B: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Lever
HB: Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan, Matthew Jaensch
C: Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF: Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Charlie Cameron
F: Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker, Troy Menzel
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch
I/C: Paul Seedsman, David Mackay, Andy Otten, Nathan van Berlo

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Sam Shaw
General defenders:  Kyle Cheney, Tom Doedee, Hugh Greenwood*, Curtly Hampton, Ricky Henderson, Jake Kelly, Harrison Wigg
Key-position forwards: Harry Dear, Alex Keath*, Keenan Ramsey*
General forwards: Jonathon Beech*, Mitch McGovern, Wayne Milera
Midfielders: Rory Atkins, Matt Crouch, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Dean Gore, Mitch Grigg, Riley Knight, Jarryd Lyons
Rucks: Paul Hunter*, Luke Lowden, Reilly O'Brien*

The vacancy left by Patrick Dangerfield is quickly filled by a fit Brad Crouch – on paper at least. With another pre-season behind him most would expect Jake Lever, already a great AFL defender, to be better equipped to deal with bigger bodies. Jaensch will return from his knee injury early in the season and should quickly re-establish himself on Adelaide's half-back line. The arrivals of Troy Menzel and Paul Seedsman are interesting; at their best both deserve a place in the best 22, Menzel in particular. Former skipper van Berlo was on the comeback trail last year after his ruptured Achilles and will be better in 2016 for a full summer of training. There's almost endless depth to quickly swallow him if he struggles though, with Jarryd Lyons, Riley Knight, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Matt Crouch all capable of holding down a starting spot. - Harry Thring 

B: Dan McStay, Daniel Merrett, Harris Andrews
HB: Tom Cutler, Justin Clarke, Pearce Hanley
C: Sam Mayes, Dayne Beams, Lewy Taylor
HF: Allen Christensen, Josh Schache, Tom Bell
F: Josh Green, Josh Walker, Jono Freeman
Foll: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Ryan Bastinac
I/C: Daniel Rich, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson, Claye Beams

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Darcy Gardiner, Josh Watts, Sam Skinner, Hugh Beasley*
General defenders: Ryan Harwood, Josh McGuinness, Marco Paparone, Jaden McGrath, Liam Dawson, Reuben William*
Key-position forwards: Michael Close, Eric Hipwood, Jackson Paine*, Matthew Hammelman*
General forwards: Rohan Bewick, Josh Clayton
Midfielders: Nick Robertson, Ryan Lester, Jarrad Jansen, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson, Cian Hanley*, Billy Evans*
Rucks: Trent West, Archie Smith*

There's a lot of question marks entering 2016 and a lot could be decided over the pre-season for the Lions. Darcy Gardiner is terribly unlucky to miss and any slip-up from Daniel McStay or Justin Clarke will see him inserted immediately. Tom Cutler looks ready to take the next step and own a half-back flank, while Pearce Hanley's run and superb ball use is made for a similar role. While the midfield looks solid – and I'm expecting Sam Mayes to recapture his absolute best form – the headaches come up front. Draftee Josh Schache is young, but no doubt in the best team. Jono Freeman is a nice third tall option, but depending on the match-up, it wouldn't surprise if the Lions surrounded two bigs with a fleet of smalls and relied on Tom Bell to be the third target. - Michael Whiting

2016 shapes as a defining year for Sam Mayes after struggling this season. Picture: AFL Media

B: Jacob Weitering, Michael Jamison, Zach Tuohy
HB: Simon White, Sam Rowe, Sam Docherty
C: Kade Simpson, Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow
HF: Dale Thomas, Andrejs Everitt, Sam Kerridge
F: Dylan Buckley, Levi Casboult, Andrew Walker
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy
I/C: Lachie Plowman, Blaine Boekhorst, Matthew Wright, Nick Graham 

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Jesse Glass-McCasker*, Kristian Jaksch
General defenders: Ciaran Byrne*, Matthew Dick, Ciaran Sheehan*, Clem Smith, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
Key-position forwards: Charlie Curnow, Jayden Foster, Liam Jones, Harry McKay, Jack Silvagni
General forwards: Andrew Gallucci*, Jed Lamb, Liam Sumner, Jason Tutt
Midfielders: Dennis Armfield, David Cuningham, Billy Gowers*, Mark Whiley
Rucks: Daniel Gorringe, Andrew Phillips, Cameron Wood* 

