Last week we saw some of our popular selections produce the goods, Gary Ablett was unstoppable with 152 points, an always reliable captain choice, Todd Goldstein continued on his brilliant season (163), Tom Rockliff was the Lions best (153) and Patty Dangerfield repaid the faith of the coaches who stuck with him, another huge score of 147.
Here are my captain choices for round 8*
Joel Selwood
The Cats skipper has had a relatively quiet three weeks by his standards, but he loves playing the Pies. Selwood thrives on the big games and has been brilliant against the Pies in recent times. In his past five meetings since 2011, he has averaged 27 touches and 133 SC points, expect more of the same on Saturday night.
His record against the Cats is quite phenomenal; he has only scored under 90 once in his twelve encounters with Geelong, with tons in the last seven! The Cats will be without young tagger Taylor Hunt and Pendlebury will once again be hard to contain. His average against any side is brilliant but his past four matches against the ladder leaders in particular have been superb, averaging 32 disposals and 138 SC points. The battle between the top two rising stars of 2007, Pendlebury and Selwood, will be something to watch.
Grant Birchall
He has copped a lot of attention after his scintillating start to 2013; his last two weeks have returned scores of 74 and 59. It’s time he breaks the tag and fights back into form, what better way to do it than against the lowly Giants, the Hawks will feast on the inexperienced GWS side and Birchall will be no exception.
David Zaharakis
Since making his way into the Essendon midfield in 2011, the Anzac day specialist has played the Lions twice, with scores of 138 & 110, he has been in great nick over the past month averaging 112 points over this period. The Lions have been extremely disappointing in Melbourne this year, being pumped by both the Dogs and North Melbourne. Essendon will be up and about having tasted their first defeat last week; Zaharakis should see plenty of ball and is my smokey for the week.
Nic Naitanui
Nic Nat looked to be edging back to his best form last week with 102 points in his first full game for the year, we know what he is capable of when up and running. The Eagles now regain the Cox and Naitanui ruck duo; I expect them to both thrive off one another. He will be on everyone’s radar in the coming weeks and for good reason.
* As always the little master is a lock if you have him, by now anyone who is serious should have Ablett and if you don’t make him your first priority. Gold Coast are in some good form and Ablett will again be unstoppable against the Dogs at Metricon.