With club lists all but finalised, each side’s best 22 has undergone some significant changes since last season.

While the addition of important recruits and key youngsters have improved each club’s list, only time will tell as to which teams will be fighting for the 2019 premiership.

Take a look at your club’s best line-up ahead of the upcoming season below.

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Round 18

ADELAIDE CROWS

B: J. Kelly, L. Brown, T. Doedee

HB: W. Milera, D. Talia, R. Laird

C: B. Smith, R. Sloane, P. Seedsman

HF: J. Gallucci, T. Walker, T. Lynch

F: D. Fogarty, J. Jenkins, E. Betts

FOL: S. Jacobs, M. Crouch, B. Gibbs

I/C: R. Atkins, H. Greenwood, R. Douglas, B. Crouch

EMG: R. Knight, D. Mackay, K. Hartigan, S. McAdam

We say: The Crows should be set to rise back up the ladder in 2019, with their list rated the second best in the competition by Champion Data. Midfielders Riley Knight and David Mackay miss out on the club’s best 22, while Brodie Smith is set to slot back into the side either across half-back or on the wing, after just two games last year returning from an ACL injury. An improved second season from highly-rated forward Darcy Fogarty should help offset the loss of Mitch McGovern also.

BRISBANE LIONS

B: L. Hodge, H. Andrews, D. Gardiner

HB: D. Rich, M. Adams, A. Witherden

C: J. Berry, D. Zorko, H. McCluggage

HF: C. Rayner, E. Hipwood, T. Cutler

F: C. Cameron, D. McStay, L. McCarthy

FOL: S. Martin, L. Neale, A. Christensen

I/C: J. Lyons, L. Taylor, M. Robinson, Z. Bailey

EMG: R. Mathieson, N. Robertson, J. Walker, B. Keays

We say: Prized pick-up Lachie Neale slots seamlessly into Dayne Beams’ midfield spot, while fellow recruit Marcus Adams jumps straight into a key defensive post in favour of Josh Walker. Ex-Cat Lincoln McCarthy is also likely to add to the Lions’ firepower up forward, if he can stay fit. Meanwhile former Crow and Sun Jarryd Lyons nudges out the likes of Rhys Mathieson and Nick Robertson from the Lions’ best line-up. Expect pacy midfielder/half-forward Zac Bailey to be a fixture of the side in 2019 as well.

CARLTON

B: J. Weitering, L. Jones, L. Plowman

HB: N. Newman, C. Marchbank, K. Simpson

C: Z. Fisher, P. Cripps, L.O’Brien

HF: M. Kennedy, C. Curnow, M. McGovern

F: A. Fasolo, H. McKay, S. Petrevski-Seton

FOL: M. Kreuzer, P. Dow, M. Murphy

I/C: W. Setterfield, S. Walsh, E. Curnow, D. Thomas

EMG: J. Silvagni, J. Picket, L. Casboult, D. Lang

We say: First pick in last year’s draft Sam Walsh comes into the Blues’ best 22 straight away and already has his eyes set on a Round 1 debut. Recruit Mitch McGovern is set to play an important role up forward and should take some pressure off Harry McKay, who continues to develop. Co-captain Sam Docherty misses out as he recovers from a second knee reconstruction, paving the way for Nic Newman to prove his wares. Meanwhile other recent additions Alex Fasolo and Will Setterfield further strengthen this Carlton line-up.

Carlton's Matthew Kennedy will play a big role in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

COLLINGWOOD

B: B. Maynard, L. Dunn, J. Crisp

HB: J. Howe, D. Moore, T. Langdon

C: S. Sidebottom, S. Pendlebury, T. Phillips

HF: W. Hoskin-Elliott, B. Mihocek, T. Varcoe

F: J. Elliott, M. Cox, J.de Goey

FOL: B. Grundy, D. Beams, T. Adams

I/C: A. Treloar, J. Stephenson, J. Thomas, B. Sier

EMG: J. Roughead, T. Goldsack, C. Mayne, D. Wells

We say: Boasting arguably the deepest list in the competition, the Pies are set for headaches at the selection table all year round. Dunn and Moore win-out for the key defensive posts ahead of Ben Reid, while a fit Jamie Elliott grabs a spot in the Pies’ forward six. The return of star midfielder Dayne Beams keeps the likes of injury-plagued veteran Daniel Wells, Levi Greenwood and James Aish out of the side, while defender Matt Scharenberg doesn’t squeeze in the 22 as he recovers from another ACL injury. Versatile tall Jordan Roughead also struggles to find a spot in the Pies’ best side — at the moment.

