(Chris Forster is an AFL fan and BPL citizen journalist.)

As the second round of the NAB Cup gets underway this weekend, and footy fans look ahead to the start of the season proper in four weeks, I have selected four key players to keep an eye on for season 2011 - all for quite different reasons.

Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

The lure of a big-money contract and the chance to make history as the first captain of new AFL franchise, Gold Coast Suns, proved too great for Gary Ablett so the little master this season will line up not in Geelong's blue and white hoops but the Suns' orange and gold.

While many pundits and fans are saying the move north will have little impact on the form of the 2009 Brownlow Medallist, I doubt whether whether the champion midfielder will be as lethal with his new club.

In past seasons, Ablett has been able to rely on the likes of Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey and Cameron Ling to shoulder a portion of the midfield workload. And while Gold Coast has some handy players in Michael Rischitelli, Jared Brennan and Campbell Brown, they don't meet the standards set by the Cat's all-conquering group.

Another major question that looms over Gold Coast's prized recruit is whether he will receive the same level of protection as he did at Geelong.

During his time at the Cattery, Ablett was always protected by his teammates which allowed him to go about his work knowing there was always going to be someone there to provide assistance if needed. I don't believe he'll be given that luxury at the Suns this year - because his teammates aren't as strong, experienced or good - and he may find the going a lot tougher than in years past, particularly early on in the season while the team is still finding its feet.

David Swallow (Gold Coast)

Not since the 2001 ‘Super Draft' that produced Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd, Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett, Norm Smith Medallist Luke Hodge as well as Nick Dal Santo and Dane Swan have such high expectations been heaped upon a batch of draftees. The talent rich class of 2010 is being labelled one of the most naturally gifted since the draft's inception, and the face of this group is David Swallow.

Touted as a future champion since he was barely 16, it came as no surprise when the West Australian was named the first overall draft pick by Gold Coast on November 19 (which also happens to be Swallow's birthday).

Swallow has been in Gold Coast's system for the past two years, which included playing key roles in the Suns' 2009 TAC Cup campaign and 2010 VFL season. Having had two full seasons to become familiar with the Suns' style of play, Swallow looks set to be a critically important player in Gold Coast's inaugural AFL season and, if he lives up to the expectations placed on him, will become the star that many predicted three years ago.

Chad Cornes (Port Adelaide)

Once one of the most complete players in the competition, Chad Cornes endured arguably the toughest season of his 12-year career in 2010. Plagued by injury and poor form, the dual All-Australian and 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player found himself in unfamiliar territory after being dropped from the senior side midway through the season and having to ply his trade in the SANFL.

With younger brother Kane dismissing talk of retirement on his behalf, word out of the Power camp is that Cornes has been training the house down in the pre-season and looks set for a big year following two very forgettable seasons. Power fans will be hoping Cornes can return to this destructive best that led to a third placing in the 2004 Brownlow Medal.

As the new season draws close, Cornes, 31, faces a critical year. Another lacklustre return could see one of Port Adelaide's favourite sons hanging up his boots at season's end.

Jack Watts (Melbourne)

Now entering his third season on the Demons' senior list, Watts needs to stand up in 2011 and show the Melbourne faithful what he's capable of. Since being thrown to the wolves on debut against a rampant Collingwood side in the Queen's Birthday game two years ago, Watts has yet to live up to his initial billing as a No.1 draft pick.

While he has shown glimpses of brilliance, Watts (pictured, above left) has been relatively quiet overall and has often seemed out of place on the big stage. Following the startling debut seasons of fellow first-round draftees, Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, Demons fans and coaching staff alike will be looking to Watts to make an impact this year.

The first thing Watts needs to do is find a spot in the Melbourne side and make it his own. He has played a variety of positions throughout his 18-game career, as Melbourne coach Dean Bailey desperately tries to find him a home in the first 22.

Initially played deep up forward and through the midfield, Watts was even thrust across the half-back line at times during 2010. Despite being given ample opportunities Watts has been unable to find his niche.

Being tall and agile, a spot across the half-forward line seems the best fit, especially given the great marking ability he has shown at times. Watts kicked a goal in the NAB Cup match against Adelaide last week, and looked much bigger and stronger than last season - and ready to finally make his mark.