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AFL Fantasy 2014 launches on January 24
| DALE THOMAS (CARLTON) | MATT SUCKLING (Hawthorn) | |
| Fantasy position | Midfielder | Defender |
| 2014 price | $328,600 | $316,800 |
| Price change from 2013 | -$151,400 | -$111,000 |
| 2013 average | 75.2 | NA |
| 2013 high score | 121 | NA |
| Age | 26 | 25 |
| Key Fantasy stat | Thomas has proven his ability as a prolific ball winner over a number of years, even though he only managed five games in 2013. His tendency to consistently hit the scoreboard was a major part of why he was able to average over 90 Fantasy points in the previous three years, peaking at 102.9 in 2011. | Throughout 2011 and 2012 Hawthorn loved to drive into its forward line via a kick from Suckling. He'd often be spotted up at half back or on the wing and then deliver to the side's forwards with his precision left foot. As an outside user of the ball, his tackle count has always been quite low – his points usually come from possessions and marks. |
| Value for money | If he is truly over his ankle injury, Thomas could be a steal having dropped in price by more than $150k. It's a risky buy though given the uncertainty that surrounds his return to the game but the Blues have backed him in for round one. | Suckling was on track to become one of the most potent defenders in the game in 2013 before his serious knee injury in the pre-season NAB Cup. He's got huge upside for a player priced so low. |
| Job security | Thomas will be keenly watched throughout Carlton's NAB Challenge campaign, but if fit, a player of his capability will certainly play every game. | He faces an important NAB Challenge as he tries to break into a premiership-winning backline. Given the side's success in 2013, there's a chance he'll spend some time in the VFL. |
| Where he'll play | It will be interesting to see where he fits into the Blues' set-up. With his speed and finishing ability, an outside midfield role is likely as are stints in the forward line where Malthouse has used him before. | Suckling's spot is across half-back. His penetrating left foot provedlethal in seasons past and there's no reason to suggestAlastair Clarkson would consider playing him elsewhere. |
| Injury concerns | It's all about that ankle. He trained well this week so current signs are nothing but positive. | Suckling missed the entire 2013 season with a serious knee injury but has moved well throughout Hawthorn's 2014 pre-season. |
| The case for | Fully fit, Thomas has enough talent to become the Blues' best player. He was granted All Australian honours in 2011 and has a proven track record of posting impressive Fantasy scores. His price has dropped into a range that makes him well worth the punt. Should he start the season well, expect it to rise sharply. | Severely underpriced, if Suckling is able to fully recover from his knee reconstruction he'll prove a valuable component of Hawthorn's premiership defence. While not a huge Fantasy scorer in previous years, with the way the Hawks chip the ball around their backline, there are cheap points there for him. |
| The case against | Although the Blues are confident he'll play round one there's no guarantee Thomas will be the player he was prior to the ankle injury. Playing for a new side in 2014 presents its own challenge for the talented midfielder and there are significant hurdles in his path, not least a clear run through the NAB Challenge. | There's real uncertainty surrounding any player returning from a serious knee injury. After the Hawks managed to claim last year's premiership, there are players who started the pre-season ahead of him in the pecking order. Can he do enough before round one to reclaim his starting position? |
| The verdict | Dale Thomas - At his best, Thomas is the better player and at his current price is worth a risk. Watch him in Carlton's pre-season games, but if his ankle seems sound, hop aboard. He kicks goals and has the speed and experience to find plenty of the ball and deliver massive Fantasy numbers. | |
