For the first time in many years, I enter a footy season with hope.

We as supporters screamed out for a recruitment drive of top talent, and you as a club listened.

We were thankful for Richo’s contribution but needed a change in coach, and once again, you listened.

We knew that off-field we needed new assistant coaches, high-end list management, and other boxes ticked to push us towards where we want to go as a team, and you responded in spades.

AFL is a brutal business, but as a supporter, you stand by your team through thick and thin.

But we’ve been down for long enough, and it’s time for us to climb back into the spotlight.

2020 has no ceiling.

There is an unknown about this group, but for me and everyone else, that’s exciting.

How good will Zak Jones be? Will his aggression rub off on some of his teammates and take them to the next level?

What will the deck of Marvel mean for Brad Hill? Will his pace and foot skills lift his teammates to higher standards of disposal?

Will Dougal Howard’s presence down back mean that Jake Carlisle can now play with more confidence knowing he has more support?

Will competition for spots be so fierce that we see players elevate to higher levels?

There are so many unknowns, but they are all positive.

The biggest thing that has struck me about this group is that they seem so happy. They seem to be enjoying themselves.

That’s an environment where young men can turn into champions overnight.

They feel like they are a family. They feel like they belong.

No matter what happens this season and beyond, supporters can see the effort that is being put in to better our club on and off the field, and we are all excited to come along for the ride.

Bring on 2020.

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