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...
9Ben Jepson (Gold Coast)
Jepson was on recruiters' radar for multiple seasons, and a move to Queensland to play for Southport proved fruitful in his bid to join an AFL club.
Being at the front doorstep, Gold Coast were privy to his development and form in the VFL, and quickly made a move before the SSP closed.
Jepson debuted in Round 19 against Adelaide, fathering 12 disposals and two marks in the loss.
Outside of that solitary senior match, he played 16 games for the Suns' reserves side.
He was delisted at the end of 2025 with the view of being redrafted by Gold Coast, which came to fruition during the rookie intake in November.