Carlton will be the club of opportunity in 2016 so trying to pick a best 22 is fraught with danger. The Blues have brought in 14 new players via trades, delisted free agency and the drafts and will be keen to blood as many of them as possible. However, I have only found room for four 'newbies' in the best 22 – former Giant Lachie Plowman, ex-Crows Sam Kerridge and Matthew Wright and No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering. Nonetheless, Jed Lamb and Liam Sumner should also enjoy extended senior opportunities, while draftees Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and David Cuningham will probably be blooded at some stage. I have named Matthew Kreuzer as the sole ruckman, but the Blues could play a second big man given the abolition of the substitute rule next season, which would bring Daniel Gorringe and Cameron Wood into the selection equation. Veteran midfielder Dennis Armfield is the unluckiest player to miss out and is a good chance to play regular senior football next year, while the Blues will be keen to see Kristian Jaksch force his way into the team. - Nick Bowen

B: Marley Williams, Nathan Brown, Jack Frost
HB: Tom Langdon, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey
C: Jack Crisp, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Dane Swan, Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe
F: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Jordan De Goey
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams
I/C: Jarrod Witts, Travis Varcoe, Levi Greenwood, James Aish 

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Lachie Keeffe*, Jonathon Marsh,
General defenders: Tim Golds*, Tyson Goldsack, Brayden Maynard, Adam Oxley, Jackson Ramsay, Matt Scharenberg, Ben Sinclair, 
Key-position forwards: Corey Gault*, Jesse White, Darrean Wyatt
General forwards: Jarryd Blair, Tim Broomhead, Ben Crocker, Alex Fasolo,
Midfielders: Matthew Goodyear, Brent Macaffer, Tom Phillips, Brayden Sier, Josh Smith*, Josh Thomas*, Rupert Wills
Rucks: Mason Cox*

Difficult to come up with a best 22 with a number of experienced players squeezed out, which bodes well for the Pies in a depth perspective with the likes of Fasolo, Blair, Macaffer and Goldsack on the sidelines. Marsh is unlucky with Frost narrowly slotting in ahead, as are Sinclair and Maynard while Scharenberg misses out after this week's training incident that left his right knee – and season 2016 – in tatters. Aish gets the nod but will need to show something quickly after struggling to hold his spot at the Lions but Treloar is a lock to start the season in the middle. With a four-man bench Witts comes in to back up Grundy in the ruck – ahead of White – and Reid will hold down centre half-back if he gets a decent run with his body. - Jennifer Phelan

B: James Gwilt, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
HB: Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Martin Gleeson
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
HF: Travis Colyer, Shaun McKernan, Zach Merrett
F: Tom Bellchambers, Joe Daniher, Jayden Laverde
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell
I/C: David Myers, Craig Bird, Orazio Fantasia, Darcy Parish

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Mitch Brown, Michael Hartley, Tayte Pears
General defenders: Jason Ashby, Courtenay Dempsey, Aaron Francis, Tom Wallis*
Key-position forwards: Patrick Ambrose
General forwards: Adam Cooney, Yestin Eades, Shaun Edwards, Nick Kommer, Kyle Langford, Jake Long*, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti*, Conor McKenna*, Jackson Merrett, Mason Redman
Midfielders: Will Hams*, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett, Alex Morgan
Rucks: Gach Nyuon* 

At full strength the Bombers should be much better than the team that limped through 2015 and finished 15^th. The addition of Matthew Leuenberger in the ruck will be important and allow Tom Bellchambers to go forward and help Joe Daniher. Craig Bird also comes into the team, which will make for a squeeze in the inside midfielder stakes with Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett, as well as returning pair Jobe Watson and David Myers after injury-impacted seasons. The club can't take too many one-paced midfielders into games so there'll be a pecking order there. Adam Cooney will also want to improve drastically on his 2014 season if he's to stay in the senior team. We think the Bombers have to keep blooding their youth, so we're sticking with Jayden Laverde in the forward line, Orazio Fantasia for his pace and giving No.5 pick Darcy Parish a run early in the year. Parish and fellow early selection Aaron Francis will be in the mix early next year because they are too talented not to be. Parish will quickly add some muscle to his frame and be ready to latch on to the ball and offer some run at senior level quickly. - Callum Twomey

