With the NAB Challenge approaching, AFL.com.au will examine all the defenders, midfielders and forwards on your club's list.
Today, we assess the forwards from Adelaide through to Greater Western Sydney. Tomorrow, we look at Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs.
Lists by position: Goal hunters, Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
Lists by position: Goal hunters, Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
ADELAIDE
James Battersby: Trained hard in his first pre-season as an AFL rookie, but Battersby will need to improve his running capacity before pushing for a senior spot. He'll benefit hugely from playing in the side's SANFL reserves team.
Eddie Betts: Has slipped effortlessly into Adelaide's system and his experience and knowledge is already apparent. A class player who will prove valuable to the Crows' structure in 2014.
Charlie Cameron: One of the more exciting pick-ups at West Lakes in recent times – and he's a rookie. Blistering speed, defensive pressure and has impressed with his application over the summer.
Matthew Jaensch: One of many versatile forwards at the club, Jaensch could well play a lot of his footy in defence this year but is equally adapt in attack. A great kick of the football and has looked very solid at training.
Josh Jenkins: Has recovered well from ankle surgery and was running before Christmas. Learned a lot during his time on the sidelines last year and looks raring to go.
Lewis Johnston: Got a real taste of senior football late last year and has looked in neat touch throughout the pre-season. Out of contract at the end of the year, so needs a consistent season.
Tom Lynch: Back into full training after foot surgery, Lynch looks set to be ready by round one. His running ability allows him to push up the ground and coaches love his versatility.
Brodie Martin: Has had an interrupted pre-season but is training fully now and will feature in the NAB Challenge. A very dangerous forward when up and going, but can also push through the midfield and into defence.
Shaun McKernan: He's flying on the track and has been one of the club's standout performers. Coaches have been super impressed with his attitude after declaring he wanted to go home to Victoria last October.
Jared Petrenko: Such an exciting player when on top of his game, Petrenko has been working to improve his fitness base to counter the interchange cap. His intensity and defensive pressure is admired by the coaching group.
James Podsiadly: Like Betts, the J-Pod has been an instant hit at West Lakes. His experience allows him to teach younger players at training and in games and he'll start the year as the No.1 forward.
Jason Porplyzia: Has looked really good this summer after a disappointing 2013. Brilliant set shot at goal but it's his ability to push into the midfield that gives him an edge.
Alex Spina: The rookie has adapted well to AFL life and would hope to eventually play across half-forward or half-back. Another player who'll benefit from the SANFL reserves team.
Taylor Walker: The most talked about Crow has done everything he could have this summer to recover from a serious knee injury. He's nearing full fitness, but needs his agility and confidence to return before he does. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
Rohan Bewick: Good linkman predominantly used at half-forward, Bewick is a strong overhead mark for his size and is a good finisher around goals. Will have to fight to win his spot.
Jonathan Brown: The champion Lion is in a race to be fit for round one with a foot injury slowing him down. Even with a limited pre-season will still draw the opposition's best defender.
Michael Close: The key forward can expect to debut at some stage this season after making good improvement with the reserves in 2013. An elite runner for his size, but still raw and has plenty to work on.
Jonathan Freeman: Drafted by the Lions from their academy, Freeman has good hands and is a key forward of the future. Likely to be a development year.
Josh Green: Crucial cog in the Lions' forward half. Terrific harassing small forward who loves to tackle and pressure opposition defenders. Green is a clever finisher who kicked 24 goals from 17 games last year.
Jordan Lisle: Has been the most impressive of the key forwards during the pre-season. After five years in the AFL system – two with the Lions – Lisle needs to make this season count.
Ash McGrath: The ultimate utility over his long career, McGrath has trained the entire pre-season in the forward line. A smart footballer who still has a knack for kicking goals.
Luke McGuane: Recruited from Richmond and after a slow start to his pre-season has fitted in well. Has a good relationship with new coach Justin Leppitsch and his defensive pressure is a big plus.
Jackson Paine: Comes from Collingwood after two years but is recovering from a shoulder reconstruction. Is slowly getting back into full training and will start the season in reserves.
Marco Paparone: Watch for him to play more games in 2014. Stands 194cm but is a running machine and is the perfect link at half-forward.
