MOST of the AFL's big guns got a run in the 2015 NAB Challenge but there were some who didn't.  We've picked out ten of the best who didn't play a minute of the pre-season, but are nonetheless every chance to turn up in round one of the home and away season.

Nick Riewoldt
The St Kilda captain took a period of personal leave following the tragic passing of his younger sister Madeleine on February 24. He has been at the club for about three weeks and is expected to play in round one. Riewoldt is the ultimate professional and he entered round one seamlessly without playing a pre-season game in 2013. He'll be put through an increased training load over the next two weeks to prepare him to face Greater Western Sydney. 

Chad Wingard
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is prepared to pick Wingard in round one despite a pre-season interrupted by a knee injury. The Power game-breaker underwent a right knee cleanout in late January and resumed full training one month later. His interrupted pre-season could see him resume in a half-forward role rather than playing as a midfielder as he did for much of his All Australian season in 2013.     

Dyson Heppell
While the Bombers wait on the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal's verdict on their provisionally suspended players, Heppell was also nursing a knee injury back to health. The star midfielder complained of knee soreness in early March and underwent an arthroscopy, which was expected to have him available for round one. He started running on March 16 but is still in some doubt to face the Sydney Swans on April 4. 

Gary Ablett
The champion midfielder's orange hat in training has been a reminder to teammates he is not part of full contact drills yet after shoulder surgery last year. Ablett is expected to put himself through rigorous physical testing this week, while his teammates are on a brief period of leave, to prove his fitness ahead of round one. 

Jeremy Howe
The high-flying Demon suffered a hamstring strain in the final training session of the club's pre-season camp in January. He was initially expected to be available for late NAB Challenge games, but the club has taken a conservative approach. He is now training with the main group and should be available for round one. 

Angus Brayshaw
Melbourne looks set to introduce its prized youngster into senior football gradually, holding Brayshaw out of NAB Challenge games. The tough midfielder started the pre-season well but suffered a bout of gastro. He played his first VFL practice match in mid-March and impressed, showcasing poise and his trademark contested game. Brayshaw has already signed a new two-year deal with the Demons.

Jaeger O’Meara
The young midfielder underwent cutting edge surgery on both knees in London last year in a procedure designed to extend his career. The Suns won't take any risks with the 21-year-old or divert from his surgeon's guidelines, making him doubtful for round one. "He’s just about ready to go but we’re probably just erring on the side of caution," coach Rodney Eade said.   

Ben Reid
The Collingwood defender was sent to Germany at the end of last year to meet with a soft-tissue specialist following a calf injury. He has enjoyed a clean bill of health since, returning in the VFL three weeks out from round one and playing 70 per cent of the match. The Magpies haven't put a timeline on him playing senior football, but round one now appears likely.  

Lachie Hansen
North Melbourne is hopeful it will have Hansen available for round one after the tall defender missed the NAB Challenge with hip injuries. Hansen had both hips operated on at the end of last year, putting a large dent in his pre-season. Coach Brad Scott said he couldn't be ruled out for the club's season opener based on the amount of conditioning work he had done in recent weeks.   

Bernie Vince
The senior Melbourne midfielder has endured an interrupted pre-season after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of last year, with a hamstring setback putting him in doubt for round one. With the injuries coming back-to-back and sidelining him as the NAB Challenge started, it is possible Vince will be held back until he has completed a consistent block of training.