The West Australian's football writers single out ten players who have something to prove during the pre-season competition.

Lachie Neale (Fremantle), #27

The inside midfielder looks a bit like Hayden Ballantyne and like the small forward has already shown he can play. Appears a potential bargain after being taken at pick No.58 in the national draft last year. Expect him to showcase his toughness and dash through the middle during the NAB Cup and could be a smoky for round one selection.

Patrick Karnezis (Brisbane), #28

He was a revelation in his debut season last year when he kicked 17 goals from 11 matches. Karnezis is highly-skilled with a booming kick who has become a favourite with the Gabba crowd.

Koby Stevens (West Coast), #14

The in-and-under midfielder is built for work around the clinches and looks ready made to play AFL leading into his third season. Enjoyed a strong year in 2011 for WAFL club East Fremantle, but only managed two matches with the Eagles mid year due to the club’s depth. Can push hard to play in round one with strong NAB Cup performances.

Picture: Lee Griffith / The West Australian

Jaeger O'Meara (Gold Coast), #1

The Suns have permission to play the youngster even though he is a year away from AFL football. The Dongara-raised midfielder showed his class in an under-18 championships where others around him struggled. Arguably the best player of his age in Australia and worth a look.

Picture: Lee Griffith / The West Australian

Isaac Smith (Hawthorn), #16

The fleet-footed midfielder had a superb finals series last year. He averaged 22 disposals a game in the club’s three finals and was one of Hawthorn’s best against Geelong and Sydney during September. Has reportedly had a superb pre-season and appears set for a big second AFL season.

Isaac Smith (left), Alastair Clarkson and Sam Mitchell. Picture: Getty Images.

Gary Rohan (Sydney), #16

The quick and lively red-head was sidelined for 15 games last year but is fit and ready to fire. He give Swans a potent attack with Adam Goodes and Sam Reid.

Picture: Getty Images

Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide), #32

The bullocking Geelong boy has given exciting glimpses of his talent for a couple of seasons without ever really taking a year by the throat. Showed he is as dangerous in open space as he is in packs by outrunning Fremantle speedster Stephen Hill early last year. Pre-season may indicate if he is ready to take the next step this year.

Picture: Getty Images

Marty Clarke (Collingwood), #9

The Irishman is back after quitting the game for Gaelic footy. Will be interesting to see how he settles in again given that he returns to a Magpies side far stronger than the one he left.

Picture: Mal Fairclough / The West Australian

Bryce Gibbs (Carlton), #4

Out of the big three at Carlton (Judd, Murphy, Gibbs) the South Australian is the one that still has a couple of gears up his sleeve. Has threatened to take his place amongst the competition's elite in brilliant flashes but still struggles to consistently perform at that level. Captain Chris Judd says this is the year he will make the step.

Picture: Getty Images

Mitch Duncan (Geelong), #22

Came on late in the 2011 grand final as a substitute for the injured James Podsiadly. Showed his leadership potential as a junior and should thrive under young captain Joel Selwood. Said to be flying in the Cats training sessions and set for a big year.

Picture: Getty Images