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)...
Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan
It is fair to say that the competition's greatest antagonists make the list of players under pressure.
Jack Ginnivan made his name at Collingwood by receiving free kicks and provoking the opposition to good effect, resulting in many goals and also a subsequent rule change by league powerbrokers.
And after his maiden season at his boyhood club Hawthorn, it hasn't changed, rubbing off on his teammates as well.
Ginnivan is known for his on-field antics coupled with his blatant disregard of how a professional player "should" act, instead working within the confines that only he and Sam Mitchell have created, not the external viewing party.
His online presence and social media capers are a look into the future, which is difficult for some to accept.
As a result, it means he, voluntarily, puts his head on the chopping block more often than not, hence why his name is amongst those deemed under pressure.
His budding partner-in-crime, Nick 'The Wizard' Watson has unashamedly followed suit, garnering copious amounts of attention through his jovial celebrations and irritating, yet intoxicating, style of football.
Watson also found himself on the back end of many "high" free kicks, utilising his evasiveness and low centre of gravity to attract the opposition's errant arms above his shoulders.
The pair combined for 52 free kicks, of which rival clubs would deny most. And that stat would hurt more when looking at Dylan Moore's count (48), who is no stranger to lowering the knees.
Both Ginnivan and Watson are the new kids on the block, and not only will they take on the name, but they'll embrace it.
