With just over a month until Round 1 of the AFL season, every club's line-up is finally taking shape ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Be it new arrivals or those who have overcome long-term injuries, many teams are set for a shake-up once the first ball is bounced.

Ahead of Round 1, foxfooty.com.au has tried to predict every club’s starting 22 for its season-opener.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

B: Luke Brown, Jordon Butts, Andrew McPherson

HB: Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee, Wayne Milera

C: Jordan Dawson, Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman

HF: Harry Schoenberg, Riley Thilthorpe, Shane McAdam

F: Ned McHenry, Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele

FOLL: Reilly O’Brien, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane

I/C: Matt Crouch, Chayce Jones, Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl

In: Jordan Dawson, Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo, Zac Taylor, Luke Nankervis

Out: Tom Lynch, David Mackay, Tyson Stengle, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly, Ronin O’Connor

WE SAY: Taylor Walker won’t be there as he’ll still be serving a club-imposed suspension. We’ve named Paul Seedsman, but the Crows are taking a cautious approach with the star winger after suffering a concussion prior to Christmas. Lachlan Murphy might be touch-and-go for Round 1 after off-season surgery on a bulging disc in his neck, so we’ve named top-six pick Josh Rachele — an uber-talented forward-midfielder blessed with goalkicking nous that has added significant size to his frame since arriving at West Lakes. They’ve added class on the outside in former Swans star Jordan Dawson, who Adelaide have said will play across wing and half back. We pushed him up onto the wing given the club’s plethora of defensive options, with Wayne Milera and Luke Brown returning from long-term injuries. Although Milera was set to get more midfield time himself before getting struck down with injury in 2021. Matt Crouch returns to give the midfield more grunt and round it out. There remains several other youngsters who’ll be pushing for senior selection including Billy Frampton, Sam Berry, Luke Pedlar, Fischer McAsey and Elliott Himmelberg.

BRISBANE LIONS

B: Marcus Adams, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich

HB: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich

C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson

HF: Cam Rayner, Dan McStay, Zac Bailey

F: Lincoln McCarthy, Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron

FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Lachie Neale

I/C: Jarrod Berry, Deven Robertson, Keidean Coleman, Darcy Fort

In: Darcy Fort, Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann, James Tunstill

Out: Grant Birchall, Archie Smith, Connor Ballenden, Tom Joyce, Brock Smith

WE SAY: The Lions enter the 2022 season with a similar side to the one that went down the Western Bulldogs by one point in the semi-final. They’ll be boosted by the return of Cam Rayner from an ACL injury and he’s slated for more midfield time, while ruck-forward recruit Darcy Fort fills a chasm. Eric Hipwood is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury. Noah Answerth could also return from a groin injury that plagued him last year, with Grant Birchall’sretirement opening up a spot in the backline. Answerth got the last bench spot over the likes of Rhys Mathieson and Callum Ah Chee to provide that defensive support. Also set to charge his way into the best 22 at some point this year is Darcy Wilmot, a mid-sized defender who the Lions took with their top pick and someone who could be a nice replacement for the now-retired Birchall.

CARLTON

B: Liam Stocker, Lewis Young, Nic Newman

HB: Adam Saad, Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams

C: Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow

HF: Jack Martin, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher

F: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Josh Honey

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Sam Walsh, George Hewett

I/C: Mitch McGovern,Will Setterfield, Tom De Koning, Paddy Dow

In: George Hewett, Adam Cerra, Lewis Young, Jesse Motlop, Domanic Akuei

Out: Eddie Betts, Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Michael Gibbons, Sam Ramsay, Liam Jones

WE SAY: One of the hardest teams to pick a best 22 for, there’s a whole host of names we could’ve fit into the side. Mitch McGovern is set to play more in the backline with Lewis Young, given the premature retirement of Liam Jones, plus the fact Caleb Marchbank continues to suffer injury setbacks. Fingers crossed for Sam Docherty’s recovery from testicular cancer, but we’ve left him out of the side while he continues to work his way back. Elsewhere, David Cuningham could easily occupy a wing and push Cerra onto the ball, with he and Hewett proving solid midfield depth the club has lacked in recent years. It’s fair to ask how exactly Hewett and Cerra will both get starting midfield spots, since the wing isn’t exactly where you want the latter. Meanwhile, the likes of Lochie O’Brien, Matt Kennedy, Will Setterfield and Jack Newnes will be pressing their claims. Michael Voss has an abundance of options, and that’s a great problem to have. From a draft standpoint, Jesse Motlop has a stack of promise but is likely to get a run at stages throughout the season rather than slot straight in for Round 1.

