Another intense week of captain selections are on the cards with some big points up for grabs for those who are willing to take the risks involved. To see my full article with all the break-downs (especially the data about Sicily) be sure to check out my 2000 word write up over in our patreon space.

DT TALK WATCH-ALONG

Now that the round 24 fixture has been released, we are pleased to announce that our final Lockout Lift LIVE stream of the year will be a watchalong of the last game of the Fantasy season – that is … Carlton v GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium from 6:10pm AEST on Sunday 27 August exclusive for our Patreon legends.

We’ll be chilling out, watching the footy and we want you to be right there with us! Every stat to finish the 2023 season with a couple of beers and a heap of fun. It’s not too late to join the fun, grab a beer and hang out with legends!

It’s not too late to join the fun, grab a beer and hang out with legends!

CALVIN’S TOP-5 CAPTAINS

No. 1 – Zach Merrett v NTH
@ Marvel , SAT 1:45pm AEST

The easiest and best VC option this week and not only because he is coming off scores of 128, 140, 88, 150 and 155 at Marvel in his last five games. It’s also the fact that the 155 in that list was the last time he played the Roos back in round 12. North have been giving up plenty, and Merrett will be super popular this week.

No. 2 – James Sicily v WBD
@ UTas, SUN 1:10pm AEST

The key in this game is marks. The Bulldogs have given up the second most points to defenders this year and the equal most (along with the Saints) to their opposition over the last five weeks. Coming off 160 and 19 marks… expect the Dawg to be barking at UTas where he has scored 125, 115 and 132 this year.

No. 3 – Rowan Marshall v RICH
@ Marvel, SUN 3:20pm AEST

Marshall is coming off scores of 116, 114 and 123… and this match-up suits him perfectly. Last week against the Tigers, English had 131 (vs Soldo/Nank) and before that, Max also had 131 (vs Soldo). Marshall had 103 in round 14 against the Tigers but he’s firing at the moment and you can add another 30 on top of his last effort against them.

No. 4 – Caleb Serong v WCE
@ Optus, SAT 8:10pm AEST

Serong has now had 11×100 in his last eleven games and is coming off a nice 125. He even scored 127 against the Eagles earlier this year (pictured). We all know what the Eagles have given up this year and last week we saw 5×100+ scores from the Bombers with Zach 128 and Parish 113 (as predicted) leading the charge.

No. 5 – Bontempelli v HAW
@ UTas, SUN 1:10pm AEST

Last time these teams played was in round seven on that day Bontempelli had his second worst score of the year 90. He did cop some attention from Conor Nash, a big bodied player who will most likely hang out with him again. His form is too good to ignore though scoring over 110 in eleven of his last 13 games.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER…

Errol Gulden v Gold Coast –  Adelaide had 3×120+ against the Suns last week. I do have concerns that Touk Miller could be tagging Gulden this week espically after Gulden had 19 CBAs last week. Heis coming off scores of 132 and 142, plays the SCG where he has had 126, 128 and 145 in his most recent games.

Jordan Dawson v Brisbane –  98, 134 and 97 are Dawson’s last three scores… which to be honest are not overly pleasing from a captain’s perspective. He dominated Brisbane in round 11 with 135 and even had 101 against them last year.

Brad Crouch v Richmond –  Out of all the St Kilda midfielders Crouch is the only one I like. He scored 126 last week and that was with a zero in the last quarter… before that he had 133. He managed 109 when they met earlier this year and last week Bont 151, Libba 133 and Treloar 107 all didn’t struggle.

Calvin

Do you need a Captain? Then Calvin will help you out. Don't want a Captain? Calvin will tell you anyway. The man who digs deep into stats will help you pick a great captain and give you plenty of Fantasy advice. Follow him on Twitter: @CalvinDT