With Farren Ray the club’s latest recruit, and Majak Daw re-rookied, North’s list is now complete ahead of its 2016 campaign.

But just how will a 46-man squad be whittled down to 22 for round one?

First off, to make a comparison, let’s look at the Roos’ team from their Preliminary Final fixture against West Coast.

B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Lachlan Hansen, Jamie Macmillan, Sam Gibson
C: Sam Wright, Jack Ziebell, Ben Jacobs
HF: Shaun Higgins, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo
F: Kayne Turner, Jarrad Waite, Brent Harvey
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ben Cunnington
Int: Ben Brown, Lindsay Thomas, Taylor Garner, Robbie Tarrant
Emer: Ryan Bastinac, Luke McDonald, Robbie Nahas

Looking at the 22, it’s quite feasible North could go into round one with a very similar line-up, with every player still at the club.

Of the emergencies, Ryan Bastinac has departed, while Robbie Nahas goes back to the rookie list.

Now let’s consider those who missed selection for the Roos’ last final:
Brad McKenzie, Trent Dumont, Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Mason Wood, Ed Vickers-Willis, Aaron Black, Joel Tippett, Luke McDonald, Aaron Mullett, Will Fordham, Braydon Preuss, Daniel Wells, Majak Daw (2006 rookie) and Nahas (2016 rookie).

And those who’ve joined the club in recent months during the exchange and draft period:
Jed Anderson, Ryan Clarke, Mitchell Hibberd, Ben McKay, Declan Mountford, Corey Wagner and Farren Ray (2016 rookie).

Of the new recruits, Jed Anderson will be desperate to show his wares at a new club.

The new recruits will be raring to go, but still young and raw will need to prove themselves on the training track first of all.

Farren Ray has over 200 games under his belt and despite his status as a rookie, won’t be taking a step backward.

A fit Daniel Wells is one of the first-picked in any side, and the Roos can’t wait to get him back.

Durdin, Nielson and Vickers-Willis all experienced seasons hampered by injury in 2015, but as the club’s three top selections the year before, North will no doubt be looking to get time into them during the NAB Challenge.

Dumont had a taste of senior experience last year and was able to stand up at the level, suggesting more time in the midfield could be on the cards, while in attack Wood played seven games.

Black will be hoping to force his way back into a forward six already boasting Brown, Waite and Petrie, while McDonald and Mullett need big pre-seasons to push their case in defence.

It will be tough to push ahead of the likes of Firrito, Thompson and Hansen down back, but Joel Tippett hasn’t put a foot wrong at VFL level.

Meanwhile, Brad McKenzie did plenty in Round 23 to suggest he can see more AFL time in 2016.

Fordham was in fine form in the VFL before injury ended his season, with Preuss still developing as a ruckman.

Daw and Nahas are more than capable, but would need an opportunity off the rookie list.

AFL.com.au’s Nick Bowen was the first to predict his North’s best 22 for next year:

B: Luke McDonald, Robbie Tarrant, Lachlan Hansen
HB: Shaun Atley. Scott Thompson, Sam Wright
C: Jamie Macmillan, Jack Ziebell, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Brent Harvey, Jarrad Waite, Shaun Higgins
F: Taylor Garner, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow
Int: Ben Brown, Ben Jacobs, Jed Anderson, Daniel Wells

“North's 2016 team largely picks itself, but a few tough calls had to be made. I was mindful of the need for generational change in picking Luke McDonald over Michael Firrito in defence. Firrito had a very solid 2015 season and, injury aside, will probably play most games next year, but McDonald is a class act and should bounce back to his best after a disappointing second season. Similarly, I have favoured former Hawk Jed Anderson, 21, over Sam Gibson, 29, for a spot on the bench. I have backed Lindsay Thomas to get back to his best after an injury-disrupted 2015, giving him the nod over fellow small forwards Kayne Turner and Robbie Nahas. The Roos will be keen to blood their 2014 and 2015 draftees where possible next season, but the likes of Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Ben McKay and Ryan Clarke are unlikely to establish themselves as senior regulars. I also sense North will give Aaron Black every opportunity to re-establish himself in attack in 2016” – Nick Bowen

Do you agree with Bowen’s assessment? Have your say on the Roos’ best 22 below.