ESSENDON

B: M. Baguley, M. Hurley, A. McGrath

HB: A. Saad, P. Ambrose, A. Francis

C: K. Langford, Z. Merrett, D. Heppell

HF: J. Stringer, C. Hooker, O. Fantasia

F: A. McDonald-Tipungwuti, J. Daniher, D. Smith

FOL: T. Bellchambers, D. Zaharakis, D. Shiel

I/C: D. Parish, C. McKenna, S. McKernan, D. Myers

EMG: M. Guelfi, M. Gleeson, J. Laverde, J. Stewart

We say: The Bombers’ finals chances were given a boost with the critical off-season addition of midfielder Dylan Shiel. Defenders Aaron Francis and Patrick Ambrose should be set to play much greater roles in 2019 and will free up Cale Hooker to spend much of his time in attack, while tall Shaun McKernan gets the nod ahead of James Stewart to help out up forward and in the ruck.

Essendon’s Joe Daniher is on the comeback trail from injury. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

FREMANTLE

B: L. Ryan, A. Pearce, E. Langdon

HB: N. Wilson, J. Hamling, G. Logue

C: R. Conca, N. Fyfe, B. Hill

HF: S. Hill, R. Lobb, B. Banfield

F: H. Ballantyne, J. Hogan, C. McCarthy

FOL: A. Sandilands, A. Cerra, M. Walters

I/C: D. Mundy, H. Bennell, A. Brayshaw, C. Blakely

EMG: T. Colyer, B. Matera, S. Darcy, M. Taberner

We say: The Dockers have a much-improved spine thanks to the additions of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb, while fellow forward Cam McCarthy edges out Brennan Cox and Matt Taberner as the third tall. The injury-plagued Harley Bennell’s best certainly gets him a spot in the club’s 22, while youngster Griffin Logue is also in the Dockers’ starting line-up when fit. Meanwhile former Tiger Reece Conca helps fill the void left by prolific ball-winner Lachie Neale.

GEELONG CATS

B: J. Kolodjashnij, M. Blicavs, T. Stewart

HB: J. Bews, L. Henderson, Z. Tuohy

C: G. Ablett, J. Selwood, M. Duncan

HF: S. Menegola, E. Ratugolea, B. Parfitt

F: L. Dahlhaus, T. Hawkins, G. Rohan

FOL: R. Stanley, P. Dangerfield, T. Kelly

I/C: C. Guthrie, Q. Narkle, N. Cockatoo, J. Henry

EMG: H. Taylor, L. Fogarty, S. Selwood, C. Constable

We say: Veteran defender Harry Taylor is unlucky to miss out on the side’s best 22 after being usurped by Mark Blicavs down back last year, while Scott Selwood has similarly fallen out the starting line-up with the pace and tackling pressure of Quinton Narkle edging him out. Expect to see the former Eagle play plenty of football in 2019, however, as the Cats deal with injury. Key forward Esava Ratugolea will be a welcome addition from a broken ankle, as will recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan, who will boost the Cats’ forward pressure in attack.

Esava Ratugolea will be a key member of Geelong’s best 22. Picture: Alan Barber Source: News Corp Australia

GOL D COAST SUNS

B: S. Collins, R. Thompson, J. Harbrow

HB: C. Ah Chee, J. Hombsch, P. Hanley

C: D. Swallow, A. Miles, L. Weller

HF: J. Corbett, S. Day, A. Sexton

F: B. Ainsworth, P. Wright, A. Young

FOL: J. Witts, J. Martin, T. Miller

I/C: M. Rischitelli, J. Bowes, G. Horlin-Smith, J. Joyce

EMG: W. Brodie, C. Ellis, J. Murdoch, B. Crossley,

We say: Recycled pair Anthony Miles and George Horlin-Smith will strengthen the Suns’ midfield, while mature-age recruit Josh Corbett adds firepower up forward and could have an immediate impact. Former Docker Sam Collins helps sure up the defence, but fringe pair Corey Ellis and Jordan Murdoch remain on the sidelines. Former first-round draft pick Will Brodie will have to spend 2019 proving he’s part of the best starting line-up also.

