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.
FORM & HISTORY
As two of the league’s oldest clubs, Geelong and Collingwood are long-standing rivals. This has been enhanced in recent times with both sides in the upper echelon of the ladder in 2010-2011, culminating in the 2011 AFL Grand Final, which luckily for most readers of this article, resulted in Geelong’s third flag in five years.
Both the Cats and Pies have won two games apiece in the last four matches between the two sides. Round 6 was the most recent encounter, and one which reaped countless fantasy rewards. 13 players eclipsed the 80-point mark, with a further eight scoring the fantasy ton. Corey Enright was the top scorer with a mammoth 150, while Mitch Duncan (137), Steven Motlop (117), Steve Johnson (117) and Joel Selwood (111) also produced elite figures. The match was a breakout game for Cory Gregson (97), which earned him the Round 6 NAB Rising Star nomination.
THE LEAD UP
While 2015 finals chances are fading, both Geelong and Collingwood have more writing on the game than first expected. Geelong simply must win in order to glimpse any finals action this year. Despite last weekend’s disappointing draw between the Cats and St Kilda, the return of Nathan Vardy ($241 000, FWD) to AFL football for the first time since 2013 was extremely encouraging. The 198cm big man didn’t disappoint either, registering 88 points in his first game of 2015.
Steven Motlop ($517 000, MID/FWD) top scored for the Cats with 137 and seems hell bent on ending the season in blistering form – which is all the better for his fantasy owners. Veterans Steven Johnson (117), Corey Enright (110) and Jimmy Bartel (99) also topped the fantasy ton for the Cats, mounting a strong claim to press on next season. The new guard was also on display, with 2015’s bolt from the blue Mark Blicavs (97) and the tag-free Cam Guthrie (115).
KEY MATCHUP
Friday night’s game features one of the league’s most dynamic small forwards against one of the league’s most experienced and composed medium sized defenders. Jamie Elliott has slowly returned to form, reflected in his fantasy scoring and will be tested against Corey Enright ($478 000, DEF) this week. Across the last few weeks, Collingwood has allowed small and medium defenders to strut their fantasy stuff, which Enright will too be looking to enforce. Bachar Houli (126) along with unknown fantasy commodities Jake Bachelor (95) and Nick Smith (91) have all shone against Collingwood and for Enright, who is arguably a better fantasy prospect that all mentioned names, the sky is truly the limit.
BOOM OR BUST
Harry Taylor ($379 000, DEF) may not be the most exuberant or consistent of fantasy defenders, however every now and then he has the ability to pump out a solid or impressive score. It is this facet which may come to fruition against Collingwood, and it could seal a fantasy preliminary final win, helping teams through to a fantasy Grand Final. Collingwood’s forward structure against Richmond delivered well below expectation and if the same happens on Friday night, Taylor will reap the benefits. Richmond’s Alex Rance, also a key defender in a similar mould to Taylor, registered 105 points against the Collingwood forward line. Although risky, Taylor’s prospects in Round 22 make for the ideal boom or bust scenario.
He is certainly not in the best of form, yet Jackson Thurlow ($309 000, MID/DEF) may be poised for a big game against Collingwood. In Round 6 against Collingwood he produced 109 points– comprising of 30 disposals, three tackles and seven marks. That being said, Thurlow’s recent form has been subdued – only scoring above 70 once since the Cats’ bye. With everything on the line against Collingwood, Thurlow may wish to end the year on a strong note, or at least we hope.
FOOTY PROPHET’S FANTASY FIVE
- Cam Guthrie ($500 000, MID)
- Mark Blicavs ($509 000, MID/RUC)
- Joel Selwood ($553 000, MID)
- Jimmy Bartel ($491 000, MID/FWD)
- Corey Enright ($478,000, DEF)
