THERE'S nothing like a big-name recruit or a top-line draftee to sow the seeds of hope during a long, hot summer.

More than 4000 fans took up AFL.com.au's offer to have their say on their club's most exciting recruit and there was a clear winner at most clubs, but it was a little more even at others.

Whether it was draftees like Cam Rayner and Luke Davies-Uniacke, or marquee recruits such as Jake Lever and Bryce Gibbs, most fans saw something to get excited about at their club.

Read on to see which players have your club's fans hanging out for footy to return in 2018.