- The middle men: part one - every midfielder from Adelaide to GWS
- Forward thinking: every forward from Adelaide to GWS
- Forward thinking: every forward from Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
- Case for the defence: every defender from Adelaide to GWS
- Case for the defence: every defender from Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
HAWTHORN
Jed Anderson: Ready to explode after a year ruined by a shoulder injury. The silky on-baller has had a tough run of luck in the past 18 months but has completed a huge summer program and should push for a round one berth. A leading light among the next generation of Hawks mids.
Jonathon Ceglar: Was desperately unlucky to miss out on last year's premiership but that heartbreak should drive him throughout 2015. Is an excellent tap ruckman and appears ready to assume the No.1 mantle with David Hale and Ben McEvoy spending more time in attack.
David Hale: Veteran ruckman whose accurate kicking and strong marking up forward makes him a valuable member of Alastair Clarkson's flexible outfit. Likely to be managed this year in partnership with McEvoy and Ceglar, but he's a proven big-game performer and should be right in the mix come September.
Jared Hardisty: The West Australian rookie has impressed with his attack on the ball, clean skills and big engine. Can play forward but will be hard pressed to earn a senior debut this year in a midfield stacked for options. Shows plenty of promise.
Billy Hartung: Blessed with a rare mix of pace and endurance, Hartung impressed in seven games during his debut season before suffering a serious elbow injury. Has been one of the standout performers on the track this pre-season and is one of the fringe Hawks who will be knocking on the door of the best 22.
Bradley Hill: A budding star of the competition. Hill took his game to another level last year, particularly in an outstanding finals series where he averaged 24 touches and nearly five inside 50s. Forms part of a devastating running combination with fellow wingman Isaac Smith.
Luke Hodge: Entering his 14th season, the inspirational skipper remains at the top of his game. Has been fighting fit over summer after playing 22 games last season across half-back, through the middle and at times in attack. If he's not Hawthorn's most important player, then he's in the top two with Jarryd Roughead.
Will Langford: The former defender developed from fringe tagger to attacking weapon in a stunning transformation last year. The premiership hero's breakout year paved the way for the younger Hawks seeking to establish themselves in the best 22. Has added goalkicking prowess to his ferocious attack on the ball.
Jordan Lewis: Looms as possibly the next Hawthorn captain after a career-best season yielded the Peter Crimmins Medal in a premiership year. Has built his engine significantly to spend most of his time in midfield, although he can still be used at both ends if needed.
Ben McEvoy: Rode the bumps of injury and form struggles to become a premiership player in his first season after crossing from St Kilda. Blessed with an enormous engine for a big man, he is seeking to improve his forward play and hit the scoreboard more often next season.
Sam Mitchell: The midfield generalbounced back from a hamstring tendon injury mid-season to be at his absolute best during finals. Was a standout at the Hawks' pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast and is showing no signs of slowing down on-ball or across half-back.
Jonathan O'Rourke: Made the bold move to Hawthorn from GWS knowing he will have a fight on his hands to nail down a midfield spot next season. His longer-term prospects look good as the Hawks deal with generational change in midfield. Can play a variety of roles, including on a wing or across half-forward.
Marc Pittonet: One of only two ruckmen picked up in last year's NAB AFL Draft. Is a confident and competitive footballer who, like all big men, will need plenty of time to develop in the VFL this season.
Liam Shiels: Tough-as-nails competitor who earned his second premiership medallion after playing with a broken nose in the Grand Final. Captained the club when a host of senior players sat out the NAB Challenge opener. Set to continue developing as a leader and in a more attacking role after excelling as a run-with player.
Jonathan Simpkin: Played 18 games and was unlucky to miss out on a second flag last year. Showed a knack for influencing matches as the sub coming on in the third or fourth quarters with his zip and willingness to get his hands dirty. Will face hotter competition for spots as younger players continue to develop.
Isaac Smith: Line-breaking wingman retained his crown, just, from Billy Hartung in the 2km time trial over pre-season. A crucial link-up man from defence to attack, Smith is among the absolute elite runners in the competition but is also developing his inside game.
Brendan Whitecross: Almost ready to resume for the first time since the 2013 preliminary final. Whitecross experienced slight soreness in his reconstructed knee pre-Christmas, but has looked in tremendous shape over pre-season and is closing in on an emotional return.
Alex Woodward: Enjoyed a dominant season in the VFL in 2014 and was duly rewarded with the Liston Trophy as the competition's best player. Woodward, who also broke through for two senior games last year, has done his developing at Box Hill and is ready to go when the chance comes. - Travis King
MELBOURNE
Angus Brayshaw: The talented junior will need time to adjust to the rigours of AFL football. He started the pre-season well but has battled since a recent bout of gastro. Brayshaw has shown class on the track but he is likely to be introduced gradually.
