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?
North Melbourne
After an interrupted start to his coaching life at North Melbourne, Alastair Clarkson finally has both hands on the wheel.
Resuming control late in 2023, the champion coach has now started implementing a system called 'North-ball'.
Seen across their two pre-season outings against Collingwood and St Kilda, the strategy behind the Kangaroos' new game style relies on fast and direct ball movement, particularly through hands.
Being the youngest side in the competition, Clarkson will attempt to use his excited youth to carve up opposition sides that will have their fans on the edge of their seats.
Rising Star fancies Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma will also have their chance to impress as other new faces like Zac Fisher (Carlton) and Bigoa Nyuon (Richmond) are prepping for round one.
