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.
GWS
Midfield growth
Despite possessing one of the greatest contested ball winners of the modern era, GWS struggled to compete consistently in the middle, ranking 13th for clearances won per game in 2025.
The cheap-as-chips recruitment of Clayton Oliver looms as the solution to the problem, however.
Oliver's premiership pedigree and elite skillset provides the Giants' young engine room with a much needed boost, assisting superstar Tom Green, who became the only player since Clayton Oliver himself in 2022 to average at least 29 disposals and eight clearances per game.
Green's leadership is expected to develop too as he looms as the club's captain in waiting, while Finn Callaghan demonstrated his match-winning capabilities in 2025. The trio could very well change GWS' post-season fortunes as another year of contending under Adam Kingsley beckons.