Daniel Cross: Cross exceeded expectations after crossing as a delisted free agent. He was crucial to the team's competitiveness in 2014 before fracturing his leg against North Melbourne. The warhorse inspires teammates with his ability to push through pain, He has also proved a great teacher of young players. Injury-free, he will be a solid contributor once again.
James Harmes: The rookie-listed midfielder is good at the stoppages and capable of winning the contested ball. Had two good games at VFL level but remains a fair way off senior selection. Faces a big year.
Max Gawn: Gawn has developed at a reasonable rate particularly given he has overcome two knee reconstructions in his career already. If he continues to progress he should emerge this season as a dangerous ruck/forward. He is mobile, a good mark and dominates the VFL. Just needs a consistent run free of injury to become a permanent senior player.
Matt Jones: To have managed 42 games in his first two seasons since being pick No.52 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft is a credit to both Jones and the Demons recruiting. As the club finds more depth in its midfield, Jones will find it harder to get a game but he has not put a foot wrong yet. He has good pace, a great work ethic and runs to support but his kicking needs work.
Nathan Jones: Three consecutive best and fairest awards indicates how good Jones has been in the past three years. With more support now, his job will be as much developing the next era as continuing his form in the same vein. Ideally Jones will keep tracking at the same rate while being challenged for supremacy as the club's No.1 midfielder in the next couple of seasons.
Mark Jamar: If Melbourne could get Jamar to produce what he showed at times in 2014 on a more consistent basis then its midfield would improve immeasurably. At his best, he competes at stoppages and pushes forward to kick goals. However he needs to influence the game more to maintain his standing as the club's No.1 ruckman.
Max King: Has talent but needs to lift his intensity. Played a NAB Challenge game in 2014 but injuries derailed his development. He remains a project player.
Jordie McKenzie: Great clubman but has dropped off the pace under Paul Roos after an injury-interrupted season. He is a stopper but has battled with the need to move the ball quickly as his disposal has always been an issue. This season is crucial for the 24-year-old.
Viv Michie: Could play as a defensive midfielder or across half-back depending on where he is required. Michie wins the ball and uses it well. He won the confidence of teammates and coaches towards the end of last season and should build on that effort.
Alex Neal-Bullen: The inside midfielder has been in rehab since hurting his hamstring at the club's training camp on the Sunshine Coast. Has senior experience with Glenelg but will need to build his fitness before making a claim for a senior spot.
Ben Newton: Good left-foot kick and an industrious player, he battled injury than struggled for opportunity with Port Adelaide. He has class, a strong work ethic and if he can stay injury-free will receive enough opportunities to prove his worth in the midfield.
Christian Petracca: Ruled out for the season after a knee reconstruction following an ACL injury at training. He was making good progress so it was disappointing but the club has already laid plans to ensure he is ready to go this time next season.
Aidan Riley: Riley is a strong bodied in-and-under player who impressed upon his return from a nasty broken leg. He can explode from stoppages and holds his form. Remains in a battle for a midfield spot with three or four mid-range teammates.
Jake Spencer: Carries a huge heart into every game and contest. He is not blessed with skills but he competes with an intensity that midfielders love, creating room for them to win the ball and having opponents aware he is around. He has not given up hope of becoming the permanent ruckman and nor should he as he is predictable and doesn't let anyone down.
Billy Stretch: A surprise packet, Stretch doesn't appear far away from senior selection having trained well and bulked up over summer. Stretch is agile, has good pace and carries a bigger frame than his father, Steven, did when he played for Melbourne.
Jimmy Toumpas: Has disappointed in his first two seasons but showed positive signs in the first NAB Challenge game. He was at least busy and although things didn't go his way, he persisted. It's important he keeps a positive frame of mind this season as it will be two steps forward one step back as he regains confidence.
Jack Trengove: Another operation to repair his troublesome navicular injury has put the season in jeopardy however he will work hard to return. A popular figure at the club, he has moved out of the moonboot and his most recent scan was positive. Of course, a question mark remains over his long-term future but his talent (even though we haven't seen his best since 2011) and application is not in doubt.
Dom Tyson: An outstanding player, he emerged in 2014 as one of the game's most promising midfielders. Brilliant at finding the ball in tight he seems to find time to make good decisions. His kicking lets him down occasionally but it's a minor quibble. He kicked 16 goals to be second in the club's goalkicking and was a shining light. At 21, he shapes as a 200-game player for the Demons.
Jack Viney: The bull-at-a-gate style is Viney's strength and he has no intention of tempering it, however, he is working hard with senior assistant Simon Goodwin to find ways to win more uncontested possessions. Hard to believe he is entering just his third season but his relative anonymity now is an indication that Melbourne is improving.
