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FORM & HISTORY
Geelong has played some memorable matches against Melbourne in recent history.
Steve Johnson and Joel Selwood will remember Geelong's record breaking win against Melbourne in 2011. Johnson kicked seven goals and Selwood had 43 disposals in a match the Cats won by 186 points.
Tom Lonergan may not remember Geelong's 2006 match against Melbourne. The match would end in just the second draw in history between the two clubs, but Lonergan would not see the end of it. After a heavy collision with Demon Brad Miller, Lonergan was taken to hospital and would later have his kidney removed.
The last time these two clubs played clashed in the finals was in 2005 when Geelong ran out 52-point winners but the only two players who lined up in that match likely to run out for either team this weekend are Andrew Mackie and Steve Johnson. Not even Corey Enright played in that match, and this week is all about Corey Enright.
Corey ‘Boris’ Enright will play his 300th game for Geelong on Sunday afternoon after joining the club following the 1999 draft. It is another match that is unlikely to be forgotten any time soon. As arguably one of the best half-back flankers in the history of the game and one of Geelong's greatest ever players, Enright's milestone will equal that of John “Sam” Newman. Enright is a two-time Carji Greeves Medal winner, a triple premiership player and has been selected five times in the All-Australian team. This week has been all about Boris, and it's fair to say he deserves it.
THE LEAD UP
Geelong have a nine-day break before they take on the Demons on Sunday afternoon, plenty of time to celebrate Corey Enright's milestone and to work out the little niggles from last week's game.
There will be at least two changes to the side this week with James Kelly ($413,000 DEF) set to miss up to eight weeks with the ankle injury he sustained against Port Adelaide. Likewise, Rhys Stanley ($354,000 FWD/RUCK) has been ruled out of Geelong's Round 12 match with a foot problem. There are quite a few players in line to replace the pair. Dawson Simpson ($256,000 RUCK) faces a fitness test this week and will come in to consideration should he pass, while all three of last week’s emergencies, Michael Luxford, Jake Kolodjashnij and Jarred Jansen, are in line for a call up. All could prove a handy downgrade option in your AFL Fantasy side.
Melbourne isn’t without their own injury concerns. Jack Grimes will miss, as will Cameron Pedersen who has a wrist injury and will take no further part in the season for the Demons. Chris Dawes ($297,000 FWD) is expected to return after a layoff with a calf injury while ruckman Mark Jamar and young midfielder Ben Newton would be in the mix.
Regardless of ladder position or statistical analysis, this game will provide a spectacle. Melbourne is coming off a close loss and will be hungry to starve Geelong of the football and score on the counter. The Cats, on the other hand will be desperate to give Corey Enright ($487,000 DEF) a win in his 300th game.
KEY MATCH-UP
It's all about Corey Enright this week. He will not shy away from the football in his milestone game. In his 250th match, against Richmond in 2013, he tallied 28 disposals, 11 marks and kicked one miraculous goal. Regardless of who is matched up against Enright, be it Jack Watts ($316,000 FWD) or Jack Viney ($396,000 MID), they will need to play accountable football and make themselves a dangerous option. If not, Enright will play off his man, damage him on the counter and could well score another 117 AFL Fantasy points, just like he did against Richmond in 2013.
BOOM OR BUST
Tom Hawkins ($355,000 FWD) was well held by Alipate Carlisle in Round 11. He managed to kick two goals and had one beautiful assist, allowing Steve Motlop to goal at a crucial time for Geelong. While Hawkins’ six tackles shows great work rate and drive to remain in the game, along with helping out his AFL Fantasy score, only seven disposals and three free kicks against does not. Hawkins has not been kicking big bags of goals so far in 2015, some may say he is due, but there has been no doubting his work rate off the ball, and up the ground. Tom McDonald ($432,000 DEF) has had a strong season so far for Melbourne in defense and faces another big challenge against Hawkins on Sunday afternoon.
Andrew Mackie ($412,000 DEF) had a fascinating match up on Angus Monfries in Round 11. The pair are two of the better sledgers in the competition and delighted in the close quarters that they found themselves in. The tightness of their matchup did nothing to help Mackie's AFL Fantasy score however; the defender could only manage 36 points. Mackie also tends to have a below-average game against opposition on the lower end of the ladder; he plays his role well in those weeks. His AFL Fantasy coaches will be hoping for a turnaround in form, especially those who spent early draft picks on him.
FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE
1. Josh Caddy ($456,000 MID)
2. Cameron Guthrie ($386,000 MID)
3. Joel Selwood ($481,000 FWD)
4. Harry Taylor ($414,000 DEF)
5. Mark Blicavs ($514,000 RUCK/MID)