Before every AFL season, there is always plenty of speculation regarding both team and individual outcomes in the year to come.
However, as educated as a statement or prediction can be, trying to pick anything ahead of a season is just a glorified guess.
As pundits, we can make assumptions, but nothing is ever guaranteed. The only thing we know for certain is that another season of AFL will start in only a couple of months. That being said, we've picked some players that we think deserve some attention.
Whether it be a new signing, draftee or someone just set to make waves, we've picked one player from each club to keep an eye on in season 2024.
The 21-year-old Crow had a solid third season in 2023. Playing 21 games and booting 25 goals, Pedlar seems primed to take the next step and move into the midfield. The Crows seem ready to make finals, after narrowly missing out in 2023. Arguably, they should've played in September regardless of the controversial Sydney call.
With an aging Rory Sloane, could Pedlar be the man to replace the club legend? Big-bodied, clean by foot and with a knack for hitting the scoreboard, keep your eye on this future gun.
The son of a Lions great and a rising star in his own right, Ashcroft had his tremendous season cut short due to an ACL injury. Averaging 22 disposals in only his first season, along with a remarkable Goal of the Year win, Ashcroft seems ready to take the competition by storm.
With the Lions looking to make up for their grand final loss last season, Ashcroft will be a huge part of their season in 2024. ACL injuries are never easy to come back from, let's see how this youngster holds up in his second season.
Carlton's big recruit ahead of 2021, Zac Williams hasn't had an ideal time since moving from the Giants. The dashing half-back played 14 games in his first season at the Blues, nine in his second and ultimately missed all of 2023 due to injury.
Seemingly fully fit for the first time since crossing from the Giants, Williams should be one to keep tabs on. At his best, he is one of the best half-backs in the competition and will doutblessly add another threat to Carlton's rising side.
With key forward Dan McStay effectively being ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury, Ash Johnson appears to be the man to take his spot.
Playing inconsistently in 2023 in comparison to his 2022 campaign, Johnson will be looking to regain some form to maintain a spot in the Magpies forward line. With a solid shot at goal, fantastic overhead marking capabilities, and a knack for crafting something out of nothing, Johnson could be the perfect tall pairing with Brody Mihocek.
The Dons' new recruit Jade Gresham will be looking to provide more impact at the Hanger than during his time with the Saints. A livewire midfield forward, Gresham has the talent to be one of the best in his position.
Whilst never bad at the Saints, it felt as though Gresham needed a change in scenery to reach the next step. What better place to do it than the finals-ready Bombers who will be looking to finally win their first final in a decade.
As the Docker's big key forward since legend Matthew Pavlich's retirement, Taberner hasn't lived up to the expectations. In the seven seasons since Pavlich's retirement, Taberner has been a very mediocre tall target.
His best season output is 37 goals, and with youngster Jye Amiss stepping up, Taberner's career appears on a precipice. With an expiring contract at the end of 2024, the injury-prone tall will need to hit the ground running to remain a part of the Dockers' future.
Drafted with the eighth pick in 2022, Jhye Clark has plenty to live up to. Seen as the Cats' successor to club hero Joel Selwood, Clark's first year didn't necessarily go to plan. Only managing one senior game, the 19-year-old is set for a big year in 2024.
A former Geelong Falcons captain, co-captain for Vic Country and an All-Australian at youth level, Clark has the ability. Whether he can maximise on it is where questions lie as Geelong looks to rebound from a down season.
The Suns' Academy Pick is touted as the best forward in the draft for 2023. Had it not been for Harley Reid, he could've very easily gone first overall. The main selling point with Walter is, put simply, he's big. Standing at 197cm tall and weighing 97kg, he's a ready-made key forward.
Being a Queensland native certainly helps, as there won't be any need for him to 'go home' as other Suns draftees have in the past few years. As one of the biggest key forwards in the competition at only 18 years old, expect a lot from this draftee.
Drafted with the first pick in 2022, Cadman managed 12 senior games in his first season. However, in those 12 games, he only booted six goals. Although Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene seem to be holding up the forward line, they're both over 30 and as we know, they'll eventually need to be replaced.