Aaron vandenberg: Impressed in the opening NAB Challenge game when he came on the ground in the third quarter. Solid, aggressive and competitive, he looks ready to make an early impact.
Bernie Vince: A shoulder injury followed by a hamstring strain means Vince will go into the season slightly underdone. His experience means he can pick up the pace quickly after performing well last year but it also lowers expectations on what he might deliver early. A good player, he gives the midfield cheek and provides strength at stoppages. - Peter Ryan
There is seemingly no stopping bull-at-a-gate midfielder Jack Viney. Picture: AFL Media
NORTH MELBOURNE
Ryan Bastinac: Coming off a disappointing 2014 when he struggled to adjust to a more outside role. Blessed with elite endurance and has had one of his best pre-seasons in recent years. Is confident that he can produce for the Roos, whether he is required at stoppages to cover Levi Greenwood's departure or on a wing or half-forward flank.
Ben Cunnington: Now one of the Roos' prime movers, Cunnington took his game to a new level in 2014, winning his first club best and fairest award. Has improved his fitness this pre-season and enters 2015 well placed to become one of the game's elite inside midfielders.
Daniel Currie: A capable AFL ruckman but has struggled for senior opportunities. Was trialled last year in a forward/ruck role but is a natural ruckman, so if Todd Goldstein stays fit he is likely to spend much of 2015 in the VFL.
Nick Dal Santo: The former Saint barely put a foot wrong in his first season at Arden Street last year and at 31 has enjoyed another strong pre-season. Likely to spend most of his time in the midfield again in 2015, but his poise and precise ball use should be called upon at half-back at times.
Trent Dumont: The inside midfielder is one of the players who could help cover Levi Greenwood's departure to Collingwood. Enjoyed an excellent first season with North Ballarat last year and has worked hard to improve his fitness. Played in the Roos' opening NAB Challenge game against Adelaide and seems well placed to make his AFL debut this year.
Will Fordham: The first-year rookie has been eased into his first AFL pre-season, with the Roos keen to build his core body strength before exposing him to an AFL training load. The running midfielder is likely to spend 2015 developing in the VFL.
Sam Gibson: Has dominated North's time trials again this pre-season and is well placed to resume his role as the club's hardest-running on-baller this year. Although his kicking can let him down at times, Gibson runs harder than any other Roo in both directions.
Todd Goldstein: North's No.1 ruckman is over the calf niggles that troubled him earlier this pre-season, making his return against Hawthorn last Sunday. Shapes as one of the Roos' most important players this season when he will be called on again to shoulder the club's rucking duties largely on his own.
Brad McKenzie: Played North's opening two NAB Challenge games but struggled to have an impact. An elite kick but needs to impose himself on matches more. Out of contract at the end of this season, the 21-year-old faces a make-or-break year.
Braydon Preuss: The rookie has made a strong impression in his first pre-season at Arden Street. The 206cm ruckman moves well for his size and has reasonable endurance. Grew up playing rugby league in Townsville and has work to do on his game sense. Likely to spend 2015 developing in the VFL.
Andrew Swallow: The Roos skipper started his pre-season early, joining the small party that ventured to Utah for a high-altitude training camp in November. Back to full fitness after the Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for the first seven games last year and should return to his best in 2015.
Ed Vickers-Willis: The first-year utility has only recently started full training after needing time to build strength through his core and hips. Given his delayed start to the pre-season, Vickers-Willis is likely to need an extended stint in the VFL before he can push for an AFL debut. Has played his best football in defence in the past two years, but can also play as a tall midfielder.
Daniel Wells: After his injury-disrupted 2014 season, Wells was one of the senior Roos who made an early start to their pre-seasons on November's Utah training camp. North fans did not get to see the outside skills of Wells and Nick Dal Santo in partnership as often as they would have liked last season, but the duo should form a damaging partnership this season. Well placed to return to his best after a solid summer on the track.
Jack Ziebell: Ziebell had post-season shoulder surgery that has limited his contact training, but he has completed a full summer of running that included November's Utah camp. Played both of North's opening two NAB Challenge games and was impressive against the Hawks last Sunday. The big-bodied on-baller will be one of the Roos' main men at stoppages again this season, but will spend time in attack after pinch-hitting successfully there late in 2014. - Nick Bowen
Roos skipper Andrew Swallow is fit and firing ahead of the 2015 season. Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
Brendon Ah Chee: A big midfielder who has taken a long time to develop and has been held back by injury. He has been fit this pre-season and knows he has to perform. Needs to find consistency in 2015.
