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...
Collingwood
How does Collingwood fill the key forward position?
Since Travis Cloke's departure in 2015, the Pies have longed for an elite key forward, but did find remnants of one in Brody Mihocek.
However, his move to Melbourne has once again left Collingwood searching for a beacon inside 50, while Mason Cox's delisting raised a few eyebrows.
Craig McRae's options are Dan McStay, Tim Membrey, Jack Buller and Charlie West.
Buller, who crossed from Sydney, is expected by the club to make an instant impact as one of the tall options, especially when chopping out Darcy Cameron in the ruck.
Membrey's hit-up style of game keeps him in the side as a unique third-tall, while McStay should be left inside 50, given he loses his bearings when exploring beyond the arc.
West will be given senior opportunities as the bash-and-crash forward that Mihocek made his own, but will be tempered as his long-term development is a priority over the 2026 season.
However, mid-season pick-up Noah Howes is an intriguing prospect, and he'll benefit from the full pre-season at the Pies.
Howes kicked 15 goals from 10 outings in the VFL last year at an average of 2.3 shots per game.
