Forward thinking: part one - Adelaide to Greater Western Sydney
Case for the defence - Adelaide to Greater Western Sydney
Case for the defence - Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
HAWTHORN
Luke Breust: Sent a scare through the camp when he landed awkwardly on his knee during match simulation last month, but escaped damage and has played both NAB Challenge games so far. The sharpshooter is aiming to build midfield minutes and leadership skills after making remarkable improvements to his goalkicking last year.
Sam Grimley: After being delisted and redrafted as a rookie, 2015 shapes as a crucial year for the developing big man entering his last year of his contract. Tied for VFL goalkicking last year but failed to play a senior game. Needs to grab any chances that come his way.
Jack Gunston: Versatile and athletic forward who can be used through the middle and down back, Gunston is quickly becoming one of Hawthorn's most valuable players. Booted 58 majors in Hawthorn's first year without Lance Franklin and at 23 years of age his best should still be to come.
Lachlan Langford: Arrived at Waverley hampered by stress fractures in his back but has steadily built his strength and fitness over the summer. Often seen running laps at training and will be given as much time as he needs to develop as a marking option across half-forward.
Jermaine Miller-Lewis: Missed all last season due to shin and ankle problems but has taken good strides at Hawthorn and looked lively in the NAB Challenge opener with nine possessions. Longer-term prospect who will most likely spend the year in the VFL.
Tim O'Brien: The subject of much interest for Hawks fans as the next key forward coming through. O'Brien has bulked-up in a bid to match it with the AFL's monster defenders, but wants to maintain his athleticism and ability to push up the ground. Will be keen to add to his four games from last year.
Paul Puopolo: Tenacious defensive forward battled a corked thigh prior to Christmas but is otherwise fighting fit. Recently extended his contract until end of 2017 and his underrated pressure acts make him a key cog in the Hawks' structure.
Cyril Rioli: Pushed harder than ever with hill sprints and intense blocks of sprint work over summer to overload his dodgy hamstrings. The Hawks have delved into all areas for solutions to his wretched injury history and hope they have found the answer to keep the star on the park.
Jarryd Roughead: A slight strain last month was just a small hiccup in Roughead's preparations. Has been used to devastating effect at centre bounces, but as arguably Hawthorn's most important player the spearhead and ever-improving leader is much more valuable closer to goals.
Ryan Schoenmakers: Made the brave call to fight for his spot at the Hawks rather than seek a new home during last year's NAB AFL Trade Period and remains a valuable back-up at both ends. Was used mainly in defence in 2014, but has also been re-programmed as a forward over summer.
James Sicily: Confident half-forward with a high leap, strong mark and booming kick. Spent the entire 2014 campaign developing in the VFL but with another year of conditioning in the gym and on the track he appears a likely debutant next season.
Shem-Kalvin Tatupu: Hulking New Zealander still learning the ropes. Tatupu played all of last year in the VFL's Development League, where he showed a good pair of hands in attack and in the ruck. Hoping to step up for Box Hill's seniors next season.
Zac Webster: Pacy small forward who was elevated to the senior list at the end of last season after 12 VFL matches. Impressed with his intensity at match simulation over summer and can also run through midfield.
Dallas Willsmore: A tall prospect with a powerful left leg, Willsmore was a standout during match practice in January. Has taken promising steps forward and showed more good signs in the NAB Challenge opener, although another year developing in the VFL seems likely. – Travis King
MELBOURNE
Rohan Bail: Had his best season in 2014 playing consistent football as a pressure forward. Needs to score more often but he does all the right things, is predictable and courageous and adds maturity to the line-up.
Chris Dawes: Fitter than in previous seasons after a strong pre-season, he looks set to do the bullocking work that pays his bills. Dawes hits packs hard and is a competitor. His hands aren't great but he is a nice kick, mobile and experienced enough to run to spots in order to create opportunities for others.
Jack Fitzpatrick: A back-up key forward he has had his opportunities and has shown glimpses of what he is capable of at times. Tall and athletic he struggles for timing at times and has battled to develop enough endurance to put in third and fourth efforts. He can play but will have to wait for an opportunity.
Jeff Garlett: Garlett has kicked at least 39 goals in three of the past five seasons. If he can provide that at Melbourne he'll be worth the punt and more. Garlett has been lively early in the season, applying pressure and leading at the ball. His presence can worry opponents and create the sort of chaos that makes forward lines more potent.
