| JOE DANIHER | SAM MAYES | |
| Fantasy position | Forward | Midfielder |
| 2013 price | $143,200 | $152,200 |
| Age | 18 | 18 |
| X-factor, Rising Star or Mr Reliable? | X-factor. A 201cm forward/ruckman with remarkable mobility for his size, you can expect a few breakout scores to boost your AFL Fantasy numbers alongside the inevitable quiet games for a first year tall. | Rising Star. The country boy from Port Pirie in South Australia has earned praise from his coaches as an accomplished competitor with a fine temperament. He's had two years of SANFL footy already, winning elite levels of possession for North Adelaide. |
| Value for money | If his body can handle the heat, Daniher is a risk worth taking. Widely regarded as the best player in the 2012 draft, he's $40,000 cheaper than number one pick Lachie Whitfield. | A real bargain if he grabs his senior opportunities early in the season. The Lions have promised he'll get plenty of time in the engine room. |
| Job security | Daniher's workload will be managed strategically and on a no-risk basis but he's in the mix for a round one debut. If Scott Gumbleton has his usual run with injuries, Hird won't hold back giving his prize draft pick plenty of game time. | Likely to debut in round one against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium and the rest will be up to him. |
| Injury history | Missed the 2011 season with a knee injury and a growth plate issue in his lower back that caused hamstring problems. Watch his NAB Cup closely. | Nothing yet - touch wood. |
| The case for | Capable of kicking bags of goals in a variety of ways and he may even get a stint in the ruck this year where the AFL Fantasy points could flow. | Likely to see more of the ball than Daniher, so is a slight favourite in this contest, as their respective prices suggest. Already comfortable and durable against big bodies, is a terrific kick, and hasn’t had any serious injury issues. |
| The case against | There are question marks over his durability and the history of dominant first year full forwards in AFL Fantasy is almost non-existent. Kicking for goal has proven patchy in his junior career. | The Lions boast a number of young forward/midfield options, so he will face stiff opposition from a few teammates for a spot in the Lions' best 22. |
The verdict | Daniher is the standout long-term prospect but this season Mayes might be given more opportunities at senior level in a role more conducive to big AFL Fantasy scores. | |
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