GWS GIANTS

B: A. Kennedy, P. Davis, A. Tomlinson

HB: Z. Williams, N. Haynes, L. Whitfield

C: T. Taranto, C. Ward, J. Hopper

HF: B. Deledio, J. Cameron, T. Greene

F: Z. Langdon, J. Patton, H. Himmelberg

FOL: S. Mumford, S. Coniglio, J. Kelly

I/C: H. Shaw, A. Bonar, M. Buntine, A. Corr

EMG: D. Simpson, S. Taylor, H. Perryman, D. Lloyd

We say: While he’s still on the comeback trail from a knee injury, Jon Patton is an integral part of the Giants’ best 22 alongside Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg up forward. Shane Mumford’s return to the club sees him assume the No. 1 ruck position, however he’ll have to wait until Round 3 to play due to suspension. Exciting youngster Aiden Bonar also leaps into the club’s line-up despite just four career games.

Expect Hawthorn's James Worpel to step up in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

HAWTHORN

B: B. Hardwick, J. Frawley, G. Birchall

HB: S. Burgoyne, B. Stratton, J. Sicily

C: T. Scully, J. Worpel, I. Smith

HF: J. Impey, J. Gunston, P. Puopolo

F: L. Breust, J. Roughead, C. Wingard

FOL: B. McEvoy, J.O’Meara, L. Shiels

I/C: D. Howe, R. Henderson, H. Morrison, J. Cousins

EMG: R. Schoenmakers, J. Ceglar, C. Glass, D. Moore

We say: Injured Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell is ruled out of the best 22 due to a broken leg, with young pair James Worpel and James Cousins set to step up in his absence. All-Australian recruit Chad Wingard will provide plenty of X-factor up forward as well as rotating through the middle.

MELBOURNE

B: N. Jetta, S. May, O. McDonald

HB: C. Salem, J. Lever, M. Hibberd

C: A. Brayshaw, C. Oliver, J. Harmes

HF: J. Melksham, T. McDonald, C. Spargo

F: B. Fritsch, S. Weideman, C. Petracca

FOL: M. Gawn, N. Jones, J. Viney

I/C: A.vandenBerg, M. Hannan, J. Lewis, A. Neal-Bullen

EMG: K. Kolodjashnij, S. Frost, B. Preuss, J. Garlett

We say: After breaking their 12-year finals drought in 2018, the Demons look set for an even better 2019 after being rated the best list in the competition by Champion Data. Key defender Steven May will have a big impact, while fellow former-Sun Kade Kolodjashnij isn’t yet in Melbourne’s best side — nor is No. 2 ruckman Brayden Preuss.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: E. Vickers-Willis, S. Thompson, M. Williams

HB: J. Macmillan, R. Tarrant, L. McDonald

C: P. Ahern, D. Tyson, J. Polec

HF: J. Anderson, M. Wood, A. Hall

F: J. Ziebell, B. Brown, K Turner

FOL: T. Goldstein, B. Cunnington, S. Higgins

I/C: J. Simpkin, L. Davies-Uniacke, S. Atley, S. T. Dumont

EMG: N. Hrovat, J. Pittard, S. Wright, B. Jacobs

We say: With no timeframe on Majak Daw’s return to football, young defender Ed Vickers-Willis grabs his spot in the best 22, while new recruits Dom Tyson (Melbourne), Jarred Polec (Port Adelaide) and Aaron Hall (Gold Coast) significantly bolster North Melbourne’s midfield. Competition for spots will be fierce, however, with 2018 regulars Nathan Hrovat, Sam Wright and Ben Jacobs not in the best side at this stage.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: D. Howard, T. Clurey, D. Houston

HB: R. Burton, T. Jonas, D. Byrne-Jones

C: S. Motlop, O. Wines, T. Rockliff

HF: T. Boak, J. Westhoff, S. Gray

F: R. Gray, C. Dixon, S. Lycett

FOL: P. Ryder, S. Powell-Pepper, B. Ebert

I/C: H. Hartlett, M. Broadbent, R. Bonner, T. Marshall

EMG: J. Watts, K. Amon, S. Mayes, K. Farrell

We say: Touted as an important recruit 12 months ago, Jack Watts finds himself outside the Power’s best 22, with exciting young forward Todd Marshall taking his place instead. Premiership ruckman Scott Lycett jumps straight into the Power’s best team after crossing from West Coast, while former Hawk Ryan Burton should fit in seamlessly across half-back.

