The best part about entering new footy season is that it's a fresh slate - every club starts from zero.
Optimism is high as fans relish in the prospect of their club making some form of improvement on last year, whether that's contending for a premiership, returning to September action, or seeing young players blossom into genuine superstars to push a rebuild forward.
Whether they've just won back-to-back premierships or are coming off a one-win campaign, each club has something to look forward to next year.
So, here's one thing your favourite club should be excited about entering the new year.
Adelaide
Sid Draper's AFL emergence
Since Sid Draper was taken fourth overall in the 2024 National Draft, Crows fans have been eagerly awaiting his emergence at AFL level.
However, six games spent as starting substitute and just four in the best 22 prevented South Australia from seeing the best of their prized rising star candidate, as the 19-year-old managed a double-digit disposal game just once in 10 appearances.
However, Draper was a class above his peers at SANFL level, averaging the second-most disposals per game for a player under 21 years of age (minimum 10 games played) and leading the reserves in score involvements per game (3.8).
The Crows' failure to add depth to their midfield group via the trade period means there's an opportunity for Draper to establish himself in the senior side in 2026 and, should he have a strong pre-season, could be named in the Crows' best 23 in Round 1.
