Rated by Patrick Dangerfield as one of the most exciting players on the club's list, Shaw has yet to showcase his best despite picking up a nomination for the 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star Award. He was drafted as a key defender and is a great size at 193cm, but spent significant time training as a forward in late 2013. While the Crows have boosted their key forward stocks by recruiting James Podsiadly, don't be surprised to see Shaw spend time in attack next season. He's an athletic, versatile player and just as a move from attack to defence saw Ben Rutten bloom, perhaps a move the other way will see Shaw spark. – Harry Thring

After spending most of the second half of 2013 in the reserves, Polkinghorne flirted with a trade back to his hometown of Melbourne before eventually settling in Brisbane again. Entering his seventh season, the 24-year-old started as a half-forward with a strong overhead mark and has been shifted into the midfield in recent seasons. However, with a glut of options to now run through the middle – think Rich, Rockliff, Redden, Moloney, Beams, Zorko, Aish, Hanley, Mayes and Raines – perhaps a shift to the half-back line could revitalise Polkinghorne's career. The off-season departures of Elliot Yeo (West Coast) and Sam Docherty (Carlton) opens up spots in the back half. Polkinghorne has frustrated Lions fans for many seasons with his inconsistency, but he has the strength to defend one-on-one and the dash to rebound well. He also possesses a thumping kick. He is well and truly good enough to be a regular in the 22, and a change might just do the trick. – Michael Whiting

After calf injuries restricted him to just 10 games last season, including only five of the last 19, the time might be right for the Blues' joint vice-captain to be recast as a defensive forward. The 30-year-old established himself as one of the premier taggers and run-with players in the AFL, enjoying considerable success against some of the game's best midfielders while being a genuine ball-winner himself. But in Carrazzo's absence in 2013 his role was performed admirably by elevated rookie Ed Curnow, who claimed some high-profile scalps and finished fourth in the club best and fairest. The Blues have increased their midfield depth, so Carrazzo isn't necessarily required to spend the majority of his time at the coalface. The Blues have used Dennis Armfield as a forward-half stopper with some success, with Armfield's blistering speed creating havoc at times, but Carrazzo could be a better option with his composure, smarts, ball use and first-rate defensive skills. – Ben Collins

Keeffe has talent, can play at either end of the ground and shapes as a second ruckman but has been unable to put his name on a role and make it is own. As an extra midfielder who plays in the ruck he could become an interesting proposition for opponents trying to find a match-up for him. He has good defensive skills, competes strongly and is smart enough to find space on the wing. Using him as a tall, aggressive wingman sounds far-fetched but it might be an option that could give Collingwood an edge, given Nathan Brown and Ben Reid have the key defensive posts in hand and Jesse White and Quinten Lynch will fight for the second forward spot. – Peter Ryan

Tom Bellchambers kicked 28 goals last year and was the second-leading goalkicker at the club behind Stewart Crameri, so a move to the forward line isn't exactly new. But he will likely need to be stationed there more permanently next season given the club's new-look forward line with Crameri now in Bulldogs colours. It is a role that Bellchambers is good at - he marks well, kicks straight, and makes a contest. – Callum Twomey

The Dockers have their role players almost set in stone so it is unlikely they will make any definitive changes particularly given the additions to the squad. But one move that could happen is Nat Fyfe spending a lot more time as a permanent target forward. In 2013 he became an elite inside midfielder and won the club's best and fairest. But with the recruitment of Colin Sylvia and the continued development of players like Lachie Neale, Nick Suban and Tommy Sheridan and the possible return of Anthony Morabito as well as the interchange cap, Fyfe could spend a significant amount of time forward where his elite marking ability and smarts around goal could make a very dangerous option in the mould of James Hird.  – Alex Malcolm

Walker was recently elevated to the Cats' senior list after three years as a rookie, and he might be in for an on-field change as well, with word out of the Cattery suggesting he might spend more time in the backline this year. Walker has great aerobic fitness, heaps of courage and reads the play well, so a supporting role alongside Harry Taylor and Tom Lonergan could suit him well. – Adam McNicol

One of the most talked about players in the game, Hunt is facing a huge season for so many reasons. Out of contract and in demand from rugby league, he is battling to win a spot in a Suns team that is brimming with talent and is still on the rise. After switching codes he started as a half-back, has been used as a bash-and-crash midfielder and even spent time as a tagger last season before injury struck him down. But to become a regular in 2014, a move to a defensive half-forward role might be in order. Campbell Brown's sacking clears the way for someone, and Hunt's aggression ticks that box nicely. He's not the fittest player aerobically, but he offers tenacity and rugged defence (don't read the tackle stats, talk to the players and they say his ferocity creates headaches). If Hunt can mould himself on Jake King and Paul Puopolo, there's a spot there for the taking to complement the better finishing small forwards like Aaron Hall and Brandon Matera. – Michael Whiting

The Giants have already shown they are prepared to shift players around to kick-start their careers and also fill some holes. Curtly Hampton is the prime example, currently being transformed into a speedy half-back having spent his entire junior career as a forward. Rhys Palmer is also being taught a defensive forward role. Key defence is an area that needs strengthening and young forward Jaksch could be the ideal target. With the front line boasting Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton and Tom Boyd, it will be difficult for the talented Jaksch to find a spot up front. At 195cm and 84kg, the 19-year-old spent some time in defence in the reserves and could slot in nicely alongside Phil Davis and Tim Mohr. – James Dampney

