For the final time in 2024, the pirate has delivered the best captains for round 24. What a year he has had! Not only is he No. 1 ranked for “Experts” in the Captain’s Challenge but out of the thousands of entries… he ranks 5th overall. What a champion we have right here in DT Talk.

No. 1 – Tristan Xerri 122
No. 2 – Rowan Marshall 131
No. 3 – Lachie Whitfield 115
No. 4 – Marcus Bontempelli 117
No. 5 – Jack Sinclair 102
No. 6 – Errol Gulden 94
No. 7 – Noah Anderson 118
No. 8 – Tom Stewart 82
No. 9 – Jack Steele 148
No. 10 – Sam Flanders 95

Top-10 last week were great once again with the top-5 all getting the job done. There are no real suprises this week but if you are looking for a ‘smokie’… then go to anyone else other than a ruckman this week and you’ll have someone unique.

CALVIN’S TOP-5

‍ 1 – Xerri v HAW
@ UTAS, SAT 4:35pm 

No shocks here. The big man scored 122 last week… his lowest score in his last five games. Crazy! Now, Xerri played against Meek in round six and on that day he posted 126. Last week against Meek, Nank scored 111 and if there is rain in Launie on Saturday, we could see more stoppages, hit outs and tackles. Did someone say ‘another 150?’

‍ 2 – Marshall v CARL
@ Marvel, SUN 3:20pm 

Marshall scored 116 against him last year and has some red hot form on his side as well with 131, 140, 131 and 135 coming in the last four weeks. Since returning, we have seen Pittonet against Williams (88), Meek (74), Cameron (102) and Sweet (92)… now, we all know that these guys are not at the standard of Rowan and another 130-plus is on the cards.

‍ 3 – Newman v STK
@ Marvel, SUN 3:20pm 

Here’s a defender and this matchup is elite for Newman who scored 139 against the Saints last season. Coming off scores of 119, 116 and 145… Newman hits them just at the right time. I don’t really like having players like Newman up this high… but this is right in his hitting zone and I’m expecting a big one.

‍ 4 – Gulden v ADEL
@ SCG, SAT 7:40pm 

In round 14, Gulden posted 127 on the Crows and even had 107 against them last season. He has been down on form though with scores of 94 and 69 but returns to the SCG where he has averaged 107 this season. Port racked up against the Crows last week with Butters 143, Wines 113, Rozee 109 and JHF 107 all topping the scores.

‍ 5 – Whitfield v WBD
@ MARS, SUN 12:30pm 

You know I like a bit of ‘Whitfield action’ and this week is no difference. Let’s not forget… that this guy has only dropped under 106 once in his last 11 games. He loves playing the Dogs and scored 100 against them in round ten and even had 130 and 134 (at MARS) against them last year. He’s been one of my 2024 favourites and he sneaks in at No. 5 despite the fact he might have to battle some rain!

WHO MISSED THE CUT?

Added section this week, especially for DRAFT coaches who might be looking in different areas for their VC and C.

Dayne Zorko has scored 100+ in 9 out of 10 games at the GABBA this year only failing recently against the Giants. He has averaged 123 in those ten games and ticks all the boxes this week. Nearly made the 5.

Max Gawn scored 148 against Cameron in round 13 and last week Oscar McInerney had 111 against DC also.

Jack Steele looked hungry taking ten marks for 148 last week. He has now averaged 117 in his last seven games and during this time he carries a lowest score of just 99. Carlton a tricky read.

Zak Butters is coming off 143, 108 and 128 and last week GWS had a day out against the Dockers with Daniels 171, Green 122, Whitfield 115, Hogan 114 and Briggs 104 all doing well.

Jezza Cameron … VC into Xerri? We all know what he can do and what happens in the final round of the year! Could be anything against a depleted Eagles.

Sam Flanders isn’t getting the CBAs and has scored 95, 82 and 73 in his last three games. The Tigers are mega easy though…

Nick Daicos held to 62 in round 13 by Neale-Bullen before getting injured and subbed out of the game. Melbourne have been giving up plenty with… Anderson 118… JHF 141, Boak 118, Houston 115… Bont 135, Treloar 116 the most recent to feast.

Noah Anderson in ‘easy matchups’ he has scored 142, 98, 111, 140 and 118…but has only averaged 92 in away games this year.

TAGGER ALERT

Jordan Dawson – should get attention from James Jordon who went to Merrett (64) last week.

Adam Treloar – Bedford tag is predictable and he’ll cop it this week. He can be traded!

Marcus Bontempelli – Ward has held him to 71 and 86 the last two times and if he’s going well, Ward will put a stop to that.