The summer break is a slow and quiet time regarding the AFL but it does provide one thing: time to put on our thinking caps.
All our attention has been averted to the upcoming 2025 campaign and fans and players are itching for the bounce of the ball for various reasons.
But as in every year, some may be dreading the beginning of the new season moreso than others based on the scrutiny they have faced or could potentially walk into.
The scrutiny could revolve around off-field antics or a disappointing 2024 year.
A dissection with a fine-tooth comb could also be a direct result of moving clubs or better yet, weighing up what club to choose during the AFL season.
Despite if it is unfair or unjust, these are the players that we think will have the magnifying glass put on them (in no particular order)...
Shai Boltonย
The former Richmond premiership star makes this list purely on the expectation of what he can provide his new club.
Fremantle gave up two first-round selections for Shai Bolton during the most recent trade period in a bold play that suggests they are ready to make the next step.
After their extraordinary 2015 season that saw the Dockers claim the minor premiership to bow out to the Hawthorn dynasty in the preliminary final, the West Australian club has been seen in September once (2022) and posed no real threat to the flag race.
But after a promising 2024 campaign that ultimately resulted in disappointment due to a wretched final month of the year, Fremantle clearly believes they can contend.
But is Bolton the missing piece?
At his best, the 26-year-old is a 40+ goal-kicking midfielder, reflected by his 2022 campaign when he received his maiden All-Australian honours.
Bolton's inclusion should help lessen the burden on Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young, with the latter flagged for more time inside 50 given how impressive he is the further up the ground he moves.
And then comes the pressure.
Bolton's price tag and subsequent "missing piece" narrative can affect an individual's psyche and for Fremantle's sake, let's hope it doesn't impact their newest recruit.
