Team of the Year
Draftees 2026
14/6/2026:
After Round 1 of the National Championships, we're got our first look at the juniors at the elite level. Congrats to Western Australia and Vic Country, but remember, Vic Metro starts next week.
In the WA v SA game, Leo Steed, WA midfielder, dominated with 30 disposals, 4 marks, a goal, 4 tackles, and 4 general clearances. Others major contributors were George Gale, also WA, Harvey Croker (SA), Memphis Webb (SA), James Artemis (WA), Heath Melody (WA), Harper Banfield (WA), Lucas Robinson (WA), Benji Van Rooyen (WA).
In the Allies v Vic Country game, both Ethan Matthews, GWS Academy M/Wing, and Henry Meaney, Swans Academy, mid., dominated. Other major contributers were Keenan Boi (VC), Tanner Armstrong (VC), Ethan Drever (VC), Caylen Murray (Lions Academy).
Again, remember, Vic Metro has its first game next week.
BTW, Keiran, is Harvey Croker related to you?
31/3/26:
Here we look at our first batch consisting of 40 boys made up from a combination of the 2026 Academy and some outstanding efforts in the first two rounds of the Coates Talent League. As usual, we sort the players into their height categories, listing their playing positions and teams.
As yet, the players haven't been graded, although there are already some talented ones there. That will come as the season progresses.
Already some of you might recognise some surnames. Cody Walker from the Bendigo Pioneers is the son of Andrew Walker (Carlton). Carlton and Richmond are having a battle with the AFL over Father/Son or NGA recruit respectively. Although, he has already nominated Carlton as his preference.
Next, Jett Flower is the grandson of Melbourne great, Robbie Flower.
Also, 194 cm forward Dougie Cochrane is the son of Port and North's Stuart Cochrane.
Of course, as per the usual genealogy of sport, we see other famous surnames - Beams, Hodgson, Le Cras. Ah, yes, and Aidan McCartney is the son of North's Jason McCartney, and qualifies both as a North F/S and the Swans Academy.
Another interesting drafting season coming up.
After Round 1 of the National Championships, we're got our first look at the juniors at the elite level. Congrats to Western Australia and Vic Country, but remember, Vic Metro starts next week.
In the WA v SA game, Leo Steed, WA midfielder, dominated with 30 disposals, 4 marks, a goal, 4 tackles, and 4 general clearances. Others major contributors were George Gale, also WA, Harvey Croker (SA), Memphis Webb (SA), James Artemis (WA), Heath Melody (WA), Harper Banfield (WA), Lucas Robinson (WA), Benji Van Rooyen (WA).
In the Allies v Vic Country game, both Ethan Matthews, GWS Academy M/Wing, and Henry Meaney, Swans Academy, mid., dominated. Other major contributers were Keenan Boi (VC), Tanner Armstrong (VC), Ethan Drever (VC), Caylen Murray (Lions Academy).
Again, remember, Vic Metro has its first game next week.
BTW, Keiran, is Harvey Croker related to you?
31/3/26:
Here we look at our first batch consisting of 40 boys made up from a combination of the 2026 Academy and some outstanding efforts in the first two rounds of the Coates Talent League. As usual, we sort the players into their height categories, listing their playing positions and teams.
As yet, the players haven't been graded, although there are already some talented ones there. That will come as the season progresses.
Already some of you might recognise some surnames. Cody Walker from the Bendigo Pioneers is the son of Andrew Walker (Carlton). Carlton and Richmond are having a battle with the AFL over Father/Son or NGA recruit respectively. Although, he has already nominated Carlton as his preference.
Next, Jett Flower is the grandson of Melbourne great, Robbie Flower.
Also, 194 cm forward Dougie Cochrane is the son of Port and North's Stuart Cochrane.
Of course, as per the usual genealogy of sport, we see other famous surnames - Beams, Hodgson, Le Cras. Ah, yes, and Aidan McCartney is the son of North's Jason McCartney, and qualifies both as a North F/S and the Swans Academy.
Another interesting drafting season coming up.
Midseason List Reviews have begun. (Each club alphabetically, with overall conclusions at the end.)
Adelaide 2026
List:
Adelaide's level of improvement in 2025 was more than expected. This time, last year, we did forecast improvement that would see Adelaide knocking on the door to finals but, to their extra credit, they went from 15th in 2024 to 1st in 2025 before the finals began. And, they did that with the significant losses of Rankine and Rachele during the important part of the season. In fact, the loss of those two, Rachele and Rankine, exposed Adelaide's weakness, which was their lack of midfield power against the TOP teams in finals.
Now, this lack of midfield power should have been the focus of Adelaide's recruiting a month or two ago, but it wasn't. Apart from the aging but reliable Ah Chee, Adelaide chose to invest in their future key positions. Why?
Their premiership window has now begun. A look at their midfielders show - Dawson, Neal-Bullen, Keays, Milera, Ah Chee and Laird - all of these in the twilight zone. This is where Soligo, Taylor, Rachele, Berry, Pedlar, Cook, Nankervis and Peatling need to improve. But, surely the focus should have been in this area! Maybe 2025 was a false dawn? 14 midfielders in total bodes well for Adelaide, so hopefully not.