The 19-year-old boldly stated at the end of 2023 that it would be the only time he ever missed a finals series. With that in mind and plenty to go off based on his VFL performances, Cadman seems ready for a breakout year.
Arguably the most divisive young player in the entire competition, Jack Ginnivan shook up the AFL once more by leaving Collingwood at the end of 2023. The 21-year-old is set for more game time at the Hawks after playing predominantly as the substitute for the Pies.
Electric when on form, as controversial a figure as they come, and with genuine footy craft, Ginnivan could be a phenomenal small forward. Whether he wants the attention or not, all eyes will be on the former Magpie, and being given the number of great Cyril Rioli probably won't help his case, either.
After attempting to force a move to the Crows over the off-season, Harrison Petty stayed at the Demons at the end of the trade period. Despite a lucrative offer from Adelaide for the 24-year-old, the premiership player will need to contribute to his current club and see out his contract.
A versatile tall, where Petty will be played remains up for debate. And with Melbourne's forward mix still up in the air, Petty may be the answer to the clubs' prayers. Additionally, his ability to play down back is a much-needed bonus to improve some stability in the back six.
The Kangaroos' second pick in the 2022 draft (fourth overall) had a very unlucky first season in the AFL. Only managing eight senior games after suffering multiple injuries, the 19-year-old showed plenty in his limited time on the field.
Although there are a plethora of young stars at the Roos, none are more exciting than Wardlaw. His brute strength and ability to win the ball through traffic stand out as key skills. Clearly amongst the most talented out of the 2022 draft, it'll be interesting to see Wardlaw play if fit for the entirety of 2024.
Young forward Ollie Lord recently signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of 2026. After a very strong showing towards the end of the season, most notably a phenomenal four-goal performance in Port Adelaide's qualifying final loss, Lord earned himself an extension.
With a solid mark, a great set shot and plenty of athleticism, Lord can be the next key forward that the Power has been looking for. With an aging Charlie Dixon, Lord could step into that role alongside other talls Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades.
Arguably Richmond's most important player, Lynch is set to return in 2024. As the Tigers had Jack Riewoldt as their only big key forward in 2023, they'll be thankful to have their dominant forward back.
With the new signing of Jacob Koschitzke, the duo of Lynch and the former Hawk will be asked to play similar roles to that of Lynch and Riewoldt. Structure-wise, Lynch will be the tall that they've been missing. Skill-wise, we all know what the two-time premiership player can provide on his day and just how important he is.
The young Saint proved plenty in 2023, playing 19 games including the club's elimination final. Playing predominantly in the back half of the ground, Windhager proved his versatility, making an impact up forward when needed.
Although young stars Max King, Mitch Owens and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera may also be ones to keep an eye on, Windhager is one who brings a lot to the table. An almost complete role-player, keep an eye on this emerging Saint.
After a horrible experiment at the Demons, Brodie Grundy will be looking to find his form at the Swans after being traded at the end of 2023. The once dominant Magpie ruckman was consistently named as either the best or second best in his position every year. As the annual debate of Gawn vs Grundy raged on, the pairing of the two at the Demons seemed like a dream.
Unfortunately for Grundy, his time at Melbourne simply didn't work out. However, at Sydney, he will be the number one ruckman. It's been a while since we've seen Grundy consistently in the ruck. During his tenure at the Dees, his best games came when Gawn was out, allowing the former Magpie to play in his natural position. He could very easily return to his best as a Swan.
Who else could we possibly have picked for the Eagles other than Harley Reid? With comparisons to Dustin Martin before even stepping foot on an AFL ground, Reid has the potential to be one of the best number-one picks of all time.
Heading straight to the worst team in the competition, whether Reid can turn things around remains unlikely. However, he has the talent to prove himself at the top level. Based on his performances at junior level, and a couple of VFL appearances, expect Reid to be just as good as he's been touted.
Once the most dominant ball winner in the AFL statistically, Jack Macrae has had a couple of down years, to say the least. Consistently played out of position under Luke Beveridge, Macrae will be looking to regain some form and return to his ball-winning best.
At his peak, Macrae averaged a whopping 33.85 disposals per game, a ridiculous number. In 2023, that number was down to just over 25 touches per game. A proven inside midfielder, hopefully for his sake he can return to his natural position and dominate once more.