At the beginning of each AFL season, every player across the competition hopes to improve their performances of the previous season and years prior.
For some, their form level in the past has seen them drift in and out of the senior team, while others have had their true ability at the top questioned.
Prior to the beginning of the season, a large number of players will weigh up their future across the season, while others are battling to prove to their current employers they deserve to stay for the long term as their contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.
Here is a look at the players who need to step up at each AFL club.
Adelaide: Cam Ellis-Yolmen
After missing the entire 2017 season with a serious knee injury, the 25-year-old was afforded more midfield opportunities due to injuries at the Crows.
With players now returning from injury, it remains to be seen whether he is a regular senior player in the midfield or whether he may need to be tried elsewhere.
Brisbane: Ryan Bastinac
After playing 38 games in his first two seasons in Queensland, Bastinac very much fell out of favour with Chris Fagan in 2018, playing just two matches.
With the Lions exciting youngsters continuing to develop, Bastinac will need a strong pre-season as he looks to find a regular spot in the senior team. His one-year contract extension signed last year shows he has a challenge on his hands.
Carlton: Jack Silvagni
Just what exactly is Silvagni’s best position on the field? That is a question the Blues coaching staff are still looking to discover as they move forward.
Silvagni has been tried in several different positions but has battled for consistency. While it seems unlikely he would be delisted, a big 2019 is required if he wants to secure a long-term deal.
Jack Silvagni of the Blues (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Collingwood: Ben Crocker
Crocker made 10 senior appearances last year, for a return of just five goals at a time where the Pies were crying out for a regular goal kicker.
Given Mason Cox’s presence and the emergence of Brody Mihocek it appears he faces an uphill battle, although an injury or two could present him with the opportunity he needs.
Essendon: Mason Redman
With just five senior games to his name in three seasons, 21-year-old Redman is reaching a critical part of his time with the Bombers.
He broke into the senior team last season before succumbing to injury and whether he can earn his place back could depend on injuries given Essendon’s depth down back.
Fremantle: Matt Taberner
The arrivals of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb have put a bit more pressure onto Taberner who hasn’t quite developed just as much as the Dockers would have liked. From the outside looking in, it appears he could challenge Cam McCarthy for the third tall position come Round 1.
Geelong: Wylie Buzza
In his few appearances at the top level, Buzza has looked more than handy as a key forward for the Cats. Although his opportunities now appear to be limited slightly more given the rapid development of Esava Ratugolea.
Given Tom Hawkins isn’t getting any younger, Chris Scott’s side may look to keep hold of Buzza moving forward.
Gold Coast: Jack Martin
Linked with a move away from the Suns during the trade period, now is the season for Martin to deliver on his potential after the club hit the reset button once again.
At his best, Martin is a dynamic player who can trouble any opponent. His 2019 season, will go a long way to determining his next pay day.
GWS: Jacob Hopper
Hopper is by no means a poor player, but the Giants will be hoping he takes his game to the next level this year following the departure of Dylan Shiel to Essendon. Given Shiel’s departure, Hopper should be afforded more midfield time as he looks to stamp his authority on GWS’ premiership aspirations.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Lobb is not a good ruckman. I think Darcy will play in tandem with Sandi. They might try Lobb first. Darcy could also prove to be a better forward than Lobb. He has good hands, doesn't get moved off the ball and is a fair kick. Love your Bennell selection...but we could see a lot of him stealing Brownlow votes from Fyfey in the midfield.