Following Lance Franklin's departure, there is a spot for a tall in Hawthorn's forward line, and Schoenmakers looks an obvious candidate to fill it at least some of the time. Having missed most of 2013 with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the 23-year-old's return will be managed carefully. But once he is up and going again, his versatility will be an asset. Played mostly in defence so far in his AFL career, the South Australian was a forward as a junior, and has shown an ability to lead and mark strongly when given occasional opportunities in front of goal at the Hawks. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him used at both ends on a needs basis in 2014.  – Mark Macgugan

Jack Grimes told AFL.com.au in September last year, "I really need and want to get a set position, where I feel like I play my best footy". That position has to be half-back. With the Demons midfield stocked up – thanks to the off-season acquisitions of Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross and Viv Michie – Grimes can now roll in to defence and act as a conduit between attack and defence. Grimes' precise kicking, courage and general feel for the game make him a suitable choice to return to the backline. Paul Roos has a great track record in getting the best out of his players and there's no reason why that cannot happen for Grimes. The 2013 co-captain could become a commanding figure for the Demons, but most importantly, he could start to find continuity in his football. That is surely what he craves. – Ben Guthrie      

Atley has spent the past two seasons across half-back but has expressed a desire to spend time in the midfield in 2014 and is likely to get his wish. The 21-year-old has the take-off speed and line-breaking run to complement the inside grunt of Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington, and help take the outside midfield load off Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey. Star recruit Nick Dal Santo's ability to pinch hit across half-back only increases the likelihood Atley will move up the ground in 2014, even if he is required to divide his time between the midfield and defence. – Nick Bowen

Injury cruelled Redden's 2013 season which was unfortunate given he was beginning to show genuine form before dislocating his shoulder against the Western Bulldogs in round 10. He's endured five surgical procedures since and while he'll still play the vast majority of his footy in the ruck this year, he's flagged a move into the forward line at some stage. With the introduction of the interchange cap the pressure on ruckmen to stay on the ground is being felt and Redden said he had been working on his movement within the forward line in the hope of adding another string to his bow. He's a good kick at goal and rates his skills for a big man, so could he become a genuine leading target in the Power's forward 50? – Harry Thring

The star goalkicker moved further from goal in 2013, roaming up the ground in an effort to create space for his teammates and give the Tigers a less predictable forward line. In 2014, however, coach Damien Hardwick has predicted a stable role for Riewoldt in a traditional centre half-forward post. A two-time Coleman medallist, Riewoldt kicked 78 goals in 2010 and 65 goals in 2012. His scoreboard output dropped to 58 goals last season, but he led the team for goal assists. Hardwick expects to have a forward line stocked with tall options Ty Vickery, Shaun Hampson and youngster Liam McBean next season, and by using Riewoldt at centre half-forward he could still contribute 30-40 goals while using his creativity and marking ability to set up many more. – Nathan Schmook  

The experiment of turning the quick 200cm 23-year-old into a defender seems likely to come to an end with the recruitment of defenders Josh Bruce and Luke Delaney, plus the return of Sam Fisher from the toe injury that kept him from playing from round 10 onwards last year. Given the ruck stocks are young, with the departure of Ben McEvoy to Hawthorn and the recruitment of nine-gamer Billy Longer from the Lions to support Tom Hickey – who is also only 22 with 24 games under his belt – Stanley could also be called on to pinch hit around the ground when venturing out of the forward line. – Jennifer Phelan 

McGlynn has proven one of the AFL's best small forwards in his four years as a Swan, kicking 113 goals after making the shift from Hawthorn. But he has been pegged for a new role in 2014, training with the midfield group for the first time during the pre-season. The 28-year-old has been pushing for a role in the middle and the plan is for him to allow Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh and the regular midfield brigade some rest. Sam Reid could also be in line for a move as the club tries to incorporate Lance Franklin into a forward line already featuring Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes. The club still views Reid as a centre half-forward, but he has been used further up the ground in his career and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him shifted into the backline at some stage this coming season. – James Dampney

Masten had a very productive year in the midfield in 2013, averaging 26 possessions across 19 matches, but the Eagles finished 13th. With the development of Mark Hutchings and the recruitment of Xavier Ellis, Elliot Yeo, and Dom Sheed there is some midfield depth there provided Matt Priddis, Sharrod Wellingham, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Scott Selwood stay fit. The Eagles lack a permanent small forward to crumb at the feet of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and the resting ruckman. A fit Mark LeCras will be one option of course but Masten kicked 20 goals in 2012 and possesses the pace and elusiveness required and won't play as a lead-up forward, which both LeCras and Josh Hill can often do. Masten could fill a role similar to what Mark Nicoski did in 2011 when the left footer bagged 41 goals for the year. – Alex Malcolm 

Matthew Boyd's career could be about to come full circle. He started as a tagger, and he may need to rediscover that craft if he is to cement his place in the team this year. Mitch Wallis took on that job towards the end of last season, but the youngster has plenty of growing to do, and needs time to explore the offensive part of his game. If Boyd can take some of that responsibility during games, it would give the Dogs more flexibility. Boyd struggled with calf injuries last season and gave up the captaincy, so 2014 could prove a crucial season in his career. The Dogs are concentrating on getting games into their young players, so Boyd needs to make sure his new role isn't hampering the development of the younger brigade. – Jacqui Reed