WITH the NAB Challenge approaching, AFL.com.au will examine all the defenders, midfielders and forwards on your club's list.
Here we assess the forwards from Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs.
Click here for Goal hunters, part one: Adelaide to Greater Western Sydney
Click here for Goal hunters, part one: Adelaide to Greater Western Sydney
HAWTHORN
Luke Breust: Set to play an increasing role in the midfield given his ability to win the ball in close. But likely to again spend the majority of his time across half-forward, where he's been a regular goalkicker the past three seasons.
Dayle Garlett: The small forward has rare ability, but he'll have to earn a spot in the Hawks' forward line. Has shone in skills sessions this pre-season but needs to work on his defence. Will hope to impress in the NAB Challenge to earn a senior spot early in the season.
Sam Grimley: The athletic tall is a more natural key-position player than ruckman. Broke through to play three senior games last year and should challenge for more regular senior opportunities in 2014.
Jack Gunston: His performance in last year's Grand Final suggests Gunston is ready to step up and help cover Lance Franklin's absence this season. Likely to attract the opposition's second best key defender in 2014.
David Hale: Hale's ability to juggle forward and ruck responsibilities has made him a valuable player for the Hawks. Should form a strong combination with former St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy this season.
Bill Hartung: The new Hawk is an elite runner and has pushed Hawthorn's best distance athlete, Isaac Smith, in this summer's time trials. Needs to bulk up and will probably spend most of 2014 with Box Hill in the VFL.
Tim O'Brien: Was part of Box Hill's 2013 VFL premiership team in his first season with the Hawks. Still needs to get stronger but has bulked up this pre-season and could get a taste of AFL football in 2014.
Paul Puopolo: Has enjoyed a strong summer and will continue to mix his time between defensive forward roles and the midfield this season. Continues to grow as a player.
Cyril Rioli: The Hawks would love two Riolis – one for the forward line and another for the midfield. But Hawthorn won't want to overwork their superstar, so he's likely to start in attack and pinch-hit in the midfield as required.
Jarryd Roughead: Was the Hawks' focal point in attack last year and will assume even more importance in 2014 with Lance Franklin's departure. Also valuable pinch-hitting in the ruck and was even used as a midfielder at centre bounces last year.
James Sicily: The 2013 draftee is a lightly framed half-forward who will spend this season developing with Box Hill in the VFL.
Matt Spangher: The versatile tall has trained predominantly with the Hawks' forward group this pre-season. Was solid in his four games last year and Lance Franklin's departure could open up a spot for him in attack.
Shem-Kalvin Tatupu: Another of the Hawks' Kiwi recruits, the rookie is big and strong but has been hindered by a foot injury this summer. Has recently started running again, but has a lot of development ahead of him.
Derick Wanganeen: Has completed his first full pre-season and has impressed enough in match practice to suggest he could push to debut in 2014. Impressed across half-back late last year with Box Hill, but has played mostly as a small forward.
Zac Webster: The medium forward has shown a good work ethic in his first AFL pre-season, but the rookie will take time to develop.
Dallas Willsmore: The 191cm forward has clean hands and is a good kick, but has to bulk up. The rookie could develop into a tall wingman. - Nick Bowen
MELBOURNE
Rohan Bail: A good runner, Bail arrives at the end of pre-season fit and ready to go. Had bad luck with concussion last year but he is unlikely to change the way he plays. He is courageous and works hard. A reliable player who will perform whatever role he is asked.
Sam Blease: Speedster who battled ankle problems all year before being sent in for surgery post-season. His ankle did not have any structural issues, which meant he could start pre-season in reasonable shape. The coach likes what he can add to the line-up, with his outside run giving the team a breakaway from stoppages.
Shannon Byrnes: The veteran battled hard last season in his new environment and struggled to adjust. However, he did not give up and hopes to start afresh. His experience will be invaluable and he is training well. Smart enough to make the most of opportunities, he is reliant on having a structure to suit his crumbing skills.
Mitch Clark: The only question in relation to Clark is whether he can stay fit. Paul Roos has told Clark he would prefer to get 16 to 18 good games from him rather then pushing him to be ready by round one. He trained solidly before Christmas, making good progress after a foot injury but had to back off in January to protect himself from soft tissue strains and recondition his body. He is on track and ready to perform.
Chris Dawes: Has been monitored during the pre-season after struggling with soft tissue and knee problems in 2013. He returned too early last year to try to assist the team and paid the price. Has had a good pre-season and remains on track to play in the NAB Challenge. The tall forward has statistics like a small forward but he will be expected to draw defenders and create a contest.
