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
The loss of Ben McKay to Essendon has opened up as many questions as there will be opportunities for Alastair Clarkson's rearguard in 2024.
The key defensive posts are likely to be held by incumbents Aidan Corr and Griffin Logue next year, however the latter is likely to spend the majority of next season on the sidelines due to an ACL injury sustained in his first year with the Roos.
In the absence of both McKay and Logue, either emerging defender Kallan Dawson or new recruit Toby Pink could slot into Clarkson's side for Round 1, while developing forward Charlie Comben looms as a left-field chance to make the move to the backline as a tall defender.
Youngster Josh Goater boasts exciting aerial skills as a medium-sized flank option, while co-captain Luke McDonald will look to be the architect across the last line.
Rookie sensation Harry Sheezel could return to the backline after a record-breaking debut campaign in 2023, while former Carlton utility Zac Fisher is likely to offer some service from the defensive end with his run and ball use.
Among the Roos' defensive depth options, Miller Bergman looms as a potential starter while the sky is the limit for ex-Tiger Bigoa Nyuon following his move to North Melbourne this off-season.
The Kangaroos also added Western Australian dasher Riley Hardeman and Gippsland defender Wil Dawson via the opening round of November's National Draft and could offer opportunities to the pair during their maiden campaigns.
Easily the Kangaroos' strongest area of the field, and by some distance.
Inside bull Luke Davies-Uniacke could be among the top echelon of onballers by the end of next year after continuing to improve with each passing season.
By his side will be co-captain Jy Simpkin and emerging young star Tarrym Thomas, who, with a full season under his belt, could be the best of the lot.
2022 top-five draft selection George Wardlaw showed more than enough in just a small amount of time this year and will be looking to make selection no easy task for his more senior midfielders.
The Roos added Tasmanian star Colby McKercher with Pick 2 at this year's draft, with the explosive ball-winner a live chance for a Round 1 debut.
Another North Melbourne recruit in Dylan Stephens firms as a strong chance to be playing early next year after moving from Sydney, with the young flanker likely to partner Bailey Scott on the wings after the latter enjoyed a breakout 2023 campaign.
Former Fremantle midfielder Darcy Tucker will also offer some outside run, while the aforementioned Fisher could also drift further up the field.
The likes of Will Phillips and Tom Powell sit on the fringe of selection but have plenty of upside and skill to earn starting roles under Clarkson.
Tristan Xerri is set to lead the Roos' ruck unit in 2024, with Hamish Free likely sitting at second string as rookie pair Taylor Goad and Finnbar Maley require time to develop.
Headlined by breakout goalkicker Nick Larkey, the Roos' forward line lacks top-line talent but does boast plenty of potential.
A dominant year for Larkey came with little support, with the Roos' second-best goalkicker coming in the form of Jaidyn Stephenson, who booted 26 goals from 21 games.
Injury prevented sparkplug Cam Zurhaar from having an improved year, with the livewire attacker set to play as a taller target again next year given the Roos' lack of star key forward talent outside of Larkey.
The young Eddie Ford can play taller than his 189cm stature suggests, while Stephenson and Paul Curtis can also be threats in the air.
Sheezel could drift forward and play his more traditional role as a small attacker, while draftee Zane Duursma could help connect the Roos' front half with his ability to roam up the field and help with attacking ball movement.
The aforementioned Comben's role for 2024 could be at either end of the field, with a role down back potentially opening the door for Callum Coleman-Jones to help Larkey in the front third.
Father-son selection Cooper Harvey will look to add to his three appearances from this year while Mid-Season Draft recruit Rob Hansen Jnr. will also be knocking on the door for a spot in the Roos' side.
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