With all 18 lists coming together ahead of the 2022 season, we can finally begin to craft our thoughts as to who will be holding down spots in their respective squads for the year ahead.
Whether it was through the trade window, free agency, drafting or SSP, clubs have both gained and lost talent since the end of last season.
Add in the development of emerging names and the retirement of veterans across the competition, and it's likely every club will have a different best 22 compared to how they shaped last season.
We take a look at every club's list and name their best side for the 2022 AFL season.
The Crows will enter the 2022 season with overflowing optimism as they continue in their strategic list rebuild under senior coach Matthew Nicks.
Having placed great attention on recruiting from the draft, as well as acquiring Swans gun Jordan Dawson via the past trade window, the Crows were able to prolifically add to their youthful squad ahead of another year that is set to show great examples of hope for the future.
Having culled veteran pair Tom Lynch and Daniel Talia early into their off-season, Adelaide sent a clear message of their intentions as they shape a return to premiership contention.
FB: Brodie Smith, Jordon Butts, Luke Brown
HB: Wayne Milera, Tom Doedee, Chayce Jones
C: Jordan Dawson, Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman
HF: Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, Harry Schoenberg
FF: Shane McAdam, Riley Thilthorpe, Josh Rachele
FO: Reilly O'Brien, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane
I/C: Matt Crouch, Lachlan Sholl, Lachie Murphy, Ned McHenry
EMERG: Jackson Hately, James Rowe, Nick Murray, Sam Berry
The Lions will enter the 2022 season with redemption on their minds following their disappointing end to last year, which saw them lose at home to the Bulldogs by a solitary point in the semi-final.
Whilst the Lions have not made many changes to their squad, they will be hoping for their improvement to come from their young players reaching new heights this year.
However, Brisbane haven't lost many players over the off-season, with the main departure being Grant Birchall, who retired immediately after their one-point loss to the Bulldogs.
FB: Brandon Starcevich, Darcy Gardiner, Marcus Adams
HB: Daniel Rich, Harris Andrews, Callum Ah Chee
C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson
HF: Lincoln McCarthy, Eric Hipwood, Zac Bailey
FF: Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Keidean Coleman
FO: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Lachie Neale
IC: Cam Rayner, Deven Robertson, Jarrod Berry, Nakia Cockatoo
Emerg: Daniel McStay, Jack Payne, Rhys Mathieson, Darcy Wilmot
The Blues enter 2022 with a refreshed lineup on the field and in the coaching box, with hopes of breaking away from being a mid-tier team and finally re-entering the race for finals.
The Blues have made significant changes to their list, with big names both exiting and entering Princes Park.
New senior coach Michael Voss was known for his competitiveness and ferociousness as a player and he will be looking to enforce this mantra into the previously inconsistent Blues.
FB: Liam Stocker, Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty
HB: Adam Saad, Caleb Marchbank, Nic Newman
C: Zac Williams, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh
HF: Jack Silvagni, Charlie Curnow, Jack Martin
FF: Josh Honey, Harry McKay, Zac Fisher
Fol: Marc Pittonet, Adam Cerra, George Hewett
I/C: Tom De Koning, Ed Curnow, Lewis Young, Mitch McGovern
EMERG: Lachie Plowman, Matt Kennedy, Lachie Fogarty, Will Setterfield
Under new leadership, a fresh-faced Collingwood side will look to bounce back from an incredibly underwhelming 2021 season, after which they sat second-bottom on the ladder behind the likes of strugglers Gold Coast, Adelaide and arch-rival Carlton.
The Magpies' most recent campaign represented the club's first finals absence since the 2017 season.
After the departure of senior coach and club stalwart Nathan Buckley throughout 2021, promising replacement Craig McRae will be looking to hit the ground running in Round 1 against St Kilda with a host of new names acquired over the off-season.
FB: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, Brayden Maynard
HB: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp
C: Patrick Lipinski, Scott Pendlebury, Caleb Poulter
HF: Josh Daicos, Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey
FF: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Cameron, Beau McCreery
FOL: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom
I/C: John Noble, Nathan Kreuger, Oliver Henry, Nick Daicos
EMERG: Mason Cox, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jack Madgen, Finlay Macrae
After a surprising 2021 season that saw a youthful Essendon side make the finals, head coach Ben Rutten will be looking to continue the development of his roster.