Steve J
Roar Guru
I would have Lobb ahead of him, simply for the second ruck option he provides. Tabs and Macca are the lead up the ground forwards, with Tabs having the ability to run his opponent into the ground. Fwd line should be Bennell - Hogan - Taberner Switta - Lobb - Macca Get the ball in quickly to that fwd line for the one on ones. Imagine being the 3rd defender from the oppo having to pick up Tabs while Macca gets #4 No Ballas or Colyer for me - Macca to play a more mobile, crumbing role while Switta brings the defensive edge ala Mayne / Grey
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah, Ryan Bastinac ain't having a career-defining season in 2019. Career ending perhaps. Zac Bailey would be my pick for someone to have a breakout season
Tommygunn
Roar Rookie
Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien fits this category, with Jacobs on his last legs, has he served a good enough apprenticeship to take over? Or will the crows hunt a ready-made top tier ruck next year as is rumoured, and ROB misses out? Also Hunter needs a chance before it's too late.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Buzza has been supplanted by Sav and unless there is some big improvement from him this year he will be an AFL fringe player. Agree on Cocky. GFC seem to have decided to ditch the perpetually injured and I believe this is likely Cockys last year. Far too many ST injuries at 22 which doesn't look good long term. If he has another injury ridden year cant see him staying. Danger appears to be over those niggling back problems from last season and should be back to his best in the midfield.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I'd suggest Jack might not know much about some of these players.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Taberner is Freo’s first option as Hogan’s support tall. He is ahead of Cox, McCarthy and Lobb in the pecking order. He has come on exactly as Freo have wanted regarding his marking, mobility and game savvy. We just need him to avoid extended injury.
Cat
Roar Guru
Got the wrong player for Geelong. I hate saying this about Buzza because he is one of the nicest players you could ever spend time chatting up but he has looked over matched at senior level. He gets into good positions and just drops the easiest chest marks. Then he goes back to the VFL and nails the same ones. Buzza isn't the player at Geelong who most needs a big year. That would be Nakia Cockatoo. First soft tissue injuries and last year two knocks to the same knee saw him miss a lot of game time. He is an absolutely electric player if he can get on the park and build some continuity into his game. Still just 22 years old but he is out of contract at the end of the year and has only managed 34 games in 4 years. Never more than 11 in a single season. Cockatoo is playing for a contract and needs a big year – and Geelong need him to have a big year too.
Adam
Guest
Ellis-Yolmen has been very unlucky. Last season he came back after doing his acl the previous year he started off great,then mid season he was struggling. This year he starts just outside our best 22 but if he can improve his disposal and not fade out of games he may get his chance. I think you are being a bit hard on Silvangi being the worst player in the Afl. He was okay when they played him down back in a couple of games then they put him back forward and he struggled.
DougyW
Guest
Assuming Jack Silvagni has another ordinary season it will be fascinating to see if Carlton will delist a player with such family ties and history. It is sad when the sons of legends struggle.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Quite a few players in that list have already had their careers defined. Silvagni is possibly the worst player in the AFL (and with a different name would not be close to an AFL list), and with Ellis-Yolmen, Bastinac and Taberner it's difficult to see much improvement. Martin is an interesting one, a couple of years ago I thought he was going to be the best player in the league but he hasn't really come on, although he is still a good player. Is it the Suns poor development, a lack of commitment on the track or what?
TomC
Roar Guru
Sadly, I think the career-defining years have gone for Ryan Bastinac. He has been rookie listed for the final year of his contract and is surely just waiting out time now.
Jakarta Fan
Roar Rookie
I agree with Aransan. Mason Redman looks like a genuine very good player who will be around for many years. The few games in the 1sts shows he is a quality player. His run with injuries is a major concern but if he overcomes that this year, expect 2020 to be his major breakthrough year as a 22 y.o. with many more years to come. As players like Hooker and others come to the end of their careers in the backline over the next 2-4 years Redman and Ridley will be ready-made mature and exciting replacements.
RT
Roar Rookie
I think fringe players with a few games under their belt that have been traded to other clubs are more likely to have a breakout year. e.g. Ryan Clarke in Sydney (actually anyone going to Sydney seems to do well), Corey Ellis in Gold Coast, etc.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Redman is good enough to break into Essendon's best 22 even with their backline depth. Essendon have been very patient with him as they have been with a number of their players.