The best part about entering a 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...
Hawthorn
What does Sam Mitchell do after the Hawks failed to land Zach Merrett and watched James Worpel leave?
The Hawks' desperate chase of Zach Merrett proved one thing: they need midfield help.
Will Day's injury woes and James Worpel's departure to Geelong have opened up a vacancy that would've perfectly suited Merrett, but the Bombers stood firm.
Worpel attended 63.5 per cent of centre bounces; Day's absence was felt, as he spent just under 70 per cent of his time at stoppage.
Now, Sam Mitchell and his coaching group will need to get creative in sourcing other avenues to assert on-ball dominance over the opposition, and the search has already begun.
Nick 'the Wizard' Watson has begun training with the midfield contingent with purpose, and is expected to receive more minutes in the contest as a point of difference, utilising his speed, quick hands and innovation with ball in hand.
Day is progressing nicely from a season virtually on the sidelines, while Josh Ward helped complement brutes Jai Newcombe and Conor Nash.
Hawthorn fans could expect Josh Weddle to be more prominent in the midfield, given his athletic profile, as Sam Butler and Dylan Moore can be used sparingly in the role.
But the major change will be the emergence and subsequent senior selection of Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite, who have both shown impressive signs as potential stars of the Hawks' line-up.
