In 2015, the Cats are thrilled to be partnering with fantasy experts footyprophet.com to bring you all the insight you need about AFL Fantasy and the Cats’ fantasy value. Stay tuned for a wealth of information from the experts as they help you to fantasy glory.
THE WRAP UP
With less than 15 seconds to go, St Kilda's Shane Savage ($398,000 DEF) snapped the ball through for a point to level the scores, and give Geelong a massive setback in their quest to play finals football. The match was not a poor one to watch, but Geelong will be disappointed with the result.
The two teams entered the match with very little separating them in terms of average age: 25 years, 34 days for Geelong and 24 years, 321 days for St Kilda. St Kilda got off to a strong start, kicking the first four goals before Geelong managed to claw their way back to within a kick at quarter time. From there the game ebbed and flowed, Geelong taking a lead into the final quarter in which we saw five lead changes.
The Saints won clearances on the back of an athletic performance from American debutant Jason Holmes ($136,000 RUCK) but he wasn't alone in impressing in the ruck. Comeback Cat, Nathan Vardy ($241,000 FWD) put in a solid performance in his first game back since the 2013 preliminary final. Cameron Guthrie ($500,000 MID) once again relished the release from tagging duties and gathered 29 disposals, made eight tackles, had five inside 50s and booted a goal for 115 points.
Nakia Cockatoo ($173,000 MID) started as the substitute and came into the game early, at half time, as Josh Caddy was subbed out after a knee injury. He kicked the final goal of the game, putting Geelong ahead on the scoreboard by one point.
One positive to come out of the game is the NAB Rising Star nomination awarded to young Cat, Darcy Lang ($302,000 MID). The second year midfielder had 16 disposals on Saturday night. Although known for his ability to hit the scoreboard he didn't manage to kick a major, but he has kicked a few goals for AFL Fantasy teams this year, rising in price by $66,000.
THE STANDOUTS
Steve Motlop ($517,000 FWD/MID) was again scintillating, providing genuine run through the middle and drive into the forward line. He also got busy in and around the contest on Saturday night, registering seven clearances and making eight tackles. Add eight inside 50s, two goal assists and one major of his own and Motlop has a well-deserved AFL Fantasy score of 139 next to his name.
Corey Enright ($478,000 DEF) put in another strong defensive effort against St Kilda adding fuel to the fire that he could fend off retirement and play again in 2016. He had 26 disposals and eight marks as well as pushing up the ground and delivering in to Geelong's big key forwards. His AFL Fantasy score of 110 was well above his average of 90 and earned him a $13,000 price rise. He should come under serious consideration for your finals team.
Nathan Vardy ($241,000 FWD) wasn't expected to set the world on fire in his first game of senior football in almost two years, but Geelong would be rapt with his performance on Saturday night. Although beaten in the hitouts by Jason Holmes, Vardy had the American's measure around the ground. He had 21 hitouts himself, 14 disposals, won four free kicks and kicked two goals. An AFL Fantasy score of 88 points is a solid return on investment.
WHO FELL SHORT
It's not really fair to say Josh Caddy ($527,000 MID) had a poor game, but from an AFL Fantasy perspective, 40 points isn't good enough. The bullocking midfielder was substituted out of the match at half time with a knee injury and will have his fitness tested throughout the week in a bid to play against Collingwood on Friday night. George Horlin-Smith ($279,000 MID) had an opportunity to show what he could do given a full game, and unfortunately his AFL Fantasy score of 58 points was below expectations for a midfielder with such ball-winning potential. However his game was solid with 19 disposals, including five clearances, three tackles and a goal, which would have pleased Coach Chris Scott.
FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE
1. Cameron Guthrie (3rd) loves not having to tag, and AFL Fantasy coaches should love it too. He had 29 disposals, eight tackles, five inside 50s and a goal. Perhaps most pleasing for Geelong will be his two goal assists, as the Cats need more of that from their young midfield group. He scored 115 AFL Fantasy points.
2. Joel Selwood (7th) was down on his output this week. He hasn't been racking up the possessions of late and Saturday night was no different. He had 21 touches, only the two clearances but made up for it a little bit with eight tackles. 88 AFL Fantasy points is well below his average and not what we need from a premium midfielder.
3. Mark Blicavs (6th) played a different role against St Kilda to that of recent weeks. He took a back seat in the ruck department and floated around the ground as required. He spent time forward and in the middle but couldn't get any consistency in his performance. Nevertheless his work rate didn't falter; he made eight tackles to go with his 14 disposals and tallied another respectable 90 AFL Fantasy points.
4. Tom Hawkins (14th) didn't take to the St Kilda defence as we predicted. He wasn't helped by St Kilda being on top in the midfield for much of the game either. Hawkins stayed at home for much of the night, limiting his possessions to just nine. He did take six marks and kick three goals for 63 AFL Fantasy points, just shy of his season average.
5. Andrew Mackie (9th) played well. His AFL Fantasy score of 86 is bang on the mark, given his season thus far and is not a bad score to have in ninth place. Geelong seems to have found their fantasy mojo of late. Mackie had 22 disposals and took seven marks in defence, just enough to tip his score above average.
NEXT WEEK
Technically still in the finals race, Geelong face Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night. The six day break won't help injured Cat Josh Caddy and they are unlikely to regain defender Jared Rivers who announced his retirement on Monday. The two clubs have had some classic matches in recent history and Geelong will be hoping for a repeat of their Round 6 clash.