RI CHMOND

B: D. Astbury, A. Rance, B. Houli

HB: N. Vlastuin, D. Grimes, N. Broad

C: S. Edwards, T. Cotchin, K. Lambert

HF: D. Rioli, T. Lynch, D. Butler

F: J. Higgins, J. Riewoldt, J. Caddy

FOL: T. Nankervis, D. Martin, D. Prestia

I/C: S. Grigg, J. Castagna, J. Graham, J. Short

EMG: B. Ellis, S. Bolton, K. McIntosh, C. Menadue

We say: A predictable best 22 for the Tigers, with only superstar Tom Lynch coming into the side from 2018. Experienced duo Brandon Ellis and Kamdyn McIntosh will have to fight for opportunity this season, as will 22-year-old Conor Menadue.

Richmond’s star recruit Tom Lynch. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

ST KILDA

B: J. Geary, N. Brown, D. Roberton,

HB: J. Newnes, J. Carlisle, J. Webster

C: J. Steele, D. Hannebery, J. Sinclair

HF: D. Kent, T. Membrey, J. Billings

F: J. Gresham, J. Bruce, P. McCartin

FOL: B. Longer, J. Steven, S. Ross

I/C: S. Savage, B. Acres, H. Clark, B. Long

EMG: L. Dunstan, J. Lonie, D. Armitage, N. Coffield

We say: Triple All-Australian Dan Hannebery edges veteran David Armitage out of the club’s best side, while the Saints will be hoping their tall trio of Tim Membrey, Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin can fire up forward in 2019. Former Demon Dent Kent will add some much-needed pace and toughness.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: D. Rampe, H. Grundy, L. Melican

HB: N. Smith, A. Aliir, C. Mills

C: J. Lloyd, J. Kennedy, O. Florent

HF: B. Ronke, L. Franklin, S. Reid

F: W. Hayward, C. Sinclair, D. Menzel

FOL: S. Naismith, I. Heeney, L. Parker

I/C: Z. Jones, T. Papley, J. McVeigh, G. Hewett

EMG: T. McCartin, K. Jack, R. Clarke, H. Cunningham

We say: An injury-free Sam Reid could be crucial to the Swans’ prospects in 2019, while former Cat Daniel Menzel adds important scoring power. We think there’s room for both Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith in the same side, but veteran Kieran Jack has fallen down the pecking order.

Swan Sam Naismith missed 2018 as he recovered from an ACL injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: S. Hurn, T. Barrass, B. Sheppard

HB: T. Cole, J. McGovern, L. Jetta

C: J. Redden, E. Yeo, A. Gaff

HF: C. Masten, J. Darling, J. Waterman

F: W. Rioli, J. Kennedy, J. Cripps

FOL: N. Vardy, L. Shuey, D. Sheed

I/C: L. Ryan, L. Duggan, T. Hickey, M. Hutchings

EMG: D. Venables, J. Petruccelle, W. Schofield, B. Ah Chee

We say: The reigning premiers are set to have young forward Jake Waterman join their best 22 after the retirement of Mark LeCras. Ruckman Tom Hickey is also to be injected into the side in place of Scott Lycett. Question marks over Nic Naitanui’s recovery from a knee reconstruction keep him ineligible for a place in this 22 for now.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: T. Duryea, Z. Cordy, D. Morris

HB: E. Wood, A. Naughton, J. Johannisen

C: L. Hunter, T. Liberatore, J. Macrae

HF: B. Dale, B. Gowers, C. Daniel

F: T. McLean, J. Schache, E. Richards

FOL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, J. Dunkley

I/C: H. Crozier, J. Trengove, M. Wallis, B. Williams.

EMG: M. Suckling, L. Picken, T. Boyd, S. Lloyd

We say: After some handy off-season acquisitions, the Dogs will boast good depth in 2019. The arrival of Taylor Duryea keeps his former Hawthorn teammate, Matt Suckling, out of the side, while Sam Lloyd will start life as a Bulldog outside the best 22. Premiership veterans Liam Picken and Tory Dickson have been pushed down the pecking order, while talented tall Tom Boyd doesn’t squeeze into the best side at this stage — expect Tim English, Jackson Trengove and Josh Schache to fill the ruck/key forward roles instead.