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.
Carlton
Fresh faces making immediate impact
Carlton's 2025 season did not go to plan and things worsened in the off-season, losing several key players to rival clubs, including their two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow.
What that leaves in its wake, however, is an inspiring opportunity for the club's young guns and trade targets to lift their play to bring finals success back to Ikon Park.
Whether that's 2024 Pick 3 Jagga Smith, whose year in the AFL system while recovering from an ACL injury may do wonders for his development, or recruit Will Hayward, who's capable of scoring 40 goals in a dynamic forward line around Harry McKay, the Blues may be a very different team to watch in 2026.
