AFL action returns this week as the first wave of pre-season matches - including an Indigenous All Stars clash - prepare to offer some insight into what fans can expect for the year ahead.
A total of 18 games - made up of differing practice sessions and Community Series fixtures - will run from February 15 to March 2, taking us to just four days out from the home and away season's opener.
To conclude another summer of expectations, training notes, selection calls and coaching strategies, the coming weeks will hope to uncover some positives for each club.
Here we assess and name what fans from each faithful will be hoping to see from their AFL team this pre-season.
3. Carlton
A healthy list ready to contend
It's been the same unfortunate story of the past few pre-seasons for the Blues, who have often entered new campaigns already a man down.
After losing Jack Silvagni ahead of their 2024 season, the cruel trend continued this summer with Nic Newman going down with a ruptured patella tendon.
Blues fans can only hope their squad gets through their upcoming encounters unscathed and ready for a Round 1 meeting with Richmond in mid-March as they look to contend for the premiership again.
An added factor in the fallout of Newman's long-term setback will be the story surrounding which Blues player can fill the void, with Jordan Boyd, Lachie Cowan and uncapped flanker Billy Wilson all ready to step up.
Pre-Season Opponents: St Kilda, GWS