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 midfielders from Adelaide to Greater Western Sydney.

Adelaide

Rory Atkins: The young mid hasreally stepped his training up a notch this summer and is the sort of playerwhose development will really accelerate thanks to Adelaide's dedicatedreserves side. 

Brad Crouch: His class andpotential was clear in his debut season and consequently the young midfielderhas been pushed hard by all the coaches at West Lakes all summer. Set for a bigstep forward. 

Matt Crouch: The younger brother ofBrad has seamlessly slipped into life as an AFL footballer. He's alreadyimpressing coaches with his ability and shouldn't be written off to debut inhis first year. 

Patrick Dangerfield: The club's bestplayer has shown no signs of plateauing this summer. After being named actingco-captain, you get the sense the leadership will lift him to another level. 

Richard Douglas: Found a way back tohis best last year and has continued to build on that form throughout thepre-season. Physically, he looks in outstanding shape and will again prove akey player for the club. 

Angus Graham: A mountain of a man butneeds to really lift at SANFL level if his career in the AFL is to continue.He's worked hard on his game this summer and now needs to deliver. 

Mitch Grigg: The impressive youngleft-footer has managed to further increase his endurance this pre-season andhas shown all the signs that he'll build on his good 2013 form. 

Sam Jacobs: The club's No.1 ruckmanhas lowered his playing weight ahead of season 2014, which should help himcover more ground once games begin. Crows need him firing to get the best outof a talented midfield. 

Sam Kerridge: Raised a lot ofeyebrows with his performances last year and Kerridge's pre-season has done thesame. His huge running capacity could see him spend a lot of time in themidfield. 

Riley Knight: Coaches have loved theway he's attacked his first pre-season in the AFL and has come into the club'ssystem at the perfect time given the new reserves side. 

Jarryd Lyons: A talentedmidfielder/forward, Lyons is the sort of player who could prove valuable giventhe new interchange cap. With that in mind he's been concentrating onincreasing his endurance. 

David Mackay: Needs a big year aftera disappointing 2013, and his attitude over the pre-season suggests one is onthe cards. The speedster has been a real standout this summer. 

Jack Osborn: His development lastseason pleased Crows coaches and the raw ruckman will be another player tobenefit from the club's new reserves team in the SANFL. 

Rory Sloane: The acting co-skipperalways trains hard and this pre-season has proved no different after taking outthe club's best and fairest in 2013. His leadership will prove invaluable thisseason. 

Brodie Smith: Has been outstandingthis summer and is a favourite to spend solid time in the midfield with vanBerlo on the sidelines. He's blitzed time trials and will start the season intop shape. 

Scott Thompson: Hip surgery forced theveteran into a delayed start to his pre-season and he didn't return to fulltraining until January. He insists he'll be ready for round one. 

Nathan van Berlo: Looked in great touchbefore suffering a devastating Achilles injury that will sideline him for atleast six months. He'll spend the first half of the season in rehabilitation. 

Matthew Wright: He's one of the manymidfielders vying for the spot vacated by van Berlo. He's in terrific shape and with previous run-with experience could easily spend permanent time through themidfield. – Harry Thring

Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield is now a big star of the game. Picture: AFL Media


Brisbane Lions


James Aish: The first round draft selection is expected to play plenty of games after two seasons in the SANFL. Noted as a classy outside player, but Aish is also clever in traffic.

Claye Beams: Coming off a knee reconstruction that wrecked his 2013, Beams is fully recovered ahead of schedule and will be available for round one.

Isaac Conway: Rookie drafted through the Lions academy and will be used as a back-up. Small and a prolific ball winner.

Jack Crisp: Big year for the tall midfielder who played just two games last season. Is versatile enough to play half-forward or half-back but has a big job to win a regular spot.

Pearce Hanley: Gets better every year and was slightly unlucky to miss the 40-man All Australian squad in 2013. Will get more attention from the opposition this season as he mixes time between half-back and the wing.