Jesse Hogan: In his first season but shapes as a crucial cog in Melbourne's set-up. After a strong pre-season he is ready to develop quickly as a key forward. Hogan crashes packs, is a competitor and is desperate to play in a team that wins. At only 20, Melbourne will work to dim expectations but in reality he is the most exciting key position prospect the club has recruited in years.
Jayden Hunt: Back problems hampered his first season but when he did take the field he showed pace and agility that indicated he had some tricks. Remains a development project.
Jay Kennedy-Harris: After an impressive first season, Kennedy-Harris faces a challenge to back his efforts up. He works well as a hit-up forward who can link the play from defence from attack. Kicked nine goals in 14 games so needs to do more but he is only young.
Dean Kent: Kent is one of Melbourne's more exciting prospects. A big bodied high half-forward, he has the pace and temperament to catch opponents out on the fast break. He is also a good crumber who will enjoy playing at the feet of key forward Jesse Hogan.
Cameron Pedersen: Pedersen saved his career with an outstanding second half of the season up forward, providing a target, kicking goals, assisting teammates and putting pressure on the opposition. Although he lacks polish he is versatile and shapes as a ruckman/third forward.
Jack Watts: Trying Watts up forward is worth a punt given he is creative and an excellent kick who needs a shot of confidence to get rolling. Watts has kicked more than 20 goals in two seasons without any support or momentum. If he plays as a third forward and the ball heads inside 50 more often he could be dangerous. - Peter Ryan
Jack Watts and Jay Kennedy-Harris celebrate a goal last season. Picture: AFL Media
NORTH MELBOURNE
Leigh Adams: Struggled to have his usual impact in 2014, but is well placed to bounce back after an impressive pre-season and a solid first-up game against Hawthorn on Sunday. This season, Adams will again play as a high half-forward. Courageous and a natural inside ball-winner, but needs to hit the scoreboard more often.
Aaron Black: Has completed a full pre-season of running but had a delayed start to contact drills and upper-body weights after post-season shoulder surgery. Struggled last year after his breakthrough 2013 season and was quiet in his return against Hawthorn on Sunday. At his best, Black is a difficult match-up for rival teams with his height (192cm), speed and agility.
Ben Brown: Post-season knee surgery meant he did not return to full training until February. Played in North's opening two NAB Challenge games, but was relatively quiet in both matches, starting as as sub in both. Despite his impressive form in North's 2014 finals campaign, the arrival of Jarrad Waite from Carlton last October means he could be squeezed out of North's round one team.
Majak Daw: Did not return to full training until February after dislocating his foot late last season, but was one of the Roos' best performers in their round one NAB Challenge loss to Adelaide, impressing with his vastly improved follow-up work after ruck contests. The forward/ruckman shapes as a valuable back-up to Todd Goldstein in the ruck, but has to improve his fitness and game sense to command a regular senior spot.
Taylor Garner: North has taken an extremely cautious approach with the 2012 first-round draft pick after hamstring and hip problems limited him to just one pre-season game in 2014. Has been running at high intensity at training but is still building his training loads and won't be rushed back before he is ready.
Kieran Harper: The past two years have been tough for the player who shaped as one of Roos' most exciting youngsters after playing 37 games in his first two seasons. Looks to have largely overcome the ankle problems that have dogged him recently and returned to full training last month. Out of contract at the end of 2015 and faces a make-or-break season.
Brent Harvey: The closest thing the AFL has to Benjamin Button, the 36-year-old is yet to show any signs of slowing down. Has completed another excellent pre-season and played in the Roos' opening two NAB Challenge games. Will again be used predominantly as a high half-forward in 2015.
Shaun Higgins: The classy former Bulldog has not missed a beat in his first pre-season at Arden Street and was among the Roos' best performers in their NAB Challenge loss to Adelaide. Rested from last Sunday's win over Hawthorn, but should return for the final pre-season game against Richmond on March 21. Will split his time between the forward line and midfield this season.
Robin Nahas: Impressed in eight games with North last year before a shoulder injury ended his season. The small forward was subsequently delisted but the Roos threw him a lifeline in the rookie draft. Played in Sunday's win over Hawthorn, but could struggle for senior opportunities after Kayne Turner's emergence late last season.
Drew Petrie: Post-season surgery meant Petrie did not return to full training until January but the key forward has quickly worked his way back to fitness. Played in North's opening two NAB Challenge games and should enjoy the aerial support Jarrad Waite looks set to offer him this season.
