WHILE there’s still two months until Round 1, coaching panels at all 18 clubs would be starting to put their rough best 22s together.

Clubs with deep lists will have to make some tough decisions and leave out quality players, while other clubs will be relying on younger, perhaps untried players to step up.

Over the past month, foxfooty.com.au has been previewing and predicting your team’s best 22 for the 2017 AFL season.

As always, there were some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.

Round 18

So we present your club’s ideal 22-man line-up for the upcoming season.

Please note: These line-ups don’t take into account current injuries or suspensions.

ADELAIDE

B: Kyle Hartigan, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown

HB: Brodie Smith, Jake Lever, Rory Laird

C: Brad Crouch, Scott Thompson, Rory Atkins

HF: Mitch McGovern, Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch

F: Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Charlie Cameron

FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch

I/C: Richard Douglas, David Mackay, Paul Seedsman, Cam Ellis-Yolmen

EMG: Curtly Hampton, Kyle Cheney, Wayne Milera

OTHERS: Riley Knight, Jordan Gallucci, Jake Kelly, Harrison Wigg, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke, Troy Menzel, Elliott Himmelberg, Matt Signorello, Dean Gore, Harry Dear, Tom Doedee, Ben Davis, Reilly O’Brien

ROOKIES: Jonathon Beech, Hugh Greenwood, Paul Hunter, Alex Keath, Ben Jarman

THE health of Adelaide’s list has played a big role in the club’s ability to feature in the past two consecutive finals series. Should the Crows have a bad run with injuries, they’ll be hoping that several forgotten faces — like Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Troy Menzel, Riley Knight and Jake Kelly — can step up to the senior side. With settled forward and back groups, the pressure will be on the on-ball brigade to be as competitive as possible at the contest. Expect Charlie Cameron to spend a bit more time in the midfield this year following improved pre-season time trial results.

Eddie Betts who has re-signed with Adelaide. Picture: Mark Brake Source: News Corp Australia

BRISBANE LIONS

B: Ryan Harwood, Jack Frost, Darcy Gardiner

HB: Daniel Rich, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

C: Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson, Lewis Taylor

HF: Tom Bell, Josh Schache, Sam Mayes

F: Allen Christensen, Michael Close, Daniel McStay

FOLL: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams

INT: Ryan Bastinac, Rohan Bewick, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage

EMG: Ben Keays, Eric Hipwood, Josh Walker

OTHERS: Tom Cutler, Jarrad Jansen, Claye Beams, Nick Robertson, Jacob Allison, Jake Barrett, Jarrod Berry, Josh Clayton, Cedric Cox, Liam Dawson, Jonathan Freeman, Corey Lyons, Marco Paparone, Sam Skinner, Archie Smith, Alex Witherden

ROOKIES: Blake Grewar, Matthew Hammelmann, Cian Hanley, Mitch Hinge, Oscar McInerney, Reuben William

AGAIN, Brisbane fans will have to be patient with their list, which is the youngest in the competition by quite some margin. Due to that, we could see some of the club’s most recent draftees blooded early in the season, such as No. 3 pick Hugh McCluggage — a player who could walk into most top 22s around the league. The Lions’ spine includes several youngsters like Michael Close, Josh Schache and Harris Andrews, while ex-Pie Jack Frost will take the opposition’s No. 1 defender from Round 1.

CARLTON

B: Sam Docherty, Lachie Plowman, Simon White

HB: Kade Simpson, Sam Rowe, Caleb Marchbank

C: Ed Curnow, Patrick Cripps, Matthew Wright

HF: Sam Kerridge, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas

F: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Rhys Palmer

FOLL: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs

I/C: Dennis Armfield, Charlie Curnow, Dylan Buckley, Blaine Boekhorst

EMG: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Nick Graham, Jarrod Pickett

OTHERS: Liam Jones, Andrew Phillips, Liam Sumner, Billie Smedts, Jed Lamb, David Cuningham, Zac Fisher, Daniel Gorringe, Kristian Jaksch, Pat Kerr, Harrison Macreadie, Harry McKay, Cameron Polson, Alex Silvagni, Tom Williamson

ROOKIES: Ciaran Byrne, Andrew Gallucci, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Billy Gowers, Matthew Korcheck, Kym LeBois, Ciaran Sheehan

THERE could be a different look about Carlton’s spine in 2017, following several significant trades. The inclusion of ex-Giant Caleb Marchbank to a backline that already includes Lachie Plowman and Sam Rowe could see No. 1 pick Jacob Weitering spend a little more time in the forward line — a move some pundits called for a different stages last year. Also, that on-ball brigade of Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bruce Gibbs and Patrick Cripps is, on paper, one of the best going around. And while we’ve named him as an emergency in this team, don’t be surprised to see smooth-moving first-round pick Sam Petrevski-Seton play very early in the year.