Nick Hayes: Rookie who impressed greatly in the reserves last year. Great work ethic and clever in tight quarters, it would not surprise to see him get a senior call-up if the chance arose.

Ryan Lester: Quiet achiever who played 16 games last season and offers a good balance between attack and defence.

Matthew Leuenberger: Undoubtedly one of the best rucks in the competition, Leuenberger has had an injury-free pre-season and should flourish with Trent West to take some heat off.

Stefan Martin: Injury has again dogged Martin in the off-season and he'll be touch and go for the start of the season. A valuable back-up in the ruck.

Sam Mayes: Ripping first season in Lions colours and is already one of the best ball users at the club. Is the face of the future at the Gabba.

Sam Michael: Still needs some developing, but Michael is big and has a great aerobic capacity for a ruckman. Can also play as a marking forward.

Brent Moloney: Now 30, Moloney is still crucial in the Lions' engine room. A great clearance player and better than expected leader at the club during his first year.

Zac O'Brien: Mature rookie who comes via Essendon's VFL team. Has slotted in nicely over the pre-season.

James Polkinghorne: Flirted with heading back to his hometown of Melbourne, but Polkinghorne has looked rejuvenated over the pre-season. A fresh start under Leppitsch is just what he needs.

Andrew Raines: Not a popular role, but the Lions tagger is one of the best in the business at stopping the competition's elite midfielders. Should get plenty of tough jobs again in 2014.

Jack Redden: Played 98 consecutive games since his debut in 2009 – each and every one of them the same way. Redden is combative, a great tackler and solid clearance player. Developing his game with the ball is crucial to taking the next step both individually and as a team.

Daniel Rich: Probably the Lions' most important player. Rich is a match-winner and doesn't need many touches to influence a game with his penetrating left foot.

Nick Robertson: Good size draftee from Western Australia who has carved it up on the training track over the pre-season. Won the most recent 2k time trial and is a bull-at-a-gate type who should play matches.

Tom Rockliff: Stormed home to finish sixth in Brownlow Medal voting last year and is the perfect link-man when the Lions have the ball. Rockliff works hard both inside and outside and is the heart and soul of the club.

Archie Smith: Project ruckman who has played fewer than 12 months after switching from a promising basketball career. A development year.

Lewis Taylor: Lions were genuinely surprised to get the pocket dynamo at number 28 in the draft. Missed some pre-season with foot problems, but will play senior games when he's fit.

Trent West: The Geelong premiership ruckman has been traded in to help ease the load on Leuenberger. Leppitsch wants to play two genuine ruckmen so West will play a vital role. - Michael Whiting

Tom Rockliff is a key cog of the Brisbane Lion's midfield. Picture: AFL Media


Carlton


Tom Bell: Benefited from a Spartan off-season, starting his 2014 campaign in superb condition and continuing to build momentum. Likened to club great Anthony Koutoufides for his athleticism, the former rookie is a potential heir to Judd in the Blues' engine room.

Jaryd Cachia: The robust midfielder has been rewarded for his progress with elevation to the Blues' primary list as a nominated rookie. Broke through for 14 games last year, mainly as a tagger, but needs to develop his outside game.

Andrew Carrazzo: The veteran midfielder has kissed goodbye the calf issues that wrecked his 2013 season and required post-season surgery. Teammates and coaches alike have welcomed back his leadership and work ethic on the track.

Patrick Cripps: The Blues' top draft pick is expected to press for selection in round one, particularly given the early absence of Judd's inside work. Still building a tank and learning how to run efficiently, but loves the contest.

Ed Curnow: The club's chief tagger last year in Carrazzo's absence, he has continued to wow the Blues with his ability to eat up high training loads with his elite endurance. Has been challenged to maintain his high standard.

David Ellard: The diminutive midfielder was last year cruelled by injuries at critical stages, just when it appeared he might break through to become a regular senior player. Needs a big year and has prepared accordingly.