For Adelaide, hopefully, with full seasons from their core players, including Rachele and Rankine, they can maintain their home and away presence and improve in the finals.
Select 23:
A team in a premiership window should largely go in with an unchanged core, and this will be the case with Adelaide. Their defence, their forwards, and their midfield are very experienced.
The still-developing Pedlar (23yo), with limited games in 2025, still averaged almost a goal and a half per game, and can make a bigger impact in 2026. Rachele and Rankine need to be in the team and fully-fit during the finals. Ah Chee is an excellent and reliable player, but he is moving to a new club and environment, so he'll need half a season to settle in. The other one to watch is young Dowling (21yo), an inside midfielder who has shown talent, given limited opportunity.
Mid-Season:
Yes, Adelaide are in the final 8 or 10, but they have found this a hard first half season for two key reasons, being: 1. A harder first half draw, 2. Inconvenient injuries in the wrong places.
A glance at Adelaide's fixture indicates that they've played 1 or 2 more harder games this season than last season.
A look at their midseason team indicates some instability in defence due to injuries and form. However, McAndrew has been a fillip to their rucks. And, they've had mixed results from their midfielders. Rankine and Rachele having more midfield time over the last few weeks has improved it.
Adelaide still have a fairly difficult draw to navigate in the second half of the season. However, as their newer midfielders gain greater experience, without injuries, they should navigate the season well and be in a better position to compete in finals than they were last year.
Adelaide's mid-season pick: another genuine goalkicking midfielder.
Adelaide's level of improvement in 2025 was more than expected. This time, last year, we did forecast improvement that would see Adelaide knocking on the door to finals but, to their extra credit, they went from 15th in 2024 to 1st in 2025 before the finals began. And, they did that with the significant losses of Rankine and Rachele during the important part of the season. In fact, the loss of those two, Rachele and Rankine, exposed Adelaide's weakness, which was their lack of midfield power against the TOP teams in finals.
Now, this lack of midfield power should have been the focus of Adelaide's recruiting a month or two ago, but it wasn't. Apart from the aging but reliable Ah Chee, Adelaide chose to invest in their future key positions. Why?
Their premiership window has now begun. A look at their midfielders show - Dawson, Neal-Bullen, Keays, Milera, Ah Chee and Laird - all of these in the twilight zone. This is where Soligo, Taylor, Rachele, Berry, Pedlar, Cook, Nankervis and Peatling need to improve. But, surely the focus should have been in this area! Maybe 2025 was a false dawn? 14 midfielders in total bodes well for Adelaide, so hopefully not.
For Adelaide, hopefully, with full seasons from their core players, including Rachele and Rankine, they can maintain their home and away presence and improve in the finals.
Select 23:
A team in a premiership window should largely go in with an unchanged core, and this will be the case with Adelaide. Their defence, their forwards, and their midfield are very experienced.
The still-developing Pedlar (23yo), with limited games in 2025, still averaged almost a goal and a half per game, and can make a bigger impact in 2026. Rachele and Rankine need to be in the team and fully-fit during the finals. Ah Chee is an excellent and reliable player, but he is moving to a new club and environment, so he'll need half a season to settle in. The other one to watch is young Dowling (21yo), an inside midfielder who has shown talent, given limited opportunity.
Mid-Season:
Yes, Adelaide are in the final 8 or 10, but they have found this a hard first half season for two key reasons, being: 1. A harder first half draw, 2. Inconvenient injuries in the wrong places.
A glance at Adelaide's fixture indicates that they've played 1 or 2 more harder games this season than last season.
A look at their midseason team indicates some instability in defence due to injuries and form. However, McAndrew has been a fillip to their rucks. And, they've had mixed results from their midfielders. Rankine and Rachele having more midfield time over the last few weeks has improved it.
Adelaide still have a fairly difficult draw to navigate in the second half of the season. However, as their newer midfielders gain greater experience, without injuries, they should navigate the season well and be in a better position to compete in finals than they were last year.
Adelaide's mid-season pick: another genuine goalkicking midfielder.
Brisbane 2026
List:
Coming off a back-to-back, not much is going to change at Brisbane. Although, I am starting to see the same pattern in Brisbane's list as I have previously seen at Richmond, Melbourne, and Hawthorn. As a club works to continue its premiership window, a gap opens up between its experienced and often twilight players, and its junior players. Those clubs always justify the gap by inferring that the next wave is coming. Of course, time tells on that.
Draper is set to take over from Fort, if the former can hold up injury-wise. Otherwise, Harry Smith looks a good developing tall forward-ruck of the future.
The "Brissie" midfield's numbers are very strong with 15 possible rotations. This is the key!
Allen has come onto the list for Day, although, Hipwood could do with more rest time. Coleman will continue in his recovery but will be challenged by others. While Doedee will be looking to have some of the glory that he moved from Adelaide for.
Annable was their first pick in the draft so could come in early. The other one to keep an eye on is the 18yo, 191cm, strong Irish stallion, Ben Murphy, whom the Irish were aghast at losing from their system.
