Who's burning

Wayne Milera has returned in fantastic nick and looks set to build on his breakout 2018 season. The 21-year-old won the Crows' first 2km time trial in mid-November before sharing the honours with draftee Ned McHenry when the squad resumed from the Christmas break in January. Milera impressed across half-back last year, but he could be ready for more time in the midfield with defender Brodie Smith back to full fitness. Apart from a minor toe injury before Christmas, Jordan Gallucci was doing everything right and added a few kilograms of muscle. Back-up ruckman Reilly O'Brien turned heads with his time trial performances having missed most of last season through injury.

Who's not

Brad Crouch would've been on the other list had it not been for a minor foot injury last week. Crouch trained strongly before Christmas after missing last season with groin soreness. It's expected to only be a small setback. Key defender Daniel Talia has done limited work since knee surgery last month. Kyle Hartigan (knees) is progressing nicely, Hugh Greenwood (abdominal) and Andrew McPherson (groin) are on modified programs while SANFL recruit Shane McAdam needs to improve his conditioning. - Lee Gaskin

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Who’s burning

About to enter his third season, Jarrod Berry has been a standout. Not only does he continue to get broader across the shoulders and look capable of matching it with any inside midfielder, the 20-year-old is also the Lions' best endurance runner, winning the club's 3km time trial from skipper Dayne Zorko. On the field, Berry looks in good touch, using the ball well in a recent match simulation in Hobart when others around him were flustered. Cedric Cox and Toby Wooller are two others who are noticeably fitter.

Who's not

Aside from the recent PCL injury to Darcy Gardiner that will keep the rugged defender sidelined for up to eight weeks, the Lions have had only minor interruptions to their pre-season. Western Bulldogs recruit Marcus Adams has been hampered by knee troubles and Stefan Martin has had back and ankle niggles but now appears back to 100 per cent and will be fine for the season. - Michael Whiting

Jarrod Berry is bigger and more durable after a big pre-season. Picture: AFL Photos





Who's burning

Talented young forward Harry McKay has fascinated Blues fans for some time now and looks primed for his breakout season. McKay has used previous pre-seasons to build his body shape and ensure he is physically ready to play AFL, but he's used this summer to refine some of the more important technical facets of his game. His marking and speed on the lead is exceptional – and he's showcased both on a number of occasions during match simulation drills throughout pre-season – but his kicking has been an issue in the past. However, this summer he has worked closely with forwards coach David Teague to improve his routine. Behind the scenes, Carlton officials are delighted with the progress the 21-year-old is making.

Who's not

A number of Carlton players have been limited this summer due to frustrating injury setbacks. Sam Docherty and Jarrod Pickett will likely miss most, if not all, of next season due to respective knee injuries. Mitch McGovern suffered a minor back fracture prior to Christmas and has been on restricted duties since, as has Liam Jones with a fractured hand. Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman and Tom Williamson have been forced to simply run laps recently as they recover from their respective injury problems. - Riley Beveridge

Who's burning

One of the most impressive performers for the Magpies this pre-season has been Josh Daicos, who has attacked training with the determination of a young man keen to explore his growing potential. The third-year midfield prospect has played 12 AFL games, including 10 in succession to round 20 last year, and showed his intent by finishing sixth in a time trial early in December. The 20-year-old starred on a wing during match simulation last Monday, his evasive skills and class on both sides being prominent, and repeatedly powered away from teammates in his running group with a surprising turn of speed. He'll need to keep improving if he is to find a spot in the Pies' strong midfield.

Who's not

The Pies have a potentially uncomfortable number of players not yet training fully with the main group. They include Dayne Beams, Jordan De Goey, Jack Crisp, Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Daniel Wells, Levi Greenwood, Flynn Appleby, Rupert Wills, Will Kelly and rookie-listed Tim Broomhead. Star ruckman Brodie Grundy is expected to be grounded for another week with a bruised little toe but Jeremy Howe is returning to full training after a shoulder operation, while fellow defenders Lynden Dunn and Matthew Scharenberg are going well on their way back from knee reconstructions. - Ben Collins

Josh Daicos has been among the Magpies' most impressive summer performers. Picture: AFL Photos



CLUB LISTS COMPARED Oldest? Youngest? Most experienced?

