As we take a quick look in the rear-view mirror in amongst this hectic week. The top scorer of round 17 was Jackson Macrae. The young Bulldog was in fact the youngest player to record 40+ possessions and in turn he racked up 172 SC points with plenty of decisive touches and some clutch goals – he is a star of the future in the mould of Scott Pendlebury. Todd Goldstein monstered the Saints, with 166 SC points, Patrick Dangerfield (159) produced the sort of footy many have been waiting for. Similar words were muttered by Bomber Thompson as Jake Carlisle dominated in a big game against the Pies with 19 marks and four goals to deliver 155 SC points while Travis Boak (153) was the shining light in a poor Power performance.
Here are my captaincy selections for round 18 ... the first half anyway!
Joel Selwood
Selwood looks to of shaken off his injury niggle that had seemingly plagued for portions of the season. His form against the Demons was exceptional, with 15 touches in the opening quarter, he was at his damaging best - finishing with 141 points. He racked up 137 points last year against the Giants, he is a safe choice as your skipper.
Tom Liberatore
Libba undoubtedly needs the support of his ball-magnet skipper in Ryan Griffen. His scores have suffered without Griffen despite the Dogs skipper having a below-par season. The star on-baller has returned scores of 139, earlier this season, and 125 last year against the Dons making him a worthwhile selection.
Brent Harvey
An Etihad Stadium specialist! Harvey loves the flat track under the roof and the quick paced game that it produces. He was superb against the Saints last week as he has been for much of the season. The Roos have a great run home as they push for top four, Boomer is worth a punt with your VC as we all know his capabilities, however I dare say Dermie won’t be doing likewise.
Marc Murphy
Murphy was again a standout in defeat against the Swans, gathering 29 touches along with 130 points, leading his side under immense scrutiny. The Blues take on North Melbourne under the roof tonight and Murphy loves playing the Roos. Since 2008, Murphy has locked horns with North Melbourne once a year, but he certainly makes the once-a-year date count. He has registered six tons in his last six meetings at an average of 116. Fantastic numbers!