Select 23:
As expected from a back-to-back club, it will go in largely unchanged but will look to include its trading targets early. Allen should start as the key target. Draper should be changing with Fort. Payne takes twice as many intercepts as Gardner, so should be preferred as the other tall defender. And Coleman might fill out the 22, if fit.
As we all know, three-in-a-row is a hard get. For Brisbane, Lachie Neale might be the key. When he was injured, they looked ordinary against the TOP teams; when he was fitter, they lifted a notch. It's a big ask, but the club looks well-managed and stable. By mid-season, we'll know if they've crashed, or not.
Mid-Season:
Brisbane in 2026 reminds us of how hard it is to win 3-in-a-row. In the pre-season preview, I warned that Brisbane's list was going the way of other previous football dynasties and it may have come to pass. Their best team hasn't changed much, but they have had some dropping off in form of some key players from the last few seasons.
For Brisbane, it happened before in 2004. Maybe they can get themselves up into the top 4 by season's end but, then, all windows close eventually.
The end of the season will spell Brissie's reality.
Brisbane's midseason pick: Nope, not going to help!
Coming off a back-to-back, not much is going to change at Brisbane. Although, I am starting to see the same pattern in Brisbane's list as I have previously seen at Richmond, Melbourne, and Hawthorn. As a club works to continue its premiership window, a gap opens up between its experienced and often twilight players, and its junior players. Those clubs always justify the gap by inferring that the next wave is coming. Of course, time tells on that.
Draper is set to take over from Fort, if the former can hold up injury-wise. Otherwise, Harry Smith looks a good developing tall forward-ruck of the future.
The "Brissie" midfield's numbers are very strong with 15 possible rotations. This is the key!
Allen has come onto the list for Day, although, Hipwood could do with more rest time. Coleman will continue in his recovery but will be challenged by others. While Doedee will be looking to have some of the glory that he moved from Adelaide for.
Annable was their first pick in the draft so could come in early. The other one to keep an eye on is the 18yo, 191cm, strong Irish stallion, Ben Murphy, whom the Irish were aghast at losing from their system.
Select 23:
As expected from a back-to-back club, it will go in largely unchanged but will look to include its trading targets early. Allen should start as the key target. Draper should be changing with Fort. Payne takes twice as many intercepts as Gardner, so should be preferred as the other tall defender. And Coleman might fill out the 22, if fit.
As we all know, three-in-a-row is a hard get. For Brisbane, Lachie Neale might be the key. When he was injured, they looked ordinary against the TOP teams; when he was fitter, they lifted a notch. It's a big ask, but the club looks well-managed and stable. By mid-season, we'll know if they've crashed, or not.
Mid-Season:
Brisbane in 2026 reminds us of how hard it is to win 3-in-a-row. In the pre-season preview, I warned that Brisbane's list was going the way of other previous football dynasties and it may have come to pass. Their best team hasn't changed much, but they have had some dropping off in form of some key players from the last few seasons.
For Brisbane, it happened before in 2004. Maybe they can get themselves up into the top 4 by season's end but, then, all windows close eventually.
The end of the season will spell Brissie's reality.
Brisbane's midseason pick: Nope, not going to help!
Carlton 2026, with post-script
List:
It all emerged that our pre-season misgivings regarding the Carlton list were correct. They were too old and too slow, but not where most of the on-season focus was on. Whereas everyone was focusing on their lack of performing key forwards, the hard evidence indicated that with the loss of Newman through injury, and Docherty playing up-field on a wing, all the pressure went onto Saad to provide the backline rebounds. Of course, the other clubs realised this quickly and Saad got crunched, weekly. Consequently, the ball came out of the backline slowly, and the forwards would all be covered consistently.
Last season, Carlton fell out of the finals. This year, a quarter of the list, 11 players have been changed over. so time - usually 6 months - is needed for these players to settle in. Ainsworth, Florent, Hayward and Reidy are good players. Personally, Reidy might even be the Darcy Fort or Jordan Sweet of 2026. Another ruckman without opportunity at his original club, making a big breakthrough at his new club.
Sure, they haven't drafted that many juniors, but they have previously. The quality of those juniors is largely yet to be seen, although Ollie Hollands, O'Farrell, and Cowan have shown patches. Unfortunately, we didn't see very much of the brilliant Jagga Smith at all. My guess is that, without injury, Jagga would have been named first rover in the Carlton team by now. At this point though, for Jagga, the 2026 season will be a recovery season.
The problem is that Carlton need young running defenders now, but these take 50 games to develop - a Catch-22. If you want success now, you don't have time to spend developing juniors. And, vice-versa, if you want to develop juniors, you must forego short term success.
Who knows! Carlton may end up shocking us all with a Richmond-like premiership from nowhere, al a 2016 to 2017, or maybe not.
Select 23:
Firstly, I've noted the long-term injury to O'Farrell (LTI), guessing he'll still be out for quite a while. When fit, O'Farrell should return to CHB, where he had an excellent debut last season, before injury.