Who's burning

Essendon will need its younger players to step up this season if it is to become a top-four challenger, which is why it's been an encouraging pre-season from Kyle Langford and Darcy Parish. Langford had a breakout campaign last year, but more responsibility will be thrust his way in 2019 as a ball-winner, and he has continued that development. Parish has enjoyed a strong summer during which he has added some size to his frame and also pressed on with his running to make sure he is in Essendon's first-choice midfield group. His 2015 NAB AFL Draft partner Aaron Francis, who had a strong end to last year, won't ever blitz pre-season, but it has been his best so far in his short career.

Who's not

It's been a frustrating time for Martin Gleeson, who is still on the sidelines after last year's ankle injury that ruled him out for the season. He does bits and pieces at training but is struggling to hit top speed, so remains some time off playing. Joe Daniher continues to build his fitness away from the main group, while Cale Hooker (hamstring) and Zach Merrett (ankle) are dealing with their recent setbacks but are on track for round one. Conor McKenna has trained largely away from the main group in recent times, but has started to resume full-scale running. - Callum Twomey

Who's burning

It was a frustrating 2018 for Griffin Logue but there was a silver lining to missing his entire second year in the AFL with foot and ankle problems. Logue learnt not to take anything for granted during his spell on the sidelines and returned to pre-season in outstanding nick. The 20-year-old, who wants to showcase his intercept marking more at the top level, has been an eye-catcher in match simulation work this summer, regularly putting himself in ideal positions to launch counter-attacks and winning one-on-one contests using his size and strength. The No.8 draft pick in 2016 looks primed to slot into defence as a third tall alongside Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling in round one.

Who's not

There are serious doubts about Stephen Hill's availability for the early part of the season after he underwent surgery on his troublesome left quad in December. The silky 28-year-old has been limited to walking laps and almost two months without running is a major setback during pre-season. Hill has played only 31 games in the past two years following hamstring, quad and calf trouble. - Travis King

Griffin Logue has returned for the pre-season in excellent condition. Picture: AFL Photos





Who's burning

Enjoying his third pre-season, Brandan Parfitt has clocked his highest kilometre load in a summer to date. After Parfitt started his career in a half-forward role, the Cats have high hopes his increased endurance will allow him to spend more time as a midfielder. His work in traffic has been notable in long sessions throughout January. Defenders Zach Guthrie and Jack Henry have added size to their frames in their third summers, while mature-age ruckman. Darcy Fort is charging into contention for the lead ruck role. His competitiveness and athleticism have been a highlight for captain Joel Selwood since arriving from the SANFL in November.

Who's not

Ruckmen Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott face a tough task to edge in front of Fort and Rhys Stanley in the race for the No.1 mantle after back issues. Zach Tuohy has spent the bulk of his summer indoors as he recovers from a knee injury, and having not returned to full running on the eve of February, is in some doubt for the season opener. Lachie Fogarty (groin) was limited pre-January, while Nakia Cockatoo (knee) is building his loads away from the main group. – Mitch Cleary

Who's burning

With players facing the biggest pre-season running volume in club history, a number of them could fit into this category. While Touk Miller, Brayden Fiorini, Lachie Weller and Charlie Ballard have all been terrific, Jack Bowes gets the nod. Not only has the third-year midfielder dramatically improved his running, but he's considerably stronger in his upper body and will play substantially more midfield minutes in 2019. Josh Schoenfeld again won the 2km time trial, running six minutes flat in January.

Who's not

Unlike previous years in which injuries have cursed the club, precious few players have missed work this pre-season. Defender Jack Leslie suffered a knee injury in the final round against Geelong that required surgery and has battled to get fit again. Utility Nick Holman has been hampered by a back problem, but has continued a strong running program. - Michael Whiting

Jack Bowes' running has improved, and he's stronger and set for more midfield time. Picture: AFL Photos



Who's burning

The Giants are extremely pleased with the summer of young midfielder Jacob Hopper who has been a standout in his first injury-free pre-season in his fourth year in the AFL. Hopper averaged 21 possessions in 21 games last year and looks destined to become even more influential this season with his injury niggles hopefully behind him. Fellow youngster Tim Taranto has also been exceptional especially in competitive work, a good sign with his workload set to increase in the midfield after the departure of Dylan Shiel to Essendon. Second-year forwards Zac Langdon and Aiden Bonar has taken major strides with Langdon particularly impressive in the time trials.

