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.
THE WRAP UP
The build-up to the Sunday afternoon fixture was expected, the media’s spotlight on Corey “Boris” Enright too but the result of the match threw us all. Not only did Melbourne come to play, they game with an attitude that no Melbourne side has shown in recent history. But in true testament to arguably the games’ greatest ever half back flanker, Enright was chaired off the ground after playing his 300th game for the club. Placing him equal second on the all-time games played list at Geelong.
After a slow start, Geelong kicked the first two goals of the game through Steve Johnson and Steve Motlop but it was downhill after that. Geelong lost the lead before quarter time and would only regain it twice during the match before the final siren signaled a 24-point loss.
A five goal first quarter set the Demons up with a strong lead which they would manage to hold on to for the next two quarters before kicking away after the final change. The young Melbourne side came to Simmonds Stadium with a clear plan of attack and it worked. It all started with Max Gawn ($371,000 FWD/RUCK), who dominated in the air with 44 hitouts and eight marks. After getting on top in the clearances, a part of the game Geelong has struggled with in 2015, Melbourne out possessed Geelong for much of the match.
Bernie Vince ($533,000 MID) lined up on Mark Blicavs ($533,000 MID/RUCK) when he could and although Blicavs had another strong game, Vince made him pay with his ball use. Jack Viney ($400,000 MID) was given the job on Geelong captain Joel Selwood ($468,000 MID) and won that matchup keeping Selwood to just the 17 disposals. Jack Watts ($329,000 FWD) was given a role to play in Harry Taylor ($403,000 DEF), not only did he play in a manner to make Taylor accountable for him, but he successfully dragged him up the ground and away from the contest when the ball went deep into Melbourne's forward line. Melbourne played disciplined one on one football and blocked the corridor well. Geelong struggled to move the ball forward with pace or otherwise.
Jake Kolodjashnij ($126,000 DEF) competed well in his first game for Geelong and Darcy Lang ($351,000 MID) put in another strong performance in just his second year in the hoops. Steve Motlop ($453,000 FWD/MID) and Cameron Guthrie ($398,000 MID) were the shining lights in a dull performance that put the dimmers on a milestone celebration.
THE STANDOUTS
Mark Blicavs ($533,000 MID/RUCK) was a standout from an AFL Fantasy perspective with 123 points to his name after having another well rounded performance on Sunday afternoon. Although his opponent was an influential factor in the Demons' win, Blicavs managed to rack up some impressive numbers that have contributed to another price rise for the big man. He has earnt his coaches $177,000 this season but is fast turning into one of the premier ruckmen in the competition, and a keeper in your AFL Fantasy team.
Darcy Lang ($351,000 MID) played a good game against Melbourne. He continued to show progression in his development as a midfielder who can hit the scoreboard, a trait that both he and 2014 draftee Cory Gregson have in common. He racked up 15 touches, five tackles and kicked two goals. Lang scored 92 AFL Fantasy points and pushed his price up past $350,000 which is a brilliant return if you've held on to this cash cow.
Steve Motlop ($453,000 FWD/MID) was brilliant early for Geelong, getting plenty of the football. He got his hands dirty too with five clearances and five tackles, something Geelong fans have been waiting to see from Motlop for a while now, a better balance between inside and outside football. Two goals saw his AFL Fantasy score hit 113, one of only two Cats to hit triple figures.
WHO FELL SHORT
Joel Selwood ($468,000 MID) has lost $135,000 for AFL Fantasy coaches that started the season with him. He was again well held by an opposition tag and could not get his hands on the football enough to really influence the match as much as he has done in years past.
Harry Taylor ($403,000 DEF) was dragged away from the contest on numerous occasions and spent some time in the forward half. Although his six marks ranked in the top three at Geelong, it was well below his usual efforts. He only managed 11 disposals, three one percenters and three rebound 50s. All stats were well below average, as was his 49 AFL Fantasy points.
Jordan Murdoch ($393,000 FWD/MID) has been providing Geelong with some good run from behind center in recent weeks but could not provide that against Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. He had 10 touches and kicked a behind for 39 AFL Fantasy points before being substituted out of the match in the third quarter. Murdoch was seen on the bench with ice on his upper leg, suspected on his hamstring, and will need to use the bye week to regain his fitness.
FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE
1. Josh Caddy (4th) was again solid without setting the game on fire. He had 19 disposals, a team high six clearances and another decent AFL Fantasy score of 90 that will keep Caddy's coaches happy.
2. Cameron Guthrie (5th) was one of Geelong's better players on Sunday afternoon but his stats weren't great. Still, 89 AFL Fantasy points is not an amazing return for his price tag.
3. Joel Selwood (8th) was well held by Jack Viney. He managed just the 17 disposals but kept himself in the game with six clearances, six tackles, seven inside 50s and a goal. An AFL Fantasy score of 75 will do nothing to appease his coaches however.
4. Harry Taylor (17th) was taken up the ground by Jack Watts and was unable to get his hands on the football as much as he'd like. An AFL Fantasy score of 49 is well below his average.
5. Mark Blicavs (1st) continued with the rich vein of form he has found in 2015, taking on the duties of the number one ruckman against Melbourne on Sunday. Blicavs managed 25 hitouts and made an incredible 13 tackles for his 123 AFL Fantasy points.
NEXT WEEK
Geelong have a much needed week off in Round 13 before they face Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in Round 14. Geelong head into the bye with a 6-6 record having blown an opportunity to force their way into the top eight before their bye came around. The Round 14 match against Adelaide will prove another crucial match for the Cats if they wish to play finals in 2015.