| SAM DOCHERTY | SAM COLQUHOUN | |
| Fantasy position | Defender | Defender |
| 2013 price | $108,500 | $102,700 |
| Age | 19 | 18 |
| X-factor, Rising Star or Mr Reliable? | X-factor. It looks likely that once he's given a chance by the Lions, Docherty will impress with elite skills and reward brave AFL Fantasy coaches with some decent scores. He was on the verge of an AFL debut last year and will certainly get the chance in 2013. | Rising Star. The 18-year-old won't walk into the Power's lineup despite averaging 28 disposals a game off half back at the 2012 under-18 championships. However he has a proven knack of finding plenty of the footy and could develop into an elite AFL Fantasy prospect in the next few years. |
| Value for money | Docherty's price way is extremely tempting for a player with 15 games of NEAFL experience in 2012. He's has a strong pre-season and if he can secure is spot in Brisbane's cramped half-backline, the no. 12 pick at the 2011 draft could prove an inspired AFL Fantasy selection. | As one of the cheapest defenders available, Colquhoun could reward the savvy AFL Fantasy coach. Surprisingly overlooked at the national draft after being named All Australian and South Australia's MVP at the 2012 under-18 championships, he is already an elite ball-winner and the Power were delighted to pick him up in the pre-season draft. |
| Job security | The 19-year-old was close to gaining senior selection towards the end of 2012. He looks over his initial injury concerns and NAB Cup form will dictate whether he's named for round one as a possible replacement to the retired Josh Drummond. | Colquhoun has only recently turned 18 and will require time to physically mature as well as develop the fitness base needed to run games out. He might make his AFL debut in 2013, but don't count on him cementing his spot, even with the Power's keenness to blood youngsters. |
| Where he'll play | Docherty uses the ball extremely well off half back and is blessed with an exceptional kick. Likened to teammate Jed Adcock, he'll be hoping to snare a spot on a half-back flank. | He's spent most of his career to date mopping up off half back and it superbly. If he's to play AFL football this year, it's likely to be as a running defender. |
| Injury history | Selected by the Lions at the 2011 national draft, Docherty immediately required surgery on his hip but managed 15 productive NEAFL games last season and has looked the goods over this pre-season. | Despite his slight frame, Coquhoun has managed to escape any serious injuries to this point. |
| The case for | Docherty is a class act whose body hasn't allowed him to prove it. On the cusp of senior selection in 2012, he'll get chances early this year for the Lions as a playmaker and his NEAFL form has shown he can be trusted with the ball. | Colquhoun's compelling case for your team comes from the 2012 under-18 championships where he was the number one disposal winner and also ranked number one for effective kicks, uncontested possessions and handball receives. In AFL Fantasy terms, you don't need to hear much more. |
| The case against | Hamstring, back and hip issues have hindered Docherty to this point, but he's looked solid over the summer. Will the Lions back him in this year? | His role as a loose player in defence for much of the under-18 championships partly explaining his impressive statistics. Questions over his accountability were behind his original draft snub. Does Ken Hinkley want a rugged defender or is he happy to replace Danyle Pearce with another accumulator? |
The verdict | On the verge of playing consistent senior football, Docherty is far more likely to offer you bang for your AFL Fantasy buck. Colquhoun is certainly a player to keep an eye on but, at this stage, you'd be better off spending money on a safe bet. | |
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