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. Every week Footy Prophet will rank their ‘Footy Prophet Fantasy Five’, ranking the top 5 players predicted to score the highest and then will review the results in the review!

THE WRAP UP

The stakes were high for the matchup between traditional rivals Geelong and Collingwood. For the Cats, a win would steady the ledger with a 3-3 record and a beating hope to reach finals footy. A loss would ultimately signal the end of the great Geelong era, with finals aspirations a mere glimmer of the future. Collingwood were coming off big wins against rebuilding teams, and said second on the ladder, paving the scene for a Cinderella story.

From the outset, Geelong were in complete control of the game, exploding out of the blocks early and piling on seven unanswered goals in the first term alone. For a side that had been largely criticised in the early rounds of the season, Geelong evoked the temperament of days gone by and had Collingwood stunned. Cory Gregson kicked the opening goal of the game, and would eventually go one to kick 3.2 for the game.

The second quarter picked up from where the first left off, as the Cats stormed to a 60 point lead just minutes before half time, before Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury nailed one home to steady the ship. The Cats’ recorded 93 more disposals than the Pies in the first half, controlled by the combination of experience and youth in the defensive half. The back sick were highly influential in cutting Collingwood’s entry inside fifty, intercepting entries and rebounding effectively.

The second half saw a revival of Collingwood, while the Cats looked motionless and less effective when in possession. The Pies outscored the Cats in the third quarter by thirteen points and despite winning the inside fifty count, Geelong only managed one goal for the term. A flurry of quick goals from the Cats all but sealed the win, a joyous four points for Cats fans alike. Eight players reached the AFL Fantasy ton, while a further five eclipsing the 80 point threshold.

THE STANDOUTS

Mark Blicavs is perhaps the most versatile and athletic player in the league and often uses it to benefit himself and the team. As a ruckman, a midfielder, a defender or as a forward, Blicavs can influence games and did just that against Collingwood. He operated as a backup ruck for number one big man, Rhys Stanley, but also as a big body midfielder. 6’8” Blicavs finished with 111 AFL Fantasy points and used his hulking frame to bash and crash his way through packs and used the ball exceptionally well by foot. 27 disposals, six tackles and six marks were all in their own right match winners, with Blicavs in serious contention for best on ground honours.

Corey Enright was a quiet achiever throughout the night and while others around his gained all of the merit, Enright simply went about his role, and was more than effective in doing so. In the twilight of his career, many had signalled a decrease in production for the veteran defender, however Enright simply produced his best for the season against Collingwood. Enright finished with 29 touches and 11 tackles for an AFL Fantasy score of 150. Enright mopped up many of the astray Collingwood entries, floating across to take regular intercept marks.

Mitch Duncan recorded a new career high in disposals (38) for the night and is a frontrunner for the three Brownlow votes. A slow start to the season meant Duncan has plummeted in price, but a recent return to form means he is ripe for the picking. Duncan, much like Geelong, stormed out of the gates as he continued his form throughout the game. Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp moved onto Duncan in the third quarter, keeping him without a disposal for some time, however Duncan simply shrugged the tag, with his hybrid inside and outside midfielder playing style. Duncan finished on 137 AFL Fantasy points, including an equal team high 12 marks to compliment his 38 disposals.

WHO FELL SHORT

Tom Hawkins went head to head with Collingwood defender Nathan Brown and ended up as a fairly neutral contest. Hawkins was instrumental early, playing a part in six out of the Cats’ seven goals, however faded away towards the end of the match. Although he had four direct score assists for the game, Hawkins only kicked a lone goal for the game, to the detriment of his AFL Fantasy score. Playing a team orientated role, ultimately helped his side walk away with the four points, yet went unnoticed on the stats sheet, finishing on 48 points.

Cam Guthrie’s fantasy prospects were again hindered when he was assigned the role of tagging Scott Pendlebury. Given his role, he was never expected to set the world on fire, however he did do more then was asked and worked back offensively, and recording 15 uncontested possessions. He was never Geelong’s worst performer, but his role simply meant his fantasy output took a hit.

FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE

Last week we predicted who Geelong's top 5 AFL Fantasy players would be. As we moved into the season, we’re honing in on the best prospects week on week. Last week we again improved, picking 3 of the top 5 performers as well as Blicavs finishing in 6^th for the Cats.

• Joel Selwood (4^th) appeared to have received a knock to his hand, which swelled up throughout the match. He continued playing however, mustering up 26 disposals and seven tackles.
• Mitch Duncan (2^nd) backed up his return to form against Richmond with a season best against Collingwood. He collected a career high 38 disposals, accumulating to 137 AFL Fantasy points.
• Mark Blicavs (6^th) was not only used as the second ruck option behind Stanley, but was thrown on ball with great effective. His versatility was at a high and used his big body in the middle to rectify Geelong’s poor clearances in games prior.
• Harry Taylor (13^th) played down back, and was given an ample amount of freedom to play his usual role. He was reported for striking Travis Cloke in the third quarter.
• Steven Motlop (3^rd) kicked three goals rotating between midfield and down forward. He started the game slowly, but worked his way into the game and finished with 26 touches.

NEXT WEEK

Round seven will see Geelong head north to Sydney in a primetime Saturday night clash, with both sides coming off victories in Round Six. The Swans faced Melbourne on Saturday night, and had firm control of the game from the outset and walked away 38 point victors. Geelong will have the extra day’s break having played on Friday Night against Collingwood. Sydney should enter the game as favourites, but a win for the Cats would ensure Geelong’s finals aspirations are kicking for the near future.