B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Stephen Hill, Garrick Ibbotson, Cam Sutcliffe
C: Harley Bennell, Nat Fyfe, Danyle Pearce
HF: Chris Mayne, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Jon Griffin
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Lachie Neale
I/C: Tendai Mzungu, Tommy Sheridan, Michael Barlow, Nick Suban

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Sam Collins, Alex Pearce, Alex Silvagni, Tanner Smith, Matthew Uebergang*
General defenders: Ethan Hughes, Sean Hurley*, Ryan Nyhuis*, Darcy Tucker
Key-position forwards: Michael Apeness
General forwards: Hayden Crozier, Josh Deluca*, Shane Yarran
Midfielders: Harley Balic, Connor Blakely, Matt de Boer, Brady Grey, Ed Langdon, Anthony Morabito*, Clancee Pearce, Lachie Weller
Rucks: Jack Hannath, Zac Clarke

There is only one change here from the side that lost to Hawthorn in the preliminary final. Matt de Boer gets squeezed out of the midfield rotation for Harley Bennell. But you could make some bold calls on some of the youngsters. There is a case for Alex Pearce to play most of the year to fast-track his development but Zac Dawson would be the preferred choice in big games. There will be a time when Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller and Ed Langdon become regulars in the best 22 but whether they are ready in their second season remains to be seen. But they certainly deserve opportunities to develop within the AFL side. Jon Griffin remains in front of Zac Clarke as the second ruck choice. – Alex Malcolm

Can Michael Johnson hold the Fremantle defence together without Luke McPharlin? Picture: AFL Media

B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Lonergan, Lachie Henderson 
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Jackson Thurlow
C: Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Mark Blicavs
HF: Steven Motlop, Tom Hawkins, Daniel Menzel
F: Josh Caddy, Nathan Vardy, Nakia Cockatoo
Foll: Rhys Stanley, Patrick Dangerfield, Cameron Guthrie
Int: Scott Selwood, Andrew Mackie, Jimmy Bartel, Jordan Murdoch

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Ryan Gardner, Tom Read, Cameron Delaney*,
General defenders: Jed Bews, Jordan Cunico, Josh Cowan, James Parsons*, Tom Ruggles*
Key-position forwards: Wylie Buzza, Mitch Clark, Shane Kersten, Padraig Lucey*,
General forwards: Zac Bates*, Cory Gregson, Matthew Hayball, Darcy Lang, Michael Luxford, Lincoln McCarthy, Billie Smedts
Midfielders: George Horlin-Smith, Sam Menegola, Jock Cornell*
Rucks: Zac Smith

Geelong's improved the depth of its squad greatly this off-season, as it looks to turnaround what was a disappointing end to 2015. Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Selwood will boost the midfield immeasurably and take pressure off skipper Joel Selwood, who is due for a bounce-back year. Fellow recruit Lachie Henderson slots into the backline nicely, giving the Cats flexibility with their match ups. If Rhys Stanley is fit, he is the preferred starting ruckman over Zac Smith, with Nathan Vardy and Mark Blicavs to provide support. Mitch Clark could have easily been selected in this team if fully fit, but he is an unknown commodity after playing just 12 games in his past two AFL seasons. – Ben Guthrie   

B: Adam Saad, Steven May, Henry Schade
HB: Nick Malceski, Rory Thompson, Kade Kolodjashnij
C: Matt Rosa, David Swallow, Alex Sexton
HF: Jack Martin, Tom Lynch, Jaeger O'Meara
F: Brandon Matera, Sam Day, Touk Miller
Foll: Tom Nicholls, Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia
I/C: Jarrod Harbrow, Aaron Hall, Michael Rischitelli, Jesse Lonergan

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Jack Leslie, Clay Cameron
General defenders: Trent McKenzie, Seb Tape, Sean Lemmens, Tom Keough*, Jesse Joyce*
Key-position forwards: Peter Wright, Jarrad Grant, Cameron Loersch*
General forwards: Luke Russell, Jarrod Garlett, Callum Ah Chee
Midfielders: Mitch Hallahan, Matt Shaw, Brayden Fiorini, Josh Schoenfeld, Mackenzie Willis, *Danny Stanley, Darcy MacPherson*, Ryan Davis*
Rucks: Keegan Brooksby, Daniel Currie

