| NIC NAITANUI | SAM JACOBS | |
| Fantasy position | Forward/Ruckman | Ruckman |
| 2013 price | $442,800 | $449,900 |
| 2012 average | 85.95 | 87.33 |
| 2012 high score | 136 | 122 |
| Age | 22 | 24 |
| X-factor, Rising Star or Mr Reliable? | Rising Star. The sky is the limit for last year's All Australian ruckman, however, he is still prone to the occasional low-possession game. A much steadier scorer in 2012, coaches will need to brace for frustrating weeks when his impact doesn't equate to a strong fantasy score. | Mr Reliable. Jacobs only shot to prominence last season, but he already fits into the category of a 'safe' pick in 2013. Will deliver consistent and solid scores, based on high hit-out numbers. |
| Value for money | There could be value in Naitanui, given he is expected to continue improving. Could take more ruck time off Dean Cox, lifting his scores. | You'll get what you pay for here. Jacobs played 21 games in 2012, so his price is an accurate reflection of his expected output this year. |
| Job security | A vital part of West Coast's stoppage set-ups and guaranteed selection when fit. Concern that he may be kept in cotton wool during early rounds as he recovers from groin surgery. | Clearly the club's No.1 ruckman and with no injury concerns ahead of round one. Angus Graham was recruited from Richmond as insurance, which could provide healthy competition. |
| Where he'll play | Naitanui and Cox made an art of rotating between the ruck and forward line last season, making both dual position players in 2013. The balance of ruck responsibility might fall in Naitanui's favour this season. | A pure ruckman, Jacobs will accumulate the majority of his points winning ruck taps and providing an option around the ground. Hasn't been a strong option when pushing forward. |
| Injury history | Naitanui won't play in the NAB Cup and is in doubt for round one following groin surgery in November. His progress has been slow, but the ruckman is now running and doing skills work. | Troubled by a foot injury in 2009 and a knee problem late in 2010, Jacobs only interruption since joining the Crows for the 2011 season was a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games in his first season at the club. |
| The case for | A rare talent who has shown the ability to dominate periods of games, you don't want to be left behind if Naitanui explodes this season. The risk is minimal because he is a young and improving player. It would be a shock if Naitanui went backwards in 2013. | Jacobs spends long periods in the ruck with minimal support, giving coaches certainty about his role and his expected output. There won't be many surprises with "Big Sauce", which can be a good thing. |
| The case against | Naitanui's limited pre-season is a concern. There is a risk he won't be playing from round one, and he might take time to start scoring consistently high when he is available. | While he was consistently scoring close to his average of 87.3 last season, Jacobs only notched four 100-plus scores. |
The verdict | Jacobs is a better option from round one, given his clean bill of health. He won't be as exciting to watch, but his certainty will be an asset. | |
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