Who's not

Ruckman Shane Mumford has been hobbled by a hamstring strain he suffered before the Christmas break, while Adam Tomlinson is also off the track after injuring his calf in the Giants' first training session back for 2019. Gun defender Nick Haynes continues to be troubled by a lower back issue, while Toby Greene (ankle) and Jon Patton (knee) are back running after their respective surgeries but are some time away from joining the main group. - Adam Curley

FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game

Who's burning

Young key forward Mitch Lewis barely took a break after the VFL Grand Final, arrived for the start of pre-season with an extra 3kg of muscle on his frame and hasn't missed a beat since. New Hawk Chad Wingard is thrilling track-watchers with his pre-season efforts either side of Christmas, while Irishman Conor Nash's running ability was evidenced in his second placing to Isaac Smith in the club's December time trial. A leaner James Worpel also seems primed to build upon his impressive debut season. Jarman Impey is typically a strong summer performer and this one is no different, with newcomer Darren Minchington also making a good early impression.

Who's not

Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell's leg break in a training incident has dominated the Hawks' pre-season headlines. Grant Birchall's long battle with a right knee problem also saw him undergo another operation before Christmas, but he is back running and hoping to rejoin ball work soon. Former Giant Tom Scully (ankle) is completing a running program as Hawthorn eases him back from what was a serious injury. Draftees Jacob Koschitzke and Mathew Walker have recovered from respective niggles and are increasing their output, while captain Jarryd Roughead has also stepped up after minor ankle surgery initially limited him. - Marc McGowan

Who's burning

Being dropped for Melbourne's preliminary final loss to West Coast appears to have motivated Bayley Fritsch, who has come back with a point to prove this summer. Fritsch, 22, played 23 games in his debut season in 2018, stationed in roles up forward, on the wing and even in defence. He showed that he was a player on the rise. What has stood out this pre-season has been his running ability and the improvement he has shown in the conditioning side of training, emphasised by his personal-best 2km time trial result. Fritsch was the standout player on the track in match simulation on Thursday, with his precise kicking and strong aerial ability in marking contests.

Who's not

A number of Demons had surgery at the end of the season, but the good news is Neville Jetta (shoulder), James Harmes (shoulder), Oscar McDonald (hip), Jayden Hunt (shoulder), Aaron vandenBerg (shoulder) are all back in full training. However, co-captain Nathan Jones and forward Jake Melksham are both carrying hamstring injuries and appear to be the most of concern. Jake Lever is making solid progress from a knee reconstruction and is targeting a mid-year return. - Ben Guthrie

Who's burning

Recruits Dom Tyson and Aaron Hall are drawing rave reviews for their summer output, including standing out in match simulation this week and last. Tyson's training standards and Hall's vocal leadership have added a new dimension to North's pre-season. No Kangaroo's body shape has transformed as much as midfielder Paul Ahern, who has shed a noticeable 4kg from his frame after playing the first 11 games of his AFL career last year. He sat out match simulation on Friday after a big workload in recent times. Ben McKay has also put together a strong pre-season as he firms for round one selection down back.

Who's not

Skipper Jack Ziebell has endured an interrupted pre-season because of post-season knee surgery and a calf setback, but he has increased his running and skills work. Jasper Pittard, Robbie Tarrant and Mason Wood are also dealing with calf injuries, while Ben Brown is progressing after a post-season hip operation. Will Walker (knee), Joel Crocker (ankle), Sam Durdin (leg) and Tristan Xerri (groin) remain in the rehab group. - Marc McGowan

Who's burning

Midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper impressed the Power's coaching staff with how he returned after his off-season break. The 21-year-old has lost weight and looks primed to increase his playing time. Superstar Robbie Gray hasn't completed every session, which isn't a surprise for a 30-year-old, but the four-time All Australian was the most influential player in match simulation at the Power's open training on January 18. Recruit Ryan Burton has slotted in seamlessly since coming across from Hawthorn during last year's NAB AFL Trade Period. No.5 overall pick Connor Rozee looks like a ready-made player with his skills by foot, attitude and willingness to learn.

Who's not

Key forward Charlie Dixon is making slow but steady progress from a badly broken leg sustained at the end of last season. The aim is for Dixon to be ready for round one. Ruckman Paddy Ryder has been eased along, having had Achilles and hip issues last year. Defenders Hamish Hartlett (knee) and Trent McKenzie (shoulder), forward Sam Gray (ankle) and ruck Sam Hayes (knee) are on modified programs. - Lee Gaskin

Who's burning

The club returned to training on January 14 and has spent the past week on the Gold Coast for its pre-season training camp. Small forward Dan Butler is now in full training after missing the last nine weeks of the Tigers' season (including the qualifying and preliminary finals) with an ankle syndesmosis injury and subsequent surgery. With the addition of Tom Lynch, Mav Weller and Jake Aarts to the forward line, there's competition for spots and Butler could find himself further up the ground this year. "I've been used as the defensive pressure forward and they would like me to nail that, get a bit more of the footy and maybe work up the ground a bit more and work on my positional flexibility," Butler told the Richmond website.

