Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has listed the players who he thinks are primed for big 2021 seasons.
Speaking on Sportsday on Monday night, Lloyd named his ‘February Flyers' - 11 players who have caught the eye during the pre-season.
Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs)
“I was at a function and a Western Bulldogs player was there, I won’t say who he was," Lloyd said.
“He said Aaron Naughton in training has been unstoppable. I think he could be an outstanding centre-half back but forward is where they need him.
“They said that in one of the games he played … in three quarters of footy had 24 disposals, 14 marks and kicked five goals - and he took a mark that they believe would have been Mark of the Year.
“It’s exciting.”
Harry McKay and Zac Fisher (Carlton)
“Another key forward who kicked five goals for Carlton last week was Harry McKay.
“They cry out for a small forward at Carlton and I’m told that Zac Fisher has been told, ‘you’re a small forward, that’s where you’re going to play’ and he has had a wonderful pre-season.
“I don’t know what that means for Eddie Betts, but Zac Fisher, at the feet, has been looking dangerous and as a lively forward as they’ve had in a long, long time.”
Nick Larkey, Jaidyn Stephenson and Bailey Scott (North Melbourne)
“Nick Larkey is going really well, his combination with (Cam) Zurhaar is exciting people and Jaidyn Stephenson, they are extremely happy with him through the midfield.
“And look out for a wingman, Bailey Scott. Into his third season, they’re really happy with what he’s doing.
Jack Sinclair (St Kilda)
“He’s fitter than he’s ever been before, he’s getting higher up the field, can run back, and is kicking goals.
"He’s become sort of an extra mid-forward with the way he’s going.”
Nik Cox (Essendon)
“Pencil him in to play on a wing this year - Round 1 - and then develop into a key position player.
“He’s the one of the three (first-round picks) that the Bombers expect to play nice and early.”
Noah Anderson, Ben Ainsworth and Will Brodie (Gold Coast)
“It’s (Noah) Anderson, no surprise there.
“(Ben) Ainsworth is flying and Will Brodie, they say, has finally turned the corner, and is ready to play and play from the start.
“They reckon there’s been a real change in him.”