Nick Graham: The teenage ball-getter with the shock of blond hair continues to impress with his commitment to bettering himself in all areas of his game. Could earn an early opportunity to add to his two-game tally.

Bryce Gibbs: The highly-skilled playmaker is continuing his transition from outside runner to a harder-to-counter balance between inside and outside play. Expect him to be more of a presence around stoppages.

Nick Holman: Eased into the Blues' program like all youngsters but adopts a bull-at-a-gate approach in everything he does. Likely to be used around the flanks initially in the VFL but his desperation could open up other options.

Chris Judd: Not expected to return until at least round three after undergoing surgery on an ongoing achilles injury. The veteran also had a limited preparation last season but managed to be a strong contributor.

Matthew Kreuzer: The Blues' first-choice big man has overcome the foot injury that required post-season surgery and appears set to spend more time in attack to help solve the club's forward issues. Also wants to become a leader.

Kane Lucas: Enjoyed the best of his four injury-hampered seasons to play 17 games last year but finished the season in the VFL and appears to be behind several others for an early midfield berth.

Brock McLean: The midfield workhorse is tipped to continue his late-career renaissance that has him ranked among the club's most reliable players. Never been quick, but keeps going at the same relentless pace.

Marc Murphy: The contrast between this pre-season and last has been stark for the second-year skipper, whose knee issues appear behind him. Expect a vastly improved performance as both a player and a leader.

Mitch Robinson: After enduring an indifferent season in which he was dropped and received public criticism from Malthouse, the tough runner is determined to re-establish himself as a key member of the Blues' line-up.

Ciaran Sheehan: The Irish rookie only started training with the Blues after Christmas and, accordingly, has been slowly stepped through the program. Possesses terrific athleticism and his skills are progressing well, while his game sense naturally requires ongoing education.

Tom Temay: A second-year player who has been trying to bulk up his light frame, but one to keep an eye on with his kicking skills and elite running power.

Dale Thomas: The most talked-about ankle in the AFL is pain-free, with the former Magpie putting many miles into those explosive legs and becoming increasingly optimistic about his prospects. Thriving under longtime mentor Mick Malthouse.

Matthew Warnock: Arguably the Blues' best tap ruckman, Warnock could be given an early opportunity in the No. 1 ruck role while Kreuzer is deployed predominantly forward. Finished last season strongly and is working on his contested marking.

Cameron Wood: former Magpie, rookie, third in the ruck pecking order behind Kreuzer and Warnock but the Blues say he isn't simply insurance. Expected to play at least a handful of games to lighten the ruck load at strategic times.

 Superstar Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs after last year's final against Richmond: Picture: AFL Media



Collingwood


Taylor Adams
The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder has created plenty of buzz at Collingwood this pre-season and is in line to make his club debut in round one. Talented young player with a fierce attack on the ball who impressed in the NAB Challenge opener.
 
Luke Ball
The Magpies missed Ball's inside grunt work terribly, before he returned at the midway point of last season. He should be better off in 2014, having another full pre-season to get his body in top working condition.
 
Martin Clarke
2014 looms as an interesting year for Clarke. He found himself out of the side for large portions last year, so he'll be keen to impress early on. May have a few teammates already ahead of him.
 
Sam Dwyer
After years toiling away in the VFL, Dwyer grabbed his opportunity and ran with it in 2013. He managed 21 games, with his snap decisions in traffic and sure ball handling earning him plaudits from Nathan Buckley.
 
Nathan Freeman
Looking at a month on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring in the Magpies' NAB Challenge opener against Geelong. His speed and dedication to improve impressed the Pies through the pre-season.
 
Brodie Grundy
At 19, the responsibility of carrying Collingwood's ruck division rests firmly on Grundy's shoulders. Stamped himself as one of the finest young players in the competition on the back of a stellar end to 2013.
 
