Every fan's question leading into the new season is 'What should I expect of my club in 2025?'
For some, it will be, and rightfully so, staking their claim as genuine contenders for the premiership.
For others, it will likely be to avoid the wooden spoon.
Irrespective of yesteryear's highs and lows, with the new year comes a new outlook that all 18 clubs can push for the ultimate glory, and 2025 is no different.
Thus, we examine where each side sits in terms of their respective 'premiership window' on various levels: wide open, opening, closing, and locked shut.
Essendon
Locked shut
Essendon's 2024 season went much like the years gone by: full of hope during the summer, leading to a positive start to the campaign before dwindling to narrowly miss the eight.
The Bombers have been in no man's land for well over a decade, laying claims to making the finals as opposed to pursuing a flag.
Brad Scott has shown that when he can get his men working in sync, they are capable of matching it with the best.
But until they can do it consistently, they will continue to remain within the middle tier of the competition.
However, the Bombers have a raft of young talent that should hold the club in good stead for years to come, but not yet prying open the premiership window.