Karl Amon: His stellar pre-season has drawn big praise from coaches and teammates and he would be odds-on to make his AFL debut this year. Fast, hard-working and with nice skills off a wing or half-forward.
Travis Boak: The skipper has enjoyed another great preparation for the season. He is the complete package and has won back-to-back All-Australian honours. One of the League's top players.
Sam Colquhoun: Will return from a knee reconstruction soon and hopes to pick off from his promising start. He is a natural – he knows how and where to find possession and uses the ball well.
Kane Cornes: The veteran's form seems to be defying nature – he ran a personal-best 3km time early in the year and was one of the best against West Coast last Sunday. He will play an important role in 2015.
Brad Ebert: One of the competition's premier hard-ball winners, Ebert's close-in work often sets the Power up and he is the hardest running player at the club. Had shoulder surgery last year but has trained fully all summer.
Billy Frampton: The draftee ruckman got a taste of the training load expected of AFL players before being struck down with injury. He had surgery on his shins and faces a delayed start to the SANFL season.
Hamish Hartlett: Has found the consistency in his fitness missing early in his career and his form in the past two years has flourished. A great pre-season endured a slight hiccup last Sunday when he injured his groin but he will be back for round one.
Matthew Lobbe: Coming off a tremendous 2014 campaign, Lobbe's pre-season has him perfectly positioned to push his claim as one of the AFL's best this year. He will spend more time in attack and rotate with Patrick Ryder.
Kane Mitchell: A much-loved character at the club whose work-rate and speed make him a highly valuable midfielder. Another player who has not put a foot wrong this pre-season and would hope to build on his 10 games in 2014.
Andrew Moore: When Moore is fit and has worked his way into form he picks himself. His combination of inside power and outside finesse is hard to find. He played well against West Coast and is on track to secure a place in the team.
Jared Polec: To his credit Polec has turned his career around since joining the Power from the Brisbane Lions. His run and carry, as well as his ability to kick long goals with his left foot, is a huge asset.
Jarrad Redden: Will make his return to the senior team on Saturday for the first time in 651 days. The ruckman has worked harder than anyone on Port's list to overcome a horrific run with injury that began in 2013.
Patrick Ryder: The high-profile recruit has looked in ominous touch at training since joining the Power. Won't feature in the NAB Challenge but if he is available come round one he will make Port tough to beat.
Johann Wagner: Won his way on to Port's list through a reality television program but his work ethic and training has shown he deserves his place. Runs hard and uses the ball well.
Matt White: Enjoyed a brilliant first year with the Power last season and his good work has continued through the pre-season, although he had a quiet game against the Eagles at Norwood Oval last Sunday. His speed and outside skill makes him an important cog.
Ollie Wines: He trimmed down in the off-season break and has worked tirelessly over the pre-season to be in the best shape of his life. The 20-year-old is on track to become one of the League's dominant midfielders in 2015.
Aaron Young: He has genuine ability and has proved so on multiple occasions but is yet to lock his place in the starting team. His terrific game against the Eagles reflected his training over summer. - Harry Thring
Could Paddy Ryder be the missing link in the premiership puzzle? Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
Matt Arnot: The Tigers have been impressed with how the 21-year-old has responded to being moved on to the rookie list, noting a change in his training intensity this summer. Booted two goals in the opening NAB Challenge match.
Daniel Butler: Drafted as a midfielder and a forward, Butler will be used primarily in attack in his first season. Played half a game against the Western Bulldogs and impressed with his speed and tackling intensity.
Reece Conca: Conca was the standout performer on the track before he had a knee operation in January. He could manage two pre-season games, with the Tigers keen to rotate him through midfield, half-back and half-forward roles.
Trent Cotchin: Yet to feature in the first two rounds of the NAB Challenge, Cotchin is being carefully managed with hamstring soreness. The Tigers are not concerned about his availability for the season proper, however, and he could squeeze in one pre-season game.
Brett Deledio: Has been held back this pre-season for an ongoing Achilles tendon problem. However, the vice-captain was unveiled in the second round of the NAB Challenge and will take up a regular role across half-forward.
Nathan Drummond: Recruited as a midfielder, Drummond is likely to settle in the backline in his first season after spending most of the summer with Ben Rutten's group. Suffered some pre-season niggles but was ready for the Tigers' first pre-season game, winning nine possessions.
Brandon Ellis: Has completed more pre-season work than any midfielder, leading the club's time trials and setting the bar in all aspects of training. Continues to work on becoming a duel inside-outside threat.
Corey Ellis: The No.12 draft pick arrived at Punt Road with a foot issue and had surgery late last year. Returned to full training in March and is unlikely to be rushed into AFL action.
Nathan Foley: Hasn't been able to get any consistency in his training, having a knee cleanout before a recent foot injury that sidelined him for up to nine weeks.