Ben Hudson
The Magpies have been vocal about how Hudson's work with young ruckmen Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts will benefit the club in the long run. In the meantime, the veteran is more than solid insurance for Collingwood's ruck stocks.
 
Tom Langdon
Considered a midfielder at junior level, Langdon may have to settle into a post off half-back in the VFL this season. He did so in the NAB Challenge opener, collecting 11 touches in a pleasing first up performance against the Cats.
 
Heritier Lumumba
He may have changed his name and chopped off the locks, but 2014 looks like a big year for the dashing Pie. Has clearly been one of the best Magpies on the track this pre-season.
 
Brent Macaffer
Reinvented himself as a tagger last year, doing jobs on Nick Dal Santo, Joel Selwood and David Mundy. The Pies needed a defensive minded midfielder and they have found it in Macafffer.
 
Scott Pendlebury
Already one of the top players in the AFL, Pendlebury's clean hands and expert decision-making set him apart. It will be interesting to see how he handles the extra responsibility of the captaincy in 2014.
 
Steele Sidebottom
Collingwood's everywhere man spent much of 2013 carrying out different tasks for Nathan Buckley. This year, you should see him floating through the midfield, where he can use his polished disposal to full advantage.
 
Dane Swan
The star on-baller just keeps trucking along, earning his fifth consecutive All Australian nomination. Swan is now over the effects of off-season wrist surgery and ready to hit his stride again.
 
Josh Thomas
2013 was a real breakout year for the strong on-baller and thankfully he is over the foot injuries that dogged him early in his career. Thrives around stoppages and the Pies rely on Thomas to apply consistent defensive pressure.
 
Jarrod Witts
Still only 21, Witts managed seven senior games in 2013. He has great mobility for a someone standing 209cm and  has worked hard on refining his tap ruck work. May provide a back-up option to Grundy.
 
Clinton Young
Had his first season at the Magpies ravaged by hamstring injuries. Young is injury free for the first time in years, although he copped knock to the face in the NAB Challenge opener. His run and carry and laser-like left boot look like adding another element to the Pies' team. - Ben Guthrie

Veteran Dane Swan will again get plenty of the ball in 2014. Picture: AFL Media






Essendon

Tom Bellchambers: Ankle surgery will set back Bellchambers' start to the season, with the ruckman likely to be back in full swing by round five or six. It is a big blow because he is an important player in Essendon's set-up.

Travis Colyer: Been a player to show marked improvement this pre-season after only seven games in 2013. Adds speed and some spark to the Bombers' midfield rotation but will need to be a bit more consistent to hold down a spot.

Brendon Goddard: Goddard has had some calf and hamstring complaints during the pre-season but they have only been minor and last year's best and fairest is expected to have the same impact in 2014. 

Will Hams: In a small glimpse last year Hams showed his tenacious and brave approach by putting his head over the ball on several occasions and taking the knock. Has a good attitude and could even find a spot through half-forward.

Dyson Heppell: Rebounded very quickly from a foot operation at the end of last year to complete most of the pre-season program. Has grown into one of the best leaders at the club, works hard, and would be expected to continue his spectacular rise.

Heath Hocking: Still Essendon's first-choice tagging option although will need to continue to develop his offensive game as other midfielders mature.

Ben Howlett: An up-and-down year for Howlett in 2013 saw him start with three Brownlow Medal votes in round one and be in the VFL later on. Takes some pressure off Watson with his ball-winning and head-first attitude at the stoppages.

Elliott Kavanagh: The first-round draft pick is into his third season after only playing three games last year. Classy midfielder who can run when up and going.

Jake Melksham: A terrific second half of the season in 2013 saw Melksham finish fifth in the best and fairest, and he is expecting to continue his improvement in 2014, his fifth AFL season.

David Myers: Despite being floated as a trade target last year, Myers stuck with the Bombers, signed a new deal, and was elevated to the leadership group. Will likely still play in stints across half-forward and half-back.