Brent Staker: A calf niggle has hindered an otherwise strong pre-season for Staker. Can be used at either end of the ground but is a smart third forward. Should be right for round one.
Dayne Zorko: Dynamic small forward who will no doubt push into the midfield for small bursts this season. Zorko has noticeably improved his aerobic fitness over the pre-season and has quickly become one of the first Lions picked. - Michael Whiting
Marco Paparone is likely to feature in more Lions games in 2014. Picture: AFL Media.
CARLTON
Dennis Armfield: One of just five Blues to play all 24 games last year – a personal best – the pacy, rugged team man appears set to consolidate his position as a defensive forward and occasional midfield stopper.
Dylan Buckley: Entering his third season, the livewire will be expected to build on his solitary AFL appearance last year. A speedy, smart opportunist who could benefit from the departure of Eddie Betts.
Levi Casboult: The young key-forward hope has made a strong impression on coach Mick Malthouse with his driven approach to the pre-season campaign. Needs to improve his kicking, but is important with contested marking and ability as a back-up ruckman.
Jeff Garlett: As has been the case since he started with the Blues, the lightning-quick goalsneak has been adding weight and power to his light frame without losing his renowned speed.
Lachie Henderson: In late January, the valuable swingman underwent minor surgery to release the iliotibial band – the ligament that runs from the hip to the knee – in his left leg. Will be running again soon. Where he plays will largely depend on the opposition.
Blaine Johnson: The teenage rookie from Western Australia, whose playing style and attributes have been compared to that of West Coast star Jack Darling, was eased into the Blues' program but could be a surprise packet.
Troy Menzel: The Blues' prized top draft pick played seven games and kicked eight goals in his debut season and could double that tally this season. Has coped well with the workload in his second pre-season.
Luke Reynolds: The medium-sized rookie from South Australia appears to have enormous scope for development with his athleticism, smarts and lovely left foot. The Blues are excited about his potential.
Sam Rowe: The mature big man certainly meets Malthouse's desire for multi-position players – he can play as a key forward, key back and as a back-up ruckman. Others are in front of him but he will get his chance.
Jarrad Waite: The injury-prone veteran is hoping to produce a career-best season, which would help the Blues' key forward issues considerably. Is enjoying his best pre-season in several years and is naturally feeling fitter, stronger and fresher.
Chris Yarran: After a frustrating 2013 season, the versatile speedster is ready to re-establish himself as one of the AFL's most exciting players. Tipped to play both forward and back, continuing Malthouse's horses-for-courses theme. - Ben Collins
Jarrad Waite again looms large in Carlton's forward line hopes. Picture: AFL Media.
COLLINGWOOD
Jarryd Blair: The onus is on players like Blair to step up and help carry the Pies this season. Blair could easily be categorised as a midfielder, but a post up forward or on the wing is more likely in 2014. Has shone during the pre-season.
Tim Broomhead: Broomhead had a torrid battle with glandular fever in his first year. But after returning in the VFL, Broomhead's poise in traffic and keen goal sense made him one to watch. A real chance to make his senior debut early in the season.
Travis Cloke: Collingwood's most important player was outstanding in 2013. He has worked hard on his goal kicking this pre-season and again looks in good shape. It goes without saying, Cloke is crucial to the Pies' hopes in 2014.
Jamie Elliott: The exciting high-flyer had an excellent 2013, highlighted by a career-high five goals against Carlton and getting the nod for Mark of the Year. At just 21, Elliott could become one of the most dangerous small forwards in the League.
Alex Fasolo: Fasolo has had a slow build-up to the season after the long-term foot injury he sustained last year. However there have been good signs, with the Pies' livewire making it through the club's intra-club hit-out last weekend.
Tyson Goldsack: Was a non-participant in the Pies' scratch match, as he fights to overcome a niggling hip injury. In a race against the clock to be fit for the NAB Challenge series and, potentially, round one.
Patrick Karnezis: Karnezis enjoyed a dominant year in the NEAFL for the Brisbane Lions' reserves, although his opportunities to play senior football were few and far between. Niggling groin injuries will delay his start to 2014.
Ben Kennedy: Kennedy has worked to improve his endurance and added bulk to his frame, so he can join the midfield rotation at some point this season. Still, the defensive half-forward role is where he is considered most valuable at this stage.