Secondly, Jagga Smith, until he plays his first game after injury, will be an unknown.
Therefore, the core players fall into their regular positions. The new mature and developing traded-in players will immediately fill in many of the gaps. Although, I'm worried that their 1st ruckman, Pittonet, played only 7 games last year, their first rover, Walsh, only played 14 games, and their, now, only key forward, McKay, played 12 games.
However, I do hope, for their sake only, that they go with only one key forward, McKay, at high half forward (the old CHF), and mass small and medium mosquitoes around him, like Richmond did around Riewoldt in 2017.
The rest will be based on how much drive their midfield and rebounding back half can give.
One guesses that the not-so-mighty Blue-baggers may need all their luck in a big hit this season.
Post-Script:
Who would have believed that Jagga's first game back would get him 37 disps and a goal?
In the last week, there has been great news at Carlton.
Jagga is back!
Then, they draft the rejected Derksen, and he ends up the perfect replacement for O'Farrell at CHB.
Then, Elijah Hollands turns 180 degrees and becomes a team player.
I'm not necessarily a Carlton fan, but I do love Jagga Smith and wish, as I posted in 2024, he had been drafted by the Tiges.
Who knows, maybe Carlton are having all their luck this season and will turn things around.
Mid-season:
Nope, the original analysis was correct, the postscript was a tease.
They were too old and too slow. What more can you say?
1. The rest of the season will indicate the further strengths and weaknesses of their football staff.
2. Give the worthy juniors a go! Ben Camopeale is a VFL star midfielder but can't get a senior game. Lucas as a defender/midfielder is improving too. If Billy Wilson can do well, so can the others.
Carlton's mid-season pick: another genuine goalkicking rover.
It all emerged that our pre-season misgivings regarding the Carlton list were correct. They were too old and too slow, but not where most of the on-season focus was on. Whereas everyone was focusing on their lack of performing key forwards, the hard evidence indicated that with the loss of Newman through injury, and Docherty playing up-field on a wing, all the pressure went onto Saad to provide the backline rebounds. Of course, the other clubs realised this quickly and Saad got crunched, weekly. Consequently, the ball came out of the backline slowly, and the forwards would all be covered consistently.
Last season, Carlton fell out of the finals. This year, a quarter of the list, 11 players have been changed over. so time - usually 6 months - is needed for these players to settle in. Ainsworth, Florent, Hayward and Reidy are good players. Personally, Reidy might even be the Darcy Fort or Jordan Sweet of 2026. Another ruckman without opportunity at his original club, making a big breakthrough at his new club.
Sure, they haven't drafted that many juniors, but they have previously. The quality of those juniors is largely yet to be seen, although Ollie Hollands, O'Farrell, and Cowan have shown patches. Unfortunately, we didn't see very much of the brilliant Jagga Smith at all. My guess is that, without injury, Jagga would have been named first rover in the Carlton team by now. At this point though, for Jagga, the 2026 season will be a recovery season.
The problem is that Carlton need young running defenders now, but these take 50 games to develop - a Catch-22. If you want success now, you don't have time to spend developing juniors. And, vice-versa, if you want to develop juniors, you must forego short term success.
Who knows! Carlton may end up shocking us all with a Richmond-like premiership from nowhere, al a 2016 to 2017, or maybe not.
Select 23:
Firstly, I've noted the long-term injury to O'Farrell (LTI), guessing he'll still be out for quite a while. When fit, O'Farrell should return to CHB, where he had an excellent debut last season, before injury.
Secondly, Jagga Smith, until he plays his first game after injury, will be an unknown.
Therefore, the core players fall into their regular positions. The new mature and developing traded-in players will immediately fill in many of the gaps. Although, I'm worried that their 1st ruckman, Pittonet, played only 7 games last year, their first rover, Walsh, only played 14 games, and their, now, only key forward, McKay, played 12 games.
However, I do hope, for their sake only, that they go with only one key forward, McKay, at high half forward (the old CHF), and mass small and medium mosquitoes around him, like Richmond did around Riewoldt in 2017.
The rest will be based on how much drive their midfield and rebounding back half can give.
One guesses that the not-so-mighty Blue-baggers may need all their luck in a big hit this season.
Post-Script:
Who would have believed that Jagga's first game back would get him 37 disps and a goal?
In the last week, there has been great news at Carlton.
Jagga is back!
Then, they draft the rejected Derksen, and he ends up the perfect replacement for O'Farrell at CHB.
Then, Elijah Hollands turns 180 degrees and becomes a team player.
I'm not necessarily a Carlton fan, but I do love Jagga Smith and wish, as I posted in 2024, he had been drafted by the Tiges.
Who knows, maybe Carlton are having all their luck this season and will turn things around.
Mid-season:
Nope, the original analysis was correct, the postscript was a tease.
They were too old and too slow. What more can you say?
1. The rest of the season will indicate the further strengths and weaknesses of their football staff.
2. Give the worthy juniors a go! Ben Camopeale is a VFL star midfielder but can't get a senior game. Lucas as a defender/midfielder is improving too. If Billy Wilson can do well, so can the others.