Nick O'Brien: O'Brien enters his third season likely to push for a spot through half-forward and the midfield. He came to the club as a marking forward target but has been moulded into a run-with midfield role to utilise his endurance. 

Johnny Rayner: The category-B rookie has led the way in the time trials over the summer – no surprise given his athletics background. Still easing back into his footy career after focusing on his running.

Paddy Ryder: More responsibility heads Ryder's way with Bellchambers down, but that is often when Ryder plays his best footy. Will play his 150th game in round one this year, and is ready to take his game to another level.

Brent Stanton: Always a pre-season pro, Stanton didn't head to Colorado at the end of the year with the majority of the senior group. His run and carry and long-kicking gives the Bombers some drive.

Fraser Thurlow: Essendon needed a ruckman at the rookie draft and were pleased to pick the Queenslander to add some depth in that department.

Jobe Watson: The champion midfielder is still the club's best player and its most influential. He remains the heartbeat of the Bombers' midfield brigade, and led well in extraordinary circumstances last year. The club will hope there is less reliance on him at the clearances now.

David Zaharakis: Enters this year fitter than this time last year, when a quad injury held him back. Has been omitted from the leadership group but is still one of the squad's most important players with his pace and skill. - Callum Twomey

Fremantle

Jacob Ballard: The 20-year-oldrookie draft selection played five matches for the Northern Blues in the VFLlast year. Likely to spend the majority of 2014 with Peel Thunder in the WAFL. 

Michael Barlow: Had an outstanding2013, including a brilliant finals series. Came back to the pre-season earlierthan he needed to and has trained very well. Trying to work on his speed andacceleration at stoppages. 

Zac Clarke: After a breakoutseason in 2013 Clarke had a major setback during the Christmas break, injuringthe posterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Was still in a brace at the intra-clubmatch this week. Will be touch and go to be ready for round one. 

Ryan Crowley: Has been on anindividually tailored program through the pre-season. Did not play the intra-clubmatch on Tuesday but is fit and remains a very important player as one of thepremier taggers in the AFL. 

Hayden Crozier: Has beenimpressive in his third pre-season and played well in the intraclub match.Pushed very hard for a permanent spot in the Dockers side in 2013 and will makean even stronger case for 2014 in the NAB Challenge. 

Nat Fyfe: The reigning bestand fairest looked sensational in the intra-club match running through the midfield.May float forward a little more in 2014. He has delayed his contract talks,however, which may become an unwanted distraction during the year. 

Brady Grey: Young Tasmanianmidfielder who is feeling his way through his first pre-season. Will spend sometime developing in the WAFL this year. 

Jonathon Griffin: Still workingthrough the long rehab process following his knee reconstruction last May. Isstill a number of weeks away from participating in full training. The Dockerswill be cautious with him. 

Jack Hannath: Played 12 matchesin his first season in 2013. Given the injuries to Zac Clarke, JonathonGriffin, and Kepler Bradley, Hannath may get more opportunities in 2014. He hastrained strongly and should play in the NAB Challenge matches. 

Stephen Hill: Had a quieter 2013by his standards as opposition teams focused their attentions on him, but heplayed well in the finals series. Has endured some quad niggles throughout thepre-season that have slowed his preparation for 2014 but he played the intra-cluband will play in the NAB Challenge.

Danyle Pearce: Returned to thepre-season in excellent condition and performed brilliantly in the 3kmtime-trial. Looks in impressive shape and will be an important cog for theDockers again in 2014 on the wing.

Aaron Sandilands: After a phenomenalfinals series, Sandilands has had an impressive, injury free, pre-season andlooked in terrific touch in the intra-club. Will be a force again in 2014 if heremains fit. 

Tom Sheridan: Played 10 matchesin his second season in 2013. Impressed Ross Lyon when he got his opportunityand played in the qualifying final but was an emergency in the preliminary andGrand Final. Has had a strong pre-season and will push his case in the NABChallenge. 