Lindsay Thomas: Has made rapid progress since returning from a foot injury last month and impressed with two goals against Hawthorn on Sunday. The Roos' No.1 small forward, Thomas is dangerous in the air and at ground level, and applies vital defensive pressure when the opposition has the ball.
Kayne Turner: The small forward looks set to build on his strong finish to 2014 after a strong pre-season. Highly regarded at Arden Street for his defensive pressure, Turner laid six tackles against the Crows in round one of the NAB Challenge. Has played both of the Roos' opening two pre-season games and looks set to resume his forward-line partnership with Lindsay Thomas.
Jarrad Waite: The former Blue is an elite contested mark and should give North another strong target alongside Drew Petrie in 2015. Has completed a strong first pre-season at Arden Street and kicked three goals in his club debut against Adelaide two weeks ago. Turned 32 last month but has impressed North's coaching staff with his athleticism and enthusiasm.
Eric Wallace: The international rookie is recovering from a calf injury and won't play any part in North's NAB Challenge campaign. The American made impressive progress as North Ballarat's No.1 ruckman last year but has transferred to the Roos' other VFL affiliate, Werribee, ahead of this season. Contracted to the end of 2015.
Mason Wood: The one-gamer earned praise from coach Brad Scott after an impressive performance against Hawthorn on Sunday. Wood took a strong pack mark in the first quarter against the Hawks but his ability, at 192cm, to run all game was just as impressive. A lead-up forward but could be tried on the wing given his elite endurance and North's plethora of tall targets. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
John Butcher: His marking and attack on the football is great and for a tall forward his defensive pressure is elite. But with his kicking still sub-par and given he's out of contract this year – it's now or never.
Sam Gray: There's nothing flashy about Gray, he's just a natural footballer. Great skills, his positioning is terrific and his courage is unquestioned. A SANFL star before his AFL career, Gray can be counted on for solid minutes.
Mitch Harvey: The big forward has worked hard over the summer to improve his fitness and has made good progress. He marks the ball well and is terrific at collecting the ball from below his knees.
Dougal Howard: Port’s top draft pick in 2014, Howard is 200cm tall and tricky to stop when on the lead. His jump and speed is great for a big guy but he'll spend 2015 in the SANFL learning to play against bigger bodies.
Angus Monfries: Hip surgery meant he had a late start to the pre-season but he's been back in full training for some time. His experience is invaluable in attack and when fit he remains a certain starter.
Jake Neade: Returned from his Christmas break in brilliant shape, much to the delight of the coaching staff. He's clever in attack, using his speed and agility to get out of almost any situation. His forward pressure is also right up there with the best in the game.
Jesse Palmer: A minor knee injury slowed him down after Christmas but Palmer was injury-free prior to that. Needs to develop his fitness base but his marking ability is very promising. A low 2014 draft pick, he was a leading TAC Cup goal-kicker last year but can work on his accuracy.
Jay Schulz: Had shoulder surgery late last year but hasn't had any issues lately. The veteran forward is perhaps the League's best shot at goal and all signs point to another great season for him in 2015.
Mason Shaw: Recently suffered a groin injury that will keep him out for a couple of weeks but the club got a sizeable slab of pre-season training into him beforehand. Shaw's a good runner for his size and takes a strong mark.
Paul Stewart: Such a versatile asset, Stewart is equally at home in attack or in defence and can even push up into the midfield if required. He's a seasoned campaigner who reads the play well and can finish when in range.
Chad Wingard: His talent is well known, whether in attack or in the midfield and Wingard's ability to find the ball and creatively find opponents make him one of the League's best. A knee injury has hampered the back end of his pre-season.
Justin Westhoff: One of the club's most important players, Westhoff is often the link from defence to attack if he's not on the end of the play himself. He plays in defence, rucks at times too, and this pre-season has even spent time on the ball. - Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Shane Edwards: Will play both forward and midfield again after a strong summer, which has seen him grow as a leader and take on mentoring roles with the club's young forwards. As part of his development, the 26-year-old has taken small forward training drills. Given his clean bill of health, the club expects his output to lift in 2015.
Nathan Gordon: The half-forward is one of the club's best runners and he impressed early in the summer with his endurance testing. He hasn't missed a beat since and is gaining confidence he belongs at the top level, which the club believes is key to him taking the next step.
