ADELAIDE
Players: Ben Dowdell, Kyle Hartigan, Tim Klaosen, Rory Laird, Timothy McIntyre, Dylan Orval, Jack Osborn
Status: With 40 senior-listed players all fit and fighting for selection, the Crows won't elevate a rookie prior to round one.
Clubhouse leader: Although McIntyre is the only player on Adelaide's rookie list with AFL games under his belt, former Werribee defender Hartigan would be the first to be elevated. Adelaide has a number of players itching to breaking into its lineup who could step in and play as a midfielder/forward, but its depth in defence isn't as strong. At 194cm and 92kg, Hartigan has the size to match it with big-bodied forwards and the 21-year-old has proven himself as a reliable key defender in the VFL.
BRISBANE LIONS
Players: Callum Bartlett, Jordan Bourke, Justin Clarke, Nick Hayes, Sam Michael, Richie Newell, Stephen Wrigley
Status: The Lions have one spot on their senior list and have indicated they intend elevating a rookie to fill it.
Clubhouse leader: It appears a race in two between key position duo Sam Michael and Justin Clarke. Both have been used extensively during the NAB Cup (although neither in the Grand Final) and have shown they can mix it at top level. Clarke is being groomed as a key position defender, while Michael is versatile but best used as a forward/ruck. The versatility of 199cm Michael should be just enough to get him the nod.
CARLTON
Players: Tom Bell, Jaryd Cachia, Andrew Collins, Ed Curnow, Frazer Dale, Rhys O'Keeffe
Status: The Blues have upgraded Ed Curnow (30 AFL games) and Tom Bell (seven), with the latter replacing Andrew McInnes, who has been placed on the Blues' long-term injury list. Bell appears certain to earn permanent promotion at season's end after signing a two-year deal with an option for a third season.
Clubhouse leader: After Bell and Curnow, it appears an open race that might simply come down to specific needs. Aside from the uncapped Cachia, each has AFL experience. Collins has played 36 games (25 of them at Richmond), O'Keeffe 3 and Dale 2. The player with perhaps the greatest scope for development, and with a touch of X-factor, is 19-year-old Dale, an athletic, versatile type who could eventually fill a variety of roles. Collins was flying but an ankle injury will sideline him for the early rounds.
COLLINGWOOD
Players: Sam Dwyer, Jack Frost, Michael Hartley, Ben Hudson, Kyle Martin, Caolan Mooney, Adam Oxley, Peter Yagmoor, Ben Richmond (Category two)
Status: Collingwood has room to elevate two rookies on to its list next week ahead of the start of the season.
Clubhouse leader: Midfielder Sam Dwyer has enjoyed a fine pre-season and earned praise from coach Nathan Buckley after Friday's practice game against Geelong. "Sam Dwyer's performance and intensity and effort today was indicative of a player who there was no tomorrow for and he was playing for everything," Buckley said of the former Port Melbourne player. Much-travelled Ben Hudson might get the nod for the second elevation as the Pies ensure maximum cover in the ruck. Key defender Jack Frost enjoyed a solid summer and may be considered.
The veteran: At his fourth club, Ben Hudson could find himself a senior-listed understudy to Darren Jolly
ESSENDON
Players: Lauchlan Dalgleish, Cory Dell'Olio, Hal Hunter, Ariel Steinberg
Status: The Bombers aren't in a position to upgrade a player before the season, with a full and fit list of 40 players. Jason Winderlich (groin) is the only player likely to be unavailable for selection when Essendon kicks off its season against Adelaide next week.
Clubhouse leader: Dell'Olio is the only rookie to have had a taste of senior football last year, as well as some NAB Cup action this season. The Bombers like his ability to hit the scoreboard and create opportunities, and he has the knack of chipping in with a goal or two most games he plays. Steinberg became a rookie after falling off the Bombers' primary list at the end of 2012, while the other three are into their second year as rookies, meaning all stand a chance at being elevated if the opportunity arose.
FREMANTLE
Players: Alex Howson, Sam Menegola, Craig Moller, Haiden Schloithe, Matt Taberner
Status: Currently there is no room for Fremantle to promote a rookie. Injured midfielder Anthony Morabito (knee) has not been placed on the long-term injury list, and there is no indication he will be following his recent progress from LARS surgery.
