Players who had enjoyed a solid pre-season franked that form and a couple of established forwards said as much as ‘hey, I’m still here’ during a practice match at Mineral Resources Park tonight.

Star midfielder Tim Kelly, one of the outstanding performers across the summer, produced a best afield performance in the hit out while Jamaine Jones and Jack Petruccelle also capitalised on a strong body of pre-season work.

At the same time champion forward Josh Kennedy provided a focal point up forward and Jake Waterman was lively, kicking four goals.

Players flipped from one team to the other rendering the scoreboard irrelevant, but those players were a constant presence.

After starting in defence, Tom Barrass was switched forward and looked comfortable in the role while Liam Ryan did some clever things and Jack Redden was prominent throughout.

The club’s first draft selection last November, Campbell Chesser, was also lively through the midfield while Connor West was typically ubiquitous around the contest and Bailey Williams enjoyed long periods on the ball opposed to all-Australian ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Elliot Yeo worked hard before calling time on his night with Naitanui at half-time.

Other youngsters to impress were forward Jack Williams, who was injected into the game after half-time, and Brady Hough, who was efficient across half-back.