In 2015, the Cats are thrilled to be partnering with fantasy experts footyprophet.com to bring you all the insight you need about the Cats players and their fantasy value. Stay tuned for a wealth of information from the experts as they help you to fantasy glory.

Besides the fantasy stud Gary Ablett and 2014's  elite breakout,Tom Rockliff you really could throw a blanket over a handful of the next best fantasy options, Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson included.

Joel Selwood (MID. AFL Fantasy - $603,000)

At 26 years of age, Selwood is in the prime of his career and unlike last year is having an uninterrupted pre-season. At full fitness he will look to increase his credentials as one of the league's elite and eradicate his mid-season fade out last year. The club's captain courageous leads from the front, sometimes single handedly getting his team over the line. He has the ability to do the same for your fantasy side too.

Over the last six years Selwood has averaged over 103 points in all fantasy formats and has been steadily increasing his average for the last three. He'll set you back a pretty penny in all fantasy formats, and he'll cost you a first round pick in draft competitions but he's worth it. The hard-nosed midfielder scores a fantasy ton regularly and when he does he'll score you a big ton. With scores of 130+ in over 50% of those occasions he's an excellent choice for captain. In 2014 Selwood ranked in the top ten in the league for total inside 50s, disposals, and tackles and was in the top 3 for AFL Fantasy points. 2015 should be no different.

Keys for Selwood heading into 2015 are to maintain, if not increase his goal scoring ability and to continue to find the football despite a tag. If he can do that, his fantasy output may even see an uptick this season.

Steve Johnson (MID. AFL Fantasy - $613,000)

The mercurial 31 year old, like Selwood, is capable of turning a game on its head in a matter of minutes. His vision in the contest is outstanding and his ability to execute that look-away kick across his body is uncanny. On occasion, his execution has cost his team mates and Supercoach owners alike.

Johnson's determination to create scoring opportunities is inspiring but achieving the extraordinary is not always possible. As a result of his aggressive nature Johnson has the 5th highest clangers per game count in the league, one of the few downsides to his fantasy credentials.

Young stars, the likes of Josh Caddy, Cameron Guthrie and George Horlin-Smith have all established themselves as regulars in the midfield in 2014. They should remain so this year with the likes of Darcy Lang, Nakia Cockatoo and Brad Hartman also vying for game time. Midfield minutes will be hard to come by in the senior side this year and it's the versatile players that will be giving away the opportunities.

Johnson could be spending an increased amount of time in the forward line in 2015. We know he can be a prolific goal scorer, he kicked over 30 goals in each season from 2007-2011. Despite only managing to kick 17 majors in 2014, he could be back to his goal scoring ways this year. Those few extra fantasy points will go a long way to lifting his average.

In that vein we expect his output in all formats to increase this year especially if he can get some more continuity into his season, 18 games must become 21 or 22.

The Stats That Matter

Joel Selwood

 201220132014
Games played202222

AFL Fantasy

103.0106.4106.5

 

Steve Johnson

 201220132014
Games played211617
AFL Fantasy97.4118.4108.2

The FP Verdict

AFL Fantasy is a different kettle of fish. Take out those clangers and match defining moments and the pair are near inseparable. Fantasy price changes can hurt a coach a lot more early in the season than later and Geelong face the number one tagger in the game, Ryan Crowley, in round 2. We expect Crowley and Johnson to reignite their battle and if history is anything to go by can expect a reduced output from Johnson. Priced similarly, we expect Selwood to improve more so than the ageing Johnson.

AFL Fantasy Verdict: Joel Selwood

 

Click here to sign up for the AFL Fanatsy the OFFICIAL fantasy competition of the Geelong Cats and the AFL