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THE NAB AFL Fantasy season is well underway. We’re kicking off our new series of Fantasy Face-offs, pitting two similar players against each other to see which one should force their way into your squad.
Today, it's two experienced club-hoppers who left their previous homes with a degree of controversy and will be looking to make an impact as a key player among their new teammates.
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| DAYNE BEAMS (BRISBANE LIONS) | RYAN GRIFFEN (GWS) | |
| Fantasy position | Midfielder | Midfielder |
| 2015 starting price | $609,000 | $485,000 |
| Price change from start of 2014 | +$110,200 | -$86,800 |
| 2014 average | 107.6 | 85.6 |
| 2014 high score | 136 | 144 |
| Currently owned by (% of coaches) | 14.18% | 10.79% |
| Age | 24 | 28 |
| Key Fantasy stat | Last season, Beams was one of two midfielders in the competition (with Gary Ablett) to rank elite in contested possessions, metres gained and goals per game, and is fourth overall for average Champion Data ranking points per game during the past three seasons. | Griffen rated elite for centre clearances last year with only Andrew Swallow, Jobe Watson, Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Ablett averaging more. |
| Value for money | A big and consistent scorer demands a big price tag and Beams is no exception. Has averaged more than 101 points the past four seasons – even when cut down by injury in 2013. | Could be considered underpriced given his consistency over the past five seasons, and form two years ago when he didn't start the season with a back injury like he did in 2014. |
| Job security | Hasn't been recruited to play in the NEAFL. No concerns here. | Is the blue-chip investment that cost the Giants Tom Boyd. Only his body will stop him playing every week. |
| Where he'll play | A damaging, A-grade midfielder, Beams will collect contested ball as well as breaking out to be involved in scoring chains. After kicking 23 goals last year, the Lions will also look to tap into his ability to get forward and score. | Right in the middle. His work at the centre clearances didn't drop last season despite not getting as much of the ball as he has in the past. The Giants will enjoy using him alongside the likes of Callan Ward and Toby Greene at the bounces. |
| Injury concerns | Played 19 games last year, missing one with a calf and two with a knee. Didn't get going at senior level until round 16 in 2013 because of a quad but wasn't troubled by it last season. No new issues. | Had a debilitating back issue early last year and seemed affected for most of the season but still played 19 games. Has been durable over the last five years and has no fresh concerns. |
| The case for | His numbers since 2011 are strong and he averaged 27 disposals last season. Didn't often get tagged, given the Magpies' other dangerous players, and not only made an impact as a contested ball winning midfielder but also as a forward. Will start the season aged 25 and without any injury concerns. | A fresh start at the club of his choice has given Griffen the foundation to recapture his form of 2013 when he averaged 106 points. It's hard to know how hobbled he was last season with his back, and how much the reported off-field angst with the coach and the burden of captaincy affected him. For his price and at the age of 28, he is certainly worth a look given he's a lock to line up with the young Giants midfielders. |
| The case against | May get more attention from the opposition at the Lions although he does have gun midfielder and Fantasy superstar Tom Rockliff as a teammate, with the new captain sure to attract taggers. But, you can also snare the likes of Brownlow medalist Matt Priddis and Geelong captain Joel Selwood for similar big money, with both settled at their clubs and not having to get used to new teammates and increased attention this season. | Back injuries can be persistent and troublesome – just ask Geelong pair Dawson Simpson and Tom Hawkins. It's hard to say if we've seen the best of Griffen but he certainly didn't get as much of the ball last season as he has previously. He's succeeded in escaping the Melbourne spotlight but will he be able to shelve the League-wide expectation surrounding him after costing the Giants the future focal point of their forward line? |
| The verdict | Ryan Griffen: A tough call given Beams' consistency and proven status as a Fantasy performer but Griffen is just oh-so cheap and begging for a spot in your squad. He's won a best and fairest, finished in the top three of the count in each season for the past five years, and is an elite ball winner at the clearances. Go for the newly motivated 'Griff' and watch his price soar. | |
