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.
GWS
Aaron Cadman
With Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan moving to Collingwood, captain Toby Greene landing at Geelong and leading 2026 goal kicker Jake Stringer off to St Kilda, the Giants have cleared the runway for Cadman to take the reins of the GWS forward line.
The former No.1 draft pick must now prove that he is capable of being a dominant, focal target of Adam Kingsley's attack, after kicking 33 goals in 18 games this season.
He won't be alone, as fellow young tall forward Max Gruzewski will help share the load with Callum Brown also; however, expectations will be on Cadman to make a big developmental leap to help the Giants remain competitive without veteran stars.
He kicked the third most goals for the club this season while also totalling 76 marks for the year. With his athleticism and great pair of hands, Cadman will be a key target for the Giants next year.
