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Today we look at two exciting Geelong forwards, each dominant and admired around the league in their own rights. The modern prototype key forward Tom Hawkins is a prolific forward and a hard man to stop, while Steven Motlop is one of the most exciting and mesmerising players in the league, making for one tough head to head matchup.

Tom Hawkins (FWD, AFL Fantasy - $436,000)

When the brightest young key forwards are entering their draft, there is only one man they are compared to, Tom Hawkins. The powerhouse is the ideal prototype key forward, capable of influencing games with one kick, see Round 19 2012. He ranked second in the league for scoreboard impact behind Sydney’s million dollar man Buddy Franklin. Hawkins has always been destined for greatness, a father/son selection in 2006 who entered the league just as Geelong were hitting their peak, a stretch that would groom Hawkins into a dual premiership player.

After persistent back troubles plagued his 2013 season, Hawkins bounced back in astonishing ways, recording the biggest increase in Champion Data ranking points from 2013 to 2014 at the club. His 2014 season saw him claim second place in Geelong’s best and fairest, the Carji Greeves Medal – a medal he won in 2012. He kicked multiple majors in fifteen of his twenty-four games including seven against Brisbane in Round 23, totalling to 64 for the season on his way to claiming Geelong’s leading goal kicking for the third consecutive season.

So Hawkins had an impressive 2014, but what does that hold for 2015? The departure of James Podsiadly to Adelaide left a significant void in the Cat’s aerial attack, a problem which has since been eradicated. The arrivals of Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley will prove wonders for Hawkins as has been shown in the NAB Challenge. Opposition defenders will struggle to contain the Geelong key forwards and won’t have much of a chance to double team Hawkins in marking contests.

Steven Motlop (FWD, AFL Fantasy - $461,000)

As one of the most exciting, thrilling and visually brilliant footballers to grace the field, Steven Motlop is one of the best small forwards in the AFL. His ability to turn a game on its head is only shared by a handful of his peers. 2014 was a breakout campaign for Motlop although shadowed by early injuries. His second half to the year was a pure masterclass, boosting his fantasy prospects heading into 2015.

His injury delayed start was only a minor setback in 2014 which would prove to be his best yet in AFL Fantasy terms. With Steve Johnson moving into a permanent midfield role, Motlop was able to presume Johnson’s mercurial role as a dazzling half forward with an average of one goal per game. Motlop is entering the prime of his career, which should also bare a healthy and prosperous fantasy relevant future ahead.  Motlop is definitely a unique selection in AFL Fantasy; however coaches willing to take a chance on the Geelong prodigy could be repaid immensely.

Now Geelong’s most damaging small forward, Motlop is likely to receive increased attention from lock down defenders, hindering his prospects on 2015. That is if he plays forward. Coach Christ Scott has hailed midfield relocation for Motlop in 2015 and beyond. More midfield time will give Motlop more exposure to the football, correlating into an increase in disposals and thus, an increase in points as well as putting the onus on himself to tackle more – a facet he has struggled with in recent years.

Stats that matter

The FP Verdict

Key forwards don’t usually translate into true fantasy gems; however Hawkins may be an exception to the rule. His goal kicking and marking prowess would be enough to justify selecting the monster cat in fantasy teams. He is back to his best as a dominant key forward, now surrounded with the right personnel in Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley. Steven Motlop on the other hand is visually breathtaking. He has been touted for more midfield time in 2015 as seasoned champions Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly enter the twilight of their brilliant careers. More midfield time is a major beneficiary for Motlop, who can too sneak forward and kick a goal, enough to tip the scales in his favour for this week’s head to head.