How does James Frawley adjust from watching balls fly over his head? Can he and former No.2 draft pick Jono O'Rourke fit into the Hawks line-up? Can the Pies' first pick, Jordan DeGoey, and last year's missing in action Nathan Freeman change the feel of midfield along with recruits Travis Varcoe, Levi Greenwood and Jack Crisp?

WEST COAST v CARLTON
Friday, February 27
Rushton Park, 7.10pm

The Blues' first draft pick last year, Blaine Boekhorst, has been playing senior football so he is ready to go. Can Mick Malthouse turn Liam Jones from a player with great hands, but no tank, into a damaging consistent forward? Kristian Jaksch has struggled with foot issues but will be interesting to see him in navy blue. The Eagles surged home in the second half of last year, but now have lost Beau Watters, Jack Darling and Scott Selwood are still not ready. Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey are both closing on 100 game players. They are ready.

BRISBANE LIONS v ST KILDA
Saturday, February 28
Burpengary, 4.10pm

Do you need to be told Paddy McCartin was pick one? Or that Dayne Beams fled the Pies for the Lions? Thought not. You will want to look at how these two fit in. How does McCartin move, how is his run? Spencer White was a project player with huge upside. Keep an eye out this NAB Challenge to see how the project progresses.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v RICHMOND
Saturday, February 28
Whitten Oval, 4.40pm

The club that did everything against the club that did little in trade period. The Dogs will be searching out the new arrivals for hope – Tom Boyd and the band of little men who arrived at the kennel such as 168cm Caleb Daniel (does he have enough in his game to compensate for his size?) Ben Lennon is a bit bigger, a bit more ready to go. What depth does former Cat Taylor Hunt add to the midfield?

ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday, March 1
Centenary Oval, 4.40pm

The Roos are a bit underdone in the backline through injuries but look for Robbie Tarrant to line up in defence. It worked for his brother after all. Shaun Higgins in particular could add something forward and Jarrad Waite just ease the pressure on marking forwards.

GOLD COAST v GEELONG
Sunday, March 1
Townsville Football Ground, 4.40pm

Mitch Clark. Does he, or doesn't he play? Is his body right? Is his mind right? If it works for the Cats the upside is enormous. Ex-Saint Rhys Stanley appears to have been brought in to be used in the ruck – his size and speed would make him difficult to deal with. The Suns will be interesting not for who is playing but how they are playing — do they look different under new coach Rodney Eade?

*All times AEDT