Carlton's mid-season pick: another genuine goalkicking rover.
Collingwood 2026
List:
2026 will be 3 years since the last Carringbush premiership, yet they are still going in with the same bunch. Even the slightly younger mature bunch that they traded in a year or two ago - Schultz, Houston, Perryman and Sullivan - are now turning into twilighters.
15 players on their list now are twilighters, and all but 2 were core players last season.
The other interesting factor is, looking at the developing (22-24yo) and junior (18-21yo) groups, take out Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery, and Ned Long, they have put very few games and little development into their juniors.
Quite clearly, they have start putting games into their younger players. It starts in the defence! CHB to be precise. Charlie Dean was delisted due to injuries, albeit excellent intercept statistics, but who takes his place? Cochran, who has 0 games, suddenly becomes your next junior option, beside the twilighter, Frampton. Outside of the aging McStay, Buller with 10 games as their only other key forward option.
The signs are there. Collingwood now struggle to run out 4 quarters.
Select 23:
On 2025 stats, I've picked nearly an unchanged team from last year, but I don't believe in it. Too many twilighters!
I've tried to relegate as many twilighters to the bench as I could, and kept only those that can't be replaced. Josh Daicos needs to play full-time on the ball, as the squad has too many back flankers. In fact, the whole list lacks for genuine midfielders, supported by part-time midfielders.
I expect that my mid-season team will look significantly different to the pre-season team because it will take half a season for the truth to hit home to those sitting in Carringbush's ivory tower.
Mid-season:
For Collingwood, it was never going to be if but when. Yes, they are struggling to run out 4 quarters. The load of carrying so many "oldies" has been too heavy for the Daicos boys to carry. Also, what would they give to have Charlie Dean still on their list now that Darcy Moore is hitting the repetitive injury road?
Now is the time to give juniors an opportunity. Elliott is injured and Sidebottom is over the hill. Pendles is trying to get through as many games as he needs to, gathering as many possessions as he can with the least amount of running possible. And there are others!
Collingwood's mid-season pick: another younger genuine fast running midfielder.
2026 will be 3 years since the last Carringbush premiership, yet they are still going in with the same bunch. Even the slightly younger mature bunch that they traded in a year or two ago - Schultz, Houston, Perryman and Sullivan - are now turning into twilighters.
15 players on their list now are twilighters, and all but 2 were core players last season.
The other interesting factor is, looking at the developing (22-24yo) and junior (18-21yo) groups, take out Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery, and Ned Long, they have put very few games and little development into their juniors.
Quite clearly, they have start putting games into their younger players. It starts in the defence! CHB to be precise. Charlie Dean was delisted due to injuries, albeit excellent intercept statistics, but who takes his place? Cochran, who has 0 games, suddenly becomes your next junior option, beside the twilighter, Frampton. Outside of the aging McStay, Buller with 10 games as their only other key forward option.
The signs are there. Collingwood now struggle to run out 4 quarters.
Select 23:
On 2025 stats, I've picked nearly an unchanged team from last year, but I don't believe in it. Too many twilighters!
I've tried to relegate as many twilighters to the bench as I could, and kept only those that can't be replaced. Josh Daicos needs to play full-time on the ball, as the squad has too many back flankers. In fact, the whole list lacks for genuine midfielders, supported by part-time midfielders.
I expect that my mid-season team will look significantly different to the pre-season team because it will take half a season for the truth to hit home to those sitting in Carringbush's ivory tower.
Mid-season:
For Collingwood, it was never going to be if but when. Yes, they are struggling to run out 4 quarters. The load of carrying so many "oldies" has been too heavy for the Daicos boys to carry. Also, what would they give to have Charlie Dean still on their list now that Darcy Moore is hitting the repetitive injury road?
Now is the time to give juniors an opportunity. Elliott is injured and Sidebottom is over the hill. Pendles is trying to get through as many games as he needs to, gathering as many possessions as he can with the least amount of running possible. And there are others!
Collingwood's mid-season pick: another younger genuine fast running midfielder.
Essendon 2026
List:
Essendon, like Carlton, are the two under-achievers of the last half-decade. Personally, it's more than just the list. The AFL administration successfully destroyed the careers of a generation of footballers there. No doubt! Then, you have the allegedly misguided efforts of their board over the last decade. Even as 2026 is set to unfold, they have no executive leader, i.e., CEO. But, that's all off-field.
On-field, the fact that only 14 of the current list were core players in 2025 says a lot about the instability at the club. What's more, there are only 3 players 190cms or more on the list, who were core players in 2025. A list manager must decide: 1. Who are my regularly injured players? 2. What types are they - talls, mediums, smalls? How many can I afford to maintain on my list?
The 200+ cm column of players on the list numbers eight. You only need three. Some correctly argue that some of these are KPPs (key position players). My argument, then, is, how many players 200+ can a team afford to have on a field at the one time?
Anyway, let's get on with who's new. Sharp walks into the inside midfield. He's right up there and could be a once in a generation player. It's one of the vagaries of the national draft that he wasn't #1. Fiorini adds to the outside midfield. Robey is a much-touted junior forward. While Kondgiannis was the 3rd tall defender in my U18 national team of the year of 2025, but he will need to stack up about 50 games asap to be a top defender.
