CALLAN WARD | KIEREN JACK | |
Fantasy position | Midfielder | Midfielder |
2013 price | $501,300 | $505,800 |
2012 average | 97.3 | 96.6 |
2012 high score | 136 | 135 |
Age | 22 | 25 |
X-factor, Rising Star or Mr Reliable? | Mr Reliable. Ward is not quite as flashy as his Swans counterpart, but he gives maximum effort in every game and is a worthy GWS co-captain who leads by example. | Mr Reliable. Jack has worked diligently on his game and gradually improved in all areas to become a solid, consistent Fantasy option with a number of strings to his bow. |
Value for money | Ward is a little pricey, but he is considerably more developed than most of his young GWS midfield compatriots. One of his side's best tacklers and a ball magnet, his Fantasy stocks could soar this season. | Jack only surpassed 100 Dream Team points in nine of his 25 appearances in 2012, making his price a little high. But he was close to All Australian honours last year and is still getting better, so could quickly justify his price tag. |
Job security | In such a young squad, Ward is a walk-up starter every week and will have a big say in the club's fortunes this season. | A premiership player who can play a lock down role and also contributed 27 goals last season, Jack is a valued and integral part of coach John Longmire's line-up. |
Where he'll play | N/A | N/A |
Injury history | Groin issues have been a concern, restricting Ward to just 10 games with the Western Bulldogs in 2010 and forcing him to miss two near the end of last season. Concussions can also be a problem with the way he throws his head over the ball. | An ankle problem in 2011 is the only major issue of his career. Jack has averaged more than 22 games per year in the past five seasons. |
The case for | Ward is a fierce competitor who is desperate to drive the young Giants towards success. He is a man of actions rather than words and leaves everything out on the field in pursuit of victory. | Facing doubts early in his career as the son of a rugby league great, Jack has left all those concerns well in the past. He is a key part of a successful side that should win plenty of games again this year. |
The case against | While they are improving, the Giants are still some way from enjoying regular success. That means there will still be plenty of occasions when Ward and company struggle to control the football. | The Swans have developed such a strong, even engine room that many of their players will take statistics and Fantasy points away from each other. |
The verdict | Jack is the more established option, but considering Ward's age, his slightly cheaper price and his standing in the fledgling GWS line-up, he just gets the nod. |
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