Grand final week is always a nerve-racking time as summer bragging rights are decided and of course the $50,000 prize. We nearly got through the year without a huge offload of players being “rested”- until now. Fremantle have shut up shop in preparation for their final against Geelong and consequently turned over 10 players! Amongst the victims are Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and perhaps Zac Clarke for some, Cyril Rioli and Daniel Hannebery will also miss tonight’s clash. On a positive note, Garrick Ibbotson, Andrew Walker, Matthew Kreuzer and Dayne Beams all return, bolstering many coaches’ line-ups. Finding those double points to turn 150 points into a 300 is never more important than this week, choose wisely and good luck.
As for the top scorer’s of round 22, Scott Thompson was back to his very best, compiling 33 touches 13 of which were contested, seven tackles and six clearances on his way to 176 SC points against the Dees. Brendon Goddard (156) thrived on the big stage as always, Nick Riewoldt (155) dominated the Suns while Will Minson (154), Leigh Montagna (154) and Tom Rockliff (153) all continued their superb seasons with big scores.
Here are my captaincy selections for round 23.
Barlow survived the dreaded “rest” in preparation for the Dockers first final, on paper he is the only A grade midfielder fielding Etihad Stadium for Fremantle on Saturday afternoon. Will this mean Barlow will be required, or simply the only genuine option, to do what he does best and accumulate plenty of the football or will he receive an extremely hard tag and struggle without his familiar teammates? Only time will tell, but the inclusion of Aaron Sandilands makes the temptation far to irresistible to at least whack the vice captain on him this week.
Steve Johnson
Johnson has again had a brilliant season, moulding into a standout midfielder while keeping his valuable x-factor. We all know how he loves to beat up on the lowly sides of the competition, while the Lions are mathematically a chance to make the eight; there is no tougher road trip than down the highway to Geelong, a ground Stevie J adores. Johnson boasts an average of 116 at his home venue in 2013, making him a solid captain choice.
Jobe Watson
If there has been one man who has stepped up on the field in amongst the draining drugs saga, it has been the Essendon skipper. Watson once again showed his professionalism last week, as he has all year. He destroyed the Tigers earlier this year notching up 28 touches, three goals and 166 SC points, expect another big score after another horror week in the media.
Ryan Griffen
Like Johnson, Griffen is capable of monster scores and has no mercy on the weaker sides. While the Dogs are sitting fifteenth on the ladder, Griffen has returned an average of 129 against the three sides below the Dogs in 2013. With the ability to score upward of 170 SC points, Griffen could be a valuable POD skipper to bring home the premiership glory in the final match of the home and away season.
Josh Kennedy
Kennedy loves playing his former side, having returned scores of 143, 83, 126, 173 and 124 in recent years. JPK hasn’t reached the lofty heights of his 2012 season but he has still produced a consistent year and looks to of rediscovered his magnificent ball winning ability over the past fortnight with 70 possessions in this period. The Swans host the Hawks in a massive Friday night clash, he may be worth a gamble on the vice captaincy due to his capacity to produce huge scores.
Ablett watch
Dare I say it; Ablett is in a form slump. With a three-week average of just 85, Ablett is no lock in for our grand final skipper. On the flipside, he averages 137 in his three meetings with the Giants, but I would be taking more notice of his recent form and select carefully on the biggest weekend of the SuperCoach calendar.