Select 23:
As said, only 14 core players from 2025 on the list, of which I've chosen 12. Prior was unlucky, but injuries to others gave opportunity.
Defence - has been decimated by injuries to KPPs. On stats, their best defenders are McKay, Reid, Redman, Roberts, Blakiston, Ridley, McGrath and Prior. Ridley gets in before Blakiston on experience. Though Blakiston can argue, how do I get experience if I'm not getting picked. And prior is unlucky. Kondgiannis is talented but, probably, needs a season in the "magoos" (twos).
Midfield - again, too many injuries. Sharp walks into the inside midfield, and can kick regular goals. Merrett, Durham and Duursma are regulars. Bryan (ruck), Caldwell and Parish need injury-free seasons. Tsatas will improve. While, Fiorini will add depth - outside and inside. Gresham, in maturity, needs to show more. A string of non-core midfielders sit on the interchange bench to provide rotations. According to the press, Martin is out for season 2026, but we're still 8 weeks out, and on paper he is in their best 23.
Forward - Wright & Caddy are the key forwards surrounded by Lanford, Perkins, Kako, and the "newy" Robey on a flank.
Essendon needs stability from above, an injury-free season, and fingers crossed.
Mid-season:
A look at the key indicators for the Essendon team stats show that there has been a general lack of performance in all areas of the list, with one exception, Nate Caddy. Its defence's best interceptors stats were well below that of other teams. It's midfield led by Merrett, Parish, Caldwell, and the defender/midfielder McGrath, all now in their mature phases, should be at the height of their careers. Yet, all have been declining in performance for two seasons now. The only shining light is Caddy, who now averages over 2 goals a game as a high half forward (CHF).
When looking in the "magoos" for enough players to make the 23 , we struggled, as its non-listed VFL players dominated.
Essendon's mid-season pick: Really could have used a talented young key defender (Annand) but chose a back flanker, Artemis, instead.
Essendon, like Carlton, are the two under-achievers of the last half-decade. Personally, it's more than just the list. The AFL administration successfully destroyed the careers of a generation of footballers there. No doubt! Then, you have the allegedly misguided efforts of their board over the last decade. Even as 2026 is set to unfold, they have no executive leader, i.e., CEO. But, that's all off-field.
On-field, the fact that only 14 of the current list were core players in 2025 says a lot about the instability at the club. What's more, there are only 3 players 190cms or more on the list, who were core players in 2025. A list manager must decide: 1. Who are my regularly injured players? 2. What types are they - talls, mediums, smalls? How many can I afford to maintain on my list?
The 200+ cm column of players on the list numbers eight. You only need three. Some correctly argue that some of these are KPPs (key position players). My argument, then, is, how many players 200+ can a team afford to have on a field at the one time?
Anyway, let's get on with who's new. Sharp walks into the inside midfield. He's right up there and could be a once in a generation player. It's one of the vagaries of the national draft that he wasn't #1. Fiorini adds to the outside midfield. Robey is a much-touted junior forward. While Kondgiannis was the 3rd tall defender in my U18 national team of the year of 2025, but he will need to stack up about 50 games asap to be a top defender.
Select 23:
As said, only 14 core players from 2025 on the list, of which I've chosen 12. Prior was unlucky, but injuries to others gave opportunity.
Defence - has been decimated by injuries to KPPs. On stats, their best defenders are McKay, Reid, Redman, Roberts, Blakiston, Ridley, McGrath and Prior. Ridley gets in before Blakiston on experience. Though Blakiston can argue, how do I get experience if I'm not getting picked. And prior is unlucky. Kondgiannis is talented but, probably, needs a season in the "magoos" (twos).
Midfield - again, too many injuries. Sharp walks into the inside midfield, and can kick regular goals. Merrett, Durham and Duursma are regulars. Bryan (ruck), Caldwell and Parish need injury-free seasons. Tsatas will improve. While, Fiorini will add depth - outside and inside. Gresham, in maturity, needs to show more. A string of non-core midfielders sit on the interchange bench to provide rotations. According to the press, Martin is out for season 2026, but we're still 8 weeks out, and on paper he is in their best 23.
Forward - Wright & Caddy are the key forwards surrounded by Lanford, Perkins, Kako, and the "newy" Robey on a flank.
Essendon needs stability from above, an injury-free season, and fingers crossed.
Mid-season:
A look at the key indicators for the Essendon team stats show that there has been a general lack of performance in all areas of the list, with one exception, Nate Caddy. Its defence's best interceptors stats were well below that of other teams. It's midfield led by Merrett, Parish, Caldwell, and the defender/midfielder McGrath, all now in their mature phases, should be at the height of their careers. Yet, all have been declining in performance for two seasons now. The only shining light is Caddy, who now averages over 2 goals a game as a high half forward (CHF).
When looking in the "magoos" for enough players to make the 23 , we struggled, as its non-listed VFL players dominated.