Nick Suban: Played 22 matches lastyear. Has had an outstanding pre-season and although he missed the intra-clubthere are a number of keen Dockers observers who think Suban will have a bigseason. 

Colin Sylvia: Former Demon hashad a very slow pre-season and has been on a modified program. Will take sometime getting used to Lyon's system. He should play in the NAB Challenge matchesbut will need to prove his fitness to guarantee a place in round one. 

Sam Menegola: He's easily themost outstanding runner at the Dockers and is the dominant winner in the timetrials. Has had a strong pre-season after a knee injury sidelined him in 2013. Willneed a long-term injury to get his opportunity in the premiership season. 

Craig Moller: Long-term ruckoption who made his debut in round 23 last season. Given the depth of ruckstocks at Fremantle when all are fully fit it is unlikely he will get manyopportunities in 2014 but he has trained strongly and will continue to develop. 

Anthony Morabito: The lucklessmidfielder's progress has been slow and steady. He was back to full training inthe middle of 2013 after LARS surgery last January but was shut down in Augustto prepare for 2014. Has trained well but has been carefully managed. He is anunknown at the moment. 

David Mundy: Has become anelite midfielder in the AFL and his Grand Final performance was exceptional. Heis a potential free agent in 2014 but the Dockers will do everything they canto re-sign Mundy. He was easily the best afield in the intra-club match. 

Tendai Mzungu: Did not play theintra-club but has trained impressively in the pre-season. Proved to be a greatutility in 2013 after being dropped and recalled in round eight. Is in thefirst-choice 22 for round one. 

Lachie Neale: Finished 2013magnificently and was the sub for the Grand Final. Has had a strong pre-seasonand knows he has to work hard and perform well in the NAB Challenge to keep hisspot in the line-up in 2014. – Alex Malcolm

Geelong

Zac Bates (rookie): Pint-sized speedster from South Australia who is inhis first year with the Cats. Will spend the year honing his craft in the VFL. 

Nick Bourke (rookie): Outside midfielder who is also in his first yearwith the club. Will need to bulk up, but has already shown his great skills onthe training track. 

Josh Caddy: Enjoyed an encouraging first season at Geelong in2013 after joining the club from Gold Coast. Has the ability to push forwardand kick goals. Has had a big pre-season and is looking bigger, stronger andmore aggressive this year.

Allen Christensen: Tough and skilful, the 2011 premiership player is anemerging leader of the Cats' midfield. But he's battling to be fit for thestart of the home and away season after having hip surgery during theoff-season. 

Josh Cowan: Finally fit again after being dogged by a chronicAchilles problem and a hamstring injury after he returned to action midwaythrough last season. Has been a standout on the track during the pre-season butdidn't play against Collingwood on Wednesday. 

Mitch Duncan: A rapidly improving player who is among the leadinglights of the club's young brigade. Always trains hard, and this pre-season hasbeen no exception. Picked up 23 possessions and took four marks in the NABChallenge opener against the Magpies. 

George Horlin-Smith: Ultra-professional young player, who has skill andtoughness and has bulked up since arriving at the club following the 2011 NABAFL Draft. Will get the chance to cement his place in this team this year. 

Taylor Hunt: Started last season in brilliant fashion butsuffered a broken collarbone and found himself out of the side when the finalsarrived. Is set to spend more time in the backline this year. 

Jarrad Jansen: Draftee who has already has the bulk to stepstraight into AFL footy. Is likely to make his debut at some stage this season. 

Steve Johnson: Mercurial star who enjoyed his first full season asa midfielder last year. Will again be played through the middle of the groundthis year. Picked up 29 touches against Collingwood on Wednesday, although hemade some typically bizarre mistakes. 

James Kelly: Veteran onballer whose tackling is the feature of hisgame. Is brilliant at winning contested possessions and keeps leading the wayon the training track. 

Darcy Lang: The club's first selection in last year's NAB AFLDraft will be given plenty of time to work on his game in the VFL. 

