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 the two most successful clubs of the modern era, Geelong and Hawthorn have indulged in possibly the best rivalry since 2000. Combined the two sides have won six of the last eight AFL premierships as the rivalry climaxed with the Kennett curse. Following the 2008 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn, Geelong vowed to never lose to Hawthorn again, which they didn’t for eleven straight matches. Since then, Hawthorn has won four of the last five encounters, including Round 1 this season.
2015’s prior encounter between the sides saw eight players topped the fantasy ton. Jordan Lewis (156) and Steven Motlop (122) top-scored for their respective sides. Prior to that, in last year’s qualifying final, Joel Selwood (133) and Matthew Stokes (115) were Geelong’s best.
THE LEAD UP
After beating Sydney last weekend, Geelong re-entered the finals race and became genuine contenders for the first time in 2015. The game was a success as the club celebrated captain Joel Selwood’s 200th game and will celebrate again this week Steve Johnson’s 250th. With two goals and 22 disposals, Josh Caddy top scored in Round 19’s win over Sydney with 134, while Selwood put in a vintage performance that reaped 122 points.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn outlasted West Coast in Perth, as they press for a top two finish. Liam Shiels led the way with 130 fantasy points, largely due to a mammoth 17 tackles. Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell also impressed in a fantasy sense, with 118 and 117 points. Small forwards Luke Breust (107) and Cyril Rioli (100 in game 150) also reached the fantasy ton.
KEY MATCH-UP
While both sides boast a plethora of experienced A-graders, the game may be won in a matchup between the emerging midfielders, who are continually staking their claim as elite midfielders. Liam Shiels ($553 000, MID) is likely to go head to head with Caddy ($563 000, MID) and will play a key role in the outcome of the game. Hawthorn’s Shiels is averaging more tackles per game than any other player in the AFL while being equally as damaging offensively. In a similar vein, Josh Caddy has eclipsed five tackles in 11 games this year. Shiels averages 21.6 disposals per game which is slightly more than Caddy with 21.5. The two midfielders are strikingly similar and in a fantasy sense, priced within $10k of each other.
BOOM OR BUST
Chris Scott has finally relinquished the tagging shackles of Cam Guthrie ($436 000, MID), a move which has reaped many fantasy benefits. Guthrie has long been held in high esteem among fantasy coaches, although his team orientated role has meant he hasn’t been able to showcase his true fantasy potential consistently. Across the past fortnight, he has been relieved of tagging duties, returning scores of 116 and 117. The Cats will face a Hawthorn side brimming with stars this weekend, which will be another test for Scott and Guthrie in assessing his true fantasy identity. Should he tag, coaches will lament the opportunity of what may have been, although if he doesn’t we can definitively say his tagging days are over and can keep him in mind for 2015.
Andrew Mackie ($438 000, DEF) has been a consistent performer for the Cats throughout the middle and latter parts of the season, but is yet to produce an absolute monstrous score. Against sides in the top eight, Mackie has averaged 94.5 in 2015 after returning from injury in Round 8 and with the Hawks this weekend; he has a prime opportunity to continue the trend. Mackie could be earmarked to play as a true rebounding defender or further up on a wing, which only improves his fantasy potential in Round 20.
FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE
- 1. Joel Selwood ($535 000, MID)
- 2. Mark Blicavs ($529 000,MID/RUC)
- 3. Josh Caddy ($563 000, MID)
- 4. Jimmy Bartel ($505 000, MID/FWD)
- 5. Corey Enright ($457 000, DEF)
