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.
3. Hawthorn
It was the end of an era at Hawthorn as Alastair Clarkson suddenly handed over his coaching duties to former star Sam Mitchell.
The Hawks struggled through 2021, winning just seven matches and drawing two. However, the team found a new strength at the end of the season when they managed to win three of their final four games.
Through the midpart of the season, Hawthorn was unable to compete with the top teams and were on the receiving end of more than one blow-out.
With key defender James Sicily looking fit to return after missing last season with an ACL injury, the Hawks will gain valuable skill, structure, and leadership.
The addition of draftee Josh Ward provides excitement for supporters who will look to see development and consistency throughout 2022.
However, a new coach and a tough 2021 could see the Hawks fall at the less favourable end of the ladder this year.
