With the 2022 AFL home-and-away season nearing, conversations surrounding potential premiers have begun amongst supporter groups.
A number of teams are within striking distance of success, leaving a group of teams scrapping it out to avoid the infamous wooden spoon.
2021 saw North Melbourne finish at the bottom of the table as they journeyed through a year of development and list turnover.
Collingwood also had a disappointing season with their highly publicised 2020 off-season trade period proved to have costly effects.
Whilst North Melbourne finished the season with just four wins and Collingwood managed only six, both sides could still avoid the undesired honour.
We take a look at the leading contenders to prop up the table by season's end.
After a hot start to 2021, winning three of their first four contests, Adelaide lost momentum and managed just four wins for the remainder of the season.
However, the Crows' outfit was much improved from their previous season, with the guidance of Matthew Nicks starting to take effect.
This will be Nicks' third season at West Lakes but he will be faced with some challenges after controversy surrounded their star forward, Taylor Walker, late in 2021.
2021 also saw the Crows young stars show what they've got, with Riley Thilthorpe, James Rowe, Sam Berry, Harry Schoenberg, and Lachlan Sholl earning their place in the side.
Still, the club's biggest addition was Jordan Dawson, who made his way over from the Swans. Dawson brings 64 games worth of experience and a lethal left boot to West Lakes
The Crows also recruited Josh Rachele with pick No.6 in the 2021 national draft. With young talent growing at Adelaide, Rachele could be a handy inclusion in their best 22.
Despite the positive inclusions for the club in 2022, there is no doubt they are still in contention for 18th place.
2021 was yet another forgettable season for the Gold Coast Suns. As they, once again, underdelivered on their self-set goals, Stuart Dew will have his work cut out for him heading into 2022.
With last season characterised by their inability to contend with the top sides and close out tight contests, the Suns lost five matches by less than 12 points.
Still, it wasn't all negative. with young stars finally showing their worth at the top level. Most notably Wil Powell, Ben King, Noah Anderson, and Jack Lukosius continued to excite fans on a weekly basis.
Over the offseason, the Suns recruited athleticism and size as they picked up Mac Andrew from the national draft with pick five, and secured Mabior Chol from Richmond.
The Suns now have a good mix of youth and experience and could easily have a breakout season if all things go to plan.
It was the end of an era at Hawthorn as Alastair Clarkson suddenly handed over his coaching duties to former star Sam Mitchell.
The Hawks struggled through 2021, winning just seven matches and drawing two. However, the team found a new strength at the end of the season when they managed to win three of their final four games.
Through the midpart of the season, Hawthorn was unable to compete with the top teams and were on the receiving end of more than one blow-out.
With key defender James Sicily looking fit to return after missing last season with an ACL injury, the Hawks will gain valuable skill, structure, and leadership.
The addition of draftee Josh Ward provides excitement for supporters who will look to see development and consistency throughout 2022.
However, a new coach and a tough 2021 could see the Hawks fall at the less favourable end of the ladder this year.
It's hard to rule out the reigning wooden spooners to remain in the league's bottom slot.
With North Melbourne clearly going through a period of rebuild and development, it was no surprise that they finished 2021 in last place winning just four matches for the season.
As David Noble enters his second season as senior coach at the Kangas, he will look to build on the positives that came out of last season.
The Roos' forward make-up of Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar was a highlight for North fans and a clear window into their future.
Throughout the trade period, North secured tall forward Callum Coleman-Jones from Richmond, who will work with Larkey and Zurhaar to give their attack some more depth.
The most exciting prospect of 2022 is North's number one pick, Jason Horne-Francis. The 18-year-old can play through the midfield or up forward, and he is sure to provide a highlight in 2022.
Whilst the Roos will look to climb the ladder this year, the question will be, how far can they climb?
The Pies endured their toughest season in recent history, as they struggled to get going and finished 17th as a result.
A season capitalised by their president in Eddie Maguire and Coach Nathan Buckley both stepping down, the Pies looked lost.
Collingwood will enter 2022 under the guidance of new senior coach Craig McRae and he will look to push the Pies up the ladder.
With an undoubtedly talented list, the Pies needed to add depth to their midfield which they have in the form of number four pick, Nick Daicos. Adding a father-son pick is always an exciting prospect, but Daicos is about as game-ready as they come.
The Woods also added Patrick Lipinski from the Bulldogs who will bolster their young talent.
With a new coach and new draftees, it's hard to predict what the Pies are capable of in 2022.