Essendon's mid-season pick: Really could have used a talented young key defender (Annand) but chose a back flanker, Artemis, instead.
Fremantle 2026
List:
Last season, I posted that the Freo list was overbalanced with talls. This season, they have adjusted their list to include a developing runner in Judd McVee from Melbourne, and have recruited junior runners in Murray, Sweid, Kickett, Whan and Luke. The recruitment of Mason Cox will be of little benefit to them, as they have a number of developing and junior talls who can fill in, if Darcy goes down. And, they have plenty of tall forwards - Jackson, Treacy, Voss, Amiss.
Freo are on the rise. They have gone from 14th (2023), to 10th (2024), to 6th (2025). Progress is not always linear, but the bulk of the Freo core group is in the developing (22-24yo) / mature (25-27yo) range, so it all looks good. Hopefully, they can channel those extra runners into the team at the pointy end of the season.
Select 23:
Most of the 2025 core group retain their positions this season. O'Meara, O'Driscoll and Young return from injury. McVee adds extra run into the defence.
There is one area where I think Freo can be daring. They lack for a 3rd key tall. They could play Banfield, Chapman or Johnson, but I've gone for Amiss, as they don't need 4 key tall forwards. Send one of them back! To me, it might be Amiss, who sits third in their tall forwards. Jackson is slightly lower in goals per game, but is their 2nd ruckman.
Freo have depth, youth, and experience. I envisage them doing well this season.
Mid-season:
Freo are sitting on top of the ladder because all parts of their list are working well. Even Young, an almost absent player from last season, is now driving their midfield. The loss this season of Darcy has largely gone unnoticed because Jackson went straight into the first ruck, with some support from Mason Cox. When Darcy is fit, he will return into the team.
Amiss has arrived, with a goal average of just over a goal a game (2025) to over 2.3 goals per game (2026). Also, that 3rd tall defender position has been locked in by the developing Chapman.
Their only obstacles, the MCG in September, and late injuries.
Freo's mid-season pick: Nah, wait for the National draft.
Last season, I posted that the Freo list was overbalanced with talls. This season, they have adjusted their list to include a developing runner in Judd McVee from Melbourne, and have recruited junior runners in Murray, Sweid, Kickett, Whan and Luke. The recruitment of Mason Cox will be of little benefit to them, as they have a number of developing and junior talls who can fill in, if Darcy goes down. And, they have plenty of tall forwards - Jackson, Treacy, Voss, Amiss.
Freo are on the rise. They have gone from 14th (2023), to 10th (2024), to 6th (2025). Progress is not always linear, but the bulk of the Freo core group is in the developing (22-24yo) / mature (25-27yo) range, so it all looks good. Hopefully, they can channel those extra runners into the team at the pointy end of the season.
Select 23:
Most of the 2025 core group retain their positions this season. O'Meara, O'Driscoll and Young return from injury. McVee adds extra run into the defence.
There is one area where I think Freo can be daring. They lack for a 3rd key tall. They could play Banfield, Chapman or Johnson, but I've gone for Amiss, as they don't need 4 key tall forwards. Send one of them back! To me, it might be Amiss, who sits third in their tall forwards. Jackson is slightly lower in goals per game, but is their 2nd ruckman.
Freo have depth, youth, and experience. I envisage them doing well this season.
Mid-season:
Freo are sitting on top of the ladder because all parts of their list are working well. Even Young, an almost absent player from last season, is now driving their midfield. The loss this season of Darcy has largely gone unnoticed because Jackson went straight into the first ruck, with some support from Mason Cox. When Darcy is fit, he will return into the team.
Amiss has arrived, with a goal average of just over a goal a game (2025) to over 2.3 goals per game (2026). Also, that 3rd tall defender position has been locked in by the developing Chapman.
Their only obstacles, the MCG in September, and late injuries.
Freo's mid-season pick: Nah, wait for the National draft.
Geelong 2026
List:
I may have said this before, but the modern Geelong are like British Paints, they just "keep on keeping on" (Len Chandler, 1964).
So, the Geelong leadership have determined that what was missing last year was a Joel Selwood-like midfielder, reliable at stoppages.
Maybe they're right! Or, maybe, Geelong is full of players past their prime who, repeatedly, can't run out four quarters.
To win a premiership, a team needs to be able to run for 4 quarters!
The answer most probably lies somewhere in between. To resurrect the long retired Selwood, they've recruited James Worpel from Hawthorn. Worpel is good at centre clearances, and even better at stoppage clearances. However, Geelong still have a quarter of their list in the twilight zone. Yes, they've delisted some twilighters from last season's list, but another year passes, and some of last year's mature players become this season's twilighters. That's life!
Also, where is Toby Conway? 22yo, 206cms, and only 6 AFL games. He played 3 VFL games at the end of last season.
Geelong must make change, and it begins with their select 23.
Select 23:
For me, change starts in the ruck. Hypothetically, without Toby Conway for another season, Stanley and Blicavs are 35 and 34yo respectively. De Konning, at 24 and 204cm, should go into the first ruck. He is not crucial to their defense, as he rates 4th in their key interceptors, behind Stewart, Jack Henry and O'Sullivan. Connor O'Sullivan, 20yo and 198cm, can be FB. Stewart has been CHB for years, and Henry can play 3rd tall.
