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| SHAUN ATLEY (North Melbourne) | JACK NEWNES (St Kilda) | |
| Fantasy position | Defender | Midfielder |
| 2014 price | $365,800 | $323,100 |
| Price change from 2013 | +$34,500 | +$9,700 |
| 2013 average | 67.50 | 59.61 |
| 2013 high score | 90 | 96 |
| Age | 21 | 20 |
| Key Fantasy stat | Somewhat surprisingly, Atley did not score more than 100 points in a game once last season. His highest-score of 90 came in the final round of the season against Collingwood. Further to that, the North youngster had 20 or more touches on just four occasions last season. Nevertheless, the Kangaroos youngster has been steadily building his fantasy resume and looks like one who is set to have a breakout year in 2014. | Newnes is one of a number of Saints the club hopes can lead it into the new frontier. In his second year, Newnes put together a solid season in 2013. His high-score of 96 gave a glimpse of his potential. The 20-year-old came to the Saints with plenty of admirers and he is considered to be one of the Saints that can take the next step this season. |
| Value for money | Atley is one of the brightest young stars in the competition and at $365,800, the North defender looks like super value. His speed has always been a great asset, but over the past few years he has worked hard to better round out his game. Atley looks like one of the best mid-priced fantasy options in the competition. | Rated in the early $300,000 price mark, Newnes could be considered a sleeper when looking for depth through your midfield. He is a talented player, with the skills required to make it at AFL level. His marking above his head is an under appreciated asset and he has shown a willingness to fight hard to win his own ball. |
| Job security | The Roos have invested plenty of time into their first-round pick from the 2010 draft and he is crucial in their hopes of charging up the ladder. | The Saints will be keen to get games into their youngsters and Newnes is very much a part of that group. Look for Newnes to establish himself as a consistent senior footballer in 2014. |
| Where he'll play | Used primarily as an attacking half-back flanker in 2013, Atley is set for more of a midfield role this season. North has earmarked a place through the middle for the speedster and Atley is keen to make his mark there this season. That could mean a big spike in his fantasy numbers. | Although listed as a midfielder, Newnes spent time at half-back and half-forward in 2013. He is considered a utility-type player and the Saints may again look to continue his development in a range of positions. |
| Injury concerns | So early into his career, Atley has thankfully avoided any serious injury. | Newnes underwent shoulder surgery at the end of last season to ensure he would be fit to attack this pre-season. |
| The case for | Heading in to his fourth season, it appears likely that Atley is about to announce himself as one of the year's breakout candidates. An increase in midfield time and another pre-season under the belt will give Atley the chance to cement himself as a relevant fantasy option. | Going into his third season in the league, Newnes shapes as a genuine option to prove himself at AFL level in 2014. Those at the Saints rate him highly and he has shown enough to suggest he has the right stuff to emerge out of the woodwork. He is a polished player, with poise and sharp ball use – while he is not afraid of putting his head over the ball and dishing it out to teammates. |
| The case against | An average of 67.5 points in 2013 just doesn't fly in a competitive game like AFL Fantasy. Atley consistently scored points in the 61-70 point range, but never once reached the 90-point mark. Is a change of position enough to prove that he is consistent enough to earn a place in your team? | You can't rely on Newnes to consistently perform for your team so early in his career. While the opportunity to establish himself in the Saints' best 22 is well within his reach, Newnes will still be prone to the odd quiet game. He is still developing and it may take more time for him to prove his fantasy legitimacy. |
| The verdict | Shaun Atley. Atley has all the makings of being an absolute star in the AFL. He has the endurance base to run all day and importantly is starting to utilise his pace to dart forward and hit the scoreboard. A more midfield-centric role will see his numbers rise drastically this season and he could be one of the competition's top breakout nominations. Newnes is a top emerging talent, but Shaun Atley could prove to be an inspired fantasy pick in 2014. | |