COLLINGWOOD

B: Lynden Dunn, Ben Reid, Brayden Maynard

HB: Travis Varcoe, Lachie Keeffe, Jeremy Howe

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Daniel Wells

HF: James Aish, Chris Mayne, Jordan De Goey

F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams

I/C: Jarryd Blair, Jack Crisp, Levi Greenwood, Jesse White

EMG: Mason Cox, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Josh Smith

OTHERS: Tom Langdon, Adam Oxley, Tom Phillips, Matthew Scharenberg, Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Tim Broomhead, Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos, Kayle Kirby, Sam McLarty, Jackson Ramsey, Henry Schade, Brayden Sier, Rupert Wills, Callum Brown

ROOKIES: Max Lynch, Liam Mackie, Mitch McCarthy, Josh Thomas

THE Magpies were very busy at the trade table last season, meaning their best 22 will have a very different look to it, especially down back, compared to the one it had at the end of last season. Nathan Brown and Jack Frost have departed, but Lachie Keeffe returns from suspension and ex-Dee Lynden Dunn, who has impressed on the training track of late, slots into a back pocket. Ex-Docker Chris Mayne should play a crucial hybrid forward role, while former Roo Daniel Wells will provide ample class through the middle — provided he’s 100 per cent fit. Expect Matt Scharenberg to also push for a defensive role early too.

Cale Hooker has been training with Essendon’s forward line group. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

ESSENDON

B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hartley, Patrick Ambrose

HB: Andrew McGrath, Michael Hurley, Brendon Goddard

C: David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Brent Stanton

HF: Darcy Parish, Cale Hooker, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

F: Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher, Travis Colyer

FOLL: Matthew Leuenberger, Jobe Watson, Zach Merrett

I/C: Kyle Langford, David Myers, Heath Hocking, James Kelly

EMG: Ben Howlett, Mitch Brown, Tom Bellchambers

OTHERS: Aaron Francis, Josh Begley, Dylan Clarke, Josh Green, Alex Morgan, Kobe Mutch, Mason Redman, Jordan Ridley, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson, Craig Bird, Jayden Laverde, Jackson Merrett, Matt Dea, Conor McKenna

ROOKIES: Sam Draper, Yestin Eades, Jake Long, Shaun McKernan, Ben McNiece

THE Bombers had to go looking for players to fill their best 22 just over 12 months ago. Now, it’s a struggle to condense the club’s list into a team of 22, such is the depth it has on paper. Of the players returning from suspension, Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer and Jobe Watson are all automatic inclusions, while Brent Stanton and Heath Hocking are arguably part of the top team too. After earning an All-Australian selection as a backman, Hooker is being groomed to partner Joe Daniher inside forward 50 this year — a dangerous proposition for 17 other clubs. Also, we’re pencilling No. 1 pick Andrew McGrath onto a half-back flank.

FREMANTLE

B: Lee Spurr, Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce

HB: Tom Sheridan, Joel Hamling, Garrick Ibbotson

C: Bradley Hill, Nat Fyfe, Stephen Hill

HF: Harley Bennell, Cam McCarthy, Connor Blakely

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Shane Kersten, Michael Walters

FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Lachie Neale

I/C: Cam Sutcliffe, Lachie Weller, Danyle Pearce, Hayden Crozier

EMG: Matt Taberner, Griffin Logue, Sam Collins

OTHERS: Zac Dawson, Nick Suban, Zac Clarke, Darcy Tucker, Michael Apeness, Harley Balic, Brennan Cox, Sean Darcy, Brady Grey, Jon Griffin, Ethan Hughes, Luke Ryan, Ed Langdon

ROOKIES: Josh Deluca-Cardillo, Taylin Duman, Ryan Nyhuis, Luke Strnadica, Matthew Uebergang

FOR years, the Dockers had been on the lookout for key forwards to help Matthew Pavlich. Now that the champion has hung up the boots, Freo has picked up a couple of big boys to lead its forward line for 2017. Cam McCarthy’s wish to join the Dockers was finally granted last year when a trade from GWS was able to be orchestrated, while former Cat Shane Kersten — who fell out of favour at Geelong late in 2016 — is now arguably a walk-up starter. It means Matt Taberner could now have a fight on his hands to get back in the best 22. A Hill-Fyfe-Hill centre-line is also an exciting prospect for Dockers fans.