COLLINGWOOD

B: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, Brayden Maynard

HB: Jack Crisp, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor

C: Josh Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Patrick Lipinski

HF: Oliver Henry, Brody Mihocek, Steele Sidebottom

F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Cameron, Will Hoskin-Elliott

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams

I/C: Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery, Trent Bianco, John Noble

In: Nathan Kreuger, Patrick Lipinski, Nick Daicos, Arlo Draper, Cooper Murley, Harvey Harrison, Charlie Dean

Out: Levi Greenwood, Chris Mayne, Anton Tohill, Max Lynch, Jay Rantall, Brayden Sier, Josh Thomas

WE SAY: The Magpies blooded a league-best nine debutants in 2021. As a result, Craig McRae’s team actually has solid depth going into next season, particularly when adding trade period recruits Patrick Lipinski and Nathan Kreuger into the mix. The Magpies’ best 18 or so is reasonably settled but beyond that there’s a mix of several more youngsters not listed who could also push into the selection frame including Trey Ruscoe, Finlay Macrae, Jack Ginnivan, Nathan Murphy, Tyler Brown, Caleb Poulter and Reef McInnes. Will Hoskin-Elliott could make way for a youngster. The Pies will surely look to start developing more key position players too which will open up opportunities for the likes of Kreuger and Will Kelly. Scott Pendlebury will likely transition out of the midfield. Let’s not forget Nick Daicos of course, who is a walk-up starter into this side the way Sam Walsh has been for Carlton and Bailey Smith has been for the Western Bulldogs. Jordan De Goey has returned to club training and looks set to play in Round 1 all things being equal.

ESSENDON

B: Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Dyson Heppell

HB: Nick Hind, Jake Kelly, Mason Redman

C: Kyle Langford, Darcy Parish, Nik Cox

HF: Jake Stringer, Harrison Jones, Will Snelling

F: Alec Waterman, Peter Wright, Archie Perkins

FOLL: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath

I/C: Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, James Stewart

In: Jake Kelly, Ben Hobbs, Alastair Lord, Garrett McDonagh, Patrick Voss

Out: Ross McQuillan, Patrick Ambrose, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis, Irving Mosquito, Ned Cahill, Lachlan Johnson, Marty Gleeson, Dylan Clarke

WE SAY: After a surprise finals appearance in 2021, the challenge for the Bombers will be to harness the significant momentum they’ve generated and parlay that into next season and beyond. And if Michael Hurley is able to get out on the park at some stage, that would be a bonus after he suffered a horrendous ordeal this year courtesy of a nasty hip infection which sidelined him for the whole season. New inclusion Jake Kelly should slot straight into the back six; Matt Guelfi is the leading candidate for the sub role. Anthony McDoanld-Tipungwuti appears to be under an injury cloud with a calf complaint. Ben Hobbs looks a ready-made midfielder and a tantalising prospect for Bombers fans who are seeing a side full of such players.

FREMANTLE

B: Brennan Cox, Griffin Logue, Luke Ryan

HB: Hayden Young, Alex Pearce, Jordan Clark

C: Darcy Tucker, David Mundy, James Aish

HF: Sam Sturt, Matt Taberner, Nat Fyfe

F: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Michael Walters

FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw

I/C: Liam Henry, Michael Frederick, Neil Erasmus, Will Brodie

In: Will Brodie, Jordan Clark, Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus, Matt Johnson, Eric Benning, Karl Worner

Out: Brett Bewley, Taylin Duman, Reece Conca, Stefan Giro, Stephen Hill, Tobe Watson, Leon Thomas, Adam Cerra