While the Bombers failed to win a final yet again, they look to be in good stead to take the next step forward - a step that has been almost 18-years in the making.
The promising team was entertaining to watch and that is sure to continue after adding more youngsters at the National Draft.
B: Mason Redman, Jayden Laverde, James Stewart
HB: Dyson Heppell, Jordan Ridley, Nick Hind
C: Nik Cox, Zach Merrett, Kyle Langford
HF: Jake Stringer, Harrison Jones, Archie Perkins
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Peter Wright, Devon Smith
Foll: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath
I/C: Dylan Shiel, Jake Kelly, Jye Caldwell, Will Snelling
Emerg: Matt Guelfi, Sam Durham, Zach Reid, Aaron Francis
The Dockers had a strong chance to claim a finals placing in 2021 before enduring four losses from their final six games of the season.
With senior coach Justin Longmuir looking to continue the Western Australia club's ascendency since taking over at the helm, a top-eight finish remains an alive outcome for Fremantle this year.
The club have registered their ambitions to claim their maiden AFL premiership by 2025 and have backed in Longmuir with a new contract this off-season.
FB: Luke Ryan, Alex Pearce, Griffin Logue
HB: Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Hayden Young
C: James Aish, Caleb Serong, Neil Erasmus
HF: David Mundy, Rory Lobb, Sam Switkowski
FF: Michael Walters, Matt Taberner, Lachie Schultz
FO: Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw
I/C: Liam Henry, Will Brodie, Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman
EMERG: Nathan Wilson, Joel Hamling, Travis Colyer, Darcy Tucker
Geelong have again opted to continue with their win-now mantra in the wake of their absolute dismantling at the hands of eventual premiers Melbourne during last season's preliminary final.
The Cats have their eyes set on premiership glory heading into 2022 after having been so close to recapturing the ultimate prize in footy over the past two seasons.
The acquisitions of former Hawks ruck Jonathan Ceglar and cut Crow Tyson Stengle have both addressed a key weakness in the centre while adding even more firepower to an already potent forward 50.
FB: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Jed Bews
HB: Zach Tuohy, Tom Stewart, Mark O'Connor
C: Sam Menegola, Cameron Guthrie, Isaac Smith
HF: Mitch Duncan, Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan
FF: Bradley Close, Tom Hawkins, Gryan Miers
FO: Jonathon Ceglar, Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield
I/C: Tyson Stengle, Esava Ratugolea, Tom Atkins, Brandan Parfitt
EMERG: Shaun Higgins, Rhys Stanley, Max Holmes, Quinton Narkle
Stuart Dew's Gold Coast side have languished at the foot of the table since the beginning of his reign in 2018, with a plethora of false dawns frustrating Suns fans who are salivating for a glimpse of September footy.
The talent that lays within this Gold Coast side has bounds of potential, however it is down to Dew and his backroom staff to unlock such power and finally make a tangible leap in quality.
FB: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick
HB: Jeremy Sharp, Charlie Ballard, Jack Bowes
C: Jack Lukosius, Noah Anderson, Brandon Ellis
HF: Ben Ainsworth, Mabior Chol, David Swallow
FF: Sam Day, Ben King, Izak Rankine
FO: Jarrod Witts, Matthew Rowell, Touk Miller
I/C: Brayden Fiorini, Mac Andrew, Lachie Weller, Oleg Markov
EMERG: Sam Flanders, Charlie Constable, Sean Lemmens, Nick Holman
The GWS Giants have upheld a high level of consistency in the past few years, making the finals in five of the past six seasons which included a grand final appearance and two preliminary final showings.
The Giants boast talent all over the ground, with many star and key position players such as Sam Taylor, Tim Taranto and Harry Himmelberg heading into the right age bracket to help contend for a premiership.
A semi-final appearance in 2021 was a solid result for Leon Cameron's men after starting the season on the back foot, losing their first three games of the season.
