PATRICK KARNEZIS

(Collingwood)

JACKSON PAINE

(Brisbane Lions)

Fantasy position

Forware/midfielder

Forward

2014 price

$212,700

$180,200

Price change from 2013

-$24,000

-$64,500

2013 average

39.24

N/A

2013 high score

74

N/A 

Age

21 

20

Key Fantasy stat

The former Brisbane Lions forward turned out in just three games in the AFL in 2013, yet still managed scores of 66, 9 and 74. He was a dominant force in the NEAFL competition, collecting possessions at will through the midfield for the Lions' reserves.

Paine could not break into Collingwood's line-up at all last season, despite some promising performances for the Magpies' VFL side. Part of that was due to a lack of opportunity, with Travis Cloke and Quinten Lynch commanding the key posts in the team's forward line. He makes the move to Brisbane with a chance to revive his career. 

Value for money

Karnezis comes to Collingwood as a player with a point to prove. He was unable to cement a place in the Lions' team last season after showing some positive signs in his first couple of years. He will be keen to work his way in to Collingwood's best 22 and at $212,700 there is definite value there.

Paine's value is unknown, just because he hasn't played a lot of AFL football. He is no certainty to cement a place in Justin Leppitsch's preferred 22, so it's difficult to pick him in your side with no guarantees. If he does play, his price tag is appealing.

Job security

Karnezis is no certainty to earn a place in Nathan Buckley's team and may have to play his way in via the VFL.

Paine is yet to prove that he deserves a spot in the Lions' team and may need to refine his game in the NEAFL before coming in to the senior line-up.

Where he'll play

Karnezis entered the AFL as a lead-up half-forward, but his development of late has come as a midfielder. With the Pies' on-ball unit stocked with talent and experience, the 21-year-old may need to return to a half-forward post. He is clever around goals and presents with purpose when on the lead. 

At 192cm, Paine is a traditional lead-up and, at times, pack-marking forward. Ideally, the Lions would like to play him as a third tall but he has the ability to play second fiddle to Jonathan Brown as well. The 20-year-old has a good set of hands and can reach above his head to haul in some strong grabs. He is also dangerous on the lead, while he generally finishes his work in front of goal.

Injury concerns

Karnezis has been relatively injury-free during his AFL career.

Paine had major shoulder surgery ahead of the 2013 season, but appeared to return in good shape in the VFL last year.

The case for

The Pies believe they have struck gold in the acquisition of Karnezis, with the club confident he will develop in to a first-choice midfielder in a couple of years. At 21, Karnezis is ready to play straight away and will push hard for a senior spot. Despite not breaking into the Lions' side much last season, Karnezis' NEAFL form was stellar with a number of 30-plus possession games proving his talent level. The feeling is that he may find himself in Collingwood's round one team.

The Lions are crying out for a forward to back up veteran Brown, so the opportunity is there. He is still only young and there is plenty of development left in his game. He enjoys the competitive aspect of the game and will not be afraid of going for his marks. If that's the case, Paine could prove to be a valuable target for the Lions.

The case against

You just can't be sure whether Karnezis is in the Pies' best 22. Some key departures open the door, but the club is relatively settled under Buckley. He played just three senior games in 2013 and, at this stage he's no certainty of matching that this season. 

There's just no certainty that he will earn a guernsey in the AFL team. The challenge is there in front of him.

The verdict

Karnezis, hands down. The new Pie is more likely to earn you more fantasy points, as he has the ability to roam up the ground and find the football that way. Collingwood people are excited by what they have in the former Lion and may be keen to offer him opportunities to fast track his development. However, it's entirely logical to not have either player in your team.