Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs

Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)
He's been favoured to win the No.1 ruck spot since his first week at the club, but Witts made sure of it with his showing against the Bulldogs. The former Magpie dominated the first quarter, guiding one ball-up right into the path of Gary Ablett who cleverly baulked and goaled with a smart right-foot snap. Witts got tired as the match wore on – he'd only played half a game during the JLT Community Series – but 14 disposals (10 contested) and 31 hit-outs was more than encouraging. He'll be better for the run and be a key ingredient for the Suns' revamped midfield. 

Lin Jong (Western Bulldogs)
He missed last year's premiership with an untimely fractured collarbone, but Jong looks determined to make sure he's in the Dogs' best 22 this year. The clever midfield/half-forward was excellent against the Suns and a major reason the Bulldogs were able to climb off the canvas and win. He worried Ablett into giving away a third-quarter free kick for a goal and was a constant headache forward of centre, setting up another three goals for teammates. Jong finished with 23 disposals and five clearances, and with only a handful of premiership players missing, looks to be an integral part of the Bulldogs' season. - Michael Whiting 

West Coast v Melbourne

Nathan Vardy (West Coast)
The former Cat had no guarantees when he crossed to the Eagles at the end of last year, but Vardy has grabbed his opportunities by the scruff of the neck in the JLT Community Series and is in the box seat to lead the ruck in round one. Vardy was in everything early against the Demons, delivering three inside 50s, taking three marks and booting a goal in the first term alone before ending with 12 touches and another major. His work around the ground was very impressive. Importantly, the 200cm big man was also competitive in the ruck against Max Gawn, which should give him confidence, if picked, to take on Todd Goldstein in the season-opener. 

Jayden Hunt (Melbourne)
There was plenty for Demons fans to get excited about last year, including the dashing defender bursting onto the scene and playing 19 games. But if Melbourne is going to push for finals, its band of young stars need to keep improving and Hunt showed against the Eagles he'll continue to back himself. The speedy backman was outstanding with 27 touches and a booming supergoal after he intercepted a rushed Sam Mitchell kick in the centre square, ran his full measure and unloaded from the edge of the 50m arc. Simon Goodwin rated Hunt the Demons' best player on the night and the competitive 21-year-old appears primed to take the next step. - Travis King

Greater Western Sydney v North Melbourne

Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney)
The small forward looked more like his damaging self after an injury-interrupted 2016 season, when knee troubles limited him to just 14 games. Smith has all the tricks and booted three goals from 16 kicks against the Kangaroos, but more importantly for the Giants, he had his zip back, and used the footy brilliantly, going at almost 78 per cent efficiency. He was overshadowed by star duo Toby Greene and Steve Johnson last year, but the self-proclaimed 'Krakouer brothers' might have an extra sibling in 2017.

Jarrad Waite (North Melbourne)
Hold your breath Kangas fans, because as good as the key forward was against GWS, no player causes the air to leak from his supporters' tyres quite like Waite. The 34-year-old started the 2016 season on fire too until he was cut down by a hip injury, but his form against a full-strength Giants defence was all class. Waite took 10 marks; five of them contested, and was too good against the GWS defenders. He has the ability to be a 60-goal forward for North if he can stay on the park and Brad Scott will be leading the prayer vigil to keep Waite healthy, given he's managed 20-plus games in a single season just once since 2008, and just five times in his 14 seasons. - Adam Curley 

Fremantle v Carlton

Cam McCarthy (Fremantle)
Returning to football after sitting out the 2016 season was never going to be straightforward for the ex-Giant goalkicker, and McCarthy admitted the faster speed of the game caught him out in his JLT Community Series comeback against West Coast. But the 21-year-old improved on his second outing against Collingwood and was terrific in booting six majors in the victory over Carlton. As Ross Lyon said post-match, McCarthy can't be expected to deliver bags on a weekly basis, but his work rate pushing up the ground to gather 11 touches and his craft in attack – he took three marks inside 50 –bodes well in the post-Matthew Pavlich era. 

Jarrod Pickett (Carlton)
There's no denying the South Fremantle product's ability, but injuries dogged Pickett in his first two seasons at Greater Western Sydney and the 2014 draft's fourth pick is yet to debut at AFL level. However, that should change in round one after an off-season change of scenery. Pickett showed his class with three majors from 12 touches against the Dockers, with his zip and tackle pressure in attack exactly what coach Brendon Bolton would be looking for. The Blues need more talent up forward and Pickett has that in spades. - Travis King

Richmond v Collingwood

Henry Schade (Collingwood)
While Ben Reid made his return to football against Richmond in fine style, rookie backman Henry Schade put his hand up for the second tall defender spot in Collingwood's back six. Schade, who was delisted after playing 20 games in five seasons with Gold Coast, has been solid in all three JLT Community Series games. The Magpies selected him with pick No.24 in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft and that investment already appears to be paying off. Schade positions himself well, often outpoints his opponent and is nimble at ground level. The 23-year-old is in the mix to be elevated to Collingwood's senior list and appears to be ahead of fellow recruit Lynden Dunn, who played the second half against the Tigers, as they vie to complement Reid in the backline. 

