With the AFL season around the corner and quickly approaching, we take a look at each team's crucial stats ahead of their upcoming campaign, and why it's difficult, or why they are in pole position to return to September action.

With lists finalised, training becoming tougher and tactics becoming clearer, we look at who's the youngest, the oldest, the most experienced, and who has the easiest draw.

Port Adelaide went into a flurry last trade period, recruiting anyone and everyone to their team in hopes to be able to go further than their extra-time Elimination Final defeat in 2017 at the hands of the Eagles.

They went hard in Free Agency, landing Brisbane star Tom Rockliff, former number one pick Jack Watts, Geelong forward Steven Motlop, North Melbourne goal sneak, Lindsay Thomas.

The Power have strong ambitions for 2018, and let those who wanted to leave depart the club, with the likes of Jackson Trengove, Logan Austin and Matthew Lobbe also heading to Victoria.

These moves however, make them the sixth-oldest team in the competition, with the second highest experience in the competition. It's a 'now or never' scenario for the Power, who have the fourth-easiest draw, according to Champion Data.

Hawthorn, posing with a decade of dominance, have the oldest list on paper, with the likes of Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall and Jarryd Roughead all on the wrong side of 30, as well as many edging the 30 bracket this year and next.

However, after a disappointing start to 2017, being 1-5 and everyone writing them off, Clarkson was able to stabilise the team and still be in the conversation of finals until the last rounds of the season.

With the most games played, and their veterans still fit and contributing to the team, as well as young talent coming through, Hawthorn may not be out of the spotlight for much longer.

North Melbourne was scrutinised more than most last year for their disappointing season.

However, with the third youngest list in the competition, and the departures of Sam Gibson and Thomas, the only way for the young team is up. Finishing 15th last year, with just six victories, they have been granted with a dream draw, having the second easiest fixture, including visits to Tasmania against Carlton, West Coast and GWS.

For the Pies, it'll be the first time for majority of Buckley's career, where his position may not be questioned weekly, with Collingwood being handed the easiest draw according to Champion Data.

Entering the 2018 season with the fifth oldest list, and an average of 70 games of experience, this is Buckley's, as well as some of his players', last chance to save their jobs.

They have two meetings with 2017 wooden spooners, Brisbane, as well as Fremantle and Carlton. They also only travel outside of Victoria on just five occasions for 2018.

With many storylines ready to be written for season 2018, it's time for teams to walk the walk and make an impact on the year ahead.

Lists Age and Experience [Averages]:

  • Hawthorn [24yr 242d & 76 Games]
  • Adelaide [24yr 194d & 68 Games]
  • GWS [24yr 131d & 69 Games]
  • Geelong [24yr 130d & 67 Games]
  • Collingwood [24yr 94d & 70 Games]
  • Port Adelaide [24yr 54d & 74 Games]
  • Sydney Swans [24yr 53d & 69 Games]
  • Essendon [24yr 11d & 59 Games]
  • Melbourne [23yr 338d & 57 Games]
  • West Coast [23yr 315d & 65 Games]
  • Fremantle [23yr 299d & 63 Games]
  • Richmond [23yr 288d & 63 Games]
  • Carlton [23yr 272d & 58 Games]
  • Western Bulldogs [23yr 261d & 56 Games]
  • St. Kilda [23yr 202d & 54 Games]
  • North Melbourne [23yr 153d & 53 Games]
  • Brisbane [23yr 102d & 57 Games]
  • Gold Coast [23yr 61d & 55 Games]