Jordan Murdoch: Is on the cusp of becoming a regular senior player.Can kick goals and has elite kicking skills in general play. Set for a breakoutyear. 

Jordan Schroder: Winner of the VFL best and fairest last season. Willbe given opportunities to prove himself, and kicked the winning goal in the NABCup opener against Collingwood. 

Joel Selwood: Has had aninterrupted pre-season after needing surgery to fix a foot problem. Should befit to play against Adelaide in round one. 

Jackson Sheringham(rookie): Starting his third year on the rookie list, meaning he has to bepromoted or delisted at the end of the year. Struggled with injuries lastseason, so he needs to stay fit to give himself a chance of winning a newcontract. 

Mathew Stokes: Changed fromsmall forward to gun midfielder last season, gathering a stack of the ball andreigniting his career. Was outstanding in the NAB Challenge opener againstCollingwood. 

Jesse Stringer: Needsto make a big impact this year to extend his stay at the Cattery. Has thetalent, skill and toughness but needs to stay fit. Has already copped asetback, suffering hamstring tightness in the warm-up before the NAB Challengegame against Collingwood.

Travis Varcoe: Injury-proneplayer who will have to stand up during the early part of the season to coverthe absence of Steven Motlop. Showed encouraging signs against the Magpies,picking up 21 possessions and laying six tackles. - Adam McNicol

Gold Coast


Gary Ablett: The best player in the game shows no sign of slowing down. Coach Guy McKenna has hinted Ablett will spend more time forward, but don't expect it to be too much.

Harley Bennell: In a midfield loaded with talent, Bennell is perhaps the most exciting. Superb ball user and finisher, he is now also learning to deal with opposition tags.

Jarred Ellis: Rookie drafted through the Suns academy program, Ellis has been slowed down by a hamstring injury late in pre-season. Will learn plenty this year.

Daniel Gorringe: Resisted the temptation of going back to South Australia and now has to fight to win a spot. Is super fit after a great pre-season and is a nice option as a forward-ruck.

Jarrod Harbrow: Moved from half-back to the midfield last season with great success. Provides the Suns with energy and continues to develop his game. One of the first players picked.

Karmichael Hunt: With rugby league clubs already circling, this is a huge season for the out-of-contract Hunt. Slid down the pecking order after an injury-interrupted 2013 and missed some pre-season with a toe problem. May need to push into a defensive half-forward role to win a spot.

Kade Kolodjashnij: Taken at No.5 in the draft, the Tasmanian is a natural half-back, but is also an option to see game time on the wing. Composed and with an excellent left-foot, he is a good chance to play early in the season.

Sean Lemmens: Like Kolodjashnij, is more of a small rebounding defender, but is capable of playing on a wing. Has impressed the coaching staff greatly and not missed a beat in his first pre-season.

Jack Leslie: Played ruck as a junior, and could be useful in a back-up role, but the Suns have drafted the 199cm Leslie as a long-term key defender. Expect him to play both roles in a developing year.

Jesse Lonergan: With some luck, could be set for a breakout year. The Tasmanian was hampered by hand and hamstring injuries last season but has trained well and is right in the frame to become a regular.

Jack Martin: The most anticipated debut since … Jaeger O'Meara. Martin has all the skills and has ticked every box in his preparation. Will share time between the forward line and midfield and will play as many games as his body allows.

Tom Nicholls: The biggest improver for the Suns last year, Nicholls was a revelation in the ruck when taking over from injured Zac Smith. Disrupted pre-season with knee and quad injuries, but has regained fitness and will be right to go for round one.

Jaeger O'Meara: Hard to top his debut season, but O'Meara has worked hard to put on some extra muscle while seemingly losing none of his blinding acceleration. Quickly becoming the grunt of the midfield.

Dion Prestia: Calf injury has slowed down a sensational pre-season, but the newly-elected vice-captain will be right to go for the season's start.

