Oscar Brownless: Rivalling Mark Blicavs as one of the hardest runners at the club in-game for metres per minute. The draftee has improved as the season has gone on in a wing/half-forward role.
Wylie Buzza: After playing AFL in each of his first two seasons at the Cats, has consistently been overlooked for the forward/ruck role that has been vacant at various stages of 2019. Out of contract at season's end and faces a big six weeks ahead before finals.
Nakia Cockatoo: Been a long grind to get his body back to a level to play after back-to-back knee injuries last year. Should play VFL inside the next three weeks.
Jordan Cunico: Sent for an ankle reconstruction in April, the 22-year-old is closing in on returning to full training. Out of contract.
Ben Jarvis: Drafted as a medium forward last year, has spent the bulk of his time in defence. Strong in his one-on-one work, has been slowly adding to his offensive work. Being mentored by key defender Lachie Henderson.
Jamaine Jones: Mixed between small forward and rebounding defender in his second year. The rookie will be hoping for a strong finish to the season to earn a new deal for 2020.
Jacob Kennerley: Arrived as an elite runner and has been one of the most consistent performers at VFL level between wing and half-back after adding size to his frame. The information sponge of last year's draft class.
Nathan Kreuger: Drafted as a 19-year-old, the athletic South Australian has been used as the VFL side's swingman. Was close to AFL selection earlier this year and has turned heads with his pressure and groundball ability.
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Quinton Narkle: Has injured his hamstring at the wrong time twice this year. Now played three games back and in the AFL frame after his best game of the season on the weekend.
Stefan Okunbor: Troubled by groin soreness early in the year after coming in off a full Gaelic season and has now played five matches. Improves his touch with every match.
Blake Schlensog: Raw key-position prospect with strong competitiveness who has spent time at both ends in his first year. Sat out the opening month to prepare for the rigours of the game and is still learning the requirements of being a professional footballer.
Scott Selwood: Had sustained two hamstring setbacks before playing a game this year but has since managed the past 10 straight in the VFL. Waiting patiently for an inside midfield role to open up.
Sam Simpson: Has played every VFL match this season and faces uncertainty without a contract. Been an AFL emergency on a number of occasions but hasn't been able to replicate selection like his first two seasons.
Jake Tarca: Starting as a small forward, the South Australian played his best game of the season last weekend as a defender. Has impressed with his reading of the play and will be keen to develop his engine in his second pre-season.
Who might play in 2019? Narkle would appear next in line after an impressive three weeks as a forward/midfielder. Buzza isn't without a chance as a forward/ruck, while Selwood is readymade finals insurance.