FB: Isaac Cumming, Sam Taylor, Phil Davis
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes, Lachie Ash
C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Harry Perryman
HF: Toby Greene, Harry Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio
FF: Brent Daniels, Jesse Hogan, Bobby Hill
FO: Braydon Preuss, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
I/C: Tanner Bruhn, Matt Flynn, Tom Green, Connor Idun
Emerg: Zach Sproule, Daniel Lloyd, Jake Riccardi, Finn Callaghan
It's been a change of the guard at Waverley park over the off-season, with legendary head coach Alastair Clarkson leaving the club after 390 games and 17 years in the top job.
Favourite son and past player Sam Mitchell will take the reins in 2022 and beyond, inheriting a list that is in a rebuilding and transitional phase.
FB: Jack Scrimshaw, Kyle Hartigan, Changkuoth Jiath
HB: Will Day, Sam Frost, James Sicily
C: Jarman Impey, Jaeger O'Meara, Tom Phillips
HF: Jack Gunston, Mitchell Lewis, Chad Wingard
FF: Luke Breust, Jacob Koschitzke, Dylan Moore
FOLL: Ben McEvoy, Tom Mitchell, James Worpel
I/C: Denver Grainger-Barras, Liam Shiels, Blake Hardwick, Josh Ward
EMG: Tyler Brockman, Lachie Bramble, Ned Reeves, Emerson Jeka
The Demons, with a 57-year weight off their shoulders, are in a terrific spot list-wise.
With the exception of acquiring Luke Dunstan (after he was delisted by St Kilda), Melbourne didn't make any noteworthy moves over the course of the off-season, displaying the utmost confidence in its young, premiership-winning squad to go again in 2022.
Heading into Round 1 of 2022 (a Grand Final rematch against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG), Simon Goodwin's men will have all the confidence in the world that they can go back-to-back.
FB: Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Jake Lever
HB: Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty, Christian Salem
C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow
FF: Kysaiah Pickett, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch
FOL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Jake Bowey, Luke Jackson, Charlie Spargo
EMERG: Jake Melksham, Jayden Hunt, James Jordon, Luke Dunstan
While last year's wooden spooners aren't expected to rise up the ladder in 2022, the Kangaroos do have a promising collective of youngsters on their roster.
And if North Melbourne are to build upon their form found across the second half of last season, then a real rise, as well as a boost in the wins and losses column, should emere sooner rather than later.
Apart from Hugh Greenwood, the newest additions at Arden Street found across the off-season were all collected for the future, rather than the here and now.
B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Aiden Bonar
HB: Aaron Hall, Aidan Corr, Luke McDonald
C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Tom Powell
HF: Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas
F: Cameron Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones, Curtis Taylor
FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Hugh Greenwood, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Will Phillips, Jed Anderson, Jared Polec, Bailey Scott
Emerg: Kayne Turner, Josh Walker, Ben Cunnington, Charlie Comben
Whilst the Power have been relatively successful in the last couple of years under Ken Hinkley, they will be more hungry than ever in 2022 to hold up that cup come to the end of the season.
Despite having been the best home and away side over the last two years with finishes of first and second in consecutive years, the Power have stumbled at the second last hurdle two years in a row.
Thus, it is evident that something must change for the club; whether it be psychologically, physically or talent-wise.
FB: Ryan Burton, Aliir Aliir, Trent McKenzie
HB: Dan Houston, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones
C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Karl Amon
HF: Connor Rozee, Mitch Georgiades, Zak Butters
F: Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Orazio Fantasia
Foll: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Willem Drew
Int: Todd Marshall, Riley Bonner, Jeremy Finlayson, Miles Bergman
Emerg: Sam Powell-Pepper, Trent Dumont, Steven Motlop, Josh Sinn
After a bitterly disappointing 2021 relative to the heights reached in the preceding five years, Richmond enter 2022 at a crossroads.
With the majority of their stars entering their 30s, the Tigers have been faced with the reality that now is the time to bring in new blood rather than face a slide down the ladder.
However, they're by no means out of the running for another flag and, should results go their way at the start of the year, expect punters to start shortening the odds for another Richmond premiership win.
