| STEVE JOHNSON | MATTHEW PAVLICH | |
| Fantasy position | Forward/midfielder | Forward |
| 2013 price | $501,700 | $489,400 |
| 2012 average | 97 | 95 |
| 2012 high score | 163 | 144 |
| Age | 29 | 31 |
| X-factor, Rising Star or Mr Reliable? | X-factor. Johnson has been a Fantasy favourite for the past six years with his ability to notch the occasional massive score from the forward line. He can fluctuate weekly more than other premium options, but his yearly averages have consistently been in the mid to high 90s. | Mr Reliable. One of the game's premium forwards, it has been eight years since Pavlich had a season average under 90 in Fantasy points. The veteran is an inspiring on-field leader and always injects himself into the play. |
| Value for money | Despite spending more time in the midfield, Johnson's average dropped from 107 in 2011 to 97 last season. He notched big scores in the run to the finals, however, so if he can start the new season in that form then the case for his slight price increase is justified. | Pavlich played 21 regular season games in 2012 and challenged for the Coleman Medal, so there's very little value here after a near faultless year. |
| Job security | Johnson will miss the Cats' round one blockbuster against Hawthorn because of suspension. He'll resume his key role in round two. | Pavlich is back in full training after recovering from a back injury and the only thing that shortened his NAB Cup run was the birth of his first child. No doubt for round one. |
| Where he'll play | Johnson is available as both a forward and a midfielder after spending significant time up the ground in 2012. He was successful in the role, so expect the mercurial goalkicker to again be used where the Cats most need him. | After moving into the midfield in 2011, Pavlich returned to attack in 2012 and he will be Freo's primary forward target again this season. |
| Injury history | Johnson missed just one game because of injury in 2012. His ability to play through injury was proven in the 2011 Grand Final when he kicked four goals despite playing with a knee injury. | Pavlich had Achilles tendon and hip surgery at the end of last season and then underwent back surgery in late November. The skipper trained predominantly on his own through January and February but he is now with the main group and at full fitness. |
| The case for | You simply cannot afford to be without Johnson when he hits Fantasy form. His big scores (163, 150, 148, 137 and 134 last season) can be the difference between winning and losing. Will be heavily relied on by a Geelong team looking to blood more young players. | An exceptional run of form between rounds 11 and 19 last season saw Pavlich notch six 100-plus scores in eight games as Fremantle went on a winning run. The club has a midfield that should supply the team's spearhead with even more opportunities. |
| The case against | Johnson will miss round one after an undisciplined hit on Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne. The Norm Smith medallist is regularly scrutinized by the Match Review Panel, which is a worry. | It hasn't been an ideal pre-season for Pavlich, who will have four weeks of full training ahead of round one. When spending big money on premium players you want to know they're ready to deliver. |
The verdict | Yet to hit 30 and with the prospect of more midfield time, Johnson is likely to hold his average of 97 with good prospects of lifting it. Dual position eligibility sweetens the deal. | |
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