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)...
Max King
Key forward. Right foot. High-end draft pick. Wears the No.12 and plays for St Kilda.
Sounds like we've entered yesteryear and found ourselves a Nick Riewoldt reincarnate.
But unfortunately for Saints fans, it hasn't worked out that way. Yet.
Max King was supposed to be the mother of all answers for the Moorabbin club but if the last two years are anything to go by, he is not.
At the raw age of 24, King's body has consistently let him down. From ACL tears to shoulder reconstructions, the Sandringham Dragons product is the walking wounded.
In 2022, King played the full season, resulting in 52 goals which could've easily been a lot more had he kicked straight.
The following seasons yielded 23 matches for a return of 47 majors, which was littered with injury and bad form.
St Kilda have been crying out for King to grab ahold of the competition, as his tremendous potential and Pick 4 selection in 2018 suggests.
The Saints were pretty quick to give him a longer pre-season to get his body right for the 2025 campaign, and boy, do they need him to get himself right.
King is the focal point in St Kilda's attack, being the only genuine marking target alongside the lesser likes in Cooper Sharman, Mitch Owens and Anthony Caminiti, with the latter switched to defence at times.
And although the Saints got on a roll in the absence of King, there is no doubt they are better with him in the side.
But with that realisation comes pressure, both to keep on the park and to perform.