Shaun Grigg: Earmarked to help the Tigers' inside midfielders in an expanded ball-winning role. Has the size and toughness to play a contested game and has recovered from a plantar fascia injury earlier in the pre-season.
Shaun Hampson: After a full pre-season, Hampson was one of the Tigers' best in their opening NAB Challenge match with 38 hit-outs. Has been challenged to win more possessions and has enjoyed an even battle in training against Ivan Maric.
Taylor Hunt: The former Geelong tagger was one of Richmond's best in its opening NAB Challenge match, winning 18 possessions. The Tigers don't want him to be a tagger and are hopeful he can thrive on a wing after running second in time trials all summer to Brandon Ellis.
Kane Lambert: Showed his ball-winning ability in the opening NAB Challenge match, making a strong case for elevation off the rookie list. A star in the VFL, he has adjusted quickly to AFL demands and has been the surprise packet of the summer.
Ivan Maric: The No.1 ruckman started pre-season early alongside the Tigers' young players after avoiding off-season surgery. He has enjoyed an injury-free run, benefiting from a more tailored training program.
Dustin Martin: After a more consistent 2014 season, Martin has focused on building his engine to increase his time in the midfield. A weapon when forward, he has also been challenged to win more contested ball in the midfield and run smarter.
Matt McDonough: Earned his seven senior games last year as a running defender but starred in the VFL later in the year as a half-forward. Going into his third season, the Tigers are looking to settle him in the midfield based on his solid clearance and contested possession numbers when used there.
Connor Menadue: The Tigers will be patient with the No.33 draft pick, whose priority will be to fill out after joining the club weighing 69kg. An elite endurance athlete, he has spent more time on the track than any of the club's first-year players.
Anthony Miles: A revelation in the second half of 2014, the former rookie has not lost any momentum going into this season, starring on the track. He shapes as a key player for the Tigers in 2015, starting the new campaign with 23 possessions and five clearances in the Tigers' opening NAB Challenge match.
Ricky Petterd: Has settled in the midfield group, spending an entire pre-season with one line for the first time at Punt Road. Had 15 possessions in the opening round of the NAB Challenge, with the Tigers excited about the toughness he can add to the midfield.
Ivan Soldo: The former basketballer is still learning the game in his first pre-season at Punt Road. A non-registered category-B rookie, the ruckman will spend most of the season in the TAC Cup.
Matt Thomas: Had a knee operation at the end of last year and is just returning to full training. Has the best skinfolds at the club and kept himself in top condition through his rehab, so could feature in the final NAB Challenge match. - Nathan Schmook
2014 revelation Anthony Miles will be looking to build on last year's impressive finish. Picture: AFL Media
ST KILDA
Blake Acres: Has been tried on the wing and across half-back over summer. Entering his second season having worked hard over the summer and looks to have overcome the muscle injuries that plagued him last season behind him. With a decent pre-season, will push for more games this year.
David Armitage: One of the senior midfielders with the retirement of Lenny Hayes. Has had a flawless pre-season, is well and truly over the infected left knee that cut into his 2014 and has led the way over summer with the way he has trained. Will be important this year on-field and in a leadership perspective as the midfield evolves again.
Jack Billings: Had been having a strong pre-season until hamstring soreness in the warm-up before the Brisbane Lions' NAB Challenge game turned into a tear in the first quarter. Will miss another three weeks but the Saints are optimistic he w'll play round one. Expected to push through the midfield more this year with his improved endurance.
Luke Dunstan: Had a slow start to the pre-season after a shoulder reconstruction in August last year. Had been fully training since the middle of January before a rolled ankle disrupted him again. Played in the Saints' second NAB Challenge game and is likely to get more midfield responsibility with Sebastian Ross and Farren Ray out for a while,
Tom Hickey: Had right knee tendinitis operated on in London in August and has recovered well, having done plenty of work on his running and general fitness. Looked OK against the Bombers and is expected to play against Hawthorn. Is the most versatile of the big men, given he can push forward or back when needed.
Jason Holmes: Despite little experience with the game, has improved to the point where he could be considered for rookie elevation ahead of his second season. The US-born college basketballer has shown a good understanding of ruck work and continues to develop his skills in kicking and handball.
Billy Longer: Has improved over the pre-season and shown strong ability in the ruck but still needs to work on how he plays around the ground. Still young at 21, will keep working on his fitness as he competes with Hickey for the No.1 spot.
Daniel McKenzie: Young midfielder who can play on the wing or across half-back. Has shown good speed and kicking skills, and has picked up the game plan well since arriving in November. Missed a week with migraine issues but is back training now. Could play later in the season.
