With 2021 set to possess a record number of free agents, a plethora of young guns rising through the ranks and more cut-throat list decisions, the season ahead of us spells 'make or break' campaigns for many players across the AFL.
Collectively, we have analysed the one name at every club that is facing a critical season that could see their career go down the right or wrong path.
Essendon
Devon Smith
The Bombers locked up the former Giant ahead of the 2018 season, with a glowing first year in the red sash feeding into what seemed like a bargain get for the Dons.
Now, 2018 seems a distant memory for Devon Smith after a large fall in form and subsequent injuries riddling his last 24 months at Tullamarine.
With the Bombers now stranded between finals and a re-build, Smith - among many others - will need to impress the club in the final year of his contract this season.