GEELONG

B: Lachie Henderson, Tom Lonergan, Jackson Thurlow

HB: Zach Tuohy, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie

C: Cam Guthrie, Joel Selwood, Mark Blicavs

HF: Daniel Menzel, Rhys Stanley, Steven Motlop

F: Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Hawkins, Lincoln McCarthy

FOLL: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan

I/C: Scott Selwood, Sam Menegola, Jed Bews, Darcy Lang

EMG: Jordan Murdoch, Cory Gregson, Tom Ruggles

OTHERS: Jake Kolodjashnij, Brandan Parfitt, Wylie Buzza, Matthew Hayball, Esava Ratugolea, Josh Cowan, Quinton Narkle, Aaron Black, Timm House, Jordan Cunico, George Horlin-Smith, Tom Stewart, Ryan Abbott

ROOKIES: James Parsons, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie, Jamaine Jones, Mark O’Connor, Sam Simpson

THIS time last year, pundits were questioning whether the Cats were too tall. Now, following the losses of Nathan Vardy (West Coast), Shane Kersten (Fremantle) and Mitch Clark (retirement), coach Chris Scott is on the lookout to find a tall forward partner for Tom Hawkins. That responsibility might be left to the resting ruckmen, with Zac Smith and Rhys Stanley both capable of hitting the scoreboard if need be. Or could Lachie Henderson be swung forward? Elsewhere, the biggest headache seemingly awaiting the Cats’ match committee this year is picking the best small defenders, with Zach Tuohy, Jackson Thurlow, Jed Bews, Tom Ruggles and Jake Kolodjashnij all vying for spots.

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: Adam Saad, Rory Thompson, Jarrod Harbrow

HB: Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Jack Martin

C: Pearce Hanley, David Swallow, Matt Rosa

HF: Aaron Hall, Tom Lynch, Touk Miller

F: Sam Day, Peter Wright, Callum Ah Chee

FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett

I/C: Jarryd Lyons, Brayden Fiorini, Michael Barlow, Alex Sexton

EMG: Jesse Lonergan, Tom Nicholls, Ben Ainsworth

OTHERS: Jack Bowes, Will Brodie, Dan Currie, Jarrad Grant, Mitch Hallahan, Jesse Joyce, Sean Lemmens, Jack Leslie, Brandon Matera, Trent McKenzie, Brad Scheer, Josh Schoenfeld, Jack Scrimshaw, Matt Shaw, Mackenzie Willis

ROOKIES: Keegan Brooksby, Ryan Davis, Cameron Loersch, Darcy MacPherson, Max Spencer

OF ALL the AFL list managers, few were busier during October and November last year than Gold Coast’s Scott Clayton, who helped orchestrate seven trades then oversaw five crucial selections at the national draft — of which four were in the top 10. It means the Suns’ best 22 will have a different feel to it in 2017, headlined by the inclusion of ex-Lion Pearce Hanley, ex-Docker Michael Barlow and ex-Crow Jarryd Lyons into the midfield to replace Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara. But don’t be surprised to also see first-round picks Ben Ainsworth and Will Brodie push for selection early.

Brett Deledio will slot straight into GWS’ best 22. Source: Getty Images

GWS GIANTS

B: Matt Buntine, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes

HB: Heath Shaw, Adam Tomlinson, Zac Williams

C: Tom Scully, Stephen Coniglio, Ryan Griffen

HF: Brett Deledio, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene

F: Steve Johnson, Jon Patton, Devon Smith

FOLL: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel

I/C: Rory Lobb, Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Nathan Wilson

EMG: Adam Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, Jacob Hopper

OTHERS: Aidan Corr, Isaac Cumming, Matt De Boer, Tom Downie, Jeremy Finlayson, Matthew Flynn, Harrison Himmelberg, Tim Taranto, Tim Mohr, Harry Perryman, Will Setterfield, Dawson Simpson, Lachlan Tiziani

ROOKIES: Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid, Tendai Mzungu, Zach Sproule, Jake Stein

YOU could be looking at the line-up of the 2017 premiership team — and what a line-up it is. Despite losing nine players during last year’s trade period, the Giants look just as formidable ahead of this season, headlined by the inclusion of former Tiger Brett Deledio. It’ll be interesting to see whether any national draftees from the past two years can cement their spots in the best 22 this season. Matthew Kennedy and Jacob Hopper are two hard-nosed on-ballers from the 2015 draft class, while 2016 draftees Tim Taranto, Harry Perryman and Will Setterfield could also push for selection later in the year. But it’ll be a tough task.

