AFL action returns this week as the first wave of pre-season matches - including an Indigenous All Stars clash - prepare to offer some insight into what fans can expect for the year ahead.
A total of 18 games - made up of differing practice sessions and Community Series fixtures - will run from February 15 to March 2, taking us to just four days out from the home and away season's opener.
To conclude another summer of expectations, training notes, selection calls and coaching strategies, the coming weeks will hope to uncover some positives for each club.
Here we assess and name what fans from each faithful will be hoping to see from their AFL team this pre-season.
14. Richmond
Senior players no longer on the fringe
Rightfully, a high degree of attention this pre-season will be placed on the Tigers' fresh faces, having brought into a rich list of star talent from last year's draft intake.
No.1 pick Sam Lalor will be one to excite, as will Eastern Ranges product Josh Smillie, but an area Richmond fans will be keen to see develop is the attitude and effort of their more senior fringe players.
Midfielder Jack Ross will hope for a bigger season in the middle after carrying a foot injury for most of 2024, while fellow onballer Thomson Dow will want to prove his worth after being a pre-season highlight last year before faltering come game day.
Maurice Rioli will look to secure his spot in the forward line, while the Tigers will hope Samson Ryan is showing the needed signs as an emerging ruck option.
Pre-Season Opponents:Â West Coast, Collingwood
