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

Geelong hold a ten game winning streak against Richmond. The average winning margin in those ten matches is 57 points but it would seem that the two clubs are closer than that in 2015. Geelong, having lost three of their first four games for the season look vulnerable and while Richmond have lost games they would not have expected to.

In 2007, Geelong lost three of their first five matches, including their round 5 match, in Geelong, to North Melbourne. The following week Geelong defeated Richmond by 157 points. The club will be hoping to not only replicate the match against Richmond, but also the season.

THE LEAD UP

With both clubs losing their round 4 matches, there will be a few changes in order before round 5 commences.

Nathan Drummond (knee) and Ben Griffiths (calf) sustained injuries during their match against Melbourne, Dylan Grimes ($228,000 DEF) and Reece Conca ($438,000 MID) are in the mix to replace them. Tom Lonergan ($264,000 DEF) has had a week off to recover from concussion and will be named to play, while Dean Gore ($142,000 MID) and Jake Kolodjashnij ($120,000 DEF) are in the mix for Geelong.

The Cats have been beaten in recent matches in both contested possessions and clearances and will need to continue to improve in those areas if they are to match it with a strong Richmond midfield. Joel Selwood ($580,000 MID) leads the way in that department but will need a lift from the likes of Steve Johnson ($497,000 MID) and Mitch Duncan ($420,000 MID).

Johnson starting in the green substitute vest in round four was not a bust with the veteran scoring 49 AFL Fantasy points in just a quarter of football. We’d expect him to play a full match on Saturday. 

Taylor Hunt ($409,000 DEF) is likely to line up against his old side. Free from the tagging role he fulfilled in his time with Geelong, the defender is enjoying running through Richmond's midfield. Hunt has played all four games for the Tigers and has risen $80,000 in AFL Fantasy price.

KEY MATCH-UP

There will be a number of crucial match-ups for Geelong this weekend.

Cameron Guthrie ($418,000 MID) could tag any number of Richmond players this week, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis or even last week’s danger man Shane Edwards ($413,000 FWD,MID). The key, however, will be in limiting the service that the Richmond midfielders get from ruckman, Ivan Maric ($458,000 RUCK).

Rhys Stanley ($374,000 FWD) has been serviceable in the ruck role over the past few weeks. He competed well in round four against a premier ruckman in Todd Goldstein. With Stanley and Mark Blicavs ($419,000 RUCK, MID) more mobile as ruckmen, they will need to influence the play around the ground, hit the scoreboard and keep Maric accountable.

BOOM OR BUST

Darcy Lang

Round five could be a turning point for youngster Darcy Lang ($249,000 MID). Lang has played 5 career games to date and made a promising start to 2015. Registering a moderate count in the first three rounds, Lang was impressive delivering the ball inside 50 for Geelong. In his round four match however, he had his colours lowered. 7 disposals, just the one tackle and a couple of free kicks against from a full match was not the return to be expected. With draftee, Dean Gore, knocking on the door for a debut, Lang will want to make an impact against the Tigers.

Jordan Murdoch

Jordan Murdoch ($343,000 FWD) has found himself in unfamiliar territory in his two games in 2015. In Andrew Mackie's absence, Murdoch has been called upon to contribute to Geelong's defensive setup. His line breaking run and carry has been required off of half back, but it has been lacking. Sam Blease ($183,000 FWD) was recruited to Geelong in the off-season to add speed to the side and Murdoch will need to have a good match against Richmond if he wants to hold his position.

FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE

1. Joel Selwood ($580,000 MID)

2. Mitch Duncan ($420,000 MID)

3. Mark Blicavs ($419,000 RUCK,MID)

4. Steve Johnson ($497,000 MID)

5. Steven Motlop ($511,000 FWD,MID)