(Ryan Withers is a freelance writer and BPL Citizen Journalist)

With the introduction of code swappers Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau to the AFL landscape, many wondered whether the pair could ever make it after a less-than-impressive start to their careers. But now, after two impressive weeks, the critics might be starting to wonder whether these boys might turn out to be something they never thought possible. Footballers. 

After what can only be described as a sobering introduction to AFL footy, Hunt appeared a duck out of water in his position down back, struggling to keep up with the dual role of watching his opponent and the ball. Granted, in a team made up of teenagers, Hunt has been given some outlandish roles on some of the games greatest forwards who not only had height on their side, but a lifetime of knowledge. However, in spite of the drubbings the Gold Coast Suns have been dealt, Hunt has shown some talent, and a spark that could grow into something great. But still, his role of full-back was continuing to cause him trouble, and the question had to be asked: can he make it? 

Israel Folau also faced growing criticism over his performances that were looking worse by the week. He, like Hunt, was given the role of full-back on the continued theory that with the game in front of them, these rugby league men would be able to grasp the three-dimensional element of the game more easily. Well, whoever came up with this theory was wrong. Wrong only because they put them at the wrong end of the ground. 

Folau, in a move most likely made as a pure experiment, was sent forward against the Queanbeyan Tigers in the second quarter, and within four minutes kicked his first goal. By the end of the match, he had four. By the end of the game against the Eastlake Demons, he'd kicked three. In two weeks, he had seven goals to his name, and in the same space of time Folau had already started to rewrite his own future, not as a defender, but as a forward. 

Hunt, too, made a statement on the weekend. After a solid start to the match working hard down in the backline, Hunt took a massive step forward in his development in the AFL. With the Cats bearing down on the Suns' lead, Hunt placed himself in a prime position down the corridor, took a well-placed Michael Rischitelli kick on the chest and ran confidently towards the 50-metre arch and kicked his first league goal from 55 metres out. Watching on as if in disbelief, Hunt was then swamped by his teammates as he raced back to his position down back. 

So what have the past two weeks taught us? 

They have taught us that players like Hunt and Folau are born to put points of the scoreboard. Whether it be from a try or by foot, these two are meant to be up forward, where their natural bursts of speed can be used not to try and keep up with their opponent, but to break packs and create strong leads. Folau had proven he could take a strong mark when he played NRL, he has proven the same in the AFL. Hunt proved he was tough and inventive in rugby league, he has shown the exact same capabilities in footy. 

These two are goal scorers. Enough said.