Orazio Fantasia had high hopes of an injury-free run at the 2019 season, but things didn’t always go to plan during another interrupted year.

Following an inaccurate start to the season with seven behinds in the opening two rounds, the dynamic forward booted 14 goals in his next five games to show just how valuable he is.  

But unfortunately, niggling injuries – particularly a hip issue in the second half of the year – ultimately derailed the exciting Bomber by taking away some of his athletic weapons and damaging his ability to have the impact all fans know he is capable of.

KEY STATS

Games: 15

Goals: 20

Average disposals: 11.5

Average marks: 3.1

Average score involvements: 3.3

BEST PERFORMANCE

Fantasia was at his energetic best against the Kangaroos in the Kick for the Kids game on Good Friday, playing a key role in the impressive 58-point victory.

He was on fire early, booting the opening goal of the clash within the first minute of the contest before continuing to lead the way throughout the dominant win. 

He went on to finish the match with 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four inside 50s and nine score involvements including four goals in the dazzling performance in a bold and entertaining display of his talent.

MIGHTY MOMENT 

You wouldn’t want to have to line up on Fantasia when he’s up and about, because when he is ‘on’ he is nearly unstoppable.

That was the case against the Swans in round eight when the dangerous forward – returning from injury – booted four important goals in the narrow loss. 

The third of those was his best in the dying stages of the opening half, when he swooped on a loose ball with a silky one-handed pick up and immediately got the ball onto the outside of his boot under extreme pressure to sneak home a stunning goal.

2020 VISION

After playing a combined 28 games in the last two seasons, Fantasia will be hoping for some luck on the injury front to get back to his best and gain a better opportunity to display his leadership on the field. 

He booted 39 goals from 20 games back in 2017, so if he can stay fit next year and recapture his best form then there is no limit to what the brilliant Don can do.