FORM & HISTORY
Both Geelong and GWS have had small resurgences in recent weeks. Geelong stood up in the absence of skipper Joel Selwood to grind out a win against the young and quick Bulldogs, their first win since Round 11. On the other hand, GWS have now won two in a row, fighting their way back from a form slump and injuries to key players.
With the sides occupying opposite ends of the ladder in recent years, they have only played each other a total of three times, all of which Geelong came out victorious. The tables have turned in 2015 however. The Giants currently occupy seventh place on the ladder, two games ahead of the 11th placed Cats and the matchup looks a scintillating one.
Like the Bulldogs, the Giants enjoy moving the ball quickly through the midfield and generate a lot scoring opportunities. Geelong's back six will have their work cut out for them on Saturday evening, but will be buoyed by a strong performance in Round 16, keeping the Bulldogs to just 64 points.
Geelong and the Giants are both in the bottom three in the competition for contested possessions so we may be in for a free flowing, high scoring game, one that will showcase the best of both teams, and one that should allow Geelong to take advantage of their accuracy on goal. From a fantasy perspective we couldn't ask for more.
THE LEAD UP
It is the first time in over a month that Geelong has enjoyed the lead up to a match after having a win the week prior. The players would have gained a great deal of confidence out of their narrow win over the Bulldogs in Round 16, none more so than Mitch Duncan ($491,000 MID). He didn't miss a beat in his first game back from a foot injury, in fact 94 AFL Fantasy points suggests he simply picked up where he left off.
Plenty of Geelong's key players, young and old, were amongst the major ball winners against the Bulldogs. Josh Caddy ($514,000 MID) led the way and was one of five Cats to score over 120 AFL Fantasy points. Add to that the inclusion of Joel Selwood ($467,000 MID) who will return from suspension this week and Geelong may yet be an AFL Fantasy goldmine.
Jared Rivers ($333,000 DEF) is a chance to come back in to the Geelong backline, but coach Chris Scott said he would not necessarily replace young defender Jake Kolodjashnij ($143,000 DEF) who had his first win from two attempts on Saturday afternoon. Billie Smedts' ($196,000 DEF) form in the VFL will not be ignored either. The young utility has performed strongly since returning from a broken collarbone and his form almost demands selection. The Giants look likely to welcome back a key player as well. Joel Patfull ($266,000 DEF) is expected to make his return to football following a month long layoff with a rib injury
KEY MATCH-UP
Devon Smith ($452,000 FWD) played a great game for GWS in Round 16. Starting on the wing, the young star gathered 27 disposals and kicked four goals. He also competes strongly at the stoppages. Geelong coach Chris Scott has a number of options available to him. Cameron Guthrie ($409,000 MID), who is no stranger to defence, could be enlisted to play a genuine shut down role, or the likes of Andrew Mackie ($413,000 DEF), Jordan Murdoch ($386,000 MID/FWD) or even Mark Blicavs ($551,000 RUCK/MID) may be charged with keeping Smith accountable. Either way, stopping the goal hungry Giant will play an integral part in Geelong's fortunes in this match.
BOOM OR BUST
Steve Johnson
Last time Geelong played the Giants Steve Johnson ($444,000 MID) earned three Brownlow votes. The match was close, as this one is expected to be and Johnson gathered 30 disposals, took 12 marks and kicked three goals. Although Johnson is spending more time in the forward half in 2015 than in previous years, he has shown that he still has the ability to put in a big performance. His AFL Fantasy output has dropped in 2015, his average is near 30 points less than that of last year, but his ceiling has not dropped quite as significantly. At almost a bargain basement price and with the potential to gain forward status, Johnson could be a valuable selection in your AFL Fantasy team this week, especially if he can give coaches a triple figure return.
Darcy Lang
Second year Cat, Darcy Lang ($358,000 MID) had played one game prior to the 2015 season but has played in every match so far this year. After a modest start to the season, Lang found some really good form in the three weeks leading in to the bye. Since that point, his output has been down slightly. He hasn't hit the scoreboard and hasn’t had an impact without the ball. Although not yet a prolific ball winner, Lang is relied upon for his good ball use and ability to find a way through traffic by hand or foot. He has been given the responsibility to play through the middle for Geelong and has rarely let them down. In terms of AFL Fantasy though, Lang's output has been below that which we need to see in his price range.
FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE
1. Mitch Duncan ($491,000 MID)
2. Josh Caddy ($514,000 MID)
3. Jimmy Bartel ($487,000 FWD)
4. Mark Blicavs ($551,000 RUCK/MID)
5. Joel Selwood ($467,000 MID)