Quinten Lynch: By his own estimations, Lynch had an indifferent first season for the Magpies. The jury is still out as to whether Jesse White, Lynch and Cloke can all play in the same forward line, with Lynch under pressure to keep his spot.
Jonathon Marsh: Marsh's athletic traits – speed, agility and jumping power – are unquestioned. The challenge for him is to refine and develop his game to the level where he can play consistent senior football.
Kyle Martin: Considered unlucky not be elevated to the senior list, Martin was a formidable force for the Pies' VFL team in 2013. Will likely be one of the first called if there is an injury to an experienced player early in the season.
Caolan Mooney: The Irishman managed two senior games, both starting off in the green vest. His speed is electric, but he still has some way to go to fine-tune all the different skills required.
Jackson Ramsay: A serious wrist injury was a big blow for the 19-year-old, but he bounced back to return to the VFL late in 2013. A hard worker who will spend time off half-back this season.
Jesse White: White's ability to take the pressure off Cloke looms as crucial to the Pies' hopes this season. The former Swan was one of the best on ground in last weekend's practice match with three goals. - Ben Guthrie
The Pies hope Jesse White can ease the burden on Travis Cloke this year. Picture: AFL Media
ESSENDON
Patrick Ambrose: Recruited in last year's rookie draft after playing with the club's VFL side, and is seen as having some similar qualities to former Don Stewart Crameri. Is athletic, big and strong and has worked on his kicking.
Jake Carlisle: Makes the move forward to swap with Michael Hurley and is keen to hold down a permanent position. Is getting to know the forward running patterns but is confident he can replicate his 2013 form at the other end of the ground.
Paul Chapman: In for a good time not a long time at Essendon, but both parties are happy with that arrangement. Has trained all summer bar missing a couple of sessions for his newborn baby, and is expected to play a big role in the club's new-look forward line.
Joe Daniher: Neil Craig, the club's head of coaching, has said Daniher has been training "like a man", and he has stepped things up as an opportunity to hold a key forward spot is available. Likely to play 15 games if fit.
Cory Dell'Olio: Into his third season on the rookie list and will be looking for more senior chances. Can create scoring shots by knowing his way around goal.
Orazio Fantasia: Essendon grabbed the skinny half-forward with pick 55 at last year's draft and he does have some spark to him. Likely to be given time to develop.
Martin Gleeson: Gleeson can play all over the ground, which is one reason the Bombers really rate him internally. Still lightly-framed – something he hasn't been able to work on much after a shoulder reconstruction last year – but expected to push for an AFL debut in 2014.
Kyle Hardingham: Hardingham has put his hand up to go back to the forward line, having spent the last few seasons under James Hird in a defensive role. Can mark and provide an active target.
Leroy Jetta: With his career on the brink, many believe Jetta has put together one of his better pre-seasons in his time with the Bombers. In the last year of his contract and needs to produce after a disappointing 2013.
Nick Kommer: Kommer played 19 games in his debut season and forced himself to the top of the club's small forwards list. His frantic tackling pressure quickly saw him earn the respect of teammates and coaches.
Jackson Merrett: Merrett has been a standout over the pre-season, with several teammates and coaches praising his development. Enjoyed a good year in 2013 but is ready to use his pace and smarts further up the ground while also drifting forward.
Zach Merrett: Many inside the club have been rapt with the younger Merrett's first impressions this summer and expect him to push for games. The left-footer has poise and clean disposal through half-forward.
Ariel Steinberg: Steinberg was drafted as a forward, shifted to defence, and is back close to goal, where he can be used as a third tall option. Has improved his competitiveness and intensity.
Jason Winderlich: Has become perhaps the most important member of Essendon's attack when fit. Played 12 games last year and kicked 17 goals, but has the speed, class and vision to make things happen. - Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Michael Apeness: The Dockers’ first pick in the 2013 NAB AFL draft. He is 201cm and 98kg and will be given a lot of time to develop. Has been handled carefully in his first pre-season. Can play both ruck and forward.
Hayden Ballantyne: Will be stung by his performance in the Grand Final and has responded very strongly in the pre-season. Is no longer in the leadership group for no other reason than decreasing the size of the group. Expect a big year.
