The 2024 AFL pre-season is about to begin which also means it is time to start building a list of players that could be in your starting squad at Round 1:Â
KEIDIAN COLEMAN (BRISBANE)Â
It was difficult to miss the 2023 finals series and especially the Grand Final from Coleman recording 127pts in defence for the Lions. A slow start to the 2023 season limited his scoring output, it was also restrictive with the presence of Daniel Rich in the team. With Rich now retired expect most of the ball out of defence for Brisbane to be in the hands of Coleman. He averaged 73.8pts from 22 games in 2023 which included 102.0pts from three finals. At this stage the role is clear for Coleman in defence.Â
FINLAY MACRAE (COLLINGWOOD)Â
Just the one game for Macrae in 2023 for the Magpies but that is likely to change significantly in 2024. With Taylor Adams now gone senior coach Craig McRae has already identified Macrae as the player to have an opportunity to claim a regular spot in the team. A full pre-season for Macrae will likely see plenty of midfield exposure. His scoring rate has previously been a concern at AFL level but he should be at a good development stage to transition nicely with a decent scoring output in 2024.Â
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BAILEY HUMPHREY (GOLD COAST)
Selected at pick 6 in the 2022 AFL Draft Bailey Humphrey had a limited pre-season going into his first year. He finally made his debut in Round 4 but was integrated into the team with limited minutes in his first few games, he averaged 51.3pts from 19 games. Humphrey was utilised through the midfield at times which included centre bounces. A full pre-season and new senior coach Damien Hardwick could be great timing for his usage through the midfield but there is still likely to be some type of forward usage. Expectations are high heading into 2024.Â
LACHIE WHITFIELD (GWS)
Despite going down in Round 1 and missing Round 2 Whitfield produced a quality 2023 season. He averaged 94.7pts in the 2023 H&A season but that increased to 97.1pts between Rounds 3-24. Whitfield averaged 103.3pts from 3 finals for the Giants. Injury history has been a concern for Whitfield over the last few years as was playing out of position under former coach Leon Cameron. Current GWS senior coach Adam Kingsley has Whitfield locked into a half-back role which should provide excellent scoring conditions with the ability to hit several high-ceiling games in 2024.Â
JAMES TREZISE (RICHMOND)
We got a glimpse of mid-season recruit Trezise in the final game of the 2023 H&A season at AFL level playing in defence for the Tigers (77pts). He produced solid numbers in the VFL throughout the season playing mostly in a similar role. The timing may be perfect for Trezise under new Richmond senior coach Adem Yze if he is willing to open up spots for players that win their position over summer. A role in defence across the 2024 season should provide a solid scoring return.Â
Article by @aflratingsPete
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