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.

2. Dee-lightful dynasty begins

Although backing the reigning premiers to continue on their merry way is hardly a prime example of being out on a limb, Melbourne's ability to craft a list from all angles should be paraded as a pristine case study for others in the business.

With their blue-chip draftees blossoming and their imported pillars proving impregnable, there was no match for the Demons across the month of September.

And as Simon Goodwin will be afforded the opportunity to run back the same 22 that herculianly lifted 57-years of dismay, it's easy to see why the Redlegs are rocksteady options to add to their previously cobwebbed trophy cabinet.

While a thorough analysis of the road ahead would prove futile given the year's infancy, I am still willing to offer Melbourne a chance to pass go and collect their silverware at this stage.

Still, the little matter of who their dance partner will be is still on the cards...

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Tom Sparrow and Jack Viney of the Demons celebrate during the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

ย