SC 2014 Profile: George Horlin-Smith

shorty3264 · November 13, 2013, 03:12:07 PM

George Horlin-Smith

Stats
2013 Games: 8

2013 Ave: 61.1

Centuries: 2

Highs: 114 vs Melbourne, 105 vs Sydney, 84 vs Western Bulldogs

Lows: 5 (sub) vs Hawthorn, 13 (subbed) vs Richmond, 46 vs Saint Kilda

FanPlanner Price: $326,900

Position: Midfield

Thoughts
For those wondering which young Geelong midfielder is going to step up to take the place of Joel Corey, the answer is this man. George Horlin-Smith has been biding his time in the VFL, doing his apprenticeship in the reserves and is now ready for some consistent AFL action. The 37th selection in the 2010 National Draft has managed just 11 senior games in his three seasons at the club, due to the Cats immense midfield talent. Standing at 186cm and 83kg, Horlin-Smith has the physique to mix it with the best at AFL level; furthermore his VFL stats are quite impressive. In his 10 VFL games last year, Horlin-Smith averaged 23 disposals, three marks, five tackles and 90 Dream Team points a game, being the in and under player he is its safe to say his SuperCoach tally would be in the three figures. The most impressive stat from his VFL days is that over the past two seasons he has played 26 games and been named in the best on 18 occasions. Signs of a man chomping at the bit to play AFL football. His AFL record also reads well for such a young player, taking away his two sub affected matches in 2013, he averaged a much more respectable 78.5 SC points with his best game for the club coming against the highly rated Swans midfield in round 4, where he notched up 23 touches (15 contested), four inside 50s and kicked a goal on his way to 105 SC points. It is also worth noting he has no trouble finding his own ball at AFL level, with 49% of his possessions being contested in 2013.

Verdict
If you cant tell already, I am a huge fan of this guy and I believe he will grow into one of the best midfielders in the competition one day. But for our fantasy sides this year, his price is simply too awkward to select given his pure midfield status. I expect Horlin-Smith to play upward of 18 games this year and really take his game to another level in the seniors. Look out in 2015.

Prediction
With the likelihood of fewer sub affected matches, 79.

specky92 · November 14, 2013, 10:18:17 AM

I really rate this bloke too, surely gets a game with Chappy and Corey leaving, not sure it will be 18+ though

Ricochet · November 14, 2013, 10:26:12 AM

Has already shown he can pump out decent scores, just needs the midfield time. 78.5ave unsubbed isn't bad for someone priced at 61

Woppa15 · February 04, 2014, 10:21:11 PM

This guy is an absolute star in the making, a massive fan!!! I saw a lot of George over the last two seasons in the VFL and really love the way he goes about it. His stats don't tell the whole story either, he is one of those players who really influences a game. Pity about his price, if he was 100k cheaper Id seriously consider him!

shorty3264 · February 04, 2014, 11:06:04 PM

Quote from: Woppa15 on February 04, 2014, 10:21:11 PM
This guy is an absolute star in the making, a massive fan!!! I saw a lot of George over the last two seasons in the VFL and really love the way he goes about it. His stats don't tell the whole story either, he is one of those players who really influences a game. Pity about his price, if he was 100k cheaper Id seriously consider him!

Couldn't agree more.

auscoyote · February 05, 2014, 01:30:33 AM

Has the talent but cant fit him in for his price.

Keeper27 · February 11, 2014, 11:41:41 PM

would love to know how much game time he'll get.

Woppa15 · February 12, 2014, 08:16:09 PM

Quote from: Keeper27 on February 11, 2014, 11:41:41 PM
would love to know how much game time he'll get.

With the retirement of Corey and Chapman going to the Dons he will get game time. Saw an article on the AFL App where Scott said that George will get every opportunity to cement his spot in the Geelong midfield. Highly touted down at the Cattery. Will try and find the article.