fantasy gods are being no kinder to us. Amongst the causalities for round 18 are
Nic Naitanui, Pearce Hanley, Brett Goodes, Nathan Hrovat and Lachie Whitfield.
On a positive note Hawthorn duo, Franklin and Mitchell return, otherwise once
again many of us will be hitting the trade button. It’s only round 18 and
already the cry of “I’ve only got two trades left, help!” has arisen in forums –
I guess it doesn’t matter how many lollies you give a kid ... they’ll still eat
them all way to fast.
Once again Gary Ablett dominated and top scored for the round with 178
SC and another three Brownlow votes. Rising stars Jack Steven (161) and Ricky
Henderson (160) played pivotal roles in both their sides close matches, Steven
scored in the vicinity of 100 points in the final quarter! Nick Dal Santo (159)
produced his highest score of the year while Justin Westhoff revisited his early
season form with 152 SC points.
Here are my captaincy choices for round 18.
The Bomber recruit has had a quality season thus far, playing a
distributing role on the outside. BJ has won 34% of disposals in a contested
manner, now without Jobe Watson; Goddard is the man who needs to lift. He was
poor in the lacklustre GWS match last week but tonight’s clash against the Hawks
is the perfect stage for Goddard to star. If the Bombers are to challenge the
ladder leaders, one of the midfield guns must step up and Goddard is as good a
candidate as any.
Todd Goldstein
While Goldstein hasn’t had a dominant past two weeks, it’s hard
to see anyone stopping his influence against Melbourne. Last time they met he
pumped out 48 hit outs and 142 SC points, and in 2011 he racked up 26 touches
and 158 SC points. The loan hand ruckman is well worth a vice captain gamble.
Heath Shaw
Shaw, along with Collingwood, will be keen to bounce back after a
poor result against the Suns. The Giants are yet to win a game and could be on
the receiving end of a hungry Pies outfit. In their only meeting in 2012, Shaw
racked up 23 touches, nine marks and four rebound 50’s on his way to 123 SC
points. He is a bit of a smoky but very capable of a huge score.
Michael Barlow
Barlow averages 122 over his career against the Crows, he has
played them six times and ever since his debut back in 2010 against Adelaide
where he scored 151 SC points, they have been a favourite side of Barlow’s. In
2012 he had three modest scores between 80-110 against the Crows; his other
three scores have produced scores of 140+. Lock him in with
confidence.
Ryan Griffen
Griffen is having a golden year. The Eagles have made a
substantial amount of changes and many see this clash as a potential upset for
the Dogs. If they are to knock off the Eagles, Griffen will have to lead the way
with another stunning performance which has become a regular occurrence in 2013.
Griffen has seven scores of 135+ including two 170’s.
Ablett watch
Many would’ve put the ‘C’ on Pendlebury last week; the golden
rule is always giving Ablett the opportunity to be your captain. Whether it be
as vice captain or the eventual captain, last week was evidence of that.