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. Every week Footy Prophet will rank their ‘Footy Prophet Fantasy Five’, ranking the top 5 players predicted to score the highest and then will review the results in the review!

THE WRAP UP

After a coloured history between the two clubs and recent close encounters, the matchup vowed to be a hotly contest affair, however ended in contradictory fashion. The matchup started poorly before game day with Steven Motlop enduring a club imposed suspension, a costly exclusion. Jared Rivers was also a late out prior to the game, allowing for ex-Saint Rhys Stanley pull on the hoops for the first time.

Veteran Jimmy Bartel was also withdrawn from the 22 after being named on Thursday night. Bartel suffered a forceful head collision with the ground late against Hawthorn, with club doctors advising the coaching staff and Bartel to not play. The game was relatively even throughout the first quarter, while a Michael Walters goal right on the siren gifting Fremantle the lead at the first break.

From thereon in, Fremantle controlled most of the play and was reflected on the scoreboard. The Fremantle midfield put on a master class led by Brownlow favourite Nathan Fyfe ($577 000). Michael Barlow ($632 000) and David Mundy ($575 000) were prevalent in the midfield, while Stephen Hill ($469 000) dominated with his outside run, registering 729m gained. The final siren resulted in a 44 point victory, leaving the Cats 18th on the ladder with a 0-2 record.

THE STANDOUTS

A tough outing against title contenders Fremantle could have gone one of two ways and unfortunately for Cats’ fans, the result was less than desirable. The result meant Geelong was defending for most of the game, and was under extreme duress and pressure when in control, correlating into less than ideal fantasy figures.

Breakout contender Josh Caddy ($402 000) was busy for the entirety of the game despite the lopsided result. Finishing with 103 AFL Fantasy points, the second best return of any Cat, Caddy was thrown into the midfield and gathered 20 disposals alongside 10 tackles. Relentless tenacity and hunger to burst through packs was admirable, however the Fremantle pressure was immense. In draft leagues more so than AFL Fantasy Classic, Caddy is a goldmine and could be a definite sleeper.

Skipper Joel Selwood ($577 000) was named among the best after another commendable showing on Sunday, accumulating 27 disposals and 109 points. Selwood exploded out of the gates in the first half and was on track for a monster score, however slowed in the second half after Fremantle kicked into gear and took control of the game. With no absolute tagger in the Fremantle side, Selwood was able to play his natural game, though did appear to employ trademark Selwood touches or goals which has established him as one of the league’s best.

Second gamer George Gregson ($164 000) looked in good stead to have a competitive and lengthy career at the elite level. Although small in stature, Gregson threw his AFL ready body around with five tackles, including a monster, taking down the AFL’s tallest player Aaron Sandilands. Although his fantasy score may not have been a direct correlation from the ferociousness at which he played, he is showing all the hallmarks of a bona fide AFL Fantasy star and will just require time to develop his ball winning skills.

WHO FELL SHORT

Mitch Clark ($204 000) found the going tough against a defensive juggernaut such as Fremantle. He struggled for opportunity through the firm grip the Dockers had on proceedings, while the delivery into the forward 50 also didn’t serve him a world of good. After rewarding owners with a solid Geelong debut, Clark’s return of 36 fantasy points is well below expectations and his capabilities.

It was a tough day at the office for most of the Geelong forwards with Tom Hawkins ($400 000) also failed to have his usual impact throughout the game. In marking contests, Hawkins was usually outmanned from a double teaming defence that saw off most of Hawkin’s opportunities. Michael Johnson restricted his influence and won the matchup without any doubt. He showed signs of frustration and gave away four free kicks, but battled on and kept presenting in true Hawkins demeanour.

After a breakout 2014 season, outside midfield Mitch Duncan ($479 000) failed to register a competitive fantasy score, a measly 39 points. Duncan has been assigned run with roles against Hawthorn and on Sunday against Fremantle, with the task of confining Stephen Hill’s damaging run. Duncan failed to do so, and was unsuccessful in attack. An experiment as it may, Duncan’s new role has somewhat limited his poise and damaging attack causing a severe drop in AFL Fantasy outputs.

FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE

Last week we predicted who Geelong's top 5 AFL Fantasy players would be. Some of them we got right, a couple we got wrong. Let’s take a look.

  1. Steve Johnson (6th) copped friendly fire as Dawson Simpson collided into his head during the first portion of the game. He was taken off and assessed, continuing to toil away however he appeared sore and struggled to have an impact on the game.
  2. Joel Selwood (1st) bounced back well after a hard day against Hawthorn, excelling inside where he managed a team high 16 contested possessions. He was Geelong’s best player and topped the fantasy column.
  3. Andrew Mackie (15th) had a tough day at the office after missing the opening round. He may be pushed up the field and employ his experience and skills between a wing and half-back.
  4. James Kelly (3rd) went head to head with Danyle Pearce for most of the game, rotating between the backline and midfield. He was among the Cats’ best with six tackle and 88 AFL Fantasy points.
  5. Mitch Duncan (19th) was well-down on his damaging best with the task of tagging Stephen Hill. He was convincingly beaten in the matchup, allowing Hill to kick two goals and plenty of touches, while Duncan was unable to impact the other way, finishing on 39 fantasy points.

NEXT WEEK

Geelong will remain at home at Simonds Stadium on Sunday afternoon, hosting the Gold Coast Suns who also remain winless this season. Successive lost games against St Kilda and Melbourne could be enough to finally ignite the Suns under new coach Rodney Eade, while Geelong too have their doubters, whom they will be eager to displease. The matchup sees Geelong’s favourite son, Gary Ablett return to Geelong and will prove a handful for Cam Guthrie.