We are in the middle of intra-club season, with numerous youngsters shining and positional changes paying immediate dividends.
It is the time of the year where optimism is running through every side’s veins, so who has been the most impressive players at the intra-clubs so far?
SEN newsman, and Herald Sun sports reporter, Sam Edmund provided an in-depth update this morning on SEN Breakfast.
Brisbane Lions
“Hugh McCluggage and number one pick Cam Rayner both delivered eye-catching performances. At the other end of the age scale, Luke Hodge set up across halfback. Eric Hipwood kicked four goals, while Josh Walker dislocated his finger.”
Fremantle
“Those who were at the game were only allowed to be there for the first 10 minutes, but that was enough to learn Andrew Brayshaw is going very nicely. The number two pick lined up in midfield, opposed to Nat Fyfe no less, and had plenty of it. Aaron Sandilands is fit and dominated, and Michael Walters played in the midfield.”
Essendon
“The new trio of Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad - Stringer particularly - all shone at Tullamarine. Andrew McGrath will play midfield this year and Joe Daniher was sitting on heads already.
“There was a scare when Michael Hurley, who has broken both wrists, came off nursing his left wrist, but he and the doctors believe there's nothing serious there. Scans should confirm that today.”
Sydney
“The Swans were forced to battle temperatures in excess of 40 degrees, but Sam Reid was the story here with a pair of goals in an impressive showing.”
Hawthorn
“James Sicily was one of the more polarising figures in footy last year. He has youthful brilliance mixed with mental meltdowns, but he showed plenty of the former in the Hawks’ scratch match, playing in defence and again hauling in loads of intercept marks.
“James Frawley came off with a hamstring problem.”
North Melbourne
“Luke McDonald was excellent in a new midfield role and Nathan Hrovat kicked three goals. Number four pick Luke Davies-Uniacke looks a near certain starter for Round 1, while Majak Daw's move to defence saw him play on Jarrad Waite.”
St Kilda
“At the Saints, Jack Steven dominated and Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey worked well together inside 50.”
Port Adelaide
“There were 5,000 people at Alberton for Port Adelaide's hitout, but Jack Watts wasn't one of them. While Ollie Wines excited onlookers, emerging forward Todd Marshall showed signs and Tom Rockliff eased into it, Watts was at his sister's wedding.”