WE SAY: It almost feels strange seeing the Dockers with a full-strength backline after missing so much key personnel throughout the 2021 season. Plus with so many other key pieces returning including Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, Fremantle will line-up considerably stronger than it did to finish last season, even after losing Adam Cerra. We’ve left Joel Hamling out for the moment due to his interrupted pre-season, but don’t be surprised to see him get a Round 1 gig. This Dockers team is really solid back to front and get a boost with Jordan Clark’s run and dash across half-back. Will Brodie also comes into the fold and while we don’t have him as a lock for best 22, he’s a handy midfield replacement for Cerra. We left out Travis Colyer, Nathan Wilson, Josh Treacy, Connor Blakely and Blake Acres, but you could make a case for all of them playing. Adding to the selection headache are the draft class of 2021, with Matt Johnson, Neil Erasmus and Jye Amiss all in with chances to play early in the season. Erasmus looms as the most likely Round 1 debutant. Johnson recently suffered a foot setback, but his speed and agility will make him a valuable commodity given the injection of pace Justin Longmuir is looking to add.

GEELONG CATS

B: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij

HB: Tom Atkins, Tom Stewart, Jed Bews

C: Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Isaac Smith

HF: Sam Menegola, Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan

F: Brad Close, Tom Hawkins, Tyson Stengle

FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood

I/C: Brandon Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Esava Ratugolea, Mark O’Connor

In: Jonathon Ceglar, Tyson Stengle, Toby Conway, Mitch Knevitt, James Willis, Flynn Kroeger, Cooper Whyte, Ollie Dempsey

Out: Josh Jenkins, Ben Jarvis, Cam Taheny, Lachie Henderson, Stefan Okunbor, Nathan Kreuger, Oscar Brownless, Darcy Fort, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable

WE SAY: The Cats lost some depth over the off-season but are still bursting with talent. They’ve finally landed an established tap ruckman in Jonathon Ceglar, who slots straight into the starting role. We’ve named Ceglar ahead of Rhys Stanley for the moment, but it looms as a 50-50 call for Geelong’s match committee. Stanley this week said he believed both he and Ceglar could coexist in the same 22. The Cats also picked up Tyson Stengle as a delisted free agent and the former Tiger and Crow could well be in their front six come Round 1, particularly with Gryan Miers in serious doubt after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle. Quinton Narkle returning on a one-year deal could suggest he’ll be given strong opportunities to play senior football. It will be interesting to see how Chris Scott manages his team’s midfield in 2022 and if guys like Narkle get more midfield opportunities over Joel Selwood, who’s in the twilight of his career. We’ve also named Sam Menegola and Jack Henry, despite their respective injury-interrupted pre-seasons. If they aren't right for Round 1, expect Narkle and Sam De Koning to come into contention.There are several additions via the draft, with James Willis the most likely to break into the side at some point with his dynamic stoppage game.

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick

HB: Oleg Markov, Charlie Ballard, Sean Lemmens

C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow

HF: Izak Rankine, Sam Day, Jack Lukosius

F: Mabior Chol, Ben King, Alex Sexton

FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell

I/C: Ben Ainsworth, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp

In: Mabior Chol, Charlie Constable, Mac Andrew, Levi Casboult, Sandy Brock, Bodhi Uwland

Out: Hugh Greenwood, Aiden Fyfe, Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Hombsch, Jordan Murdoch, Zac Smith, Will Brodie

WE SAY: The return of Jarrod Witts will be a massive boost and makes the Suns significantly stronger after the club spent the majority of last season without a genuine ruckman. The Suns also added Mabior Chol as a free agent to provide extra support in the talls department. Of course, the side is offset by the loss of Hugh Greenwood to North Melbourne, but it does open the door for Charlie Constable to prove his worth after arriving from Geelong, although we’ve named Brayden Fiorini and Jeremy Sharp ahead of him for now. Jack Bowes will miss several months with a shoulder injury in a big blow, but Connor Budarick is flying in his recovery from an ACL rupture and should slot into a back pocket. There’s so much upside on this team with young exciting talent on every line, particularly if Matt Rowell and Izak Rankine bounce back after down 2021 seasons, with the former’s cruelled by injuries. There’s a spot for Levi Casboult at some point if injuries or wayward form see him brought in as a replacement.