Michael Rischitelli: After two seasons almost wrecked by injury, Rischitelli has been flying in the pre-season. Moving the best he has since 2011 and will start the season in the seniors.

Alex Sexton: Clever, hard-working midfielder who needs some luck to break into the team, but is more than capable of holding his spot if given a chance.

Zac Smith: Recovering strongly from a knee reconstruction, Smith is expected to be available early in the season. Will have to battle Nicholls for a spot.

Danny Stanley: Under-rated by outsiders, Stanley has been the ultimate utility for coach McKenna. Showed he can play lock-down roles last season with a number of strong stopping jobs on the game's best midfielders.

David Swallow: Used on the half-back line at various stages last year, expect Swallow to return to a full-time midfield role in 2014. The most combative player at the Suns. - Michael Whiting

Greater Western Sydney


Jake Barrett: A talented, tough midfielder from Temora in the NSW Riverina with a background in rugby league, he is making swift progress in Australian football and will continue his education in the game in 2014.
 
Tom Bugg: A former defender who is now spending most of his time through the midfield, Bugg showed his conditioning by taking out the club's first 3km time trial late last year and appears set for a strong season.
 
Stephen Coniglio: The former second overall draft pick has made steady progress over his two years on the list and shown some good signs through the midfield during the pre-season.
 
Tom Downie: The developing ruckman enjoyed a steep level of improvement in 2013, making his AFL debut in round 20, and he will be hopeful of more senior action this comingyear.
 
Jonathan Giles: Burdened with the majority of the Giants' ruck duties over the past two years, and having played a club-best 42 games over that period, Giles is set to benefit enormously from Shane Mumford's arrival.
 
Toby Greene: A wonderful rookie season was followed up with a challenging second year as opposition sides learned how to combat his strengths. But a strong pre-season has him poised to recapture his ball-winning best.
 
Will Hoskin-Elliott: One of the quickest players on GWS' list, the talented Hoskin-Elliott has lacked consistency to date and also had some injury troubles. He will be aiming tocement a regular spot in the line-up this year.
 
Josh Kelly: The Giants' second overall pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Kelly shows maturity beyond his 19 years and could taste senior action early in his rookie year.
 
Rory Lobb: A ruck project who boasts a 205cm frame, he is also quite agile and showed an ability to get forward in the club's intra-club match this week.
 
Shane Mumford: The premiership-winner with the Sydney Swans looms as one of GWS' most important signings thus far. His frame, aggression and experience should be invaluable to his new young teammates.
 
Jono O'Rourke: Carrying a hamstring issue into his rookie campaign, O'Rourke then suffered a broken jaw and a shoulder problem, limiting him to just one game last year. He is due some luck to demonstrate his undeniable talents.
 
Rhys Palmer: Utilised in a defensive forward role last season, he showed excellent form before foot issues blighted the second half of his year. If he can stay fit he should be able to offer plenty through the midfield in 2014.
 
Andrew Phillips: Following 10 games in his debut season, Phillips became a forgotten man last year as a chronic hamstring prevented him from playing a single game. The ruckman is due a change of fortunes this coming year and showed good signs in GWS' intra-club match this week.
 
Dylan Shiel: A fourth place finish in GWS' best and fairest was an indication of his progress last season. With even more muscle added to his powerful frame, his rise towards stardom should continue this year.
 
Jacob Townsend: One of the toughest members of the GWS engine room, he is a genuine tagging option that took on and succeeded in some big jobs across eight senior games last season.
 
Adam Treloar: Comfortably among the Giants' best midfielders in his 20 games last season, the rising star is blessed with pace, toughness and plenty of skill and is expected to takeanother step up this year.
 
Callan Ward: Named co-captain for a third straight season, the no-fuss midfielder can also be utilised in defence and continues to grow as a leader.
 
Lachie Whitfield: Even for a No.1 draft pick, Whitfield excelled last season, showcasing his outstanding foot skills and impressive toughness, despite his slender frame. The sky is the limit for this youngster. - James Dampney