With the 2024 AFL pre-season all done and dusted, all eyes turn to Opening Round.
Despite the summer games meaning close to nothing, it allows clubs and fans to establish where they stand heading into the new year.
Young draftees were unveiled in their quest to forge an AFL career, and a host of familiar names were seen in fresh colours.
St Kilda and Brisbane were the strongest performers during February and March, with the latter hoping to rectify their heartbreaking four-point loss to Collingwood in the Grand Final.
The reigning premiers flexed their muscles in the inaugural Charity Shield match against Richmond while West Coast battled, which is to be expected.
But what else can be taken from the 2024 pre-season?
Who impressed? Who disappointed? Has any club changed their potential over the past few weeks?
Collingwood
Craig 'Fly' McRae is gearing up for his club's premiership defence but with a slightly different tact.
Listening to players like Steele Sidebottom and Isaac Quaynor during the summer months, they've refused to use the phrase "back-to-back" when talking about winning consecutive premierships.
Speaking on SEN, Sidebottom gave insight into how Collingwood look toward season 2024.
“To be honest, there's been no talk about back-to-back,” Sidebottom told SEN Whateley.
“For us, it's just been about getting back to work.
“Our season last year was exceptional, but our best last year is not going to be good enough to win it again this year."
Holding the oldest list in the competition, the Pies have shown they are willing to give more opportunities for their youth coming through.
Finlay Macrae and Ash Johnson are two that have sprung to mind, with vacancies from last year's team opening due to Taylor Adams (Sydney) and Daniel McStay's (ACL) absence.
The pair look like they are a consistent fixture under McRae, with Reef McInness also waiting in the wings for his opportunity.
Lachie Shultz is another who will walk into the side, being seen as an upgrade to Jack Ginnivan.
