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...
12Josh Lai (Port Adelaide)
Lai linked up with the Power in a bid to make the leap from local football to the AFL, having earned the attention of the South Australian club following a strong season with Victorian side Cheltenham.
He didn't come through the traditional channels, but instead enjoyed a career-best campaign at local level, playing a dozen games for the Southern Football Netball League side in 2024, featuring in the Rosellas' best on seven occasions and kicking 11 goals.
Lai edged out North Melbourne VFL star Jack Watkins for the sole spot at Alberton, who, ironically, was signed as a rookie in November.
Despite not debuting for the Power, Lai earned a new contract, and could push for a senior opportunity under Josh Carr.