If everyone is fit and available, the Suns have a scarily good midfield, but the headaches come at each end of the ground. The defence improved markedly last year and Henry Schade has shown enough to edge past Trent McKenzie as the third tall. Nick Malceski needs to recapture his best form or it will be tempting to push Alex Sexton or Jarrod Harbrow back in his place and shuffle the wingers. With Charlie Dixon's departure to Port Adelaide, the forward line puzzle needs solving. Sam Day deserves the first chance to partner Tom Lynch, but Peter Wright is waiting in the wings. On paper Jarrad Grant is the ideal third tall, hit-up forward, but Jack Martin can do that job, while Aaron Hall's tremendous back-half of 2015 earns him a spot in the best 22. - Michael Whiting

B: Joel Patfull, Aidan Corr, Phil Davis
HB: Ryan Griffen, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Steve Johnson, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith
F: Cam McCarthy, Jonathon Patton,Rhys Palmer
Foll: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio
I/C, Adam Tomlinson,Jacob Hopper, Zac Williams, Toby Greene 

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Caleb Marchbank, Tim Mohr
General defenders: Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy, Nathan Wilson
Key-position forwards: Jeremy Finlayson, Harrison Himmelberg, James Stewart
General forwards: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Daniel Lloyd*, Patrick McKenna, Jarrod Pickett, Sam Reid*
Midfielders: Paul Ahern, Jake Barrett, Josh Kelly, Matthew Kennedy, Jack Steele
Rucks: Tom Downie, Matthew Flynn, Rory Lobb, Dawson Simpson 

The return of ruckman Shane Mumford and the addition of three-time Geelong premiership star Steve Johnson bring immediate quality to the Giants, while academy draftees Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy increase their midfield options. Versatility and consistency gave some players the nod over more talented or higher-profile teammates. On the bench, Adam Tomlinson gives fantastic support to Mumford, but can also play as a key forward or back, and with less rotations this season, his running ability will be crucial. Zac Williams (running defender), Toby Greene (small forward) and Hopper (small forward) have the ability to play through the midfield, so they keep the likes of Josh Kelly, Jack Steele and Will Hoskin-Elliott out of the side.  – Adam Curley

B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Liam Shiels, Ryan Schoenmakers, Cyril Rioli
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Jon Ceglar, Paul Puopolo, Angus Litherland, Billy Hartung  

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley, Luke Surman*
General defenders: Lachlan Langford*, Teia Miles, Matt Spangher
Key-position forwards: Jack Fitzpatrick, Tim O'Brien, Shem-Kalvin Tatupu*
General forwards: Ryan Burton, Blake Hardwick,, Jermain Miller-Lewis*, James Sicily, Dallas Willsmore
Midfielders: Conor Glass* Daniel Howe, Will Langford, Kieran Lovell, Jonathan O'Rourke, Kade Stewart*, Zac Webster, Brendan Whitecross, Alex Woodward*
Rucks: Marc Pittonet  

Hawthorn's best 22 in 2016 – if there is such a thing in modern football – will need three changes to the premiership team of this year, with the retirements of David Hale and Brian Lake and the departure of Matt Suckling. Jon Ceglar is the obvious Hale replacement and like Hale can play in the ruck or as a tall forward. Mobile defender Angus Litherland has amply demonstrated he can play at the level and takes the Suckling role, albeit without the exquisite kicking skills, while Billy Hartung seems a logical inclusion as well. Having four on the bench and no subs is a great outcome for Hartung with his elite-level pace and endurance. Will Langford will be next in line along with Jonathan O'Rourke for the midfield slots. Ryan Schoenmakers' excellent finals series inked him a new contract and a place in the best 22, but the Hawks will hope 2016 is the year Tim O'Brien emerges as a viable key forward option. Full-back Kaiden Brand is nearly ready as well. - Ashley Browne

B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
HB: Christian Salem, Lynden Dunn, Jake Melksham
C: Angus Brayshaw, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson
HF: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Christian Petracca
F: Jeff Garlett, Chris Dawes, Jack Watts
Foll: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Jack Viney
Int: Sam Frost, Aaron vandenBerg, Heritier Lumumba, Tom Bugg

