All the attention and focus has well and truly been placed on the 2026 as all 18 teams have officially returned for the pre-season.
Following the trade and draft periods, certain clubs still have the capacity to improve their lists through the SSP, holding vacancies over the summer months for prospects to prove themselves.
But it also lends a moment to reflection for those who ventured through the rookie mechanism 12 months ago.
Heading into the 2025 campaign, 14 players were scooped up across nine clubs.
Some were welcomed on a needs basis, while others helped fill a roster spot due to a long-term injury.
Here's how each SSP signing from the last pre-season performed in 2025...
10Jai Culley (Melbourne)
Despite the SSP closing ahead of the 2025 season, the Demons were granted an exception following the unfortunate knee injury to Andy Moniz-Wakefield, who missed the entire year.
The AFL, along with Carlton, allowed Melbourne to add to their list, and chose the delisted Culley to fill the vacancy.
The big-bodied midfielder was previously at West Coast following his Pick 1 selection in the 2022 MSD. He played 12 games.
The 22-year-old added another four matches to his tally, featuring in the final four games of the season.
Since, he has signed on for the 2026 campaign, and has impressed on the track under new coach Steven King in the hope of more senior opportunities.