Kepler Bradley: Has a one-year contract and is progressing well from his knee reconstruction. Has re-joined parts of main training. Faces stiff competition in the ruck/forward role this year from Scott Gumbleton but will fight hard if given the opportunity.
Matt de Boer: Tailed off at the end of 2013. Was subbed out of the preliminary final, his 100th match, and had a quiet Grand Final. Still highly regarded and is being groomed as an option to take over the captaincy. The recruitment of Colin Sylvia will push de Boer this year. Has had a huge pre-season.
Max Duffy: Very talented goalkicker who appears to have overcome the hamstring issues that plagued him in 2013. Taken with pick No.39 in the 2012 NAB AFL draft, he managed just 12 WAFL games in 2013 and kicked 16 goals, having kicked 33 in 15 in 2012. Has hardly missed a pre-season session and will push for NAB Challenge selection.
Scott Gumbleton: Has had an outstanding pre-season after being traded and looks very fit. Has been doing a lot of ruck work as well as pushing forward in match simulation. Adds significant depth and could play a lot of football for Fremantle this year.
Chris Mayne: Had another outstanding season in 2013 and was named in the All Australian 40-man squad. Has missed the odd pre-season session to manage ongoing back and groin soreness but it is understood not to be serious and will be fine for round one.
Matthew Pavlich: Has enjoyed his best pre-season in three years. Played just 12 matches in 2013 due to Achilles surgery and suspension. He will be frustrated by last season and will look to atone. He's just nine games shy of becoming the first Docker to reach 300.
Alex Pearce: Incredibly versatile player at 197cm and could be used in a variety of roles. Has been managed through his first pre-season and will be a project player for the Dockers in 2014.
Josh Simpson: After debuting last season in round 23, Simpson has worked hard in the pre-season. He suffered some homesickness issues last year and had to leave training this pre-season to attend family funerals but the club is pleased with his progression. Might be an outside chance for the NAB Challenge.
Matt Taberner: Has had a very good pre-season with his endurance work standing out before Christmas. Played four matches last year and remained an emergency option through the finals. Will push hard again for his opportunities in 2014.
Michael Walters: The Dockers’ leading goalkicker in 2013 with 46 goals. Has been very impressive in the pre-season and is set for another big year. Has added to his endurance and could push more through the midfield given the cap on rotations in 2014.
Michael Wood: Recruited as a third tall forward option with pick No.16 in the Rookie Draft. Has played just 10 WAFL matches and will spend time developing at Peel Thunder this year. - Alex Malcolm
Fremantle recruit Scott Gumbleton has worked hard this pre-season. Picture: AFL Media.
GEELONG
George Burbury: Recently elevated off the rookie list, the young Tasmanian showed his talent when he played two AFL games last year. Has battled a few niggles during the pre-season, but is expected to play a fair bit of senior footy in 2014.
Brad Hartman: Project player who is likely to be given another season in the VFL to work on his game.
Tom Hawkins: This will be a very big season for the 'Tomahawk'. Struggled badly last season after being troubled by a back problem and will probably be on a modified training program for the rest of his career. Still, the Cats are confident he can get back to his best.
Shane Kersten: Started the pre-season slowly after having knee surgery, then suffered a sprained foot in mid-January. But the Cats expect him to make his long-awaited AFL debut this season.
Michael Luxford: Former basketballer who has come to the Cats under the alternative talent rule. The rookie will be given a couple of years to learn the game in the VFL.
Lincoln McCarthy: Didn't play a game last year due to a foot stress fracture, but has been training since August. Is set to return to action in the NAB Challenge and will spend his time across half-forward and crumbing off Hawkins.
Daniel Menzel: On his way back after his fourth knee reconstruction. Is stepping up his workload week by week, with a mid-season return to action on the agenda.
Steven Motlop: Won't start training again until the eve of the home and away season after travelling to London to have surgery on his injured knee. Had been battling knee tendonitis during the pre-season. Big things are expected when he returns to full fitness.
Billie Smedts: Once of the club's younger brigade who needs to stand up if the Cats are to challenge for the flag. Has been used at times as a small defender, but has also impressed as a defensive forward.
Nathan Vardy: Spent the end of last season running around in the ruck. But with Dawson Simpson and Hamish McIntosh now fit and with James Podsiadly now in Adelaide, he will get the chance to prove he can cut it as a key forward.