FB: Nathan Broad, Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta
HB: Jayden Short, Robbie Tarrant, Nick Vlastuin
C: Jack Graham, Dion Prestia, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Liam Baker, Tom Lynch, Kane Lambert
FF: Shai Bolton, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
FO: Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards
I/C: Ivan Soldo, Josh Gibcus, Jake Aarts, Daniel Rioli
EMERG: Sydney Stack, Jason Castagna, Marlion Pickett, Hugo Ralphsmith
After a disappointing 2021 regression compounded by injuries to key contributors, St Kilda senior coach Brett Ratten and his Saints head into a hopeful 2022 campaign with a young and prospering list.
After the retirements of Jake Carlisle, Dylan Roberton, James Frawley and Shaun McKernan at the conclusion of last season, the Saints instantly become younger and less experienced, and with ex-skipper Jarryn Geary in his twilight years, St Kilda will need its young guns to start stepping up into leadership roles alongside fan favourite Jack Steele.
FB: Jarryn Geary, Callum Wilkie, Tom Highmore
HB: Hunter Clark, Dougal Howard, Jack Sinclair
C: Sebastian Ross, Zak Jones, Bradley Hill
HF: Jade Gresham, Tim Membrey, Jack Billings
FF: Dan Butler, Max King, Jack Higgins
FOL: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Brad Crouch
I/C: Rowan Marshall, Dan Hannebery, Ben Paton, Jack Bytel
EMERG: Daniel McKenzie, Cooper Sharman, Mason Wood, Ben Long
The Swans put the rest of the competition on notice last year, amassing a finals finish while managing to blood a bevy of youth as they continue to shape their list for the future.
While senior coach John Longmire will continue this trend, there will be a priority in his side reinstating their placing as a potential premiership contender for 2022.
Having experimented with a number of rotations last season, Longmire is now blessed with a versatile squad, with their 'next man up' mentality buoying their prospects for the season ahead.
FB: Jake Lloyd, Tom McCartin, Dane Rampe
HB: Braeden Campbell, Lewis Melican, Harry Cunningham
C: Oliver Florent, Josh Kennedy, Justin McInerney
HF: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, James Rowbottom
FF: Tom Papley, Logan McDonald, Will Hayward
FOL: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Callum Mills
I/C: Peter Ladhams, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey
EMERG: Dylan Stephens, Hayden McLean, Sam Wicks, Joel Amartey
The Eagles are the enigma of the 2022 AFL season, entering the new year with one of the oldest lists despite finishing outside of the top eight in their previous campaign.
West Coast have also had to move the magnets around within their pre-season, with Brad Sheppard having called time on his career, while the future of Jack Darling remains up in the air.
Despite these list setbacks, the Eagles have been able to add some exciting young talent to their squad across the past several off-seasons, some of whom were deployed into Adam Simpson's side last year.
FB: Shannon Hurn, Tom Barass, Alex Witherden
HB: Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern, Josh Rotham
C: Andrew Gaff, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed
HF: Jamie Cripps, Oscar Allen, Jack Redden
FF: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Willie Rioli
FOL: Nic Naitanui, Tim Kelly, Luke Shuey
I/C: Jake Waterman, Luke Edwards, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Tom Cole
EMERG: Greg Clark, Harry Edwards, Bailey Williams, Jack Petrucelle
After an incredible season where the Western Bulldogs seemed to be firing on all cylinders, 2021 ended in disappointing fashion as Melbourne blew them out by 74 points in the grand final.
Luke Beveridge's men were resilient in their pursuit of the grandest prize in football, having played in every week of the finals, they appeared destined to replicate their fairytale 2016 premiership run.
FB: Zaine Cordy, Alex Keath, Taylor Duryea
HB: Caleb Daniel, Tim English, Bailey Dale
C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar
HF: Lachie Hunter, Aaron Naughton, Josh Dunkley
FF: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Bruce, Cody Weightman
FOL: Stefan Martin, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
I/C: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Josh Schache, Ed Richards
EMERG: Tim O'Brien, Laitham Vandermeer, Anthony Scott, Sam Darcy