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.
However, there are also doubts. Lists have been reshaped, coaches have tweaked their systems, and with those changes comes an uncomfortable question that will refuse to subside until the 2026 season is underway.
So, what is the harsh question pressing at the front of your team's mind? Below is every club's burning question heading into 2026...
Adelaide
Will the Crows carry September scars after their emphatic straight-sets exit in 2025?
That is the fear that could plague the West Lakes camp. It has happened before.
After an eight-year hiatus, Adelaide stormed back into the finals after securing the minor premiership. But what followed was disastrous for a team that finished on top of the ladder.
Matthew Nicks' men failed to fire a shot against Collingwood and Hawthorn in front of adoring fans at Adelaide Oval.
It rung similar to the 2017 Grand Final against Richmond, which sparked a failed run of September-less football for the pride of South Australia.
The argument against influential scars from their emphatic straight-sets exit is the experience, which has offered valuable intelligence regarding what they lack for the high-pressure environment.
However, the argument supporting the scars would be its one of many players' experiences that is marred by poor performance, with many on the list having never won a finals match.
