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?
Geelong
Mastermind coach Chris Scott will undoubtedly start looking at bringing some young guns through the senior mix in 2024.
The Cats were found out in 2022 due to a large range of injuries to key players and not being able to cover their absences given the lack of depth.
Former first-round pick Jhye Clark looks ready to add to the solitary game he featured in last year while Ollie Dempsey and Shannon Neale have put their hand up for more responsibility in the forward line.
And as we know, Scott isn't afraid to try new things so with Geelong, expect the unexpected.
