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.
Hawthorn
Continued defensive improvements
The Hawks' defence was one to be reckoned with in 2025, conceding the third-fewest points in the league.
That was in large thanks to their star recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, and while the 2025 trade period didn't see the club bolster this area of the field any more, several young players have shown promise to help contribute behind the ball even more so than they did in 2025.
Young midfielders Will Day, Sam Butler and Cam Mackenzie all averaged career-best tackling figures this year, and now, with James Worpel's departure in the middle, there's an opening to take on that inside bull contested role.
With senior coach Sam Mitchell's keenness for defensive intensity from his midfield troops, the efforts of the likes of Mackenzie, Butler, Massimo D'Ambrosio and Henry Hustwaite will be spotlighted in 2026. Should they all take that leap, the Hawks' defence will be in good stead and give them the best chance to go one week further in September than they did this year.
