In spite of a rash of injuries and finishing seventh place on the ladder, the Western Bulldogs winning the 2016 Grand Final was one of the biggest surprises AFL supporters have seen in sometime.

But 2016 was a season full of many other surprises, such as these individuals’ successful breakout and comeback seasons.

Callum Mills (Sydney)

The season’s Rising Star winner, Calum Mills certainly proved himself to be worthy of the third overall pick in the 2015 draft. While big things were expected of the 19-year old midfielder someday, few probably thought that his transition to the AFL would be as smooth as it was.

In his debut against Collingwood, Mills wasted no time recording 18 disposals, which he followed up in round 18 with 23 disposals, six marks, and four rebound-50s, earning him the Rising Star nomination for the round.

Mason Cox (Collingwood)

Despite being one of the freakiest athletes ever scouted at an AFL Combine, many had doubts if American Mason Cox’s traits as a collegiate basketball player would be able to translate to Aussie rules. But in his senior debut, it took Cox just 80 seconds to silence those doubters.

Playing in the Anzac Day clash against Essendon, Cox took his first mark and scored the first goal of the game not minutes after getting on the pitch. The Oklahoma State Cowboy scored steadily through Round 15, even bagging four against Brisbane in Round 8.

Eddie Betts (Adelaide)

Eddie Betts has been one of the league’s great players for a number of years now, but what he did this past season may have elevated him to all-time great status.

The 63 goals he tallied last season was already remarkable for a small forward, and most probably didn’t expect the veteran Betts to match, let alone surpass, that number. But that’s exactly what he did in 2016, bagging a remarkable 75 total goals (66 during the regular season). For his continued efforts, Betts was awarded a second consecutive All-Australia selection.

Aliir Aliir (Sydney)

Aliir Aliir’s story could very well be a hit docudrama one day, and 2016 may just be the beginning. After being drafted in 2013, the defender’s development hit some setbacks due to injury the past few seasons. But too much anticipation, Aliir made finally made his debut in Round 6 against the Brisbane Lions.

Just 10 rounds later, the 22-year old that was born in a Kenyan refugee camp was a mainstay in the lineup. A knee injury in the preliminary final kept Aliir out of the Grand Final, but his performances (and story) until that point caught international attention and it will be exciting to see what he can do in 2017.

Zach Merrett (Essendon)

As they say, one team’s mass suspension is another man’s opportunity (or something). With 12 of its players banned due to the Essendon doping scandal, opportunity was there the Bombers’ younger talent to have breakthrough seasons in 2016. Despite most people thinking the club would go the entire season without a win and getting odds as long as +944 in some matchups at online sportsbooks where you can bet on everything from AFL to rugby, Zach Merrett gave Essendon supporters hope for the future.

After his 2015 season was ended prematurely due to a foot injury, the 21-year old bounced back in a big way. By the time Round 21 rolled around, Merrett was Essendon’s youngest captain in club history and led the Bombers to their second win of the season. His remarkable year earned him 19 votes in Brownlow Medal polling and he was named vice-captain of the 22under22 team.

Sam Docherty (Carlton)

Three seasons after being traded in 2013 to Carlton from Brisbane Lions in exchange for the 33rd overall pick, the frequently injured Sam Docherty was named to the All-Australian team. That high didn’t come without a rock bottom first, however.

Shortly after being traded back to his home state, Docherty received news that his father had died from a heart attack. While rushing back to be with his family, he caught a rare autoimmune disease in his eye that required immediate surgery. On top of it all, Docherty injured his knee in training, which also required surgery. But after a breakout 2015, the 23-year old has bounced back from tragedy to have the best season of his life in 2016.