Clubhouse leader: Sam Menegola was Fremantle's leading runner early in the pre-season, returning to the club in top condition and dominating the time trials. He added bulk to his frame and has impressed on the track since. The 21-year-old spent time on Hawthorn's rookie list before arriving at Fremantle for the 2012 season and he showed good improvement with East Fremantle last year, averaging 19 disposals per game.
GEELONG
Players: Ryan Bathie, Mark Blicavs, George Burbury, Cameron Eardley, Jackson Sheringham, Josh Walker
Status: The Cats have three places vacant on their senior list after recently transferring Dawson Simpson (back), Lincoln McCarthy (foot) and Josh Cowan (Achilles) to their rookie list. The situation has added some intensity to Geelong's NAB Cup campaign, as all the club's rookies except Burbury, who has a foot injury, are in the running to gain promotion.
Clubhouse leader: With the club's ruck stocks severely depleted by injuries to Trent West (knee), Hamish McIntosh (knee) and Simpson, both Blicavs and Walker are all but assured of being promoted into the lead-up to Geelong's round one blockbuster against Hawthorn. And either Blicavs or Walker will play against the Hawks. Speedy midfielder Jackson Sheringham is also expected to gain promotion to the senior list prior to round one. Sheringham has been one the Cats' standout performers on the track during the pre-season.
Ready to roll: Jackson Sheringham played senior footy in 2012 and has shown good form in the NAB Cup
GOLD COAST
Players: Andrew Boston, Josh Hall, Leigh Osborne
Status: The Suns have a full list of 42 and will need to reduce even further at season's end. There are no spots available to upgrade rookies.
Clubhouse leader: With Jack Martin unavailable to play until next year, any upgrades would be on an as-needs basis. Boston can cover the midfield, Osborne the defence and Hall the tall forward role.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Players: Joseph Redfern, Zachary Williams
Status: With no one currently on the long-term injury list and just two rookies added to its fledgling roster, it is all about the primary senior list this season for GWS. But James Stewart (back) and Chad Cornes (knee) are sidelined indefinitely and the club will monitor their progress.
Clubhouse leader: Redfern battled some bone bruising early in the pre-season, but has returned to fitness and is developing his game. A member of the Giants academy since 2011, Williams is a talented half-back who impressed at the 2012 under-18 National Championship. Both are some way off a spot in the senior team, but there is reason for optimism. The Giants were happy to play their rookies in 2012, with the likes of Sam Frost and Andrew Phillips getting a chance and since moving on to the senior list this season.
HAWTHORN
Players: Andrew Boseley, Jonathon Ceglar, Amos Frank, Will Langford, Derick Wanganeen
Status: The Hawks have a full senior roster of 40, but knee injuries to Alex Woodward and Matt Suckling mean coach Alastair Clarkson will have scope to promote a rookie if he wants to, by putting one or both on the long-term injury list.
Clubhouse leader: Small forward Wanganeen showed some promising signs during the NAB Cup and, in his third year on the rookie list, will be desperate for an opportunity. He's no certainty to get one though, unless injuries strike those ahead of him.
MELBOURNE
Players: Mitch Clisby, Tom Couch, James Magner, Nathan Stark
Status: Melbourne indicated it was open to elevating a rookie before the opening round when it put ruckman Max Gawn on the long-term injury list recently. That leaves the door open for one player to be elevated.
Clubhouse leader: James Magner is the most likely candidate for elevation. Magner was among the Demons best against Port Adelaide at Renmark in the second round of the NAB Cup and started the season in fine style in 2012. As an in-and-under player, his selection will depend on the balance of the team. Couch is a similar player to Magner while Stark has had a few niggling injuries. With the Demons up against Port Adelaide in round one, Magner has the runs on the board.
The man most likely: James Magner is seen as the front-runner to be elevated onto Melbourne's senior list
NORTH MELBOURNE
Players: Tim McGenniss, Cameron Richardson, Ben Speight, Eric Wallace, Max Warren
Status: With a full senior list of 40 and no long-term injuries, North cannot elevate a rookie ahead of round one.
Clubhouse leader: After their good run with injury in 2012, the Roos will enter this season in similar good health, making it unlikely their rookies will get a look in early in the year, especially given none were selected in the NAB Cup. Later in the season, Ben Speight could be best placed to force his way back onto North's senior list if he can regain his 2011 form.
PORT ADELAIDE
Players: Danny Butcher, Justin Hoskin, Kane Mitchell, Darren Pfeiffer
Status: The Power will look to nominate one of their rookies to cover the loss of Nick Salter, who was placed on the long-term injury list in February because of stress fractures in his foot.
