Calvin’s Captains – Rd. 17

The Changing Pirate

Last week I did a last minute switch-a-roo by moving Ablett (128) up my list and Boyd (131) to the top to replace my old mate, Dane Swan (116). Turning my back on Swanny isn’t something I like doing, it terrifies me. But, the moves paid off but it is something that I rarely do! This can create unnecessary stress on the pirate and I sat nervously all weekend waiting of the results. At the end of the day it paid off! Very minimal difference really, but that’s what it’s all about… trying to squeeze as many points out of our captains as possible. So, I’ve patted myself on the Irish Pirate back and I’ve got back to work this week… so check it out!

Is Now The Time?

Every week I am pleasantly hounded by many asking about having Zorko as captain. If you are ever going to do it, this is your week and your time to shine. Zorko plays the Suns at the GABBA this week and has scored very well recently with 113 and 140 coming in his last 2 games. But let’s be real for a second. This year Zorko has averaged just 95 (4 games) at the GABBA this year compared to the 124 he averages elsewhere. Yeah his form is hot, but don’t forget the 69 he had 3 games back… Do really want to turn your back on the proven superstars you have in your team? The guys you paid top dollar for? I say ‘no’… this is not something that the pirate supports. Back in your guns! But… at the end of the day, if you are ever going to place that ‘C’ on this gun rookie, then this is the week! If you have been itching to do it, go for it.

Carlton to Make it Eti-hard?

Ok, this is all about Matthew Boyd and this is very interesting. Boyd has been in ripping form. My late change to him last week was a stroke of pirate brilliance as he had 131 on top of the 133 and 132 he has had in previous weeks. In fact, Boydy has had 4×130+ scores in his last 5 games this year and under the roof of Etihad where he averages 111 in his last 3 there, he should be very good.

This week he plays the Blues, a team he had 119 on last year with previous scores of 142 and 114 before that… impressive I agree, but here is my concern. The concern was big enough that it kept him off my #1 spot this week.

Last week, the Kangaroos thumped Carlton by 53pts. In that game which they dominated, they only managed 3×90+ scores with 2 of them 100+. Compared to the Blues who had 8×90+ scores with 6 above 100. Amazing really. So, the team that dominated were restricted to hardly anything and for this reason alone, Boyd will sit at #2 this week.

The Crew

Gary Ablett – Had 128 last week but meets Andrew Raines this week at the GABBA. He only scored 97 on him earlier this year and 106 and 84 last year. Too risky.
Paul Chapman – Has had 128 and 105 on the Bombers in his last games against them but only managed 59 last week. Ouch!
Brett Deledio – Is averaging 120 in his last 3 this year and did have 141 last week but with previous scores of 98, 77 and 91 on the Roos… you just couldn’t do it.
Scott Thompson – Only had 90 in his last game at AAMI and plays the Eagles coming off a loss which will be tough, did have 128 and 110 on them last year and ST should be solid you’d think.
Tom Rockliff – Scored his highest score of 2012 on the Suns this year when he had 143 on them in Rd. 4 and after Cotchin (137) and Delids (141) killed the Suns last week, he should be very good!
Jobe Watson – Due to Cameron Ling (Pink Pig), Jobe only averages 71 on Geelong in his last 3. He never played them last year, so I’ll be watching with interest.
Steve Johnson – Broke his horror run of 79, 86 and 60 last week with a 137 but after having 2×60’s from his last 3 at Etihad and his unpredictable form, it’s a pass from me.
Brent Stanton – His form is down with scores of just 74 and 85 in his last 2 games this year but did have 112 and 145 on the Cats in his last 2. Gotta pass though based on form.
Joel Selwood – Didn’t play Essendon in 2011, but is averaging 111 on them in his last 3. I don’t mind Selwood this week, but we really do have a lot better.

This week, Collingwood play the Hawks at the MCG. In what should be a ripping a game, I’m expecting so big scores from the Pies this week after the Bulldogs, who were pumped by 72pts, still managed to score very well on the Hawks last week. Boyd racked up 37d for his 131pts and Cross (114) and Griffen (112) also chipped in. The 3 big ball winners from the Dogs had no trouble scoring… in a game where they were thumped. So just imagine what these guys might do on Saturday arvo.

Scott Pendlebury returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines to have a nice 117 last week and even posted a huge 132 on the Hawks when these guys met in Rd. 1 of this year. Pendles was tagged by Lewis that day until Lewis left him after the 1^st quarter and went to Heath Shaw. Pendles loves playing the Hawks and has 6×100+ score on them in his last 7 games and should be very good again this week.

Dayne Beams is another guy to watch as well. He had 137 last week against Geelong and averages 93 on the Hawks in his last 3 games, if we exclude the 12 (subbed) he had in the Preliminary Final. Beams never played in the Rd. 1 match where Sam Mitchell had 130pts, but I reckon he will avoid all the tags again this week and have a great game!

But then we have Dane Swan. Firstly the champ is averaging 131 in his last 3 games this year, which all happen to be on the MCG. His previous scores against the Hawks are great despite the 102 he had on them earlier in the year. Before that he had 130, 122, 133, 119 and 141 proving that he is a great option this week. BUT… what about that 102 from Rd. 1? Well, in that game he did attract a loose tag from Sewell, but so did Boyd last week.  Do not worry about that low score my friends. That day Swanny was his usual self and racked up 31d… BUT only took 3 marks and failed to lay a single tackle… lazy shit! In the last 3 weeks, Swan has averaged 5m and 4t (31pts)… add that onto his 102 and the score will reflect the previous scores he has had on the Hawks. Don’t stress about it my captain hunting friends. We are safe with this DT gun this week!