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.
Fremantle
Hugh Davies
A lot has already been said about the young defender this off-season, being touted as the next defender up following the injury to Alex Pearce in the Grand Final.
Davies has played only two AFL games, both in 2024, since being drafted in 2022.
But he proved this year that he's ready and waiting for a recall, playing 20 WAFL games and averaging eight marks as an emerging intercept defender.
In Peel Thunder's Grand Final win over Claremont, the 196cm backman was able to get 24 disposals and 12 marks, showcasing his ability to perform in big games. He also got recorded a massive 20-mark game against South Fremantle back in June as clubs started to circle around him.
Davies, however, backed himself in at the Dockers, re-signing until the end of 2029 as the club highlighted his importance for the club's future plans.
His development only adds depth to Fremantle's defensive stocks and will be pushing for a round one start over Pearce, Brennan Cox and Oscar McDonald.