Jack Fitzpatrick: He has some athletic assets, with good pace and height. Still has plenty to learn but he has impressed in his limited opportunities. Has had a reasonable pre-season despite encountering the odd minor hiccup along the way. He should be fighting to become the team's forward/ruckman.
Jesse Hogan: Expectations are one thing but reality is another with Hogan. He has shown his ability to perform in senior football at VFL level but against the game's elite defenders he is sure to be challenged. He is a renowned workhorse but after a couple of knee scares the Demons have managed his workload carefully. Will become a very good player but will learn plenty this season.
Jeremy Howe: Howe's raw talent has impressed Roos as much as anyone this pre-season and the coach expects the high flier to slot into the forward line. Howe will benefit from being able to play a consistent role in the team rather than being asked to plug holes. A gifted athlete, he was up and down last season but still managed 28 goals. Exciting player primed to shine.
Jayden Hunt: Draftee has adjusted well and exceeded expectations. Not expected to play AFL football this season but he has embraced the program and impressed track watchers.
Dean Kent: Kent has had a reasonable pre-season after a solid debut year. His pace has impressed Roos and he looks likely to play as a high half forward as he develops into an outside midfielder. In just his second year, he has a strong body and is very coachable.
Jay Kennedy-Harris: Another draft pick who has a real chance to stake a claim for a small forward spot at some stage. He will be given time to develop and adjust to the pace at VFL level but if he impresses a spot will become available. Looks a good pick-up at No.40.
Max King:The 18-year-old rookie ruckman/forward needs time to develop but he will be given plenty of opportunity to play as a tall forward in the VFL.
Luke Tapscott: Has had a good pre-season as he enters a make or break season. Carries the strong, chunky build Sydney Swans players became renowned for having and he could play either as a high half forward or a defender. Tapscott tackles well and hits the contest hard but he just needs to stay in games for longer. A good fitness base will help. - Peter Ryan
Melbourne high-flyer Jeremy Howe is expected to play predominantly forward this year. Picture: AFL Media
NORTH MELBOURNE
Leigh Adams: Coming off a restricted summer after post-season knee and shoulder surgeries, but could return later in North's NAB Challenge campaign. An important player for the Roos at half-forward, but must be longing for an injury-free run.
Aaron Black: Looks set to be a key member of North's forward mix after his breakthrough 2013 season. Already a handful for opposition defences with his speed and agility, he has worked hard this summer on improving his contested marking.
Ben Brown: Restricted by a minor foot injury in his first pre-season at Aegis Park, the forward/ruckman is confident of returning by the start of the season. Likely to spend most of 2014 continuing his development in the VFL.
Tom Curran: The key forward is trying to overcome a career-threatening right foot problem, having had surgery three times in the past two seasons for navicular stress fractures. Curran's rehabilitation is progressing steadily, but he is not expected to play until the middle of the season.
Majak Daw: Has been limited to the rehab group for most of this summer after a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in August, but could return in round one. Likely to start the year in the VFL.
Taylor Garner: The Roos' first pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft resumed full training in December after minor ankle surgery. The medium forward got a small taste of senior football last year and is well placed to make a bigger impact in 2014.
Kieran Harper: Faces a delayed start to the season after a minor ankle operation on Wednesday that will sideline him for the next six weeks. Quick and freakishly skilled, but needs to win more of the ball to re-establish himself in North's team.
Brent Harvey: The ageless Roo has shown no signs this summer that Father Time is likely to rob him of his pace or durability. Still a genuine game-breaker, the former skipper should continue in the high half-forward role he has played in recent seasons.
Robin Nahas: The former Tiger has impressed North with his strong showings in time trials and excellent defensive pressure in match practice. The Roos believe there is room for both him and fellow small forward Lindsay Thomas in the same team.
Drew Petrie: The co-vice-captain might be 31 but he has hardly missed a beat this pre-season. Remains the most important player to North's forward structure with his elite contested marking and selfless attitude.
Robbie Tarrant: The injury-plagued key forward has been on modified program this pre-season as he's battled to overcome groin soreness. He returned to full training on Wednesday and is expected to play in North's NAB Challenge games.
Lindsay Thomas: Has become one of the best small forwards in the competition and was unlucky to miss All Australian selection last year. Kicked 53.23 in 2013 and has exorcised the goalkicking yips that plagued him in 2010-11.
Eric Wallace: The international rookie is set to play senior VFL football with North Ballarat this season after spending last year with the Roosters' reserves team. This year is the last of the ruckman/forward's two-season deal with North and he will need to continue his development.
