Each year it seems AFL fans are banking on a different player to rise above expectations to cap an All-Australian level season after years of middling performances.
High draft picks, adjusted roles or players in their early 20s showing glimpses of being elite create the most off-season buzz from December to March, and this summer is no exception.
In years past, pundits have pre-empted the breakout of Jake Stringer, Cameron Rayner, Errol Gulden and Charlie Curnow just to name a few. Some rise with the pressure, while others succumb to it.
In 2024, the fate of many teams rests primarily on the improvement of their young guns, some are hoping to fill a void left by departing greats and some are looking to bolster an area of the field for a particular team.
We've named five players who need a breakout campaign this year for the sake of their teams and their own career arcs.
4. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
The Bulldogs are in dire straits entering 2024 coming off consecutive disappointing seasons and a coaching department clean-out.
Their prized number one pick from 2020, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has steadily improved each year in the system, jumping from eight touches to 11 per game last year and nearly doubling his goal tally.
But with Aaron Naughton seemingly not the ideal key forward target for the future, the Dogs may look for Ugle-Hagan as the primary option inside 50 where, now in his fourth year, he has the potential to rip the league apart.
With an unimpeded run and jump at the footy, there are already only a select few players capable of matching Ugle-Hagan in the air with his leap and reach.
With some added muscle and improved accuracy in front of the sticks, 2024 may be the year of Ugle-Hagan as the Dogs look to swing their fortunes and compete deep in September.