Who's not

Prized recruit Tom Lynch remains on a restricted program as he continues his rehabilitation from his right knee injury. Lynch had surgery on his PCL in July while he was still at Gold Coast and then had a minor clean-up procedure to remove scarring and increase his range of motion in November. He is running laps and has progressed to changing directions in his running drills. High-pressure forward Jason Castagna is in a moon boot for a high ankle sprain, while defender Dylan Grimes is sporting a serious protective facemask after having surgery for a broken nose. Jack Graham has been held back from contact work as he recovers from a left shoulder reconstruction. - Sarah Black

Who's burning

Mature-age recruit Nick Hind has impressed the Saints' hierarchy. His electric speed will be used across half-back and he's every chance to play in round one. The Saints lack pace so his burst will fill a deficit in the side. Hind was drafted last year, but as a 24-year-old, the former Essendon VFL player will be expected to make an early impact. One whose confidence has been boosted is Ed Phillips, after he took the crown as the club's time trial king from captain Jarryn Geary.

Who's not

Defender Jake Carlisle has had a very interrupted pre-season. A back flare-up before Christmas means he hasn't been training with the main group and the Saints don't have a definitive timeline for when he will resume full training. Similarly, Logan Austin has been dealing with a groin issue. A couple of draftees, Max King and Jack Bytel, have been on restricted duties with right knee and back injuries respectively. - Dinny Navaratnam

Speedster Nick Hind is every chance to play in round one. Picture: AFL Photos





WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor

Who's burning

Midfielder Isaac Heeney has been the frontrunner in most of Sydney's running drills over summer and is in peak physical condition. The Swans' coaches are predicting big things from the Academy product this year as he looks to find more of the footy to help ease the load on co-captains Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker. Robbie Fox has been right with Heeney and sometimes in front of him in repeated running efforts as he looks to find himself a permanent spot in the midfield and has also been impressive in match simulation. Small forward Tom Papley has made an impact training with the midfield group and he could be set for a move up the ground in 2019.

Who's not

Ruckman Sam Naismith continues to work his way back from a knee reconstruction but his recovery is slow going at this stage, with the big man still some time away from joining the main group. Superstar forward Lance Franklin and recruit Dan Menzel have also spent more time in the gym than on the track after groin surgeries, but Franklin did start a running program this week. - Adam Curley

Who's burning

He doesn't get talked about much, but speedy 19-year-old forward Jack Petruccelle has a golden opportunity to book himself a spot in round one after impressing coach Adam Simpson this pre-season. Petruccelle made three appearances last year and booted a couple of goals against Port Adelaide in his second game, and has worked hard this summer building his tank. He shapes as a potential small forward inclusion for the premiers early in the campaign following Mark LeCras' retirement, and with Jamie Cripps (toe) and Daniel Venables (knee) doubtful for the season-opener.

Who's not

The signs aren't great for Jamie Cripps, who had been managing a toe issue from last season until he went under the knife recently in an operation which will set him back a couple of months. The underrated half-forward is a tackling machine inside 50 and bagged a career-best 38 majors last year, so he won't be easy to replace if, as looks likely, he misses the early rounds. - Travis King

Jack Petruccelle has impressed coach Adam Simpson this season. Picture: AFL Photos



Who's burning

After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in round one last season, Tom Liberatore has been keen to make up for lost time. He returned a week earlier than teammates to pre-season training after Christmas to emphasise his determination to bounce back in 2019. The midfielder is in full training and is eyeing a chance to take part in the upcoming JLT Community Series. The ACL injury was the second big knee issue the 26-year-old has suffered in his 117-match career, after he missed the entire 2015 season. Liberatore's clearance ability and tackling pressure could be an important addition to an already talented Bulldogs midfield.

Who's not

Premiership forward Tom Boyd is still struggling to get over a back issue that hampered the end of his 2018 season. Boyd remains in the rehab group and won't be able to up his training load until the discomfort goes away. Top draftee Bailey Smith is close to overcoming an Achilles injury, while Lukas Webb is out of a neck brace and will look to resume full contact training in six to eight weeks. Liam Picken (ongoing concussion symptoms) is getting closer to full training. - Ben Guthrie