HAWTHORN

B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Ben Stratton

HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne

C: Liam Shiels, Luke Hodge, Isaac Smith

HF: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli

F: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, James Sicily

FOLL: Ben McEvoy, Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell

I/C: Billy Hartung, Tyrone Vickery, Brendan Whitecross, Ricky Henderson

EMG: Ryan Schoenmakers, Dan Howe, Ryan Burton

OTHERS: Kaiden Brand, Will Langford, Jon Ceglar, Blake Hardwick, Kurt Heatherley, Mitchell Lewis, Kieran Lovell, Teia Miles, Harry Morrison, Tim O’Brien, Jono O’Rourke, Marc Pittonet, Dallas Willsmore

ROOKIES: James Cousins, Jack Fitzpatrick, Conor Glass, Oliver Hanrahan, Kade Stewart, Luke Surman

FOR the first time since the mid-2000s, Hawthorn’s midfield won’t include Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis. Therefore it’s crucial that new recruits Jaeger O’Meara and Tom Mitchell are fit and firing for Round 1, as they need to fill the contested ball chasm vacated by the two veterans. Also, we think the Hawks’ other two mature-age recruits — former Crow Ricky Henderson and ex-Tiger Ty Vickery — slot straight into the line-up. For most of the players in the “others” category at the Hawks, it’s a huge year for them, as most of them have been running around in the VFL over recent seasons.

MELBOURNE

B: Michael Hibberd, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta

HB: Christian Salem, Oscar McDonald, Bernie Vince

C: Dom Tyson, Jordan Lewis, Billy Stretch

HF: Christian Petracca, Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett

F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Cam Pederson

FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney

I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Tom Bugg, Jayden Hunt

EMG: Jake Melksham, James Harmes, Ben Kennedy

OTHERS: Jack Trengove, Sam Frost, Mitch Hannan, Colin Garland, Sam Weideman, Aaron Vandenberg, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Liam Hulett, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jake Spencer, Mitch King, Dion Johnstone, Pat McKenna, Josh Wagner,

ROOKIES: Tim Smith, Mitch White, Joel Smith, Declan Keilty, Lachlan Filipovic, Corey Maynard

IS THIS the team that will help Melbourne break the league’s longest current finals drought? On paper, there are plenty of positives, led by Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts up forward. But it’s in the midfield where the Dees should have an advantage over most teams. Skipper Nathan Jones is still going strong, while continued improvement is expected from Jack Viney and Dom Tyson. But the inclusion of four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis — who’s already having a big influence on the Dees’ young playing group — could be just what the club needs. Watch out.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Luke McDonald

HB: Shaun Atley, Robbie Tarrant, Marley Williams

C: Jed Anderson, Jack Ziebell, Sam Gibson

HF: Shaun Higgins, Jarrad Waite, Taylor Garner

F: Mason Wood, Ben Brown, Lindsay Thomas

FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ben Cunnington

I/C: Ryan Clarke, Majak Daw, Ben Jacobs, Nathan Hrovat

EMG: Jy Simpkin, Trent Dumont, Sam Wright

OTHERS: Paul Ahern, Mitch Hibberd, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Declan Mountford, Daniel Nielson, Corey Wagner, Declan Watson, Josh Williams, Ed Vickers-Willis, Sam Durdin, Lachie Hansen, Aaron Mullett, Kayne Turner

ROOKIES: Will Fordham, Oscar Junker, Brayden Preuss, Matthew Taylor, Cameron Zurhaar

ALMOST every interview involving a Kangaroos player of late centres around the club slipping out of the top eight — a prediction the club’s players are constantly having to defend. But when you lose so much experience in one off-season and have a stack of luckless youngsters with very few to zero AFL games next to their name, it’s hard not to see North sliding in 2017. Former Pie Marley Williams will give the Roos some flexibility down back, while ex-Bulldog Nathan Hrovat should be a handy acquisition to play a forward-midfield role. But much of the club’s success will depend on the recent draftees that haven’t played much senior footy due to injury and opportunity.

