With the 2022 AFL home-and-away season nearing, conversations surrounding potential premiers have begun amongst supporter groups.
A number of teams are within striking distance of success, leaving a group of teams scrapping it out to avoid the infamous wooden spoon.
2021 saw North Melbourne finish at the bottom of the table as they journeyed through a year of development and list turnover.
Collingwood also had a disappointing season with their highly publicised 2020 off-season trade period proved to have costly effects.
Whilst North Melbourne finished the season with just four wins and Collingwood managed only six, both sides could still avoid the undesired honour.
We take a look at the leading contenders to prop up the table by season's end.
1. Adelaideย
After a hot start to 2021, winning three of their first four contests, Adelaide lost momentum and managed just four wins for the remainder of the season.
However, the Crows' outfit was much improved from their previous season, with the guidance of Matthew Nicks starting to take effect.
This will be Nicks' third season at West Lakes but he will be faced with some challenges after controversy surrounded their star forward, Taylor Walker, late in 2021.
2021 also saw the Crows young stars show what they've got, with Riley Thilthorpe,ย James Rowe,ย Sam Berry,ย Harry Schoenberg, and Lachlan Sholl earning their place in the side.
Still, the club's biggest addition was Jordan Dawson, who made his way over from the Swans. Dawson brings 64 games worth of experience and a lethal left boot to West Lakes
The Crows also recruited Josh Rachele with pick No.6 in the 2021 national draft. With young talent growing at Adelaide, Rachele could be a handy inclusion in their best 22.
Despite the positive inclusions for the club in 2022, there is no doubt they are still in contention for 18th place.
