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THE NAB AFL Fantasy season is well underway. We're kicking off our new series of Fantasy Face-offs, pitting two similar players against each other to see which one should force their way into your squad.

Today, it's two super-cheap ruckmen, who both missed large chunks of 2014 but are approaching the NAB Challenge in great condition and with a point to prove.

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 		MATTHEW KREUZER (Carlton)
 		MATTHEW LEUENBERGER (Bris. Lions)
 
Fantasy positionRuckmanRuckman
2015 starting price$244,000$277,000
Price change from start of 2014-$225,000-$184,500
2014 average59.057.6
2014 high score5985
Currently owned by (% of coaches)47.85%38.79%
Age2526
Key Fantasy stat
 		Kreuzer has played 20 games just once in the last five years and even when ensconced as the Blues' No.1 ruckman hasn't averaged over 87 in any season.In 2011, Leuenberger averaged 92.8 Fantasy points – only three ruckmen bettered that number last year (one of them, his teammate Stefan Martin).
Value for money
 		Not far from unmatched in the ruck department. This is the kind of cash you could throw at a bench player if you feel like investing in premium ruckmen and keeping Kreuzer safe on the pine for a few rounds.Strong, given he’s still notionally the top ruckman in a team whose midfield went from boiled lollies to chocolates over the summer.
Job security

 		He’s up against Robbie Warnock and Cameron Wood. Enough said.
 		Less than in past years with 2014’s ultimate Fantasy bolter, Stefan Martin, showing he just loves to ruck solo. Still, there should be room for both of them with Trent West the only other genuine ruck option.
Where he'll play
 		Likely to get some forward minutes in the early rounds as the Blues ease him back, but he’s 25 years old, and if Mick’s going to get some serious production out of a No.1 draft pick, this is the year.An old-style tap ruckman, Leuey will spend plenty of time on the ball if fit with the odd rest up forward.
Injury concerns
 		Kreuzer’s recovery from a broken foot that limited him to just one game last year appears complete, and the Blues haven’t been shy in talking him up over the pre-season. Fit, firing and ready to play from round one.The Lions are comfortable Leuenberger is back to full fitness after a 2014 season ruined by a meniscus injury. He’s been eased carefully through the pre-season but should get plenty of work in the practice matches and NAB Challenge.
The case for
 		Nearly 50% of Fantasy coaches have already picked him, his 2013 Fantasy numbers were trending up nicely and when resting forward he can kick bags of goals. Very few No.1 draft picks have this kind of bargain price tag against their name when they reach their mid-20s.If you buy into the Lions being the off-season’s big winners, Leuenberger appears a monty for selection. He’s a proven stoppage king, and you can see him thriving on balmy Gabba nights with Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen and Tom Rockliff at his feet. At well under $300,000, he’s the definitive bargain if he remains fit.
The case against
 		Apart from an injury recurrence, the Blues may be tempted to keep Kreuzer forward for large chunks of the year, given Jarrad Waite’s departure, and his Fantasy numbers would suffer from there. Malthouse has hinted as much while praising the ruckman’s pre-season work.Leuenberger’s been far from durable over the past three seasons, playing a total of 28 games. Can he and Martin work well in tandem? We’ll need a few NAB Challenge games to get a clearer picture.
The verdictMatthew Kreuzer: There’s a hair’s breadth in it, but the big Blue gets the nod. He’s Carlton’s undisputed ruck king if he can stay on the park, could comfortably average a goal a game and is so affordable he could be a cheap, plastic knock-off. Right now, he’s the second most selected player in Fantasy. The people have spoken.