Leigh Montagna: Continues to be durable over summer and has put in a strong pre-season uninterrupted by injuries. Will lead the midfield as the oldest player in there (and is in the leadership group again), and will continue to mentor younger players this season.
Brodie Murdoch: The left-footed utility is struggling with a lower back injury that has cut into his pre-season and there has been no timeframe set on his return to the field. Won't be rushed, given his age and with the injury affecting his hamstrings at times, and the Saints are continuing to explore ways to get him fit.
Jack Newnes: Will look to play an inside midfield role and on the wing this year but also has the versatility to move from half-back to half-forward. Is extremely fit and looks to have improved again after playing all 22 games last season.
Lewis Pierce: Missed a lot of last season with stress fractures in his back but has had a decent pre-season off the back of a run of games in the second half of last year. Is considered a project player and is expected to continue to develop around the ground this year.
Farren Ray: Will miss nearly three months with a hamstring tendon injury that needed surgery after the Lions' NAB Challenge game. Was working on being more of an inside player this season and will get his chance to do that when he comes back. Will mentor young players as he gets himself fit.
Sebastian Ross: Rated as the Saints' biggest improver over the pre-season, will have to wait to strut his stuff after suffering a hamstring injury against Essendon. Had surgery and will miss 12 weeks. Has improved his strength, which will help him as an inside midfielder when he comes back.
Jack Sinclair: Has been impressive since arriving as a rookie and could push for promotion before round one. Is a year older than the draftees and is physically developed, and could give himself the chance to play after impressing against the Bombers.
Jack Steven: Has spent the summer working on how to cope with being tagged, as well as developing his leadership. Will look for a more consistent year after he struggled early last season following a February foot fracture. A key member of the Saints' engine, he will want to get back to his best form after finishing the season well last year.
Eli Templeton: Has had a full pre-season after overcoming the broken arm he suffered in round six last year. Has been training with the midfielders in a bid to spend more time on the wing than at half-forward but will maintain the scope to play both roles.
Maverick Weller: His strong first season as a Saint led to his promotion to the senior list and appointment to the leadership group this year. Will play a similar tagging role this season but has worked on his offensive side and could cause an additional headache for his opponent. - Jennifer Phelan
David Armitage will assume more responsibility in 2015. Picture: AFL Media
SYDNEY SWANS
Craig Bird: Restricted pre-Christmas because of end-of-season knee surgery, Bird enjoyed a strong block of training in January and February. Has already been used in the NAB Challenge and will remain focused on playing a variety of positions this year.
Tom Derickx: The former Richmond ruckman played 12 games in 2014 and should feature again after a strong pre-season. The Swans have kept a focus on his ruck work this pre-season, reserving 20 per cent of his training for forward development.
Jordan Foote: The Swans Academy selection was injured early in the pre-season with a stress reaction in his foot. Back in full training now, he is a couple of weeks away from playing games. Could yet end up being a defender.
Dan Hannebery: Presented in excellent condition after the off-season and came within two seconds of his personal best 3km time. Despite being best known for his elite running ability, Hannebery is a natural inside midfielder and worked more on that aspect of his game over the summer.
Isaac Heeney: The Swans Academy selection has been managed in his first pre-season for knee tendinitis. Up and running now, the Swans hope he will show his class through the NAB Challenge and push for round one selection.
George Hewett: After suffering a knee injury in his first pre-season, the midfielder is getting solid hours on the training track this year. Good in traffic and a solid decision-maker, Hewett has also impressed with his ball use in training.
Kieren Jack: A steady pre-season for the co-captain, who has impressed the Swans with his ability to drive the club's younger players. With no injury issues all summer, he could potentially play all three pre-season games.
Josh Kennedy: After years building a revered fitness base, Kennedy was able to spend more time in game-specific training this summer. The Swans have hinted he could spend more time forward this year to add another dimension to his game.
Jake Lloyd: A revelation in 2014, coming off the rookie list to play 21 games, Lloyd is well poised to further cement himself in the Swans' best team. Has barely missed a session and is valued at the club for his neat ball use.
Harry Marsh: Heading into his third year, the midfielder has been challenged to break into the senior team this season and add depth. Drafted as an inside midfielder, he has enjoyed being used across half-back in match simulation training.
Ben McGlynn: After increasing his midfield time last year, the Swans are aiming for closer to a 50-50 split between McGlynn's forward and onball roles. A proven goalkicker, he battled a short calf niggle over the summer but has already played in the NAB Challenge.
Jarrad McVeigh: The veteran has done most of his training with the midfielders and forwards, but the Swans are reserving the right to use him across half-back if needed. A minor calf injury held him out of the opening NAB Challenge match but he will play ahead of round one.
