1. Lance Whitnall - Fitter than ever.  If ever there is going to be 'the' year for Big Red, it is this one.

2. Brett Ratten - We invariably lose without him, enough said.  With a team of willing workers around him, the skipper will be supplying them with a wealth of possession.

3. Corey McKernan - The 2002 Best & Fairest winner has shown his importance to this side.  Under old coach Pagan and the new Blues  game plan, Corey's input will be vital.

4. Scott Camporeale - He won't have two poor seasons in a row.  Class act who has added some strength over the offseason.

5. Anthony Koutoufides - Hasn't had much footy for 18 months now and may never be the same again ....  but hey this is Superman we are talking about. Training signs are encouraging.

6. Simon Beaumont - His disposal isn't always the best but you can't fault his heart.  Gets the hardest jobs as befitting the most experienced Mr Fix-it going around.  A release to the half back line will be just the tonic for some exciting times in 2003.

7. Matthew Allan - We 'won' the spoon through a lack of ruck options so this rating is a given.  Only problem I have is whether to choose an injury riddled former All Australian or the late blooming would-be-king from Port Adelaide.

8. Michael Martyn - Yeah I know, he is too old and injury prone but apart from the ruckmen, he has the most important job of all next year, teach the young defenders to become gun defenders.  I hope he is up to the task.

9. Darren Hulme - The Pup is back and ready to sink his teeth in.  Little wonder that we showed little grit without the big little man around last year.

10. Barnaby French - The physical presence we have been searching for.  Will bolster the ruck stocks brilliantly and pinch hit in a key position on occasion.  One of the fittest going around.

11. Trent Sporn - Injury free, this will be the year Trent explodes into AFL credibility.  C-L-A-S-S.

12. Matthew Lappin - With less pressure from opposition defences, expect an increased goal tally from the enigmatic one.

13. Andrew McKay - Had to play an unaccustomed role last year as the elder statesman on the back line.  Will relish the chance to play his own game again.  However is approaching the finishing line of a great career and will look to start handing over the reigns to young Wiggins.

14. Adrian Hickmott - Using his body as a battering ram should be taking its toll but training form suggests he is one of the fittest players at the club.  Will be important once again.  A final hurrah perhaps?

15. Justin Murphy - I'm hoping he will adopt Pagan's long kicking game plan with gusto as he has a beautiful long kicking style to pull it off perfectly.  Time will tell on his on field disciplinary lapses.

16. Simon Wiggins - Future captaincy material in my book.  Deserves to be ranked higher but they are all vitally important if we are to rise up the ladder.

17. Luke Livingston - Will get to watch a past master at work and will gain confidence enough to back his own ability.  Will be watching with interest as further improvement is a must if Luke is to achieve what we know he can.

18. Bret Thornton - Bold and brash.  Rookie of the year.  He has a lot to live up to but he has the skills to match.

19. Justin Davies - Great football brain and a lot of desperation.  Could just about seal a permanent spot if he stays fit.

20. Blake Campbell - Has to make the next giant step.  His pace is a precious commodity.

21. Ryan Houlihan - Much to prove.  Last chance on field perhaps?  No more chances off field.

22. Jarrad Waite - The next big thing if his publicity is any guide.  Can't wait to see the only senior listed player not to see any senior game time last year.

23. Brendan Fevola - Not sure why he is still here but if he can play to his ability, he could be the re-find of the year.

24. Callan Beasy - Now or never for Callan.  He has his admirers but your shelf life is short at this level if you don't give them a preview of what you can do.  Fingers crossed.

25. Simon Fletcher - Honest player capable of being valuable.  If I were to be honest though, he is not in our best side.

26. Scott Freeborn - His fierceness might endear him to the new coach, his ball handling won't however.

27. Anthony Franchina - Doesn't quite have enough dimensions to his play to sustain a very long career.  Will be handy at times though.

28. Andrew Eccles - Have yet to see a lot of the talent he supposedly has.  Will be interesting to see how his golf chips fit into the new long game plan.

29. Jim Plunkett - Faded fast in 2003. Better reinvent himself and find consistency fast or he may be looking for other pastures at season's end.

30. Glenn Manton - Look, I rate Mants higher than this if truth be told.  I just don't see him and Martyn in the same backline and they didn't recruit Mighty Mick for nothing.  Let's hope I am wrong and Mants shows his capacity for digging deep.

31. Andrew Merrington - Last chance but a new coach might be just the tonic, that and a real role to play.

32. Ian Prendergast - Fittest player at the club by a long way.  If he can recapture his 2001 form, he will be a real asset.  Last chance though.

33. Adam Mathews - Not rated because he hasn't yet made the grade.  Hopefully injuries are behind him.

34. Kade Simpson - Looks promising but lacks size to take on the big boys.  Keep an eye on him though.

35. Cameron Croad - Worth a look but a lot of fitness work to be done.

36. Karl Norman - A real dark horse.  Blues fans have taken to the boy from the bush.