All the attention and focus has well and truly been placed on the 2026 as all 18 teams have officially returned for the pre-season.
Following the trade and draft periods, certain clubs still have the capacity to improve their lists through the SSP, holding vacancies over the summer months for prospects to prove themselves.
But it also lends a moment to reflection for those who ventured through the rookie mechanism 12 months ago.
Heading into the 2025 campaign, 14 players were scooped up across nine clubs.
Some were welcomed on a needs basis, while others helped fill a roster spot due to a long-term injury.
Here’s how each SSP signing from the last pre-season performed in 2025…
1Lachlan McAndrew (Adelaide)
Adelaide’s Lachlan McAndrew at training. Credit: Adelaide FC
The ruckman was delisted by Sydney after four years and two games, but found an AFL reprieve in South Australia at the Crows.
Adelaide had signed McAndrew to their SANFL squad and called on the 211cm ruckman to train at West Lakes to boost their key position stocks.
But that train-on opportunity turned into an AFL vacancy following the foot injury to Kieran Strachan, who was placed on the long-term injury list.
The 25-year-old played 16 games for the Crows’ reserves outfit, averaging 12.8 disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 clearances and 5.2 tackles.
Despite not receiving a senior opportunity, McAndrew penned a two-year extension to remain at West Lakes until the end of 2027.