Tom Mitchell: The highly rated midfielder is primed for a breakout year after his first full pre-season. Has been a standout in training and is playing good minutes in the NAB Challenge, with the Swans also encouraged by his form when used forward in training.
Sam Naismith: The rookie ruckman battled glandular fever at the start of pre-season but he is pushing close to full training now. A mobile big man, he can push forward and adds depth in the ruck if he performs in the NEAFL.
Toby Nankervis: A talented and hard-working ruckman, Nankervis has added a physical edge to pre-season training, regularly challenging his senior teammates. With a strong body and solid first season under his belt, he is ready to fight for senior selection.
Luke Parker: The 2014 club champion has barely missed a session this pre-season, which is extraordinary given the intensity at which he trains. Now seen as a weapon when forward, the talented midfielder will be encouraged to push forward where he can float across packs and take marks.
Lloyd Perris: The Swans academy recruit will be sidelined for the next two months as he recovers from another round of surgery on his troublesome left knee. Perris damaged meniscus cartilage on the knee he had LARS surgery on halfway through last year.
Mike Pyke: The Swans' No.1 ruckman is tracking well and will play long minutes through the NAB Challenge. Still showing improvement at 31, the Canadian is primed for a big year, according to the Swans. - Nathan Schmook
Reigning club champion Luke Parker can seemingly only get better. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
Damien Cavka: The recruit made an impact when he broke Chris Masten's club 2km time-trial record this summer. Has extraordinary running power and wants to prove a point after being taken with pick No.66 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. Hasn't played in any of the club's pre-season matches yet and is likely to start in the WAFL with East Perth.
Brant Colledge: After impressing last pre-season he was on the radar to play some senior footy but ended up only playing two games. Had some ankle trouble late in the season. Played against Port Adelaide last week but had only seven touches. One of the players Adam Simpson wants to step up this year.
Liam Duggan: There is plenty of excitement around the Eagles' first-round draft pick but he has been carefully managed through the pre-season. Had a slight ankle issue that has kept him out of the first three pre-season games. Might be capable of playing senior football this year but may need to start well in the WAFL.
Andrew Gaff: Spent the past couple of years trying to learn how to cope with tags and started to gain some consistency. Has racked the possessions up in the first two NAB Challenge clashes. Could become damaging if he can kick some more goals from the midfield.
Mark Hutchings: Has had a pre-season disrupted by a groin issue after fighting hard to gain a spot in the side last year and performing well when given a chance. Has the capacity to be a good run-with midfielder. The injury will mean a slow start to the year.
Kane Lucas: Recruited as a mature-age rookie to add depth to the midfield stocks. Has played all three pre-season games to date and has shown glimpses in all of them. Could be elevated to the senior list as the Eagles have room given the retirement of Beau Waters and the injury to Eric Mackenzie.
Scott Lycett: Will shoulder a lot of the responsibility in the ruck this year along with Nic Naitanui. Took a step forward last year and was rewarded with a four-year deal. Can drift forward and kick goals and did that against Port Adelaide, bagging a couple of goals.
Will Maginness: The young rookie has been dealing with stress problems in his lower legs all summer after the issues popped up late last year. The injury was untimely as he was performing well at WAFL level. Will be a slow year for him as he tries to recover.
Chris Masten: Given a leadership role this year and was the acting captain against the Indigenous All Stars. Remains one of the club's best runners and continues to work exceptionally hard on improving his kicking skills. The Eagles need him to have a big year.
Nic Naitanui: Enjoyed the best pre-season since 2012, only for back tightness to force him out of the first three pre-season games. The Eagles hope it is not serious and he has got the workload under his belt. Hoping to play against Fremantle in the last NAB Challenge.
Murray Newman: The Eagles stuck with him after he served his six-month prison term for grievous bodily harm last year. Trained all through the off-season break, only to suffer a couple of unfortunate knee and ankle problems after Christmas. Will have to work his way back via the WAFL.
Matt Priddis: The injury to Eric Mackenzie only places a greater burden on Priddis. He is the most important player at the club due to his ball winning exploits and he carries the midfield on his shoulders. Has dominated the two NAB Challenge games he's played. One of the competition's best inside midfielders.
Matt Rosa: The veteran signed a contract extension last year and has enjoyed an injury-free pre-season after tearing his pectoral muscle last season. Looks in great shape and may spend a bit more time across half-back than on the wing, but remains an important player when fit.
Scott Selwood: Had further ankle surgery in December that impeded his pre-season significantly but he has trained magnificently to get himself back and looks set to play round one. Might even play against Fremantle in the last NAB Challenge match. His leadership and toughness around the ball is invaluable.
Dom Sheed: Played 10 games in his first year and could be set to play all 22 matches this year. Had added some size to his frame over summer. Gathered 16 touches against Port Adelaide in the NAB Challenge and is capable of more. Can also push forward and kick a goal.
