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.
THE WRAP UP
Before the first bounce, the odds looked to be in Geelong’s favour, as Travis Cloke withdrew from the side with a leg injury. However, a fast-starting Collingwood were all too much in the end for Geelong, who played catch-up for the entire game and all but ruled them out of finals action for the first time since 2006.
The game heralded two, possibly three major stories. The first being the return of Daniel Menzel after four knee reconstructions and almost an eternity on the sidelines. He was impactful early and was one of Geelong’s best, but more on that later.
The second story was the dominance of Collingwood and the lacklustre nature of Geelong. It was do or die and the Cats were not able to come to the fore and it was reflected in the fantasy scores. Only one Cat, utility Mark Blicavs, reached the fantasy ton, while only three others eclipsed 80. Collingwood dominated the game, convincingly beating Geelong in both disposals and tackles – the cornerstone of fantasy production.
The third story to eventuate from the game was to do with the list management of Geelong’s elder statesmen. Of the collective names doing circles in the media since Friday night, only Steve Johnson (98) and James Kelly (85) were able to produce respectable fantasy totals.
THE STANDOUTS
It’s almost impossible to overlook Daniel Menzel ($169 000, FWD) in his return game. After some 1450 days since his last appearance at AFL level, Menzel’s return was a true Cinderella story and one that had a profound impact in AFL Fantasy. Cameron Mooney last week spoke on Fox Footy’s AFL360 about Menzel’s talent, stating that he could have won a Brownlow Medal if not for the unfortunate injuries. Menzel hadn’t missed a beat, kicking four goals along with 20 disposals and 93 fantasy points. While he did jump a considerable $23k from his starting price, Menzel is still priced under the $200k mark, making for the perfect downgrade and bench emergency in the forward line.
Mark Blicavs ($516 000, MID/RUC), again, was a clear standout for Geelong. It is easily becoming a breakout season for Blicavs, who contributed a tasty 127 points against the Pies. He faced the competition’s other young emerging ruckman in Brodie Grundy, and held his own. Despite losing the hit outs to Grundy, Blicavs was able to influence elsewhere, as he has done regularly in season 2015, compiling a team high 27 disposals. With fantasy Grand Finals this weekend, it’s safe to assume Blicavs will rise to the occasion and is no cause for concern heading into the pinnacle of the fantasy calendar. Blicavs gave Footy Prophet an exclusive insight into his meteoric rise this year, which you can read about here.
WHO FELL SHORT
Steven Motlop ($504 000, MID/FWD) had been in some of his best form across the past month; however that did not transition into Friday night’s encounter. In the first half, he had minimal impact, although was a contributor in the passage that resulted in Menzel’s first goal on return. After the main break, Motlop finally came to play however the damage had already been done. Motlop recorded 15 disposals and a lone goal for a mere 51 points against the Magpies.
Similarly to Motlop, Joel Selwood ($528 000, MID) was also a no-show in the fantasy column and may have costed coaches dearly in the preliminary final round. He was tagged by Levi Greenwood and with great effect, as the Geelong skipper managed just 57 points, courtesy of 19 disposals, three marks and three tackles. Selwood also gave away three free kicks, which certainly didn’t help his final fantasy score line.
Despite being one of the highest averaging defenders, Corey Enright ($475 000, DEF) simply couldn’t turn his opportunity into a decent fantasy figure. He played as his usual role as medium defender and managed 21 disposals in the process. With the Geelong defence under pressure for most of the game, 12 of Enright’s disposals were by hand, a loss of valuable fantasy points. Next week will prove to be another challenge for Enright who is likely to match up with Eddie Betts. It’s safe to back Enright into the matchup, which could potentially determine the fantasy premiers, although a hint of caution may be involved.
FOOTY PROPHET’S FANTASY FIVE
1. Cam Guthrie (5th) scored an average 76 points. His form across the last month paints a comforting picture.
2. Mark Blicavs (1st) top scored for Geelong as the lone centurion. Recorded a team-high 27 disposals.
3. Joel Selwood (14th) was tagged by Levi Greenwood and managed 19 disposals.
4. Jimmy Bartel (9th) patrolled half-back and was albeit disappointing in a fantasy sense, producing 69 points.
5. Corey Enright (10th) managed 21 disposals however wasn’t able to turn them into a productive fantasy score. He finished on 68.
NEXT WEEK
Geelong will host a red-hot Adelaide Crows outfit at Skilled Stadium. Equally important, the Grand Finals for the majority of AFL Fantasy Grand Finals will be played. The two clubs shared the points earlier in the season after the game was exempt following the tragic passing of Adelaide coach Phil Walsh. It’s virtually been a full two seasons between drinks for Geelong and Adelaide who’s previous match was in Round 1 2014. That game saw six Cats reach the fantasy ton, ironically including James Kelly, Matthew Stokes, Andrew Mackie, Corey Enright and Steve Johnson.