Josh Walker: Is always among the best performers on the training track, but questions remain over whether he can make it as an AFL player. The Cats' decision to elevate him off the rookie list show they have faith. - Adam McNicol
The Cats want to see more of this from exciting tall Nathan Vardy in 2014. Picture: AFL Media
GOLD COAST
Nathan Bock: Still to fully recover from a broken leg suffered in 2012, but is now running much more fluently. Bock can be used at either end of the ground depending on the Suns' needs, but is a smart forward who should be ready close to season's start.
Andrew Boston: Showed plenty of skill in his eight appearances off the rookie list last year, kicking four goals against GWS and three against Port Adelaide. Quality ball user and not out of place at the top level.
Sam Day: The former No.3 draft pick is a super athlete but has had his struggles over his first three seasons. Will benefit from having a fit Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon alongside him and is ready to take a step forward in 2014.
Charlie Dixon: Classic old-school footballer who improved markedly last season. Can take contested marks but is just as competitive when the ball hits the ground. Will play forward but is a super second ruckman.
Aaron Hall: Breakout year in 2013, playing all 22 games and kicking 24 goals. With all the tall timber around him, has a crucial role in being the forward line terrier to hem the ball in.
Josh Hall: Former nationally-ranked high jumper now entering his third year as a rookie. Continues to improve but will be used as back-up.
Louis Herbert: Just as likely to play back as forward, but the medium sized rookie is a strong mark and has good speed.
Tom Lynch: Fully recovered from a knee injury that wiped out the second half of last season. The newly elected vice-captain has had a full pre-season and is ready to go. Plays centre half-forward and is one of the Suns' most important players.
Brandon Matera: Like Lynch had the back-half of 2013 wrecked by an ankle injury but has had a strong pre-season and will be available from round one. Clever small forward who has the polish to hurt the opposition.
Luke Russell: Can play up on a wing but Russell is best used as a half-forward. Will be fighting for his spot but offers excellent run and has a big right foot kick.
Timmy Sumner: Taken at No.55 in the 2012 draft, he was a real surprise packet last year. Has explosive pace and power and offers a real X-factor to the Suns' forward line. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Dylan Addison: He might lack the profile of some fellow GWS recruits, but the former Western Bulldog has proven he has plenty to offer his new club, judging by his efforts in the pre-season. Showing leadership and experience, he appears set for a role as a defensive forward.
Tom Boyd: The teenager carried a minor ankle injury with him to the club, but once that was sorted he has enjoyed a terrific pre-season, barely missing a training session and keen to show his wares during the NAB Challenge.
Jeremy Cameron: The Giants' first All Australian hasn't missed a beat since his record-setting 2013, adding a little bulk to his frame during a trouble-free pre-season thus far.
Kristian Jaksch: Having made two senior appearances to close out last season, he has been working on improving his tank and taken part in some contested work alongside Jon Patton.
Jed Lamb: The former Sydney Swan had a later start than his new teammates due to his extended finish to 2013. Since he hit the track, he is showing solid signs as he prepares to fill a position at high half-forward.
Cameron McCarthy: Drafted as a key forward, McCarthy has missed some of the pre-season with a minor foot issue. There is a suggestion that long-term he could make a shift to defence.
Jonathon Patton: Following a very slow, deliberate recovery from a knee reconstruction, he is making good progress and could see some minutes during the pre-season games.
Devon Smith: Smith underwent hip surgery after round 20 last year, leading to a slightly delayed start to his pre-season. But the no-fuss small forward is flying now and set for his regular place in the front six.
James Stewart: Desperately needing to put some size onto his lean 195cm frame, Stewart has done that and shown signs of improvement across his second AFL pre-season.
Liam Sumner: A skilful, athletic small forward, Sumner has shown flashes of brilliance during two AFL seasons so far and could be ready to take off alongside all the club's tall talent.
Adam Tomlinson: Amid the excitement surrounding Cameron, Boyd and a returning Patton, Tomlinson could develop into just as important a piece in the GWS forward set-up, with his running and marking ability and big engine.
Nathan Wilson: Shoulder, calf and quad injuries ruined Wilson's 2013 campaign. But he remains a highly talented small forward and has looked sharp during the pre-season. - James Dampney
