DHF Dream Team Captains – Round 8

Once again, picking the right Dream Team captain takes on extra significance in Round 8 as Gary Ablett remains on the sidelines.

So you might be forgiven for asking – where is JP and his all conquering super dooper extra value DT perfect score predictor machine thingy?

Well, JP has been abducted this week by more important people than me wearing more expensive suits than I could ever hope to own, so the onus falls upon me this week to lead you into DT Captain success, fame and revelry! Some may say I’m up against it – I pulled the trigger and traded the great man Gazza, and don’t have Jimmy Bartel as back up either… it’s going to be tough. But I’ll show faith if you will.

First – on to JP’s predictions for Round 7. He went with Bartel (predicted 118) and he wasn’t far away with a lazy 108. Dane Swan (predicted 114) ran into Cyclone Clint and knee troubles to fall short of the ton with 79, Chappy (predicted 110) had too good a first term and got Kirked midway through the game to restrict him to 73, and Goddard (predicted 108) stood tall with 116. Not bad, but I’m sure I’ll do better.

Now, without the super time machine thing to guess the scores for me, there’s no need to run through the clown sides like Sydney and the Dees, so instead, let’s look at TH’s Top Three options for Round 8:

My Personal Pick – Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt has been in scintillating touch of late, with his last 4 rounds easily clearing the hundo mark. Against a young Essendon defence, he should be able to run the young lads ragged and rack up points in all corners of the ground. Kicking straight will be the only query between a standard ton as captain, and a monster. If you have him, let loose.

Jimmy Bartel

I don’t have him, but I’m sure many of you out there do. Things are pretty simple sometimes in Captain Land – if you have Ablett, pick him. If not, pick Bartel. If you don’t have him either, then christ, you have some decisions on your hands. Bartel is money in the bank – 7 consecutive tons for the year, and expect him to make it 8 against the Kangas.

Brendon Goddard

This man has had a freakish start to the season and is capable of the monster scores – ie his destruction of the Eagles. Loves the Dome, and without an obvious matchup against Essendon I expect him to run riot once again. He’s a unique pick, but he’ll get the job done for you.

Only 3 options, I hear you ask. Well, how about a few points to steer you away from some you may be contemplating.

Beware the injured – Kane Cornes and Dane Swan are popular picks – but do you really want to be picking a captain who’s been in doubt all week? Swanny does have a gun record against the Blues, but even still – you’re taking on massive risks with these two.
Beware the Swans – Big Coxy is a massive favourite week to week – but he does meet the Swans this week, and with Seaby back in the side he might not have to ruck his guts out all game – food for thought.
Beware the Saints – Bomber Brent Stanton has been in the good books for all his owners last week, but the Saints are another story altogether. He’ll have Cyclone Clint jumping all over him at every opportunity – a big RED FLAG for him here, just stay well clear, you’ll thank me, trust me…

What? You need more options? OK – try some of these:

• Bryce Gibbs is on fire – consider him if you’re smart like me and have him,
• A big right field one here – BIG SANDI – Sandilands will chop up the Hawks, and while he’s a risk, the man mountain is low flying and could bust out another huuuuge score,
• Can’t really go wrong with a couple more Cats – Corey and Chappy, although you’re unlikely to go Chappy if he stung you last week, and finally
• Daniel Cross has been below his best this year but look for him to run riot against the Dees – if only he’ll kick the bloody thing now and then!

So there you go – a special fill in edition of DHF Dream Team Captains – with a bit of luck Riewoldt will bang out a big 140 and I’ll be giving it to JP for the rest of the year.

Who are you going with?