Luke Shuey: Arguably the Eagles' most damaging midfielder and opposition teams know it. His speed and kicking can slice sides open, so he gets a lot of attention. Needs to work through that to support Matt Priddis. Will be important to the Eagles' prospects.
Callum Sinclair: Has had an unlucky pre-season, with two nasty injuries to a finger and thumb sidelining him. Looked great against the Indigenous All Stars before breaking his thumb against Carlton. Will get back and push for the second ruck spot in the side. Should play plenty of senior football this year.
Alec Waterman: Father-son recruit has had a good pre-season. Has shown a great running capacity as an inside midfielder despite being managed at a couple of points. Nearly played the last NAB Challenge match. Likely to start in the WAFL but strong performances will give him every chance of promotion.
Sharrod Wellingham: Has had a good pre-season and appears to be on track for a great year. He is in the final year of his contract. It is less about what he does with the football than what he does without it. Could play forward as well. The Eagles need him to stand tall.
Elliot Yeo: Has recovered from the broken hand that ruined his season last year. Will push more into the midfield after initially being recruited from the Brisbane Lions as a half-back. Showed some ability in clearance situations last year and can use his pace and kicking as weapons. - Alex Malcolm
The Brownlow medallist remains one of the Eagles' most important players. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Marcus Bontempelli: Last year's NAB AFL Rising Star runner-up will be looking to build on his eye-catching debut season. Will be one of many young Dogs expected to step up in the midfield following the season-ending injury to Tom Liberatore
Matthew Boyd: There was talk that 2014 might have been Boyd's swansong, but the former skipper's knowledge this season will be invaluable for a club light on experience. New coach Luke Beveridge has indicated he will use the 32-year-old across half- back this season.
Tom Campbell: The developing ruckman played only seven games last season, but impressed with his ability to play in the ruck and up forward. Should challenge Will Minson as the team's No.1 ruckman in 2015.
Ayce Cordy: It looms as a make-or-break season for the fifth year father/son recruit. The once injury-plagued ruckman has played only 20 senior games, but former club captain Luke Darcy believes the 24-year-old has the ability to carve out a successful AFL career.
Luke Dahlhaus: With Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney gone, the 22-year-old will get plenty of midfield time in 2015. Good in close and on the spread, Dahlhaus should revel in Luke Beveridge's attacking game plan.
Mitch Honeychurch: The fiercely competitive midfielder impressed in three AFL appearances in 2014, playing mainly as a high half-forward. But with the injury to Tom Liberatore and several veterans moving on, the 20-year-old should get plenty of midfield opportunities.
Nathan Hrovat: The diminutive playmaker is becoming an important part of this young Dogs side with his sure foot skills and sound decision-making. His preparation was interrupted by a rib injury in the opening week of the NAB Challenge.
Lin Jong: After impressing in three seasons on the rookie list the 21-year-old looks a likely starter in round one. Has a dangerous mix of power and speed but needs to work on his kicking and decision-making.
Tom Liberatore: The 22-year-old budding superstar will miss the 2015 season after injuring his knee in round one of the NAB Challenge. Teammates will have to lift to cover his loss.
Josh Prudden: The 20-year-old will be looking for a debut and some luck in 2015 after injuries ruined his first two seasons at the club. The creative inside midfielder could help fill the big hole left by Liberatore's injury.
Jack Macrae: The classy ball magnet averaged an impressive 26 possessions a game in 2014 to finish second in the Bulldogs' best and fairest count and poll the most votes for the Bulldogs in the Brownlow Medal (10). The 20-year-old looks destined to be a 200-game player.
Will Minson: The 2013 All-Australian will be desperate to atone for a disappointing 2014 campaign. The aggressive ruckman will need to get back to his best, with understudy Tom Campbell ready for more opportunities at senior level.
Clay Smith: The tough-as-teak on-baller is recovering from his second knee reconstruction in two years. The 21-year-old is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but the club is taking a cautious approach.
Roarke Smith: The long-haired rookie is likely to spend most of 2015 in the VFL with Footscray. The Dogs like the wingman's run and carry and penetrating left foot.
Koby Stevens: The solidly built inside midfielder needs to work on his awareness and decision-making, but is a threat pushing forward with his strong overhead marking and sound kicking.
Mitch Wallis: The Bulldogs will be hoping Wallis finds the consistency that has eluded him so far in four seasons at Whitten Oval. The 22-year-old should get plenty of opportunities due to his great mate Tom Liberatore's season-ending knee injury. - Ryan Davidson
Excitement machine Marcus Bontempelli already has plenty of tricks. Picture: AFL Media