Clubhouse leader: While coach Ken Hinkley has refused to lock it in, Western Australian recruit Kane Mitchell looks to have won the race to elevation. While Darren Pfeiffer was serviceable last season, Mitchell has enjoyed a bumper pre-season at Alberton and impressed with his running capacity and speed. He booted two goals in quick succession on Saturday night and, while his disposal efficiency still needs work, he's had no problem finding plenty of the ball at AFL level.
RICHMOND
Players: Ben Darrou, Sam Lonergan, Ricky Petterd, Orren Stephenson, Steven Verrier, Cadeyn Williams
Status: The Tigers can elevate through the nominated rookie rule. They don't have any long-term injuries - although Nathan Foley remains a bit of an unknown - so at this stage they will have to use the rule if they want to elevate.
Clubhouse leader: Petterd, Stephenson and Lonergan have played the most with Petterd the most notable in a new role at half-back. The decision to elevate will come down to what the Tigers think they need more; Petterd's work in a position he played in as a junior that could release Chris Newman up the ground, Stephenson as a back-up in case Ivan Maric gets hurt or Lonergan on the inside in the event Foley is out for n extended period. Petterd is probably leading.
Midfield cover: Former Bomber Sam Lonergan is ready to step in should the Tigers come calling
ST KILDA
Players: Tom Curren, Jackson Ferguson, Darren Minchington, Cameron Shenton, Jordan Staley
Status: The Saints have 40 on their list so can't elevate under the nominated rookie rule but they do have a long-term injury that could allow promotion. Second-year forward Daniel Markworth will miss most of the season after having a knee reconstruction in December.
Clubhouse leader: Like the Tigers, it will come down to where a player is needed. It's probably out of Ferguson and Curren – if they choose to elevate at all - with the former a key defensive option and the latter a small forward/midfielder. Given the Saints' plethora of forward options and need for defenders, it seems logical to suggest Ferguson is in the box seat.
SYDNEY SWANS
Players: Shane Biggs, Brandon Jack, Jake Lloyd, Sam Naismith, Dane Rampe, Xavier Richards, Daniel Robinson
Status: With Gary Rohan (leg) and Alex Johnson (knee) both placed on the long-term injury list in recent weeks, there are opportunities for the Swans' rookies to push their claims for promotion. Coach John Longmire has shown in the past he is prepared to give players a chance if they do everything asked of them.
Clubhouse leader: Three rookies are pushing each other for a spot on the senior list. Jack, younger brother of Kieren, showed some reasonable signs in the NAB Cup, although he needs to put on some weight. Lloyd has been a pleasant surprise and is an intelligent, compact midfielder who is ahead of schedule. But the clear frontrunner is Rampe. He retained his hunger after two ultimately futile pre-seasons training with the Western Bulldogs to finally fight his way onto an AFL list in his home city. The 22-year-old defender will get the nod if the Swans decide to promote someone to the senior list.
WEST COAST
Players: Jamie Bennell, Jeremy McGovern, Callum Sinclair, Simon Tunbridge
Status: The Eagles have placed forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring) on the long-term injury list, opening up room for a rookie elevation early in the season. However, the club has indicated it won't promote a rookie immediately.
Clubhouse leader: Callum Sinclair has impressed through the NAB Cup, both in the forward line and in the ruck. Given Nic Naitanui (groin) has been ruled out for the opening round, he could come into contention as a back-up ruck option. The 23-year-old moved from Port Melbourne to WAFL club Subiaco last season, averaging 15 disposals and eight hit-outs in 16 games. Mixing his time between the ruck and forward line, he also booted 24 goals in an impressive season.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Players: Mark Austin, Brett Goodes, Alex Greenwood, Lin Jong, Jack Redpath
Status: Can elevate one rookie before Round 1, with 39 players currently on the primary list.
Clubhouse Leader: Brett Goodes has to be the standout so far. The younger brother of Sydney Swans star Adam, the left-footer has already impressed during the pre-season. He comes with solid credentials, having come within 2 points of winning the 2008 Liston Trophy in the VFL, and he has premiership experience, after winning back-to-back flags with North Ballarat in the VFL.
Jack Redpath could also be given a go, given the Dogs need for a key forward. He kicked 13 goals in 12 VFL games last season, and his powerful build will hold him in good stead.
Impressive: Brett Goodes, pictured with brother Adam, found enough of the footy during the NAB Cup to suggest he can make it at AFL level after an impressive VFL career