Mabior Chol (Richmond)
The second-year rookie seems to have made impressive development as he sets himself to play more senior football in 2017. Chol, who made his debut in round 23 last season, showed flashes of his talent in the pre-season last year before being given the year to improve his game in the VFL. Based on his efforts against Collingwood, Chol has taken some significant strides forward. Chol had just 12 disposals but was lively all game, flying for his marks, contesting at ground level and producing some really good moments. With two spots on Richmond's senior list available, Chol certainly pressed his claims to be included in the Tigers' side early this season. - Ben Guthrie 

Mabior Chol showed good signs against the Pies. Picture: AFL Photos

Adelaide v Brisbane Lions

Jake Kelly (Adelaide)

Spots in the Crows' backline are hard to come by, but the 22-year-old has put himself in the frame for a surprise round one call-up. Kelly completed his defensive duties while also picking up 16 possessions with an 87.5 per cent disposal rate, along with taking seven marks against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. Kelly played 10 games in 2015, but couldn't force his way into a settled side last year. Andy Otten has his nose in front to take the place of Kyle Cheney – who is regaining match fitness after a groin injury – but Kelly isn't far behind. 

Nick Robertson (Brisbane Lions)

Keeping Adelaide forward Tom Lynch quiet was a task few sides could manage last year. Robertson did a wonderful job in staying in Lynch's pocket the entire game and barely giving him any room to breathe. Lynch had minimal impact on the game, not kicking a goal and having only 15 possessions, while had Robertson had 17 touches and five rebound 50s. Robertson, 21, played just six games last year for the Lions, but showed he could be someone coach Chris Fagan turns to more often in 2017. - Lee Gaskin 

Port Adelaide v Hawthorn

Sam Gray (Port Adelaide)
It's a make-or-break year for Gray after he struggled to find his best form last year. A prolific ball-winner at SANFL level through the midfield, he showed he can also play a valuable role as a small forward, finishing with 21 possessions and a goal. Gray's pressure was terrific when he didn't have the ball, forcing turnovers and keeping the Power on the attack. That could be the role he plays in round one against Sydney with Jarman Impey, Aidyn Johnson and Nathan Krakouer all unavailable. 

Ricky Henderson (Hawthorn)
In his first hit-out for his new club, the former Crow showed he can be a valuable recruit for the Hawks. The 28-year-old was influential in the first half with 15 possessions and a 60m supergoal to help the Hawks to a 10-point lead at the main break. He was quieter from then on, but his decision-making across half-back and ability to push up on the wing is something that should excite Hawks fans and coach Alastair Clarkson. - Lee Gaskin

Geelong v Essendon

Andrew Mackie (Geelong)
Many pundits have begun to write off Mackie as he enters the twilight of his career but his form against Essendon showed he has plenty of life left. His courage has never been questioned but his use of the ball was excellent against the Bombers. He kicked one supergoal and provided poise in a backline now missing Corey Enright.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Essendon)
The 23-year-old was a revelation in defence last season for Essendon but has adapted quickly to the small forward role he will play in 2017. In the first half he gained 282 metres as he turned the opposition around in the midfield and roared back inside 50. When he went deep inside 50 he was hard to match up on, running Zach Tuohy ragged when he pushed in behind the key forwards and his tackling pressure made Cats' defenders nervous. - Peter Ryan

St Kilda v Sydney

Tom Hickey (St Kilda)
Billy Longer has put forward a decent case to reclaim the mantle of No.1 ruck but the incumbent St Kilda big man isn't going down without a fight. Based on his performance against the Swans, Hickey should hold sway for the first game against Melbourne. He looked good in the ruck battle and his work around the ground was impressive. He pushed back into defence when necessary and had an impact in the aerial contests, while a chase and tackle on Lance Franklin in the third quarter showed his desperation. Hickey's impressive form against All Australian Demon Max Gawn in two matches last year should also count in his favour when it comes time for team selection.

Zak Jones (Sydney)
All eyes had been on Isaac Heeney to replace the hole in the midfield left by Tom Mitchell's departure but glandular fever struck down the young gun. However, Zak Jones showed he should not be overlooked. His speed, kicking and hardness were on display against the Saints. One particularly exciting play in the first quarter saw Jones go for a run across half-back, selling the dummy to an opposition player before nailing Sam Reid with a great kick, putting the Swans in a dangerous position in the middle of the ground. He was often able to make his possessions count. - Dinny Navaratnam