Mason Wood: Has bounced back well from the knee injury that prematurely ended his 2013 season, returning to full training in December. A standout in North's 2km time trials, Wood has impressed enough in match practice to suggest he could debut this season. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
John Butcher: Has been back in action and training fully since just after Christmas after a delayed start due to hip surgery. Needs a big year to recover confidence lost in several injury-affected seasons.
Robbie Gray: The club was thrilled with his recovery from a knee reconstruction last year and his form over the summer has been excellent. Such a dangerous and versatile player for the club.
Mitch Harvey: The big key forward is a natural footballer. It will take a while for him to develop AFL-standard fitness, but his one-on-one work is great and he should become a top asset.
Cam Hitchcock: Has a tough ask pushing past Jake Neade into the senior side, but Hitchcock has been working hard on the defensive side to his game in order to do exactly that.
Angus Monfries: The consummate professional, Monfries' pre-season has again been ideal. Could play up the ground at times in 2014, but his presence in the forward line is hard to replace.
Jake Neade: Has worked tirelessly since returning from the Christmas break to improve his fitness and is well situated to start in round one. Club loves his defensive pressure and his enthusiasm at training and in games.
Jay Schulz: The veteran has enjoyed another flawless pre-season after a sensational 2013. With young forwards emerging, his experience will obviously become pivotal to the club's future but don't expect his output to drop.
Mason Shaw: The Power are hoping he can develop enough to debut this year and will get a shot to impress in the NAB Challenge. Has looked good all summer and moves really well for a kid of 197cm.
Paul Stewart: Another of Port's versatile forwards, Stewart is loved in attack because he reads the game so well. He's trained fully this summer and is showing no signs of discomfort after breaking his wrist last year.
Justin Westhoff: Enjoyed a stellar pre-season last year and is doing so again this time around. Enjoyed a terrific season in 2013 and has given himself the perfect platform to back it up.
Chad Wingard: Excelling in his second pre-season after an incredible 2013. The reigning club champion will grow again this year and will no doubt spend time in the midfield as his fitness increases. - Harry Thring
Chad Wingard wowed the football world last year, and will hope to continue his rise. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
Todd Banfield: The former Lion is training well, having started to grasp the Tigers' game plan. The club ishoping that after five seasons in the AFL system he'll fit into the forwardline and have an impact should he be promoted from the rookie list.
Aaron Edwards: He hascarried on from his strong finish to 2013 with a solid pre-season. Has beenmarking strongly and is jumping well, and with his main competition in LukeMcGuane now gone, has a good opportunity for consistent football.
Shane Edwards: Training with the forwards and midfielders. The Tigers want him toreproduce his 2012 output of 29 goals after he spent more time in the middlelast year. Will likely spend time in both attack and the midfield.
Todd Elton: Havinghis best pre-season going into his third year. Has been working with MarkWilliams in competitive training and is marking well. Has also been doing ruckwork after playing that role as a junior. The plan is for him to start pushing JackRiewoldt and Ty Vickery for a position this year and develop into a second-rucktype.
Shaun Hampson: Hastrained well but has been managed through some sessions as he adjusts to theTigers' program. Will spend time up forward and provide support for Ivan Maric.Has rucked a lot in the pre-season but will also provide a contest and takemarks up forward.
Jake King: Hadpost-season surgery and has been eased into training. Is back running and isscheduled to move into full training in the coming weeks. Is working on gettingback his speed and endurance so he can contribute to the forward line andmidfield. Has come through some off-field controversy.
Chris Knights: Willbe almost a new recruit after missing nearly all of last season with asickening knee injury. Is expected to be available for the first NAB Challengegame after pulling up well from match practice.
Sam Lloyd: Themature-age former VFL forward has impressed, shedding weight and changing hisbody shape. Could push for senior selection in his first year having shown hissmarts in attack and impressive skills.
Liam McBean: Wasvery close to playing last year when he suffered a season-ending ankle injuryin the VFL late in the year. Was slow starting his pre-season after surgerybut has come into the full group recently and is expected to push for a debut.
Chris Newman: Theveteran is set for a new role as a small forward, having played on them for themajority of his career. At 31, still possesses a good level of speed anddetermination and has trained well in his new position.
Brett O'Hanlon: Hadankle surgery after carrying an injury throughout last season. Didn't playseniors after eight games the previous year but is expected to benefit frombeing settled in the forward line and will push for selection.
Jack Riewoldt: Startedfull training three weeks ago after hip and knee surgery and has rediscovered his jump while moving freely. Will move around this season and spend time upthe ground and deep in attack. Is expected to play NAB Challenge.