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Oscar McDonald
General defenders: Jack Grimes, Dean Terlich, Josh Wagner*
Key-position forwards: Liam Hulett, Cameron Pedersen, Sam Weideman
General forwards: Ben Kennedy, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Jayden Hunt, Billy Stretch, Joel Smith*
Midfielders: James Harmes, Matt Jones, Viv Michie*, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Newton, Clayton Oliver, Jack Trengove, Mitch White*,
Rucks: Jake Spencer, Mitchell King, Max King* 

Melbourne's team is starting to look a lot more promising and secure. The backline is consolidated with Essendon recruit Jake Melksham to add further competitiveness and run and carry away from the contest. Christian Petracca's inclusion should be a major fillip for the Demons after he missed his entire first season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The points of contention start on the bench with Greater Western Sydney recruit Tom Bugg earning a game over line-breakers Ben Kennedy and Billy Stretch. Jack Grimes can count himself unlucky not to be picked, while Jack Trengove's injury history rules him out of the mix. Alex Neal-Bullen, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Clayton Oliver should all push for regular senior appearances in 2016. – Ben Guthrie 

B: Luke McDonald, Robbie Tarrant, Lachlan Hansen
HB: Shaun Atley. Scott Thompson, Sam Wright
C: Jamie Macmillan, Jack Ziebell, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Brent Harvey, Jarrad Waite, Shaun Higgins
F: Taylor Garner, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Ben Brown, Ben Jacobs, Jed Anderson, Daniel Wells

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Joel Tippett
General defenders: Michael Firrito, Mitchell Hibberd, Aaron Mullett, Ed Vickers-Willis
Key-position forwards: Aaron Black, Ben McKay, Mason Wood
General forwards: Robin Nahas, Kayne Turner
Midfielders: Ryan Clarke, Trent Dumont, Will Fordham*, Sam Gibson, Brad McKenzie, Declan Mountford, Farren Ray*, Corey Wagner
Rucks: Majak Daw*, Braydon Preuss* 

North's 2016 team largely picks itself, but a few tough calls had to be made. I was mindful of the need for generational change in picking Luke McDonald over Michael Firrito in defence. Firrito had a very solid 2015 season and, injury aside, will probably play most games next year, but McDonald is a class act and should bounce back to his best after a disappointing second season. Similarly, I have favoured former Hawk Jed Anderson, 21, over Sam Gibson, 29, for a spot on the bench, also mindful that the Northern Territorian offers more speed and class. I have backed Lindsay Thomas to get back to his best after an injury-disrupted 2015, giving him the nod over fellow small forwards Kayne Turner and Robbie Nahas. The Roos will be keen to blood their 2014 and 2015 draftees where possible next season, but the likes of Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Ben McKay and Ryan Clarke are unlikely to establish themselves as senior regulars. I also sense North will give Aaron Black every opportunity to re-establish himself in attack in 2016. – Nick Bowen

B: Jack Hombsch, Alipate Carlile, Jarman Impey
HB: Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove, Hamish Hartlett
C: Jared Polec, Brad Ebert, Jasper Pittard
HF: Justin Westhoff, Charlie Dixon, Robbie Gray
F: Angus Monfries, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Matt White, Tom Jonas, Brendon Ah Chee

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Logan Austin, Cam O'Shea, Tom Clurey
General defenders: Riley Bonner, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Nathan Krakouer
Key-position forwards: John Butcher, Dougal Howard
General forwards: Cameron Hewett*, Dan Houston*, Aidyn Johnson, Jake Neade, Jesse Palmer, Paul Stewart
Midfielders: Karl Amon, Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell*, Sam Gray, Will Snelling*, Jimmy Toumpas, Aaron Young
Rucks: Billy Frampton

Due to the Power's injury woes last year many players were offered chances to strut their stuff on the big stage and to be fair to them, many took those opportunities. Guys such as Sam Gray, Aaron Young and Nathan Krakouer are difficult to leave out of a 'best scenario' 22, but the question always comes back to who makes way for their insertion? Tom Jonas will get back to his best, Brendon Ah Chee deserves a spot and for those just missing the 22, the challenge to break in will remain. Jimmy Toumpas may well impress over the summer and climb the pecking order – however Young, Gray, Colquhoun and even Amon have substantially more runs on the board at Alberton. - Harry Thring

