plotting, this is when all that time and effort gets rewarded, unless of course
you’re in contention for the 50K.
While Geelong swung the axe at the selection table following their
unexpected loss to the Roos, thankfully our SuperCoach sides were not chopped up
... yet. Lance Franklin is one of two notable exclusions for this week, out with
hamstring soreness as well as Matthew Kreuzer, who many would have jumped on
following his brilliant form. While on a positive note, Garrick Ibbotson and
Matthew Pavlich both return for the Dockers, along with Matthew Priddis and Rory
Sloane who are also back from injury.
As for last week’s top scorers, it was a mix of the young gun
midfielders combining with a SuperCoach favourite that topped round 19. Tom
Rockliff led the way with 166 SC points off the back off 39 touches and 8
tackles! Callan Ward (158), Chad Wingard (151) and Trent Cotchin (144) were all
pivotal in their side’s important victories. Dean Cox is once again enjoying his
solo time in the ruck, reflected with his 44 hit outs and 149 SC
points.
Here are my captaincy choices for round 20.
Despite the poor result last week, Selwood was one of the Cats best
performers and will be eager to lead his side as they look to make amends
against Port Adelaide. The Geelong skipper is an ideal choice this week; he
loves playing at Simonds Stadium and loves playing Port Adelaide. Earlier this
year he had 91 points to three quarter-time before he was subbed off, and prior
to that his past two meetings had returned scores of 127 & 134.
Scott Pendlebury
No surprises here but Pendlebury has been an extremely consistent
performer against the Swans, with an average of 123 from their past four
encounters. However, by his lofty standards, his last three weeks have been
below par – with a top score of 105. Pendles is due for a big score and in such
a big match up at ANZ Stadium against the reigning premiers, expect him to
deliver.
Patrick Dangerfield
Patty wasted no time finding his best form in his first game back from
injury. Dangerfield clocked up 111 SC points in the showdown, a good portion of
those in the first half. It is rare to see a player have such a presence not
only in the midfield, but up forward. I can’t see the Roos having an answer for
Dangerfield, Sloane returning helps his cause, so expect another big score from
him.
Jarryd Roughead
In what has been an outstanding season for Roughy, he produced a rare
low score of 67 last week against a well drilled Tigers defence. This week he
faces quite the opposite, as the Saints throw players in for surgery and look
towards 2014, Roughead could be in for a big night. In the absence of Buddy,
Roughead and in particular Gunston rise to the occasion, while his past three
weeks have not been his finest, I’ll back him in for a return to form.
Andrew Walker
Walker has shown he is capable of huge numbers this year, with five
135+ scores. He has thrived in his new role down back and with the Dogs lack of
forward line options, it hard to see anyone putting a leash on Walker tomorrow
evening. He is my smoky for the week and worth a gamble if you need that POD
captain.
Ablett watch
Forget ASADA, forget the election, Ablett nearly
didn’t top three figures last week! But have no fear guys, this week we see the
best player in the competition against the worst club in the competition, he's
playing his 250th game and it’s at Metricon Stadium. The question is who to put as vice
captain.