Ty Vickery: Willplay more forward this year with the recruitment of Hampson to back up Maric inthe ruck. The aim is for him to form a consistent partnership with Riewoldt andhe is expected to benefit from being closer to goal more often. - Jennifer Phelan
ST KILDA
Jack Billings: Suffered a quad setback in Colorado but has recovered is expected to figure in at least one NAB Challenge match after. Gaining size is a priority for the gun teenager who will play both midfield and forward.
Trent Dennis-Lane: One of the standouts this summer, making strength and fitness gains. Hasn't missed much training for 12 months and should play all pre-season games.
Tom Lee: Had a late start to the pre-season after two shoulder reconstructions and recently started modified skills work, doing everything but contact drills. Question marks remain on whether he'll play in the NAB Challenge.
Beau Maister: Another standout, building on his elite endurance base and running with the midfielders. Has sustained a high workload over three months without interruption and is seen as a key to the Saints' inexperienced forward line.
Daniel Markworth: Joined main training a fortnight ago but has been backed off recently after a minor hamstring setback. Coming off a knee reconstruction, so playing football at any level is the priority.
Terry Milera: Has split his time between the forward line and defence with the Saints looking at utilising his ball use and decision-making coming out of the back half. His pre-season has been interrupted by a foot injury and will be focused on regaining fitness before round one.
Darren Minchington: Has enjoyed one of his most consistent pre-seasons putting work into his endurance base. The small forward has been earmarked to play in the NAB Challenge.
Brodie Murdoch: A back injury has interrupted his pre-season and he is on modified skills work. Aerobic power remains a strength and could still figure in pre-season matches.
Nick Riewoldt: Completed cross-training work in America before linking up with the team for the Colorado training camp. Started running post-Christmas and is probably the leanest he's been in some time. Will be ready for the season after one or two NAB Challenge games.
Adam Schneider: Suffered a hamstring setback but has returned to running at full pace and won't be far away from full training. Expected to figure in the NAB Challenge and seen as a member of the Saints' best 18 if he can get his body right before round one.
Cameron Shenton: Came to the club as a forward but the rookie has moved back where he is training to play as a rebounding defender. Building his fitness and working on repetitive speed has been a priority.
Arryn Siposs: Joined full training three weeks ago after a shoulder reconstruction and played in an intra-club match on Saturday. The skilful forward has had a strong three weeks on the track and is working on applying more pressure in the front half.
Rhys Stanley: After playing in defence last season, Stanley is now training as a forward/ruckman and his past month has been impressive. His strength, speed and power has been on display and he is on track to play through the NAB Challenge.
Spencer White: A wrist injury postponed his start to training but he has joined full contact drills in the past three weeks. The second-year tall forward has worked closely with Nick Riewoldt on improving his running patterns. - Nathan Schmook
The Saints are keen for key forwards Spencer White and Tom Lee to take the next step. Picture: AFL Media
SYDNEY SWANS
Lance Franklin: The club's high profile recruit has been slightly hampered by a quad issue, but he has settled in well with his teammates and will be ready to go for round one of the season.
Adam Goodes: It has been eight long months since he has played a competitive game and is still to return to full training due to his troublesome knee. But he is ahead of this time last year, when he also had a knee issue and still made it across the line for round one. Confident Australian of the Year duties won't impact on his game.
Brandon Jack: Last season was a period of rapid improvement for the speedy youngster and the signs are promising he will take another jump this year. His fitness has grown and he hasn't missed a beat throughout pre-season.
Tim Membrey: Fitness remains Membrey's main area of concern. Marking and kicking for goal are his clear strengths, but his work at ground level and defensively is what will determine his chance of a senior debut this year.
Sam Reid: Limited by a recurring quad issue coming into pre-season, he has worked diligently on his fitness and begun taking part in intra-club scrimmages in a positive sign ahead of the new campaign.
Lewis Roberts-Thomson: Another forward cut down by a knee injury that ruined his 2013 season, 'LRT' has done plenty of running but has only recently joined in skill work and game simulation.
Gary Rohan: Returning from the off-season break in reasonable nick, he has put in a solid period of work and is considered close to where he stood ahead of the 2012 season, before his infamous broken leg.
Kurt Tippett: The Swans acknowledge they are still getting to know the intricacies of Tippett's body, meaning he is still on a monitored program. But he is ahead of this timelast year and the bonus this time is they can prepare him for round one.
Dean Towers: A player who could fill a variety of roles, Towers will be played as a forward this year. Blessed with leg speed, the club wants to see him develop his game and his understanding as he moves towards an AFL debut. - James Dampney
WEST COAST
Jack Darling: Had another excellent season in 2013 kicking 42 goals and finishing fifth in the club best and fairest. Looks in excellent shape after a strong pre-season. The task for Darling is to continue his upward curve.
