Having not finished higher than 17th since 2019, North Melbourne could finally break the shackles that have seen them call the foot of the ladder home for most of the last half-decade.
The addition of five first-round draft picks will add to an already positive 2022 draft crop that included Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel and midfield gun George Wardlaw, with the Roos again carrying one of the younger lists into the competition next year.
Star onballer Luke Davies-Uniacke will again lead by example as the key cog at the heart of the Roos' gameplan, while spearhead Nick Larkey will be looking to improve on his career-best 71-goal season.
With Alastair Clarkson also in line to coach a full season after an interrupted start to his Arden Street tenure, a win tally close to double their 2023 count will be in their sights.
Ahead of the next chapter of the North Melbourne rebuild, here's what the Roos' best side for next season might look like...
BEST 23s: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN
4. Final 23
FB: Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr, Josh Goater
HB: Harry Sheezel, Griffin Logue, Zac Fisher
C: Dylan Stephens, Jy Simpkin, Bailey Scott
HF: Curtis Taylor, Eddie Ford, Cameron Zurhaar
FF: Jaidyn Stephenson, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis
FO: Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tarryn Thomas
I/C: Charlie Comben, Colby McKercher, George Wardlaw, Will Phillips
SUB: Tom Powell
Also in the mix: Kallan Dawson, Hugh Greenwood, Toby Pink, Miller Bergman, Callum Coleman-Jones, Zane Duursma, Darcy Tucker