Jared Polec will be back in 2016 to add some dash to the Power. Picture: AFL Media

B: Dylan Grimes, Troy Chaplin, Nick Vlastuin  
HB: Chris Yarran, Alex Rance, Bachar Houli
C: Brandon Ellis, Anthony Miles, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Brett Deledio, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
F: Ben Lennon, Ty Vickery, Shane Edwards
Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Jacob Townsend
I/C: Corey Ellis, Shaun Grigg, Jake Batchelor, Ben Griffiths

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: David Astbury, Nathan Broad, Todd Elton
General defenders: Taylor Hunt, Steven Morris
Key-position forwards: Liam McBean, Reece McKenzie, Callum Moore*
General forwards: Sam Lloyd, Oleg Markov, Daniel Rioli 
Midfielders: Dan Butler, Jason Castagna*, Reece Conca, Nathan Drummond, Kane Lambert, Adam Marcon*, Connor Menadue, Andrew Moore, Jayden Short*
Rucks: Mabior Chol*, Shaun Hampson, Ivan Soldo*

Recruit Jacob Townsend is selected ahead of Reece Conca because of his inside strengths and the fact he was recruited to play a specific role in support of Trent Cotchin and Anthony Miles. Townsend also forces Kane Lambert out of the team. In the backline Chris Yarran is selected on a flank, where Richmond has stated it would like to play him. This gives the team two solid rebounding options. Nick Vlastuin is not expected to make a transition into the midfield in 2016 and remains a lockdown specialist in this 22, forcing Jake Batchelor (who is still required for height) on to the bench and the versatile Dylan Grimes to play tall. Corey Ellis is expected to entrench himself in the best 22 and Kamdyn McIntosh already has. - Nathan Schmook

B: Sean Dempster, Hugh Goddard, Jimmy Webster
HB: Dylan Roberton, Jake Carlisle, Sam Fisher
C: Jarryn Geary, Luke Dunstan, Jack Newnes
HF: Jack Billings, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Sinclair
F: Jack Lonie, Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin
Foll: Billy Longer, David Armitage, Jack Steven
I/C: Leigh Montagna, Sam Gilbert, Maverick Weller, Seb Ross 

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Nick Coughlan*, Luke Delaney, Tom Lee
General defenders: Brodie Murdoch, Shane Savage, Cam Shenton, Brandon White, Nathan Wright
Key-position forwards: Brenton Payne*
General forwards: Tim Membrey, Darren Minchington, Josh Saunders*, Eli Templeton
Midfielders: Blake Acres, Tom Curren, Nathan Freeman, Jade Gresham, Daniel McKenzie, Nick O'Kearney*, Bailey Rice
Rucks: Tom Hickey, Jason Holmes*, Lewis Pierce  

Billings looms as potentially a recruit for the Saints in 2016 after missing more than half this season with a leg fracture and will add class to their forward line, which benefitted from the addition of Sinclair, Lonie and Bruce this year. Delaney will need to continue to fight for his spot with Goddard showing promise in the later stages of the season plus the arrival of Carlisle, as will Membrey with McCartin to play more in 2016. The Saints' on-ball brigade is relatively settled with the likes of Acres and Freeman to apply pressure if they get their bodies right while the off-season will determine which ruckman gets the nod first out of Longer and Hickey, although Holmes can't be discounted after his exciting end to this season. Savage is stiff to miss out but there's plenty of flexibility, particularly with the half-back line. - Jennifer Phelan

B: Dane Rampe, Ted Richards,Nick Smith
HB: Zak Jones, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack
HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Harry Cunningham
F: Callum Sinclair, Lance Franklin,Ben McGlynn
Foll: Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker, Tom Mitchell
I/C: Callum Mills, Jake Lloyd, Jeremy Laidler, Dean Towers

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Aliir Aliir, Michael Talia, Xavier Richards
General defenders: Alex Johnson, Lewis Melican*, Nick Newman*, Colin O'Riordan*
Key-position forwards: Nil
General forwards: Brandon Jack, Tom Papley*, Gary Rohan, James Rose
Midfielders: Abe Davis, Jordan Dawson, Jordan Foote*, George Hewett, Jack Hiscox, Tyrone Leonardis, Harry Marsh*, Sam Murray*, Dan Robinson
Rucks: Tom Derickx, Kyle Galloway*, Sam Naismith, Toby Nankervis 

