ablett
Past 5 vs the Western Bulldogs – 112, 150, 121, 141, 154
Lock him in right now. He continues to take the creativity out of the captaincy. He is simply unstoppable; he is the number one the player in the competition by a considerable margin at the moment.
Scott Pendlebury
Past 5 vs West Coast – 114, 125, 155, 140, 138
Pendlebury has been in consistent form without producing a massive score of late. He relishes playing the Eagles with some huge returns over the past few years. Whatever your choice, Pendles is as reliable as they come, lock in at least 120.