Entering any new AFL season comes with a level of pressure and scrutiny, but it can rise to astronomical heights if you're fighting for your career.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, over 300 players have yet to have their futures confirmed. However, the majority of those are more than likely to remain at their current club, seek a new opportunity or hang up the boots.
This leaves a host of players in contract limbo, and their efforts in the new season will determine where they will be next year...
Bailey Laurie
A new coach can breathe a sense of revival into fringe players, and Bailey Laurie desperately needs it.
The talented small forward has played 11 games since joining the Demons in 2020, but has always been under the guise of Simon Goodwin, until now.
Laurie has put his best foot forward, helping to change the narrative of his career as Steven King sits in the hot seat.
Ricky Mentha and Andy Moniz-Wakefield are attempting to do the same, with the latter also working back from an ACL injury.
The trio have their work cut out for them as Latrelle Pickett comes into the club as an exciting front-half player, while Kade Chandler and Kysaiah Pickett will also have prominent roles.