GWS GIANTS

B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Phil Davis

HB: Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield

C: Harry Perryman, Josh Kelly, Lachie Ash

HF: Callan Ward, Harrison Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio

F: Daniel Lloyd, Jesse Hogan, Bobby Hill

FOLL: Braydon Preuss, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto

I/C: Brent Daniels, Tom Green, Matt Flynn, Jarrod Brander

In: Finn Callaghan, Leek Aleer, Jarrod Brander, Josh Fahey, Cooper Hamilton

Out: Matt Buntine, Sam Reid, Nick Shipley, Tom Hutchesson, Jeremy Finlayson, Shane Mumford

WE SAY: While the Giants didn’t make any significant changes in the off-season, they still enter the 2022 campaign with a strong line-up. Toby Greene will miss the first five games of the season through suspension to open up opportunities in the forward line, with Brent Daniels likely slotting into that spot. Although coach Leon Cameron says he’ll experiment with various forward options in Greene’s absence. Matt Flynn and Braydon Preuss could compete for the starting ruck role in what looms as a healthy internal battle at the club, but we’ve named both players for now. The Giants’ line-up is otherwise reasonably settled, although Leon Cameron will likely again look to continue blooding games into its new wave of players like Tanner Bruhn and Xavier O’Halloran after it served the club so well last season. After bursting onto the scene in his rookie season, Jake Riccardi fell out of favour last year and will look to reassert himself in the senior side, but the arrival of Jarrod Brander makes locking down a spot all the more difficult. There are a couple of standout options for early berths at the Giants in the side’s two first-round draft picks: Finn Callaghan and Leek Aleer, although Callaghan has spent some time in the rehab group this summer.

HAWTHORN

B: Blake Hardwick, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Frost

HB: Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Changkuoth Jiath

C: Will Day, Tom Mitchell, Tom Phillips

HF: Chad Wingard, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore

F: Jack Gunston, Jacob Koschitzke, Luke Breust

FOLL: Ben McEvoy, James Worpel, Jaeger O’Meara

I/C: Liam Shiels, Josh Ward, Jarman Impey, Lachie Bramble

In: Max Lynch, Fionn O’Hara, Josh Ward, Sam Butler, Connor Macdonald, Jai Serong, Ned Long

Out: Shaun Burgoyne, Jon Patton, Tom Scully, James Cousins, Damon Greaves, Michael Hartley, Keegan Brooksby, Harrison Pepper, Tim O’Brien, Jonathon Ceglar, Ollie Hanrahan

WE SAY: There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawks fan as the club ushers in a new era first-year coach Sam Mitchell. Max Lynch was the club’s sole addition from the trade period and will battle it out with Ned Reeves for the backup ruck role to Ben McEvoy following Jonathon Ceglar’s departure to Geelong. The Hawks’ back six is solid as a rock and clearly their strongest area of the ground, and as such, we’ve pushed Will Day up onto a wing. The club will look to blood as many games into Denver Grainger-Barras next year alongside the rest of the defensive unit, but Kyle Hartigan might be preferred to start with. The likes of Daniel Howe, Sam Frost and Connor Nash are probably unlucky to miss, but it shows the competition for spots developing. Of course, the club will also have three top 24 picks in next month’s draft including Pick 5 who will all be in the mix to play. There were some really impressive signs from Lachie Bramble in the back-half of the year, particularly in the backline as a rebounding defender, but the return of James Sicily and Jarman Impey from injury may make his spot harder to hold onto. Josh Ward is a top pick bursting with talent and, given the Hawks’ list demographic, could come in straight away, with Finn Maginness also a chance to get picked.

MELBOURNE

B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Harrison Petty

HB: Trent Rivers, Jake Lever, Christian Salem

C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon

HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow

F: Charlie Spargo, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch

FOLL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney

I/C: James Harmes, Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett, Adam Tomlinson

In: Luke Dunstan, Jacob van Rooyen, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Judd McVee, Andy Moinz-Wakefield

Out: Nathan Jones, Aaron vandenBerg, Jay Lockhart, Austin Bradtke, Aaron Nietschke, Kye Declase, Marty Hore, Neville Jetta

