With a well established engine room in place, the club is likely to see further additions throughout the year, including forwards Jack Darling and Mark LeCras, as well as new recruits Xavier Ellis and Elliot Yeo.
And with quality ball-winners Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey missing the trip to Sydney, we could see a few more new faces make their mark in the midfield tomorrow night at Blacktown.
As the squad wrapped up their final training run before tomorrow’s NAB Challenge clash against the Swans, Rawlings spoke briefly with Eagle Eye TV about his midfield stocks.
“Our versatility through the midfield is a big thing for us,” Rawlings explains.
“We’ve got guys that can rotate across half-back and other guys to go through the forward line rotations.
“There are plenty of blokes who are going to get a good chance this week.
“We saw Hutchings last week play a couple of different roles inside and outside and even across half-forward, so it will be good for him to have another look at it.
“We’ll keep looking at that this week and see who can adapt to different roles.”
Joining the squad on the road trip are a host of young guns, itching for a chance to impress the selectors heading into round one.
Jeremy McGovern will play as a tall defender down back, meaning that he will join fellow defender Mitch Brown in the challenge of guarding superstar forward Lance Franklin.
Brant Colledge, Will Maginness, Fraser McInnes and Rowen Powell will all be looking to make the final 26-man squad finalised tomorrow.
Eagles supporters are thrilled to see hard-running wingman Andrew Gaff for the first time this pre-season, after missing the Fremantle clash with a dental complaint.
Will Schofield will also be playing his first game in 2014, as the utility confesses a great deal of excitement over the fresh-looking squad.
“There are a lot of young boys here,” Schofield says.
“I truly think they will fare pretty well.
“This time of the year is very hot for spots, therefore it’s a good chance to get an opportunity, have a good game and put your name right up there.
“This will be the team in three or four years’ time, so it will be great to get a sneak peak at them on the big stage.
“Brant Colledge had a real good pre-season and McGovern down back will be interesting to watch.
“Mainly I think they will just enjoy getting away from home and on the road with the boys.”
