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...
4Will White (Carlton)
As mentioned, White still found a way onto Carlton's list after stirring VFL form throughout 2024.
Despite missing out on the final spot as Evans was selected first among a group of five, White would get his AFL reprieve following the ACL injury to Pick 3 Jagga Smith.
Smith was downed by the heartbreaking injury in the pre-season, causing Carlton to ask for an exception to add to their list just days after the SSP closed.
White played 14 games under Michael Voss after debuting against Collingwood in Round 4. He kicked 10 goals and averaged 8.6 disposals, 1.9 tackles and 2.2 marks.
He was delisted after the 2025 campaign, but was welcomed back via a train-on opportunity at the Blues, alongside Elijah Hollands.