WE SAY: As you’d expect from a team coming off a flag win, the Demons are as settled as any side in the competition. But injuries combined with players competing for spots is always a factor. The only change we’ve made from the Grand Final side is Adam Tomlinson replacing Michael Hibberd in the backline, while Joel Smith will also be in the mix for that role. James Jordon, who was the unused medical sub in the grand Final, featured prominently in the senior team throughout the season and will continue to press his claim for a midfield gig. So too Luke Dunstan, who joins the club as a delisted free agent as he looks to crack into a star-studded premiership midfield. Sam Weideman re-signed with the club and will be keen to take over Ben Brown or Tom McDonald’s key position role up forward, while Jake Melksham will be as hungry as ever after missing out on the flag. The Dees could also blend youngsters such as Kade Chandler and Toby Bedford into the team as they did in 2021. Utility Jacob Van Rooyen is the club’s first-round selection but it’s hard to see him breaking into a side this stacked.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Aidan Corr

HB: Aaron Hall, Josh Walker, Aiden Bonar

C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Luke McDonald

HF:Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas

F: Cam Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones, Curtis Taylor

FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Hugh Greenwood, Luke Davies-Uniacke

I/C: Tom Powell, Kayne Turner, Will Phillips, Atu Bosenavulagi

In: Callum Coleman-Jones, Hugh Greenwood, Jason Horne-Francis, Josh Goater, Paul Curtis, Miller Bergman, Jackson Archer

Out: Taylor Garner, Connor Menadue, Dom Tyson, Will Walker, Robbie Tarrant, Shaun Atley, Tom Campbell, Trent Dumont, Charlie Ham

WE SAY: While last season’s wooden spooners aren’t expected to shoot up the ladder despite an impressive second half of 2021, they do have a promising young list developing. Callum Coleman-Jones was a great get from Richmond and looks to settle into a key forward/backup ruck role, let alone the shock poaching of Hugh Greenwood from the Gold Coast Suns. Greenwood’s arrival is even more important as fellow midfield bull Ben Cunnington has only just completed treatment for testicular cancer, hence the star veteran isn’t in this Round 1 line-up. We’ve put No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis into the 22 in what looms as a key addition for the Roos, but left out Jed Anderson due to the uncertainty around whether he’ll meet the AFL health and safety requirements by Round 1. It will otherwise be exciting to see how the likes of Ben McKay, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell further grow their games together – the core who will lead this club forward. They lose Robbie Tarrant, but he missed most of last season anyway, while Aidan Corr returns from injury to hold down a defensive post alongside McKay.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: Ryan Burton, Trent McKenzie, Aliir Aliir

HB: Lachie Jones, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones

C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Dan Houston

HF: Karl Amon, Mitch Georgiades, Zak Butters

F: Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee

FOLL: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Willem Drew

I/C: Sam Powell-Pepper, Sam Hayes, Jackson Mead, Jeremy Finlayson

In: Jeremy Finlayson, Trent Dumont, Sam Skinner, Josh Sinn, Hugh Jackson, Dante Visentini, Jase Burgoyne

Out: Tom Rockliff, Hamish Hartlett, Joel Garner, Tyson Goldsack, Peter Ladhams, Jarrod Lienert, Boyd Woodcock

WE SAY: The Power have one of the deepest lists in the competition even after the departures of several senior players. Jeremy Finlayson was their sole addition over the trade period and should come into the side to play up forward and provide ruck support to Scott Lycett as Peter Ladhams did. Finlayson is keeping Todd Marshall out of the side, while Sam Hayes and Jackson Mead are strong chances to debut Round 1 after excellent pre-seasons. Charlie Dixon should be fit for Round 1, but there are doubts over Orazio Fantasia. The Power will likely look to give exciting trio Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee more midfield opportunities, which could come at the expense of Travis Boak’s time on the ball. We have Riley Bonner, Steven Motlop and Tom Clurey out of the side in what represents healthy depth for Ken Hinkley’s side. Of the draft crop, Jase Burgoyne looks likely to get a look in at some point, while Josh Sinn had an injury-interrupted 2021 season and will likely be focused on getting his body right before the club entertains a senior berth. Trent Dumont could also come into the side after his arrival via the rookie draft, but would be competing with young up-and-comer Miles Bergman, who we’ve left out for now as he’s had an injury-interrupted pre-season.

