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?
Fremantle
Fremantle appears to be on a downfall despite high hopes for the club after an impressive 2022 season.
Failing to make a similar dent into last year, coach Justin Longmuir's pressure gauge is ramping up ahead of 2024.
In these circumstances, bold moves must be made to yield different results and putting a two-time Brownlow Medalist into his natural habitat is a good start.
Across the pre-season hit-outs, Nat Fyfe returned to the midfield and was joined by Hayden Young, who's arguably been the most impressive at the Dockers.
Along with some positional changes, pre-season supplemental selection (SSP) Jeremy Sharp has found a spot on the wing.
