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?
St Kilda
Arguably the team of the pre-season, Ross Lyon's Saints were faultless in their preparations for 2024.
Following a sixth placer finishing last year, St Kilda appear well poised to attack the top four and secure a double chance in September.
Quickly becoming one of the stingiest defensive outfits, Lyon has worked on the club's fleet-of-foot roster, adding more pace to the line-up.
Draftee Darcy Wilson looks ready to debut while recruit Liam Henry looks comfortable in the new system.
Riley Bonner will likely start given the absence of Jimmy Webster due to his high-hit on Kangaroos skipper Jy Simpkin.
