IN A new series of columns leading up to the launch of NAB AFL Fantasy at the end of January, we run the rule over two similar AFL Fantasy players and decide which one is worth the precious room in your salary cap.
| PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide)
| DUSTIN MARTIN (Richmond) |
Fantasy position
| Forward/Midfielder
| Forward/Midfielder |
2014 price
| $534,700
| $526,000 |
Price change from 2013
| +$92,500
| +$105,300 |
2013 average
| 98.65 | 97.05 |
2013 high score
| 145
| 144 |
Age
| 23
| 22 |
Key Fantasy stat
| Dangerfield is a dynamic fantasy point scorer, topping the 100 mark on eight occasions in 2013. Importantly, he doesn't have to gather a lot of possessions to be damaging. The star Crow had 30 or more possessions just twice last season, yet still filled out the stat sheet in other areas. | When Martin scores in the 100s, he turns them in to big hundreds. He had four scores above 120 in 2013, including two scores of 144. That also included 10 scores above 100, equal to – if not better than – many star midfielders in the competition. |
Value for money
| At 23, Dangerfield is just about the most destructive midfielder in the game. He wins his fair share of hard ball on the inside of the contest, coupled with a special ability to finish his work when bolting away from the contest. Not having hit his peak yet, it's scary to think there is more improvement to come. | Martin is a homerun hitter. Unfortunately he also has his fair share of foul balls too. When on song, he can match it with anyone in the competition. However, a season-low score of just 28 is difficult to comprehend for a player of his talent. You've got to be prepared to take the good with the bad with Martin. |
Job security
| A crowd favourite and an absolute jet of the competition – Dangerfield is going nowhere.
| Despite all but walking out on the Tigers during the off-season, Martin was runner-up in the club's best and fairest award and is now a star in the making (if not already). |
Where he'll play
| Dangerfield has developed the endurance base to run through the midfield for the whole game, which is where he inflicts most of his damage. His instincts to break free of a contest are almost unmatched. As in previous years, Dangerfield will take his turn to play up forward. He might play there more so this season with the introduction of the interchange cap. The star Crow is a weapon regardless of where he plays. | Martin has worked hard to improve his aerobic ability during his time with the Tigers, so that he can sustain his efforts over four quarters through the midfield. Nevertheless, he is just as dangerous when pushing forward as well. The Tigers do their best to isolate him inside forward 50 with his opponent, where he is nearly unbeatable in one-on-one exchanges. |
Injury concerns
| A painful shoulder injury was a real concern for Dangerfield in 2013. But he fought through it and has given his shoulder adequate time to heal. | Martin has steered clear of any significant injuries in his short career thus far. |
The case for
| Unleashing him in the midfield or allowing him to create havoc up forward, Dangerfield is the complete player. He carries the lines like not many others and still has time to burrow in and win his own football. He kicks goals through the midfield and sets his teammates up further afield. Displaying his versatility, coaches can pick him as a midfielder or forward. Brenton Sanderson surely wishes he had two Patrick Dangerfields in his team. | Martin has all the skills required to become one of the most lethal Fantasy products in the competition. He bullocks through traffic, kicks the ball a lot and receives the ball frequently from teammates. He has the ability to play up forward and through the midfield, where he is not afraid of taking pot shots for goal. When he's in the groove, he's nearly unstoppable. |
The case against
| This is being nit-picky, but Dangerfield is still prone to the odd indifferent game. A season low of 51 points against Essendon in round one and four scores below 80 proves that. Again, it's nit-picking. | Inconsistent play has been a little concerning for Martin admirers. He can go missing through games, at times, which limits his fantasy production. Martin can score big points one week and then have a stinker the next. Thankfully, those performances are starting to level out.
|
Patrick Dangerfield gets the nod – but only just. No question, Martin could become the best fantasy player in the AFL. But he is not there quite yet. Dangerfield is marginally more consistent and has proven to be one of the top midfielders in AFL Fantasy. Still, there's no harm in having them both in your team.
