for SuperCoach’s, obviously the loss of Jobe Watson will hurt many but aside
from the Bomber skipper, most sides will have come away scot free. The massive
news is undoubtedly the return of Gary Ablett. As the news of the little
master’s inclusion broke a collective sigh of relief could be heard across the
country, Richmond supporters aside. Along with Ablett, his former teammate Steve
Johnson returns from suspension, Nick Riewoldt is back and Dayne Beams as well; although not fantasy relevant for now Beams will be in 2014.
As for the top scorer’s of round 15, Scott Pendlebury and Dane
Swan destroyed the Blues on Friday night, scoring 154 and 148 respectively. Ryan
O’Keefe was at his vintage best, laying eight tackles to go along with his 28
touches on his way to 152 SC points. Prolific midfielders Joel Selwood (151),
Kieren Jack (138) and Patty Dangerfield (136) continued their brilliant seasons.
My captaincy selections for round 16 are as follows.
Can’t go past Pendles, he is in outstanding form coming off 154
last week and an average of 136 over the past four matches. The smooth moving
Magpie is as a reliable captain selection as any. Collingwood have hit form of
late off the back of some fine Swan and Pendlebury form – expect that to
continue.
Michael Barlow
Barlow is a derby specialist, since making his debut in 2010 he
has played in five derbies with an average of 115, a great return. He has taken
his game to another level in 2013, averaging just as many possessions as he did
in his debut season. But he has been far more damaging this year, his short
priced Brownlow odds that see him at fifth favourite reflecting
that.
Brett Deledio
Deledio has struggled to shake the tag this year, in the past
three weeks in particular. The Tigers need him to lift and Saturday night
against the Suns will see him deliver. Gold Coast lacks a genuine tagger and
Deledio has thrived in their two meetings, reaching the 30 possession mark on
both occasions with scores of 114 and 139.
Steve Johnson
The 2007 Norm Smith medallist is well known for cashing in on his
lower ranked opponents, none more so than against the struggling Demons in
recent years. In round five last year, Johnson racked up 35 touches, 10 marks,
seven tackles, three goals and 169 SC points. While in 2011 he scored a whopping
199 SC points, courtesy of 34 possessions and seven goals. The Cats are back in
town, Johnson is hungry for leather – he’s a no brainer for your vice-captain at
least.
Lance Franklin
Buddy has hardly set the world on fire in 2013; he has failed to
reach the heights many thought when picking him up at a bargain 443K price tag.
Franklin at his best is unstoppable, are we going to see that form for the
remainder of the year? My opinion is yes. Buddy has had success against Port
Adelaide since 2011, kicking 15 goals and averaging 130 SC points in their three
meetings. This could be his week.
Ablett watch
Just like his father, Ablett junior feasts on the yellow and
black army. In what is a huge match for both clubs, Ablett will thrive. Since
2007 he has topped 100 SC points in every meeting with the Tigers, while
boasting an average of 144! Lock the great man in.