With the 2024 AFL pre-season all done and dusted, all eyes turn to Opening Round.
Despite the summer games meaning close to nothing, it allows clubs and fans to establish where they stand heading into the new year.
Young draftees were unveiled in their quest to forge an AFL career, and a host of familiar names were seen in fresh colours.
St Kilda and Brisbane were the strongest performers during February and March, with the latter hoping to rectify their heartbreaking four-point loss to Collingwood in the Grand Final.
The reigning premiers flexed their muscles in the inaugural Charity Shield match against Richmond while West Coast battled, which is to be expected.
But what else can be taken from the 2024 pre-season?
Who impressed? Who disappointed? Has any club changed their potential over the past few weeks?
Hawthorn
Coming into this year, Hawthorn boasts the second youngest list in the competition, behind only North Melbourne.
Having only four players (Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Chad Wingard and Sam Frost) 30 years or older, coach Sam Mitchell will need to rely upon his young guns.
So we can expect Mitchell to throw the magnets around and get some exposure to some of his youth.
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Henry Hustwaite has been touted as a chance for round one, being likened to Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury with his build and composure in traffic.
Nick Watson - who was the Hawks' top draft pick in 2023 - hasn't put a foot wrong so far in his first pre-season in the league and is ready for the big time.
