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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 veterans with plenty of experience and runs on the board as far as Fantasy scoring is concerned. They come with a decent price tag – will you back their Fantasy form to run into another season?

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 		PAUL CHAPMAN (ESSENDON)
 		BRENT HARVEY (NORTH MELBOURNE)
 
Fantasy positionMidfielderForward/midfielder
2015 starting price$520,000$565,000
Price change from start of 2014+$116,200+$61,870
2014 average91.899.7
2014 high score134144
Currently owned by (% of coaches)0.88%3.31%
Age3336
Key Fantasy stat
 		Chapman was ranked second at Essendon in scoreboard impact last year but was the second-most benched player at the club. He played 20 games in his first year as a Bomber and averaged the most Champion Data ranking points per 100 minutes of any general forward who played at least three games.In 2014, 'Boomer' ranked above average for disposals, and elite for uncontested possessions, score assists and score involvements per game. He also averaged the second-most disposals per match of his career and his highest Fantasy score average of the past five seasons. 
Value for money
 		A high price tag for a player of his age but his average last year commanded a decent figure. Still, you've got to take into account his hamstring history and age – his body was fine last year but he managed just eight games in 2013.A player of his proven consistency is going to cost you and it's no exception in this case. Still, he's not among the super-expensive midfielders and comes with the added bonus of being a dual position player, so he's priced quite nicely.
Job security

 		It depends – if his body holds up, he'll play most games. And, you've got to take into account that if a bunch of Bombers are suspended as part of the ASADA situation, he'll probably play more than that.Fair to say you can rely on his body   holding up based on previous seasons. He's one of the more durable players but has missed nine games through suspension since the start of the 2013 season. 
Where he'll play
 		Predominantly in the forward line, where he spent 72 per cent of his time last year, up from the 42 per cent he racked up in the area the season before. He'll aim to continue to be a presence for the Bombers around goal after kicking 22 in 2014.High half-forward and through the midfield, where he loves to take on the opposition and go for a run – and based on last year, he's shown no signs of slowing down. Will also continue to kick goals after nailing 29 last season.
Injury concerns
 

Had well publicised hamstring problems in his final year at Geelong, which contributed to why the Cats weren't prepared to offer him another contract. But his body was managed well last season and he didn't suffer a similar fate. Still, at his age, soft tissue injuries are always a concern and he struggled to recover in 2013.

None, remarkably for a player of his age. Can put his durability and longevity down to his intense dedication to his preparation and recovery. Also doesn't have the history of soft tissue injuries a lot of other older players do.
The case for
 		Could play more than expected, given the immediate playing fate of a number of Bombers remains uncertain. Had a decent average last year and played more games than expected. Has also just been added to the leadership group so the Bombers are clearly counting on tapping into his experience often this season.Consistent, durable, kicks goals and wins the ball. His Fantasy average has grown over the past three seasons and there's been nothing to suggest over the summer his figures from 2014 won't at least stay around the same mark. You can also bounce him between your forward line and midfield when required.
The case against
 

He's the seventh oldest player in the League, which always concerns. He's also likely to be rested late in the season if the Bombers are headed for September, which could see him unavailable for a Fantasy final. And of course, you need to be mindful that while his body stood up last season, it didn't in 2013. 

Is prone to the occasional suspension and is the second oldest player in the League, behind Dustin Fletcher. There's nothing at this stage to suggest he's slowing up but it can happen fast and unexpectedly – and there are younger options like Kieren Jack, Tom Liberatore, Callan Ward and Dion Prestia priced around his mark.
The verdictBrent Harvey: While Chapman will play often and has proven he can score well, Harvey just has more runs on the board in the Fantasy stakes. There's no real evidence of him slowing down or losing his consistency, and with the Kangaroos set to press for a finals berth again, Boomer is sure to be an influential part of that.