With the inaugural AFLX tournament just two sleeps away, saints.com.au looks at five players who could make the biggest impact in the hybrid version of the game.

Seb Ross

The reigning Trevor Barker Award winner will get straight back on the tools this Friday night, captaining St Kilda’s inaugural AFLX side. Ross was not only one of the most improved players at Linen House Centre last year, he was one of the most improved midfielders in the game, averaging just under 30 disposals in 2017. Can he go to another gear in 2018 and entrench himself in the elite bracket?

Tim Membrey

This mobile key forward may well be one of the best attacking weapons in the hybrid version of the game, with his combination of speed, endurance, overhead marking and accuracy in front of goal making him a difficult match-up for any defender. After kicking 44 goals from 17 games in a breakout 2016, Membrey added another 38 last year, winning his second consecutive goal kicking prize.

Jimmy Webster

If speed and kicking efficiency are the two most important ingredients in AFLX, then Webster could be the ace up St Kilda’s sleeve this weekend. The hard-nosed half-back is one of the more damaging ball users at Linen House Centre and one of the most uncompromising defenders at the club.

Mav Weller

After undergoing a body transformation this pre-season, Weller has stripped more than a handful of kilograms off his frame to become a more aerobic beast in 2018. The dynamic half-forward is well suited to AFLX and will be determined to get his season off to a fast start after battling injury and form concerns in the second half of 2017.

Blake Acres

On the eve of his fifth season, Acres has laid the foundations to take his career to the next level in 2018. The West Australian has been of St Kilda’s best performers on the track this summer and has taken his leadership to another level. Could Acres follow Ross’ lead last year and become one of the most improved midfielders in the competition this year?