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 AND HISTORY
It has been a long time between drinks between Adelaide and Geelong, having last played in Round 1 2014 which makes it theoretically two years between matchups. The recent history between the two clubs has been fairly even, with no team recording two consecutive wins in their last five encounters.
This weekend is the final home and away game of 2015, meaning it is also the AFL Fantasy Grand Final week. On one end of the spectrum, Adelaide has conceded the least points over the past month, while Geelong allow the third most points, only behind St Kilda and Melbourne. While the head suggests Adelaide players are the safe option, the heart will lean towards Geelong and the sentimentality shown towards former fantasy superstars in their final game for the club.
THE LEAD-UP
This weekend holds a great amount of sentimental value for Geelong as the club farewell premiership trio Matthew Stokes, Steve Johnson and James Kelly all of whom will play their final game for Geelong against Adelaide. The departure of the trio hallmarks the end of Geelong’s premiership dynasty, which is somewhat fitting given the club won’t play in the finals series for the first time since 2006.
Ironically, Stokes, Johnson and Kelly all reached the fantasy ton in the last encounter between these two sides, along with Joel Selwood (132), Corey Enright (108) and Andrew Mackie (104) who all achieved the feat.
A 48-point loss last weekend knocked Geelong out of the finals race, while Adelaide dominated West Coast, winning by 57 points. The loss at the hands of Collingwood was also felt in AFL Fantasy, as Mark Blicavs was the only Cat to reach the ton.
KEY MATCH-UP
He has been arguably Geelong’s most consistent performer and undoubtedly most dynamic player throughout 2015 and Round 23 holds one more challenge for Mark Blicavs ($516 000, MID/RUC). He will go toe-to-toe with an in-form Sam Jacobs who has become one of the league’s premier ruckmen in recent seasons. Last weekend, Blicavs lost the hit-outs to Brodie Grundy, yet was able to accumulate 27 disposals.
In Adelaide, Jacobs faced Nic Naitanui, who like Blicavs, is more athletic than Jacobs. Irrespective of athleticism, Jacobs dominated Naitanui for most of the game, restricting the West Coast big man to 77 points. For Blicavs this week, coaches will not be hoping for a repeat of Jacobs’ dominance, and while it is likely that Jacobs will win the ruck contests, Blicavs should get the edge around the ground.
BOOM OR BUST
At the Cattery, it is a telling time. The club will phase out premiership stars as they enter a new era, but it is pivotal that both the exiting players perform one last time, and that the new breed demonstrates their capability of taking the reins. As a result, the farewell of Steve Johnson ($485 000, MID/FWD), Matthew Stokes ($329 000, MID/FWD) and James Kelly ($419 000, MID/DEF) can go either of two ways, as has happened often with departing players. The trio will be shown the respect they thoroughly deserve and may all get the chance to sneak up forward and be rewarded with a goal – a moment to savour and celebrate their careers in the hoops.
Similarly, for the likes of Corey Gregson ($258 000, MID), Cam Guthrie ($509 000, MID) and Daniel Menzel ($169 000, FWD), a strong showing on Saturday afternoon would be fitting as the club and fans will be assured their club is heading in the right direction. The names mentioned have all shown a knack for fantasy scoring at some stage throughout 2015 and another note-worthy performance will leave heads attentive with 2016 in mind.
FOOTY PROPHET’S FANTASY FIVE
1.Corey Enright ($475 000, DEF)
2.Mark Blicavs ($516 000, MID/RUC)
3.Joel Selwood ($528 000, MID)
4.Steve Johnson ($485 000, MID/FWD)
5.Jimmy Bartel ($475 000, MID/FWD)
