SEASON one was all about the unknowns.

The unknown protagonists, antagonists and household names that were yet to be espoused.

The unknown crowd numbers, mindblowingly terrific TV ratings and a diverse, new fan base.

Season two will also present us with some unknowns. Which teams will show the most improvement? Will crowds increase? Will the draftees have an immediate impact?

Round 18

But after a season in which we got to know some of the most talented players in the country, there are also some things we know for sure.

These are the 10 players to watch with a keen eye in season 2.0.

They’re the best, the most exciting and will be doing their utmost to ensure they’re just that after two months of women’s footy.

CHECK OUT HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TOP FIVE BELOW!

1. ERIN PHILLIPS (Adelaide)

There simply aren’t enough superlatives for this superstar. Twelve years after playing her last game of footy, the Adelaide co-skipper showed the benefits of an elite grounding in basketball. Incredibly fit and highly skilled, Phillips performed in the big moments. She also cleaned up come awards season, winning the premiership, best on ground in the grand final, AFLW MVP, AFLW goal of the season and the inaugural AFLW best and fairest. Frighteningly, she’s looking even more shredded on the eve of this season.

2. DAISY PEARCE (Melbourne)

While Pearce was hampered by a leg injury in the first fortnight of 2017, she finished the season with a bang. The Melbourne skipper is still the best player in tight, with her vision and ability to always find the ball unparalleled. She’ll have a point to prove this season, after the arrival of Phillips. But just like her Adelaide counterpart, Pearce is looking leaner and meaner in 2018. If the Demons are premiers, Pearce will be front and centre of the triumph.

3. BRIANNA DAVEY (Carlton)

Davey is arguably the cleanest player in the AFLW. She seldom wastes a possession and plays a Luke Hodge-type role across halfback for the Blues, where she sets up the team’s game plan. No player had more intercept marks or possessions than Davey in 2017. Elevated to the role of captain this season, Davey may even push into the midfield, where she regularly played for the St Kilda Sharks.

Katie Brennan. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

4. KATIE BRENNAN (Western Bulldogs)

It was no coincidence the Bulldogs fell apart when Brennan was struck down with injury, losing four of their last five games in her absence. But Brennan is back, after a stunning VFLW season where she took out the league best and fairest. A fitness machine, ‘KB’ has the ability and tank to be the best centre-half forward in the competition.

5. KAREN PAXMAN (Melbourne)

Runner up behind Phillips in the AFLW best and fairest, Paxman is an aggressive onballer who can run all day. She racked up the second-most possessions of any midfielder behind Pearce. And while Paxman oft lives in the shadow of her skipper, opposition teams ignore her at their peril. Paxman’s versatility to play back and impact the scoreboard make her invaluable.

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6. CHELSEA RANDALL (Adelaide)

Ranked second for intercept marks in the competition, Randall was pivotal in Adelaide’s premiership. Co-captain with Phillips — who played predominantly across half forward and in the midfield — Randall was the head honcho in defence. A utility who excels in any position on the ground, Randall’s versatility means she’s a nightmare to match up on.

7. EMMA KEARNEY (Western Bulldogs)

As the only midfielder in the league Champion Data rated as elite for disposals, metres gained, contested possessions and uncontested possessions, it’s hard to go past Kearney. A dual-code athlete who also plays cricket, Kearney is an explosive stoppage player whose first few steps are arguably the quickest in the game.

Darcy Vescio Photo: AAP Image/Joe Castro Source: AAP

8. DARCY VESCIO (Carlton)

A character off the field, Vescio is a genuine star when the whistle is blown. While she may not be as built as some other players, Vescio’s footy smarts set her apart — particularly around goal. Vescio set the competition alight when she kicked four goals in the historic first game between Carlton and Collingwood. She finished the season as the most prolific scorer in the competition, averaging two goals per game.

9. KARA DONELLAN (Fremantle)

Affectionately known as ‘Juddy’, Donnellan was one of the few shining lights for the Dockers in 2017. A ball-winner who tackles ferociously, Donnellan’s work rate was highlighted in Fremantle’s Round 6 win over Carlton, where she kicked two goals from 24 touches to record 350 Champion Data rating points — the most ever recorded.

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10. NICOLA STEVENS (Carlton)

Stevens will go down in history as the first ever traded player in the AFLW. But she’s got a few runs on the board in the old football department, too. A natural reader of the play, Stevens dominates across halfback, chafing opponents with her pressure. Like Davey, she is more than capable of pushing into the midfield and may spend more time there this season, after crossing over from Collingwood.

These players were unlucky to miss out and should also be watched with a keen eye — of course, there’s many more where these came from:

Emily Bates (Brisbane), Alicia Eva (GWS), Jasmine Garner (Collingwood), Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs), Emma King (Collingwood), Sarah Perkins (Adelaide), Tayla Harris (Carlton), Sabrina Frederick-Traub (Brisbane).