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?
Melbourne
The Demons have already revealed the introduction of three new faces for their opening-round clash against Sydney.
Caleb Windsor (pick seven from 2023), Blake Howes (pick 39 in 2021) and Jack Billings (St Kilda) have all been named.
Both Billings and Windsor will occupy the half-forward and wing roles in Melbourne's senior side, as both have shown throughout the summer how strong they are in those positions.
Howes - who plays as a rangy utility - will be deployed across multiple positions where needed but could stand alongside Steven May and Jake Lever down back.
Not one, not two, but three feel-good moments for your Monday 🥹 #DemonSpirit pic.twitter.com/eduEzOj1I8
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) March 4, 2024
