Every off-season, there are a number of players who may not have performed as they would have liked.
It might have been due to injury, a lack of opportunity in a particular position or just on off year overall.
Or there could be players who did take steps forward, suggesting they may be primed to take a quantum leap.
Below are the five players ready to explode in 2022.
1. Zak Butters
Port Adelaide
We underestimated his injury this year. He had drop foot from nerve damage in his ankle which restricted his output.
He was in the All-Australian squad of 40 last year in just his second year at AFL level and is now coming into his fourth season.
He is going to be anything when he gets his body together.
2. Wil Powell
Gold Coast
Maybe we don't watch enough Gold Coast games, but he played every game this year. He finished second in their best and fairest and he is 21.
He has only played 57 games, he is coming into his fifth season. He averaged 310 metres gained per game, he defends pretty well. I think he's got some improvement in his intensity when he's around the footy, but he's a great athlete.
Had some big clutch moments late in games which says to me that he is going to be a good big-game player.
3. Will Day
Hawthorn
He has only played 16 games, would you believe. Had a severe ankle injury this year.
For a skinny guy he is tough. He's got speed, he's a high metres-gained player off half-back. He uses the ball extremely well and he defends. He can play small but he can also play tall.
Next year we are going to get significant improvement, but when he is 22-23, I think he is going to be maybe the best half-back in the game.
4. Zac Fisher
Carlton
Every time I see Zac Fisher play for Carlton, I think this guy is going to be anything.
He has got speed, he has got amazing agility, he uses the ball well, he gets up the ground, he gets back inside 50, he hits the scoreboard.
Limited to just 18 games in two seasons. If he gets a full pre-season, if his body stays sound, he is one for Carlton that I think can absolutely give them huge upside.
He has to improve his tackling and the defensive capabilities a little bit, but he has the ability do that.
I am a big Zac Fisher fan. I am drawn to him through his ability. Carlton should be really excited about what he can do.
5. Will Hayward
Sydney
He is only 22, he has played 89 games and kicked 100 goals.
An excellent contested mark for his size, he is the perfect third or fourth medium-sized forward, but he has the ability to be more than that.
Kicked 28 goals in 2021, but needs to go from 10 possessions to 15 and two goals a game next year.