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| NATHAN FYFE (Fremantle) | TOM ROCKLIFF (Brisbane Lions) | |
| Fantasy position | Midfielder | Midfielder |
| 2014 price | $535,100 | $563,200 |
| Price change from 2013 | +$76,600 | +$81,500 |
| 2013 average | 98 | 103.1 |
| 2013 high score | 131 | 144 |
| Age | 22 | 23 |
| Key Fantasy stat | Fyfe is a big-bodied ball-winner and a proven goalkicker. He booted almost a goal a game in 2013 to go with his 26 possessions a match and will again prove a huge cog in the Fremantle machine. | Prolific when on song, Rockliff amassed more than 30 possessions nine times last year and often complimented those performances with a good number of marks and tackles. |
| Value for money | A stellar 2013 has seen a jump in price, but he's only 22 and you'd expect big development as he gains experience. He's at the low end of the $500k mark and, given any improvement should bump his average above 100 points a game, that's good value. | After a career-best season that saw him poll 21 Brownlow Medal votes, it's little surprise Rockliff's price rose along with his reputation. But as one of the costliest players in the competition, it could be a case of high risk, high reward. |
| Job security | As Fremantle's reigning best and fairest and an AFL elite, security isn't an issue for Fyfe. | The Lions would want 'Rocky' on the field as much as possible. |
| Where he'll play | Like so many midfielders, the interchange cap could see Fyfe rested forward, although the bulk of his possessions will still be won through the midfield. He takes a strong mark in attack and has the size to pose an issue for smaller defenders, so even time spent out of the midfield will still bear Dream Team fruit. | He plays his best footy in the Lions midfield and that's where he's at his most prolific from a Fantasy point of view. But his scoring often drops off when pushed forward, a likely move throughout 2014. If the Lions can, it will keep him in the engine room for as long as possible, but he will likely be needed in attack at times. |
| Injury concerns | Has suffered shoulder issues in the past, most notably in 2012, but played 22 games last year. | A very durable player who has managed at least 20 games in each of the past three seasons. |
| The case for | It's remarkable to think Fyfe is still just 22 years old. He's at the age and experience bracket (72 games) where he could really increase his output – a scary thought considering his form over the past few years. He cracked 100 points 10 times last year and failed to dip below 75. If he improves his consistency as expected, expect him to post at least 15 sores of 100 or more. | At his best, Rockliff is a Dream Team force to be reckoned with. When played predominantly through the midfield he plays as if with the ball on a string – regularly chalking up scores of 110-plus. His 2013-best score of 144 was supported with five others of at least 120. The bottom line is simple, when Rockliff has a good day he usually enjoys a huge day. |
| The case against | Fyfe failed to reach 90 eight times last season and was restrained when checked closely. At his pricing, eight scores of below 90 won't cut it. | If the Lions struggle in attack this year and send Rockliff forward his scoring might take a hit. While capable of averaging at least 110 as a pure midfielder, time spent forward saw him dip below 70 twice and 90 eight times. |
| The verdict | Nat Fyfe. After his potential Brownlow Medal-winning 2012 season was ruined with injury, Fyfe set a wonderful foundation last year to again reach dizzying heights. He's at the age and experience where you'd expect noticeable development in his game and maturity which means only one thing for prospective Dream Team owners – bulk points. | |
