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.
5. Collingwood
The Pies endured their toughest season in recent history, as they struggled to get going and finished 17th as a result.
A season capitalised by their president in Eddie Maguire and Coach Nathan Buckley both stepping down, the Pies looked lost.
Collingwood will enter 2022 under the guidance of new senior coach Craig McRae and he will look to push the Pies up the ladder.
With an undoubtedly talented list, the Pies needed to add depth to their midfield which they have in the form of number four pick, Nick Daicos. Adding a father-son pick is always an exciting prospect, but Daicos is about as game-ready as they come.
The Woods also added Patrick Lipinski from the Bulldogs who will bolster their young talent.
With a new coach and new draftees, it's hard to predict what the Pies are capable of in 2022.
