With players returning from their end-of-season break and getting back into the swing of things for pre-season, the 2027 season slowly keeps getting closer.
Established players will want to dominate training sessions while emerging young stars will want to push their case forward for a round one start.
Each player has something to work on with the season nearing, a lot more than others, and these are the AFL players from each club with the most to prove heading into 2027.
Hawthorn
Mitch Lewis
Calsher Dear's injuries in 2025 opened the door for Lewis to come into Hawthorn's forward line, and he delivered, having a career-best season in 2026.
Lewis kicked 39 goals for the year, his most in a season, while also becoming a contested mark specialist, taking 129 marks throughout.
This has provided Hawthorn with another solid tall forward option as he recommitted to the Hawks until the end of 2030; however, he will have to fight for his spot.
Incoming six-time Suns leading goal kicker Ben King produced his numbers as the focal point of Gold Coast's attack and will now be the main target up forward. Jack Gunston and Nick Watson have operated within Hawthorn's existing system alongside Mabior Chol, Calsher Dear and Lewis himself.
The Hawks also have Connor Macdonald and smalls Jack Ginnivan, Dylan Moore and at times Blake Hardwick all playing a forward role, causing Lewis to need to produce his best almost throughout the whole season if he wants to lock down a permanent role.
The 28-year-old will have a lot to prove if he wants to stay a focal point of attack for Sam Mitchell's side alongside Gunston and King, but booting almost 40 goals in the 2026 season gives him a huge boost heading into 2027.