North Melbourne’s new recruits Nathan Hrovat and Marley Williams. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

PORT ADELAIDE

B: Matthew Broadbent, Jack Hombsch, Darcy Byrne-Jones

HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Hamish Hartlett

C: Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Jared Polec

HF: Angus Monfries, Justin Westhoff, Aaron Young

F: Jake Neade, Charlie Dixon, Chad Wingard

FOLL: Paddy Ryder, Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray

I/C: Matt White, Sam Gray, Tom Jonas, Jarman Impey

EMG: Sam Powell-Pepper, Matt Lobbe, Karl Amon

OTHERS: Jimmy Toumpas, Todd Marshall, Billy Frampton, Tom Clurey, Logan Austin, Riley Bonner, Willem Drew, Joe Atley, Aidyn Johnson, Dougal Howard, Jesse Palmer, Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Krakouer

ROOKIES: Brett Eddy, Will Snelling, Peter Ladhams, Jarrod Lienert, Dan Houston, Cameron Hewett, Emmanuel Irra

IT’S A make-or-break season for many Port players in 2017 — and most of them have already cemented their spots in the best 22. Besides Robbie Gray and Jasper Pittard, many of the Power’s stars struggled for consistency in 2016, meaning many will be under the blowtorch this season. The return of suspended duo Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries will be handy, but could make it difficult for Matt Lobbe and Karl Amon to earn their spots in the best 22. Jackson Trengove should also move back to the defensive 50 after filling in for Ryder last year. Also, Sam Powell-Pepper looms as the most likely 2016 draftee to debut first.

RICHMOND

B: Nick Vlastuin, Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes

HB: Brandon Ellis, David Astbury, Bachar Houli

C: Josh Caddy, Dustin Martin, Shaun Grigg

HF: Daniel Rioli, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards

F: Sam Lloyd, Ben Griffiths, Toby Nankervis

FOLL: Shaun Hampson, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia

I/C: Jayden Short, Corey Ellis, Oleg Markov, Anthony Miles

EMG: Reece Conca, Kamdyn McIntosh, Kane Lambert

OTHERS: Jake Batchelor, Shai Bolton, Nathan Broad, Dan Butler, Nathan Drummond, Todd Elton, Ryan Garthwaite, Jack Graham, Taylor Hunt, Ben Lennon, Ivan Maric, Connor Menadue, Steven Morris, Jacob Townsend

ROOKIES: Jason Castagna, Mabior Chol, Callum Moore, Ivan Soldo, Tyson Stengle

A MASSIVE year for this list and coach Damien Hardwick. You look at the Tigers’ best 22 and it’s certainly not the worst on paper, with recruits Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy sure to add to the midfield depth. However the difference between the Tigers’ top six players and the rest remains large — unless guys like Nick Vlastuin, Brandon Ellis and Sam Lloyd can step up in 2017. The club can’t afford to rely on its A-graders (Alex Rance, Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin) any longer.

ST KILDA

B: Jarryn Geary, Sean Dempster, Sam Gilbert

HB: Shane Savage, Jake Carlisle, Jack Newnes

C: Seb Ross, Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna

HF: Mav Weller, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Billings

F: Tim Membrey, Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin

FOLL: Tom Hickey, David Armitage, Blake Acres

I/C: Jack Steele, Dylan Roberton, Luke Dunstan, Jade Gresham

EMG: Nathan Freeman, Jack Lonie, Nathan Brown

OTHERS: Koby Stevens, Jack Sinclair, Daniel McKenzie, Hugh Goddard, Billy Longer, Ben Long, Josh Battle, Jimmy Webster, Ed Phillips, Brandon White, Nathan Wright, Bailey Rice, Darren Minchington, Lewis Pierce, Jason Holmes

ROOKIES: Nick O’Kearney, Nick Coughlan, Darragh Joyce, Ray Connellan, Rowan Marshall

WE LIKE this line-up — a lot. Should the Saints remain healthy for most of the season, there’s no reason why they can’t push for the top eight. The inclusion of ex-Pie Nathan Brown and the return of Jake Carlisle from suspension fill tall defensive chasms that the Saints have had for a few years. Then there’s the forward line that includes Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey, with a handy player by the name of Nick Riewoldt switching between wing and forward 50. And with Jack Steele and Koby Stevens landing at the club to support the likes of Jack Steven, David Armitage, Seb Ross, Leigh Montagna and, hopefully, Nathan Freeman, the Saints appear well stocked in the middle too. Watch this space.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Zak Jones

