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.
Essendon
2025 draft class
The state of the Bombers entering 2026 looks pretty bleak at the moment, with superstar Zach Merrett's trade request falling through so poorly that he relinquished his captaincy. In addition to that, there's the injury crisis from this year that continues to haunt the club into pre-season, so Essendon fans should turn to their future to find a bright spot.
That comes from the 2025 draft class especially, as the club's three first-round selections are widely viewed as some of the best pickups in the draft and overall, the best haul among the 18 clubs.
Sullivan Robey, who started the year playing local footy, joins the club he grew up passionately supporting after Richmond surprisingly opted to pass on the draft bolter. One pick later, the Bombers selected powerful Western Australian Jacob Farrow, and then ready-made midfielder and Larke medallist Dyson Sharp at Pick 13.
The trio all have the capabilities of playing in Essendon's Round 1 grudge match against Hawthorn, and do so at an impactful level. Given the other young talent on the Bombers' list breaking through, such as key forward Josh Caddy, the rebuild might just be a fun one to watch at the Hangar.