RICHMOND

B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nick Vlastuin

HB: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Daniel Rioli

C: Liam Baker, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh

HF: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Kane Lambert

F: Shai Bolton, Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin

FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Jack Graham

I/C: Ivan Soldo, Nathan Broad, Sydney Stack, Josh Gibcus

In: Robbie Tarrant, Josh Gibcus, Tom Brown, Tyler Sonsie, Sam Banks, Judson Clarke

Out: David Astbury, Bachar Houli, Patrick Naish, Mabior Chol, Callum Coleman-Jones, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Ryan Garthwaite

WE SAY: A lot of the premiership core is still there, but we’re going to be seeing a slightly different line-up at Tigerland in 2022. Leading the pack clearly is Robbie Tarrant, with the former North Melbourne star making the move to the Tigers in a bid for flag success. He’s an obvious walk-up start in a defence now lacking David Astbury and Bachar Houli. The move of Dan Rioli to half-back was a successful one and will continue next year, while there was plenty to like from Sydney Stack in the back half of the year. A notable inclusion is Ivan Soldo, who has been training well since recovering from a knee injury. The loss of Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t drastically affect the Tigers’ starting line-up next year. We could see Richmond’s top selection Josh Gibcus come onto the scene for Round 1 after roaring into top-10 pick calculations. He has the ability to play either forward or back and could sneak in, maybe at the expense of Rhyan Mansell and Riley Collier-Dawkins.

ST KILDA

B: Jimmy Webster, Dougal Howard, Tom Highmore

HB: Nick Coffield, Callum Wilkie, Jack Sinclair

C: Dan Hannebery, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill

HF: Jack Higgins, Tim Membrey, Dan Butler

F: Rowan Marshall, Max King, Jade Gresham

FOLL: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Zak Jones

I/C: Cooper Sharman, Hunter Clark, Jack Billings, Ben Paton

In: Tom Campbell, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager, Oscar Adams, Jack Peris, Josiah Kyle

Out: Jake Carlisle, James Frawley, Shaun McKernan, Dylan Roberton, Oscar Clavarino, Sam Alabakis, Luke Dunstan, Paul Hunter, Jack Lonie

WE SAY: It won’t be a noticeably different line-up for the Saints in 2022 because they brought in no one at the trade/free agency table. The main changes are to those who were already on the fringes of selection, with Dylan Roberton and Jake Carlisle retiring along with James Frawley and Shaun McKernan. The Saints will be hoping Dan Hannebery can get a good run at it. The club is being cautious with the veteran but there’s hope he’ll be right for Round 1, so we’ve named him. A big talking point will be whether Seb Ross is there Round 1. Not only has he had a slightly interrupted pre-season, but there’s ample competition for spots at the Saints, so we’ve left him out. Jarryn Geary also misses out. Daniel McKenzie has shown some good signs in his time so far while Nick Coffield had a promising finish to 2021, but we’ve picked the returning Ben Paton after he missed 2021 with a broken leg. Top pick Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera might be a bit of a way off before a senior debut, but Mitch Owens could be an early chance after an impressive pre-season.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Jake Lloyd

HB: Nick Blakey, Lewis Melican, Harry Cunningham

C: Oliver Florent, Josh Kennedy, Justin McInerney

HF: Sam Wicks, Logan McDonald, Errol Gulden

F: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, Tom Papley

FOLL: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Callum Mills

I/C: Peter Ladhams, James Rowbottom, Braeden Campbell, Dylan Stephens

In: Peter Ladhams, Angus Sheldrick, Matthew Roberts, Corey Warner, Lachie Rankin, Paddy McCartin

Out: Jordan Dawson, George Hewett, Kaiden Brand, Sam Gray, Matthew Ling, Malachy Carruthers

