The 10 AFL headlines you will read in 2022

Despite it still being summer, here are the stories that will have chins wagging over winter.

SUBSCRIBER | January 19, 2022 - 12:13pm

While days at the beach, ice creams and AFLW football are currently ruling the roost, the 2022 AFL season is fast approaching.

And with the first set of pre-season practice matches set to take place in a month's time, the sole goal of the many names currently sweating it out at clubland has just entered their horizon.

Although only eight teams will eventually play finals before a single side claims the cup in September, there are a plethora of headlines that are set to be raised across the course of the marathon campaign.

As the recommencement of the season's roller coaster is yet to begin after coming to halt in Perth last year, it may seem both presumptuous and foolhardy to try and write our leads so far in advance.

However, it hasn't stopped us from giving it our best shot.

So, before the Sherrin hits the middle of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to set the latest AFL schedule in motion, we gazed into our crystal ball to provide you with the 10 headlines you are sure to read before the season's final siren.

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8. Injection of youth sees smiles at Arden Street

Let's be honest, those that pray at a blue and white altar haven't been able to stop beaming since Jason Horne-Francis' name was read out in November.

And you know what? We don't blame you.

With the South Australian backing himself to slot straight into a midfield that contains the entrenched likes of Ben Cunnington, Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniake and Tarryn Thomas, a five tooled engine room is apparent.

Add in the fact that fellow youngsters Charlie Lazzaro, Will Phillips and Tom Powell will also see further action, and the belting dished out by the Bulldogs on Good Friday last year should become a distant memory before too long.

An improvement to their 4-1-17 record will be welcomed by all attached to the club, but for head coach David Noble, you can be sure that holistic growth will be valued beyond the realities of the wins and losses column.

Although there is still some rocky road left to travel before a fourth premiership cup can be locked away at Arden Street, Roo boys and girls will have plenty to look forward to along their incremental rise back to prominence.