Ben Griffiths: Looking leaner after a big summer working on his running ability and repeat speed. One of the Tigers' main candidates to take his game to a new level, he has taken his form and confidence from the end of last year onto the training track. Missed short periods late in the summer with sore spots, but otherwise has a clean bill of health.
Chris Knights: After two seasons ruined by injury, Knights has encouraged the Tigers through his third pre-season at the club, which has built-up slowly. Showed in the opening NAB Challenge match that he has regained confidence in his body, kicking two goals.
Sam Lloyd: The small forward has focused on the defensive aspects of his game this pre-season, with improved fitness helping him make gains with his tackling pressure. He is noticeably leaner and should be capable of pushing up the ground more in 2015.
Liam McBean: The lightly built tall forward has spent the summer gaining strength and working on his ability to hold his ground in contests. Contested marking and endurance have been other focuses for the 20-year-old, who has been injured the past two pre-seasons and is pushing for a regular spot in the Tigers' forward line.
Reece McKenzie: A powerful young key forward, McKenzie has become noticeably leaner through his first pre-season. Boasting elite speed and strong hands, he is exciting the Tigers on the track but the club is keeping its expectations in check. Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric are mentoring the 18-year-old.
Jack Riewoldt has had a strong pre-season. Picture: AFL Media
Jack Riewoldt: Enjoyed one of his best summers on the track after avoiding post-season surgery for the first time in five years. Has completed every phase and impressed in practice games, winning his share of contests with key defenders and kicking well. Club encouraged by his output.
Jayden Short: After playing mostly on a wing at underage level, Short has moved between the midfield, forward and back groups in his first pre-season. He played forward in the Tigers' first NAB Challenge match, showcasing some desperate defensive traits. Mentored by Ricky Petterd, he has found the ball and the goals in intra-club matches.
Ty Vickery: The tall forward has focused on his aerobic capacity this pre-season and shown improvement. Outstanding form in practice matches has teammates backing him for a big year after suspension sidelined him at the end of 2014. A forthright teammate, he has grown as a leader among the tall forwards. - Nathan Schmook
ST KILDA
Josh Bruce: Will play as a forward after spending time in attack in the VFL last year. Was on crutches for six weeks after surgery to correct compartment syndrome in both legs after round 20 last year. Has impressed in his recovery and the Saints will look to exploit his aerobic capacity as a forward who can rotate through the ruck.
Tom Curren: One of a few players competing for a small forward role, with Maverick Weller the preferred tagger last year. Super professional and diligent when it comes to training, has embraced his need to work on the defensive side of his game and there are hopes he'll become a Paul Puopolo-type player.
Tom Lee: Still building his upper body strength and confidence after surgery to remove screws from his shoulders late last season. Has had a good six months since the operation and while he didn't star in the first NAB Challenge match, there are hopes this will be the year he starts to make an impact.
Jack Lonie: Recent draftee competing for that small forward spot vacated by Stephen Milne over a year ago and has impressed since arriving last November. Is benefitting from being mentored by Adam Schneider and brings with him a nice left foot and plenty of pace.
Daniel Markworth: Is now officially considered one of the unluckiest players to be on a list in recent years. Will likely miss this season after dislocating his shoulder last week, which means he won't have played any seniors in his four years at the club after knee and hamstring problems. Is out of contract this year.
Paddy McCartin: Looks the goods so far from the tiny sample of two NAB Challenge games. Presented strongly in both and the wraps on his kicking look justified. Was quiet in Morwell as the Saints put the Dons to bed but given Christian Petracca's knee injury, the club is probably just thrilled McCartin is available for selection. Being mentored by the best in Nick Riewoldt, with a view to a smooth transition up forward in coming years.
Tim Membrey: Has fitted in well since crossing from the Sydney Swans and has impressed with his attitude and professionalism. Is a hard worker and will be called upon for leadership given the number of young players on the list. Hasn't missed a session and there are hopes he'll make an immediate impact.
Darren Minchington: The former rookie has worked extremely hard on his fitness since the end of last season. Missed about four weeks with a soft tissue injury but has been back training for a month. Played through the midfield with Sandringham last season and could be used in a variety of roles this year.
Brenton Payne: High marking forward picked up as a rookie. Has shown he has the nous to run into good positions and competes well, and has a good attitude, but needs to put weight onto his 193cm/80kg frame.
Nick Riewoldt: We already know what to expect from the club captain this season. Provides invaluable leadership and is in a good space physically after finding a pre-season routine that keeps his knee under control. Will captain the club for a record 10th year but the recent tragic loss of his sister Madeleine has cast a pall over the whole club.