WE SAY: Another club that defied pre-season expectations to make the finals, but a one-point loss to local rivals GWS in an elimination final will take some time to get over. Indeed, there’s probably no greater motivation needed than that for a team to go a step or two further. The loss of Jordan Dawson was a tough pill to swallow but with the likes of Ollie Florent, Errol Gulden, Justin McInerney, Braeden Campbell, Chad Warner and Dylan Stephens at their disposal, they still have plenty of promising talent coming through in the middle of the ground. We’ve picked Stephens, who’s played just 15 games but impressed this off-season, ahead of Will Hayward, who’s only just returned to full contact training. Peter Ladhams comes straight in and should partner with Tom Hickey in the ruck while playing as the second tall forward, with Isaac Heeney reportedly in line for more midfield time in 2022. Key forward Hayden McLean and defender Robbie Fox are handy depth players, but Sam Reid remains in limbo without a contract. It would be a bold move for John Longmire to throw Paddy McCartin straight in for Round 1. Of the club’s draft crop, Matt Roberts is the most likely for an early debut, but it’s a tough team to break into and will take some time.

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: Harry Edwards, Tom Barrass, Josh Rotham

HB: Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Cole

C:Greg Clark, Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed

HF: Luke Shuey, Oscar Allen, Willie Rioli

F: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps

FOLL: Nic Naitanui, Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly

I/C: Jack Redden, Jackson Nelson, Jack Petruccelle, Bailey Williams

In: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Campbell Chesser, Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams, Greg Clark

Out: Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables, Mark Hutchings, Brendon Ah Chee, Brayden Ainsworth, Ben Johnson, Will Collins, Jarrod Cameron, Jarrod Brander

WE SAY: With a bunch of ageing stars on the list, season 2022 feels like it’s the Eagles’ one last roll of the dice at a premiership with this current crop. Although they could be without star forward Jack Darling, who remains away from the club as he hasn’t received an COVID-19 vaccine jab yet. That could mean ruck-forward Bailey Williams gets a gig. Liam Duggan is another who is racing the clock for the season-opener due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, so Harry Edwards is one of several options who could come in, especially after Brad Sheppard’s retirement. If Luke Shuey can get a clear run at it, after soft tissue injuries ruined his 2021 campaign, that would be a huge bonus. Nic Naitanui continues to play a lone hand in the ruck, but he can’t keep doing that forever, so understudy Bailey Williams needs a big year, especially now that Nathan Vardy has retired. The return of Willie Rioli after two seasons out of the game due to a drugs code breach could provide a huge boost and the premiership forward might just prove to be the joker in the pack if he gets himself right. Jamaine Jones, Jake Waterman, Zac Langdon, Alex Witherden, Harry Edwards and Luke Edwards will all be thereabouts as well. He might’ve been a late pick-up, but Greg Clark has a lot of potential as a tall, big-bodied inside midfielder who adds a stack of tackling and contested ball-winning ability. Clark is a strong chance to debut in Round 1, while top pick Campbell Chesser is developing quicker than expected at the club.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams

HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale

C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar

HF: Mitch Hannan, Aaron Naughton, Laitham Vandermeer

F: Cody Weightman, Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

FOLL: Stefan Martin, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae

I/C: Lachie Hunter, Tim O’Brien, Josh Dunkley, Jason Johannisen

In: Tim O’Brien, Sam Darcy, Arthur Jones, Luke Cleary, Charlie Parker, Robbie McComb, Cody Raak

Out: Patrick Lipinski, Lewis Young, Lin Jong, Ben Cavarra, Will Hayes, Easton Wood

WE SAY: Not much changes from their grand final line-up with Josh Schache the only one making way as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan takes his place in the 22 with another pre-season under his belt. Stefan Martin wants to go around again and sounds like he’ll get another contract. They’ll have to make do without Josh Bruce and Toby McLean for most of next year, though, after both players suffered ACL injuries late in the 2021 season. They were up by 19 points halfway through the third quarter of the grand final, so they did a lot right this year and should be confident of being in the premiership mix again in 2022. Tim O’Brien is set to be deployed as a key defender and the departure of Easton Wood provides him with an opening. With the likes of Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier, Ed Richards, Rhylee West, Lachie McNeil, Jordon Sweet, Anthony Scott and Mitch Wallis on the list too, depth won’t be an issue for the runners-up; Luke Beveridge used an AFL-high 41 players in 2021. Highly-prized father-son pick Sam Darcy has a stress fracture in his foot, so there’s no chance the Dogs rush on getting him ready.