The retirement of Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Mike Pyke robs the Swans of plenty of premiership experience, but they have recruited well and should have the young players to step up. Zak Jones spent time in defence in the second half of 2015 and should get first crack at Shaw's vacant role with his impressive speed and foot skills. Callum Sinclair slots straight into the side as the back-up ruckman with Kurt Tippett assuming the No.1 role from Pyke. Star draftee Callum Mills should play straight away, while an injury free Ben McGlynn also helps cover the loss of Goodes. Elsewhere, Jeremy Laidler can replace Jones against taller opposition and will battle former Dog Michael Talia for a spot down back, while renowned tacklers Brandon Jack and Gary Rohan need more offensive output if they're to win a spot in the forward line. - Adam Curley 

Tom Mitchell had to work hard to earn a spot in the Swans' 22 this year. Picture: AFL Media
 

B: Sharrod Wellingham, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
HB: Will Schofield, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Elliot Yeo
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Lewis Jetta
F: Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Jack Redden, Luke Shuey
I/C: Dom Sheed, Xavier Ellis, Scott Lycett, Mark Hutchings

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Tom Barrass, Mitch Brown
General defenders: Corey Adamson*,Jamie Bennell,Sam Butler, Paddy Brophy*, Tom Cole, Jackson Nelson
Key-position forwards: Fraser McInnes
General forwards: Matthew Allen, Josh Hill, Malcolm Karpany, Tom Lamb, Patrick McGinnity, Simon Tunbridge*
Midfielders: Damien Cavka, Brant Colledge*, Liam Duggan, Kane Lucas*, Kurt Mutimer, Luke Partington, Jordan Snadden*, Alec Waterman*
Rucks: Jonathan Giles 

Adam Simpson admitted for most of last season he did not know what his best 22 was, given the injury issues the Eagles had. Now he has incredible depth and flexibility at his disposal. Matt Rosa and Callum Sinclair come out of the Grand Final side after being traded. Scott Lycett would get another opportunity first up but he will need to perform consistently. Jack Redden would come into the midfield rotation for Rosa but he will be under pressure from Liam Duggan, who looks ready to claim a permanent spot in the line-up. Lewis Jetta comes in for Josh Hill as a forward who can push up in the midfield and it would allow Simpson the flexibility of swinging Jeremy McGovern forward. Eric Mackenzie comes back into the defence and someone would be desperately unlucky. In this case Sam Butler would miss but he could easily play at any stage depending on how the Eagles want to structure their defence. - Alex Malcolm

B: Dale Morris, Fletcher Roberts, Robert Murphy
HB: Easton Wood, Joel Hamling, Matthew Boyd
C: Jason Johanissen, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae
HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Stewart Crameri, Matt Suckling,
F: Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Jake Stringer
Foll: Jordan Roughead, Mitch Wallis, Marcus Bontempelli
I/C: Lachie Hunter, Liam Picken, Koby Stevens, Toby McLean

DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Marcus Adams, Kieran Collins, Zaine Cordy
General defenders: Shane Biggs, Lukas Webb, Josh Prudden, Roarke Smith*, Jed Adcock*, Bradley Lynch*
Key-position forwards: Jack Redpath
General forwards: Bailey Dale, Mitch Honeychurch, Declan Hamilton, Caleb Daniel
Midfielders: Nathan Hrovat, Lin Jong, Clay Smith, Josh Dunkley, Bailey Williams
Rucks: Tom Campbell, Luke Goetz*, Will Minson

The Dogs have decent depth across all lines and have some of the most exciting youngsters in the competition. Shane Biggs is unlucky to miss, but the running defender will get plenty of chances with veterans Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd unlikely to play every game. Tom Boyd gets the nod ahead of Jack Redpath with another pre-season under his belt. Second-year youngsters Bailey Dale, Lukas Webb, Caleb Daniel and Zaine Cordy are ready to go if a spot opens up while Will Minson and rookie recruit Jed Adcock are handy back-ups. Tough-as-teak midfielder Clay Smith will probably miss most of the season while he recovers from this third knee reconstruction in as many years. - Ryan Davidson