This is where we actually get to look at them for the first time this year. All the newbies and the younger players will be on show so we can see their progress. Players I am interested in looking at and why;
Dean Towers; I'd like to see if he has improved his kicking from last year. His field kicking is generally good but lapses in concentration let him down. His goal kicking needed work I hope he has been practising over the off season.
Tom Mitchell; I just want to make sure he is really fit. I love his work-rate and in and under work. His handball is some the best I have ever seen. Eat your heart out Diesel.
Isaac Heeney; For obvious reasons. All the hype, is it all true?
Jack Hiscox; He is exciting when he gets it. Has he got a defensive side? We'll soon find out. I would like to see him in a foot race with Jetts.
Bo Derrickx How much has he improved and will he play games this year? questions that may be answered to some extent in the preseason matches.
Toby Nankervis; Just how much mobility and agility has the big bloke got in the off season? How fit is he? He can certainly take big marks and kick goals. Can he be a first ruck prospect?
Brandon Jack Has he improved? Has he learned to slow a bit before kicking or hitting the ball? Has he learned when to go and when to sit back? He knows how to take the game on but sometimes you have to play a kick behind to get the right outcome.
Zac Jones; If possible has he become even more aggressive. If so expect to see him in the 22 first game.
James Rose; There is a lot of talk from the South Australian side that this bloke is pretty clever. From the footage he needs to improve his field kicking but he did some very clever moves. I want to see if he is as clever as the SA fans seem to think.
Abaina Davis; Not much has been said about Abe but then again Adam Goodes wasn't exactly on the radar in the beginning either. He is a young big guy who is quite mobile. I'd like to see just how mobile and where he fits.
Dan Robinson Dan has been talked up in the preseason. He played really well in the preseason last year. He carried that into the season in the NEAFL. He was very good. I can't wait to see how far he has developed.
George Hewett Young George has all the ability. But ability is just that unless you can convert it to the big stage. He is two sided, has great balance and is young. I want to see how much he has learned and if he is going to go that extra yard this year. He could be better than Kelly but until he proves that?
Harry Marsh; I think this is a make or break year for Harry. If he doesn't make the 22 this year then expect him to be cut.
Aliir Aliir; Boy did this bloke look good in the NEAFL last year until injured. I can't wait to see how he is going this year.
Xav Richards; Played really well last year in the NEAFL. He is a very good back prospect but I don't think he will ever play on the monsters. He will play on FF's like Riewoldt but not a Cloke. I want to see how he goes on a Buddy, Reid, Goodes etc.
Nick Newman; Nick won't play the Intra I don't suppose as he has just recovered from a knee operation. He will be on track for the first round NEAFL though I think.
Sean McLaren; This guy will be playing. The club has been a bit quiet on his progress. He is a big unit but still a little light for AFL footy. We know very big boys take time and he will probably be more in the mix next year. But I will be interested in how he goes against Tip and Bud.
Sammy Naismith; Sam is a third year Rookie and will be looking to get off the Rookie list with a VERY impressive year. He has the goods but needs to learn how to handle the big time. Second tallest ruck in the AFL? Not sure but must be close. Like to see how he handles it against Derrickx, Pykie, Tip and Toby.
Lloyd Perris; Will he play? That is the main question. If he does will he put a spanner in the works. He has the talent but injury killed his year last year. If he doesn't play I can't wait to see him in the NEAFL again.
Lewis Melican; I wonder does he get called Pelican? He is a big boy. A big lump of a lad. There have been some really big wraps so far. I liked what I saw in a training session. He looks really like a footballer. He moves well and knows how to get the pill and make space both for himself and his teammates. I will love seeing him matched on Tip, Pykie and Buddy.
Jordan Foote; I didn't see a lot of him last year. But one thing I noticed is he moved well. I think he could play mid or back. Be good to have a good look at him.
That's all folks; Yibbita yibbita
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