Josh Hill: Kicked 28 goals in 2013 after kicking 36 in 2012. Has had an interrupted pre-season. Will get his opportunity to show the new coach what he is capable of.
Malcolm Karpany: Classy midfielder/small forward from South Australia. Taken with pick No. 31 in the NAB AFL Draft. Has been on an individual program throughout the pre-season after groin problems last year. Will be a while before he plays.
Josh Kennedy: Was a shining light in a disappointing 2013. Kicked 60 goals and was unlucky not to make the All Australian side. Has had an injury free pre-season and looks in terrific shape. Expect another good year.
Mark LeCras: Injuries ruined LeCras' season last year. He managed 15 games and kicked 30 goals but was nowhere near his best. He looks fit in the pre-season and his kicking skills have been a feature as the Eagles try to improve their ball-movement. He looks set for a big year.
Dylan Main: Played WAFL colts and reserves in 2013. He's a medium sized forward at 190cm. Has been involved in the majority pre-season. Unlikely to play in the NAB Challenge matches as 2014 is likely to be a development year.
Fraser McInnes: Picked up as a development ruckman/key forward with pick No. 28 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. Has played 37 WAFL matches without making his AFL debut since. Probably behind Scott Lycett and Callum Sinclair.
Murray Newman: Following a horror 2013 with off-field dramas, Newman has trained very impressively through the pre-season. He has hardly missed a session and has worked hard on the track. Might get his chance in the NAB Challenge as a third-year player.
Callum Sinclair: Played five matches in his first season in 2013 but was not seen after round six as a knee injury ended his year. Has been impressive in the pre-season match simulation and will push hard for his opportunity should Nic Naitanui or Dean Cox be unavailable.
Simon Tunbridge: Made his debut in round 14 last year and played a second match in round 23. The new coach has been impressed with Tunbridge during the pre-season. He will play in the NAB Challenge matches. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Marcus Bontempelli: The tall rangy midfielder is likely to ply his trade up forward while he builds muscle and fitness. The club won't rush the No.4 pick but an early season debut isn't out of the equation.
Ayce Cordy: Yet to establish himself in six years at the club, the 202cm forward/ruckman has shown glimpses of potential. Injuries have slowed his progress but he needs a big year.
Stewart Crameri: The club's biggest name recruit since Jason Akermanis, Crameri has impressed in his short time at Whitten Oval. Will be a massive inclusion in the forward 50 along with stints in the midfield.
Luke Dahlhaus: After a slow start to last year, the livewire small forward finished like a train kicking 17 goals in the final nine games. Will be looking for more midfield time this season.
Tory Dickson: An ankle injury cost the goalsneak a large chunk of 2013 but he returned to his dangerous best late in the season. An important part of the forward set-up.
Daniel Giansiracusa: The 31-year-old is set to reprise his role as 'super sub' before moving into a coaching role with the club in 2015. The Dogs need more competition from younger players for his spot.
Jarrad Grant: His days at the kennel looked numbered before a late season purple patch earned him a new two-year deal. An ankle injury has hampered his pre-season but 2014 could be the year he finally realises his potential.
Shaun Higgins: The luckless half-forward is yet again returning from injury (foot) and it's seen him undertake a modified pre-season. At 25, another year of frustration may spell the end of his time at Whitten Oval.
Mitch Honeychurch: In the mould of Luke Dahlhaus, the feisty midfielder looks set to start his AFL career as a harassing small forward with a nose for goals. Another cult hero in the making.
Lachie Hunter: The son of Mark Hunter impressed as a creative half-forward late in 2013 and should continue in that role while he builds his tank. Looks set to emulate his father and become a star.
Liam Jones: Coming off the back of another inconsistent year, the 22-year-old has spent the pre-season building the fitness required to play centre half-forward. Crameri's arrival will help his cause.
Robert Murphy: The evergreen veteran should play forward more in 2014 once he recovers from an elbow injury. His creative brilliance and precise kicking will help the Dogs kick more goals.
Fletcher Roberts: The third-year key forward will continue to develop in the VFL but needs to work on his physicality and consistency. Also has the potential to play as a key defender.
Jake Stringer: An impressive debut campaign netted 12 goals in 11 games as a medium sized forward. Has spent the pre-season building the fitness required to play in the midfield but he seems destined to be a star in the mould of Matthew Pavlich.
Tom Williams: The injury-riddled big man was recast as a forward in 2013 before a shoulder dislocation ended his season in round 10. He has the attributes to make an impact in attack if he can stay on the park.
