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

The Geelong/North Melbourne rivalry, although not one of the league’s most recognisable and preeminent, certainly holds a significant status in the game. In 1994 Geelong reached their third Grand Final in seven years after defeating North Melbourne in the Preliminary Final, courtesy of a Gary Ablett Sr. goal after the siren. Since then, the history between the two clubs has been well documented.

Brothers Chris (Geelong) and Brad (North Melbourne) Scott add increasing flair to the match, coaching on opposing sides with the winner to enjoy bragging rights over Christmas lunch. Last year, those bragging rights went to Brad. North Melbourne defied finals folklore with a victory over Geelong in an epic Semi Final. For North Melbourne, ruckman Todd Goldstein was instrumental that day, recording 54 hitouts and allowing midfielders Nick Dal Santo ($443 000, MID) and Sam Gibson ($535 000, MID) to gather 35 disposals each. For the Cats, it was Tom Hawkins ($400 000) who was the star. He kicked 5.3 and almost brought Geelong back from a large deficit, only to fall just short.

THE LEAD UP

Geelong will enter the game with a 1-2 record after overcoming an improved Gold Coast side, thanks to a best-on-ground performance by skipper Joel Selwood. North Melbourne also sit 1-2 on the ladder after a nail-biting and brutal game against premiership hopefuls Port Adelaide last Saturday night.

Both sides will enter the clash with injury concerns to key players. For Geelong, Jimmy Bartel ($511 000, FWD) will require surgery and is facing a stint on the sidelines following a heavy knock to the knee, while Tom Lonergan also has an injury cloud over his head following the Suns’ game. Mathew Stokes ($460 000, MID) was also subbed out of the game following an ankle injury and will not be available for selection this week. North Melbourne will be sweating on the availability of hard-nut Jack Ziebell ($465 000, FWD/MID) who spent two nights in hospital with a bruised lung.

Jared Rivers is almost certain to return to senior duties if Tom Lonergan is unavailable and will be given the task of curbing one of North Melbourne’s potent key forwards. George Horlin-Smith ($369 000, MID) may replace the injured Bartel, while 2014 draftee Dean Gore may be a chance for a debut following 24 disposals and 9 tackles in the VFL. Youngsters Trent Dumont and Brad McKenzie may be suitable replacements for Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells if they are deemed unavailable through injury.

KEY MATCH-UP

Todd Goldstein is the in-form ruckman of the competition and fantasy at present, averaging the 7th most points of any player, and by far the most of any ruckman. He is averaging 40.3 hitouts per game – which is also the most in the AFL. The task of going head to head with Goldstein will be assigned to the Cats duo of Rhys Stanley ($375 000) and Mark Blicavs ($392 000, RUC/MID) whose performances will play a key role in determining whether or not Geelong walk away with the four points.

Geelong ranks equal 17th in the league for hitouts per game, with both Blicavs and Stanley instead capable of impacting the play around the ground. Geelong also rank 18th in average clearances per game and 17th in centre clearances, adding to importance of winning the ruck match-up.

BOOM OR BUST

Josh Caddy

With Jimmy Bartel and Mathew Stokes sidelined, the demand for Geelong’s second tier midfielders to step up is required now more than ever. Joel Selwood has continued his status as one of the competition’s elite in 2015 but has lacked support in the midfield. James Kelly has return to the midfield following a half-back role in 2014, while Cam Guthrie ($425 000, MID) and Mitch Duncan ($444 000, MID) have worked in tandem to shut down opposition weapons. Josh Caddy has enormous potential and has shown it in more cases then not, however consistency is the key moving forward. He is a point of difference in AFL Fantasy and could prove a worthwhile selection if he can achieve more consistency in his points-scoring output.

Steve Johnson

Stevie J has been well below his usual best so far in 2015, producing a lowly average of just 77. In that period, he has fallen $71 000 from his initial starting price, and is miles away from the highest averaging player he was in 2013. Johnson is yet to crack the 100 point mark, and like Caddy, is desperately needed to perform in an understrength midfield against North Melbourne. Johnson has also failed to impact the scoreboard in 2015, kicking just 1.3 across the opening three rounds. Johnson’s troubling form and lofty break-even score is alarming and may be enough for coaches to trade him, however his fantasy history is glorious and he may yet reach those feats again in 2015.

FOOTY PROPHET’S FANTASY FIVE

  1.      Joel Selwood      ($582 000, MID)
  2.      Josh Caddy       ($409 000, MID)
  3.      Cory Enright      ($454 000, DEF)
  4.      James Kelly       ($498 000, DEF)
  5.      Mitch Clark        ($229 000, FWD)