HB: Aliir Aliir, Dane Rampe, Jarrad McVeigh

C: Isaac Heeney, Dan Hannebery, Callum Mills

HF: Kieren Jack, Lance Franklin, Gary Rohan

F: Sam Reid, Kurt Tippett, Tom Papley

FOLL: Sam Naismith, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker

I/C: Harry Cunningham, Jeremy Laidler, Jake Lloyd, George Hewett

EMG: Callum Sinclair, Dean Towers, Harrison Marsh

OTHERS: James Rose, Alex Johnson, Jordan Foote, Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, Darcy Cameron, Jack Maibaum, Dan Robinson, Nic Newman, Tyrone Leonardis, Jordan Dawson, Michael Talia, Brandon Jack

ROOKIES: Shaun Edwards, Ben Ronke, Colin O’Riordan, Robbie Fox, Lewis Melican, Sam Fisher, Sam Murray, Toby Pink

ON PAPER, there are few better top line-ups than Sydney’s, which is chock-full of A-graders. While Lance Franklin is the obvious drawcard, the combination of Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker in the guts is arguably the best in the competition. The scary prospect for opposition clubs this year is that rising stars Callum Mills and Isaac Heeney are likely to spend more time on the ball, following a few seasons spent at opposite ends of the ground. Who plays as the team’s No. 1 ruckman will be interesting too. While Kurt Tippett is a shoe-in, it comes down to Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair. Considering his brilliant and influential back-end to 2016, we’ve gone for Naismith. Underestimate these Swans at your own peril.

Dan Hannebery is set to spend plenty of time alongside Isaac Heeney in Sydney’s midfield. Source: Getty Images

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: Tom Barrass, Will Schofield, Shannon Hurn

HB: Sharrod Wellingham, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard

C: Andrew Gaff, Sam Mitchell, Chris Masten

HF: Elliot Yeo, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras

F: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill

FOLL: Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey

I/C: Mark Hutchings, Dom Sheed, Scott Lycett, Lewis Jetta

EMG: Liam Duggan, Jack Redden, Eric Mackenzie

OTHERS: Matthew Allen, Sam Butler, Tom Cole, Jonathan Giles, Malcolm Karpany, Tom Lamb, Kurt Mutimer, Jackson Nelson, Luke Partington, Willie Rioli, Josh Rotham, Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables, Jake Waterman

ROOKIES: Tarir Bayok, Paddy Brophy, Tom Gorter, Fraser McInnes, Drew Petrie, Jordan Snadden, Simon Tunbridge, Francis Watson

THE oldest and most experienced list in the competition looms large ahead of the 2017 season. Not only have they stocked up on ruckmen — due to the long-term knee injury to Nic Naitanui — they’ve also picked up one of the great on-ballers of the modern era in Sam Mitchell. Alongside Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff, Mitchell should have an immediate impact at the Eagles. Is there room also for Eric Mackenzie in the best 22? If the Eagles continue to use their defensive web — which relies on players guarding space rather than direct opponents — than they can get away with playing just two key defenders. On last year’s form, Mackenzie is behind Will Schofield and Jeremy McGovern.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Matthew Boyd, Dale Morris, Shane Biggs

HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Robert Murphy

C: Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis, Jack Macrae

HF: Jake Stringer, Stewart Crameri, Liam Picken

F: Luke Dalhaus, Tom Boyd, Caleb Daniel

FOLL: Jordan Roughead, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore

I/C: Tory Dickson, Clay Smith, Matt Suckling, Josh Dunkley

EMG: Travis Cloke, Marcus Adams, Toby McLean

OTHERS: Tom Campbell, Jack Redpath, Fletcher Roberts, Lukas Webb, Mitch Honeychurch, Declan Hamilton, Patrick Lipinski, Fergus Greene, Bailey Dale, Kieran Collins, Lewis Young, Bailey Williams, Tim English, Lin Jong, Zaine Cordy

ROOKIES: Josh Prudden, Bradley Lynch, Roarke Smith, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Tristan Tweedie

UNDOUBTEDLY the hardest best 22 to put together of all 18 clubs — and that’s after trading away Joel Hamling, Koby Stevens and Nathan Hrovat. So many quality players miss out here, including Marcus Adams, Toby McLean, Lin Jong, Zaine Cordy and Lukas Webb. The most controversial exclusion is clearly Travis Cloke, who shifted from Collingwood during last year’s exchange period. While he’s very likely to start the season in the best 22 — especially against his old side in Round 1 — does he realistically deserve to be in the top line-up after a poor 2016 campaign? Tom Boyd and Stewart Crameri get a gig before Cloke for us. We don’t envy the Dogs’ match committee this year.