Ahmed Saad has been given a new chance by the Saints. Picture: AFL Media
Ahmed Saad: Given another chance at St Kilda – this time as a rookie – after serving his 18-month ban for taking a banned substance. Has trained well and shown strong dedication since returning to the club in January. Will compete for that small forward role if he shows consistency with defensive pressure.
Josh Saunders: Can also go through the midfield given his running ability but has good goal sense as well. Will get a chance to add to the 10 games he played in 2014 at some stage.
Adam Schneider: The veteran left-footer has had a decent pre-season since he tweaked a calf before Christmas. Has been mentoring younger players and will give the Saints depth as an experienced small forward. There should be scope to elevate a rookie early on given the injuries to Markworth and Siposs, and he could present as an option.
Arryn Siposs: Had a setback with his reconstructed shoulder late last year in New Zealand and is looking at a mid-season return. Like Markworth, has been cruelled by injuries but will get his chance at some stage this year if his recovery goes right. Has shown promise but is out of contract this year.
Spencer White: Made his debut late last season and earned another year. Showed commitment over the break by embarking on a training camp overseas while on his end of season holiday. Has struggled with asthma throughout his career and will need to keep working on his intensity and consistency this season. - Jennifer Phelan
SYDNEY SWANS
Harry Cunningham: Has been pushed onto a wing and into the midfield through the pre-season after completing a solid workload. Ball use has been a key focus as well as running patterns for the young Swans.
Abe Davis: The Swans Academy recruit played at centre half-back in the Indigenous All Stars game but has trained mostly forward. A solid size, the Swans are rapt he has completed a full pre-season and he could be used at either end of the ground in the NEAFL.
Lance Franklin: While the star forward has had his right knee carefully managed this pre-season, he has enjoyed more time on the track than in his first summer with the Swans, particularly post-Christmas. Expected to play a NAB Challenge game before being primed for round one.
Adam Goodes: Underwent stem cell treatment on his right knee post season and has been in the main training group for less than a month. Still, the champion Swan has shown his class in intra-club hit-outs, where his minutes have been restricted. Could play one or two NAB Challenge matches.
Jack Hiscox: The Academy recruit stepped straight into pre-season training and won the first 3km time trial, underlining his elite running ability. Stood out with his run and spread in intra-club matches and is seen as a midfielder long-term.
Brandon Jack: No Swan has completed more work this pre-season than the 20-year-old, who has focused on his decision-making, ball use and run. Defensive pressure shapes as the area of his game that can earn him senior selection in 2015.
Sam Reid: The Swans are still unsure whether the versatile tall will play forward or back after training in both positions over the summer. A little slow to start the pre-season after a knee clean-out, but has enjoyed a good run post-Christmas after training in Sydney through his break.
Dan Robinson: After playing as a midfielder last year, the rookie has trained with the forwards this summer where he has a better chance of earning senior selection. One of the most impressive young players on the track, he is crafty and can take a mark in his new role.
James Rose: The South Australian draftee has impressed his coaches in his first pre-season, bringing energy and class to the track. Boasts good speed, but unlikely to be unveiled in the NAB Challenge.
Kurt Tippett: Ruled out of the NAB Challenge because of a lower leg injury, suffered in the Swans' intra-club match in Marrickville. Pre-season was otherwise excellent, adding leg strength and building chemistry with Franklin. Hopeful of playing round one.
Dean Towers: After a slow start to the pre-season, Towers battled a groin issue post-Christmas. He has progressed steadily since, playing full game-time in the Marrickville intra-club. The Swans have not ruled out using him as a defender. - Nathan Schmook
Kurt Tippett remains hoipeful of playing in round one despite a leg injury. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
Jamie Cripps: Has added some value to West Coast since moving from St Kilda but has been a touch inconsistent over the first two years. He has played the first two NAB Challenge games and will take on greater goalkicking responsibility given the injury to Jack Darling.
Jack Darling: Has endured a nightmare pre-season due to a stress injury in his foot. Hasn't been able to train with the main group at all and is still working back to full running capacity. The Eagles are trying to get him prepared for a return in round five of the home and away season.
Josh Hill: Make or break year for Hill coming up. The 26-year-old spent most of the year in the WAFL last season. With Darling's absence he could get his chance early on but Tom Lamb's form will put him under pressure. The ex-Bulldog needs to do everything right to play the majority of the year and gain a contract extension.
