We're only one round into the season but Fremantle's shellacking of Collingwood suggests it can find the extra two goals a game coach Ross Lyon is after. Lyon's coaching trademark is – and will always be – unrelenting defence, but Freo broke the game open on Friday night with fast, pin-point ball movement, showing a new willingness to go directly through the middle of the ground. The foot skills of Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce, in particular, were outstanding. It will be fascinating to see if the Dockers take the same attacking intent into their round three clash with their Grand Final conqueror Hawthorn. - Nick Bowen

After an excellent 2013 season that saw the talented tall finally realise his potential, Justin Westhoff appears primed to kick on this year. On the back foot against Carlton on Sunday night, it took a star turn from the 27-year-old to get Port Adelaide back in the game. Carlton had no answer for Westhoff in the second quarter as he ran rampant to rack up 10 possession (five contested), six marks and four goals. He started as a loose man in defence and could still play that role at times this year, but expect plenty more big hauls from 'The Hoff'. - Nathan Schmook

Greater Western Sydney hasn’t always got things spot on in regards to building its young list. Ahead of its first season in 2012, the Giants added veterans Chad Cornes, Dean Brogan, James McDonald and Luke Power, with varying degrees of success. All made a contribution in terms of demonstrating to the young Giants what it takes to make it at the top level. But none was able to have the on-field impact that Gary Ablett, for example, has had and will continue to have for years to come on the Gold Coast. So GWS had to get it right the second time around and the early signs are very good. The efforts of veteran recruits Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Josh Hunt and Dylan Addison leading up to and during the round one upset of the Swans indicated this list might just be ready to challenge a number of sides in 2014. - James Dampney