For many the start of the football season means one thing - fantasy football selection headaches.
With countless hours spent poring over statistics and pre-season form, Thursday night's season opener brings with it a looming deadline.
We've previewed which of our Cats you should be considering for your team.
DEFENSE
Mr. Reliable - Zach Tuohy (DEF, 586K)
The experienced Irishman played every game for Geelong in 2018, finishing with an average of 81 for the season. He scored 80 or higher in over half of his games and is set to increase his scoring with the new rules for the 2019 season.
According to AFL Fantasy, he could increase his scoring by four to six points depending on how he makes use of the new kick in rule. Tuohy is currently owned by 2.2% of teams, making him a potentially useful point of difference (POD).
He will be out for round one but could be used as a reliable stepping stone through the season.
Cash Cow – Jordan Clark (DEF, 242K)
At the low price of 242K, this rookie is eying off a half back role for the Cats in round one. This role has seen defenders reach extraordinary heights due to the high volume of kicks and marks needed for the position.
Clark has the potential to make fantasy coaches anywhere between 100-200K, after averaging 16 disposals and 5.5 marks through the JLT series. He is a likely starter for Geelong’s round one clash against Collingwood.
MIDFIELD
Mr. Reliable – Mitch Duncan (MID, 739K)
Perhaps one of the greatest PODs in the past few years, in 2017 Mitch Duncan took his game to another level. He averaged 112 points per game and was fourth in total points scored throughout the year, with his lowest score being 91 and highest 169.
Despite a drop off of around 10 points in 2018, Duncan is primed for more midfield time, with Gary Ablett looking towards a greater forward role. He is capable of reaching that 110 average for the 2019 season, with his ability to tackle, find space for uncontested marks and consistently rack up 25+ possessions a game.
In Geelong’s JLT game against West Coast, he produced 111 points from 83% time on ground, and is currently owned by only 0.6% of coaches.
Cash Cow – Tom Atkins (MID, 170K)
VFL product Tom Atkins could provide coaches with up to 200K in cash, with his strong leadership ability and tackling presence. Atkins was a tackling beast in the VFL and won multiple best and fairest awards, playing mainly as a midfielder.
He reached scores of 61 and 46 through JLT but showed his ability to pressure the ball against West Coast, with seven tackles.
This season Atkins will likely spend more time forward because of the sheer talent in Geelong’s midfield group. This may give him dual-position status as a MID/FWD. At basement price, Atkins has far more upside than downside.
RUCK
DPP Tempter – Rhys Stanley (RUC/FWD, 590K)
2018 was Rhys Stanley’s best fantasy year so far, building on his past season by 10 points. He provides a potential POD for fantasy coaches in the ruck position, as a forward that can provide a team with extra flexibility.
He may have to share the ruck with players such as Abbott and Zac Smith, although he did play the most games in Geelong’s ruck last season.
Cash Cow – Darcy Fort (RUC, 170K)
Former SANFL player Darcy Fort is a mature age recruit that could provide some cash generation off the bench in the ruck position. At basement price, he can only go up. Fort was one of the best on field through the majority of games he played through the SANFL.
He is also the most likely to find a game among cheap rucks, as Geelong are still searching for a sole ruck-man and could be keen to experiment.
Fort didn’t score highly through his JLT games, mostly due to a lack of time on ground, with only 61% and 29% against West Coast and Essendon respectively.
FORWARD
Mr. Reliable – Patrick Dangerfield (FWD/MID, 771K)
Believe it or not, ‘Danger’ is actually well under price. In 2017 he averaged over 120 points. Due to the arrival of Gary Ablett, he spent more time forward in 2018. If he finds this kind of form again, he could find himself in over 80% of coach’s forward lines by the end of the season.
The addition of the 6-6-6 rule will provide him with more room to dominate in the midfield and more one-on-one opportunities when he plays forward.
Dangerfield averaged 106.5 through JLT, with a score of 105 off only 68% time on ground. Yikes.
DPP Tempter – Tim Kelly (FWD/MID, 630K)
The reigning best first year player had possibly the best rookie season the fantasy community has ever seen. Averaging 87, Kelly was outstanding after the bye round, averaging 99 after that point of the season with five 100+ games.
He too is looking forward to more midfield time with Ablett spending more time forward for the 2019 season. He should improve his average by at least five points and could cement himself as a top six forward.
His score of 108 against Essendon at GMHBA Stadium shows his ability to score well at home, with the team set to play nine games there throughout the year.
Cash Cow – Gryan Miers (FWD, 170K)
Miers has had a stellar preseason, earning the praise of development coach and former player Corey Enright, for his hard work and commitment to improving his game.
He played very well for a player yet to debut through the JLT series. Against West Coast he scored 73 and had 18 disposals. He played less than half the game against Essendon, but still managed a solid 51 points.