Malcolm Karpany: Developing youngster who suffered shoulder issues last year. Showed brief glimpses in the WAFL and the Eagles have been impressed with his pre-season.Has played all three pre-season games so far but has had minimal impact. It will be another development year for him.
Josh Kennedy: One of the premier power forwards in the competition. Has kicked 121 goals across the last two years in an underperforming team. He's kicked seven goals in two NAB Challenge games so far. Looks set for another big year but will be defended heavily without Darling in the line-up early on.
Tom Lamb: Second-round draft pick from last year and has put his hand up to fill Darling's shoes. Has shown plenty of promise in the three games so far. Will be a work in progress but he's quick, has a great work-rate and is keen to learn. Might start in round one.
Mark LeCras: Has looked very sharp in the first two NAB Challenge games. If he can stay injury-free, he is a key component in the West Coast side. Arguably the Eagles' best ball user forward of centre.
Patrick McGinnity: Won over Adam Simpson with some outstanding performances as a defensive forward last season. Can fill a role in this side as a small crumbing forward who can lock down on a rebounding defender. Always gives 100 per cent commitment and effort when he plays.
Fraser McInnes: In his fourth year on the list and is yet to play a senior game. Now is the time to step up given the Eagles' injury woes. Will have to fill a second ruck/forward role in the NAB Challenge with Callum Sinclair out injured and Nic Naitanui's fitness under a cloud.
Rowen Powell: In his second year on the rookie list. Was plagued by injuries in the first year. Recruited as a defender but showed promise up forward against the Indigenous All Stars, kicking the winning goal late. Will continue to develop in the WAFL but could be required if the Eagles are stretched any further.
Simon Tunbridge: Powerful mid-sized player who can run through the midfield but is a natural forward. Has had some opportunities in the last two years but is yet to nail down a spot. The Eagles coaching staff believe in his ability. Has shown something in the two NAB Challenge games so far. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Tom Boyd: The big-money recruit hasn't set the world on fire in the first few competitive hit-outs, but the club is happy with his progress. Will spend time in ruck when not forming a dangerous forward set up with Stewart Crameri and Jake Stringer.
Stewart Crameri: Mystery stills surrounds when the former Bomber will play next due to a provisional suspension from the supplements saga. Didn’t play in the club’s intra-club hit-out on the weekend just gone, but he’s had a solid pre-season. A fit forward line of Crameri, Tom Boyd and Jake Stringer will certainly have Dogs’ fans excited.
Bailey Dale: Drafted to help the Dogs add more the run and carry to their game, the lightly-built youngster has impressed during his first pre season. The 18-year-old, who also has the ability to win his own ball, is likely to spend much of 2015 with Footscray in the VFL.
Caleb Daniel: He may be the competition’s smallest player at 167cm, but that hasn't stopped Daniel being the most impressive of the Dogs' draftees so far. Played good senior footy in the SANFL last year, so an early season debut isn't out of the question.
Tory Dickson: The 27-year-old has been in good pre-season form after winning a new two-year deal late last year. Strong overhead and deadly around goals, he should benefit from the Dogs' new attacking game plan.
Jarrad Grant: 2015 looms as a make or break year for the 2007 top five draft pick, with Grant coming out of contract at season's end. The Dogs' new gameplan of fast ball movement should help his cause.
Lachie Hunter: Looks set to cement himself as a best-22 player playing as a high half-forward. Not the quickest going around, but the 20-year-old has elite agility and a nose for a goal. Has inherited the famous number seven guernsey worn by Doug Hawkins and Scott West.
Toby McLean: The Dogs' top draft pick in 2014 looks set to spend most of this season with Footscray in the VFL while he prepares his body for the rigors of AFL football. A natural player with a knack of taking hangers.
Liam Picken: Has been recast as a defensive forward under new coach Luke Beveridge and if his pre season form is anything to go by, he'll be a success in the role. The 28-year-old is a relentless competitor who sacrifices his own game for the betterment of the team.
Jack Redpath: The man-mountain forward has been the surprise packet of the Dogs' pre season, outshining Tom Boyd with his strong marking and aggression. The former rookie looks destined to play round one.
Jake Stringer: The 20-year-old is having a massive pre-season and this has shown in several of the Bulldogs' match simulation sessions. More midfield time beckons after he dropped weight, but expect Stringer to play predominately forward in 2015. - Ryan Davidson
