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...
2Matt Carroll (Carlton)
The rebounding defender was delisted as an untried rookie, but was given the opportunity to earn his spot on the Blues' list as an SSP option.
Carroll, along with Sam Durdin, was asked to come back to the club over the summer. The former recommitted again, while the latter failed to cement a spot at Carlton.
The 20-year-old made the most of his second chance at the Ikon Park club, debuting in Round 5 against West Coast, before adding another 16 matches to his name before the completion of 2025.
Amid a host of injuries to key personnel, Carroll stood up in their place, demonstrating to coach Michael Voss that he is worthy on his side.
He averaged 12.1 disposals and 3.8 marks.
He's signed a two-year deal, locking him away until the end of 2027.
Carroll is optimistic about the club's direction heading into the new season, with a major overhaul of the playing and coaching staff.
