Following their earliest years in the AFL, players will break through the ceiling above them and shine like never before, showing signs of the star they can be.
Sometimes it's the beginning of a star in the making, other times it's an anomaly. Sometimes it's a player at the dawn of their career, other times it's a player with a handful of seasons in the bank.
Here are 10 players we predict will take their game to the next level in 2023.
10. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
From one former No.1 pick to another, you could argue Jamarra Ugle-Hagan somewhat broke out last season, with some standout performances in the back half of the year, but there's more to be done.
He'll want to improve too, with a forward line consisting of Aaron Naughton, Josh Bruce (potentially may move to defence), and now Rory Lobb, the competition for tall forwards is healthy.
Many will remember his five goals against Melbourne, but before that he kicked three goals just once.
Improving on his game this pre-season should see him leave his mark on the team, and a breakout season from Ugle-Hagan will make the Dogs' forward line even more dangerous.