In the midfield, Worpel comes into the Geelong midfield, but should be seen as part of a long list of rotations. Worpel, Smith, Bowes, Holmes, Atkins, Stengle, Bruhn, Miers, Dempsey, Mannagh, and the impressive junior, George Stevens. Yes, 11 rotating midfielders in the one team is enough, but they will need to find extras over the season to support them inevitable injuries.
The forward half is excellent. It was the 2nd highest scoring attack last season, Bulldogs were the highest scoring team.
Geelong will be there again, they have too many vested interests not to.
Mid-season:
Subtle changes have taken place down at the cattery. In the first ruck, the junior, Mitch Edwards, has done pretty well, and should expect to do better as he develops further. No sign of Conway in 2026 as yet, disappointing for all! Otherwise, Geelong keeps rocking along.
Geelong's mid-season pick: Could do with a couple of genuine junior goalkicking rovers, but that won't happen mid-season.
I may have said this before, but the modern Geelong are like British Paints, they just "keep on keeping on" (Len Chandler, 1964).
So, the Geelong leadership have determined that what was missing last year was a Joel Selwood-like midfielder, reliable at stoppages.
Maybe they're right! Or, maybe, Geelong is full of players past their prime who, repeatedly, can't run out four quarters.
To win a premiership, a team needs to be able to run for 4 quarters!
The answer most probably lies somewhere in between. To resurrect the long retired Selwood, they've recruited James Worpel from Hawthorn. Worpel is good at centre clearances, and even better at stoppage clearances. However, Geelong still have a quarter of their list in the twilight zone. Yes, they've delisted some twilighters from last season's list, but another year passes, and some of last year's mature players become this season's twilighters. That's life!
Also, where is Toby Conway? 22yo, 206cms, and only 6 AFL games. He played 3 VFL games at the end of last season.
Geelong must make change, and it begins with their select 23.
Select 23:
For me, change starts in the ruck. Hypothetically, without Toby Conway for another season, Stanley and Blicavs are 35 and 34yo respectively. De Konning, at 24 and 204cm, should go into the first ruck. He is not crucial to their defense, as he rates 4th in their key interceptors, behind Stewart, Jack Henry and O'Sullivan. Connor O'Sullivan, 20yo and 198cm, can be FB. Stewart has been CHB for years, and Henry can play 3rd tall.
In the midfield, Worpel comes into the Geelong midfield, but should be seen as part of a long list of rotations. Worpel, Smith, Bowes, Holmes, Atkins, Stengle, Bruhn, Miers, Dempsey, Mannagh, and the impressive junior, George Stevens. Yes, 11 rotating midfielders in the one team is enough, but they will need to find extras over the season to support them inevitable injuries.
The forward half is excellent. It was the 2nd highest scoring attack last season, Bulldogs were the highest scoring team.
Geelong will be there again, they have too many vested interests not to.
Mid-season:
Subtle changes have taken place down at the cattery. In the first ruck, the junior, Mitch Edwards, has done pretty well, and should expect to do better as he develops further. No sign of Conway in 2026 as yet, disappointing for all! Otherwise, Geelong keeps rocking along.
Geelong's mid-season pick: Could do with a couple of genuine junior goalkicking rovers, but that won't happen mid-season.
Gold Coast 2026
List:
During last season, the Suns' leadership must have been pulling out their hair. There were times when they looked like they'd taken tranquilisers before the game (Round 6, v Richmond). Also, they didn't match up well against smaller, speedier teams. Sure, it was Hardwick's first year and, with Hayden Hill's help, he looked and noted this all done. Hardwick loves his small, speedier players. (Don't we all!)
Come end of the year, almost a quarter of the list of mainly smalls and smaller-mediums were cleared out, ready to make way for boys with speed - Addinsall, Patterson, Z.Uwland, Coulson, Murray and Thomas - or experienced finishers - Petracca & Ugle-Hagan.
This season, Gold Coast will be a faster team. They should go better than last year on the basis that they lost a few winnable games and should do better.
The interesting one to watch is the 23yo and 206cm, Ned Moyle, with only 3 games last season, but would get a game with many other teams. The younger Read seems to be getting preference.
Select 23:
Gold Coast has a solid defence which should stay intact, although concern remains over Noble's ability to put his teammates under pressure, with his long kicks hitting the opposition too many times.
The forward half will be enhanced with the experienced finisher Petracca. Also Ugle-Hagan (if fit) might be preferred to Walter, as U-H has a history of kicking multiple goals, whereas Jed Walter still needs another year or two to develop.
Then, you bring the kids in around the ground for outside speed and for midfield rotations.
Gold Coast just snuck in last season. This year will be one where they consolidate their squad to ensure that the next few steps lead them all the way.
Mid-season:
Gold Coast are doing okay, but still lack a bit of pace around the edges. Jai Murray is showing super-form for a first-year junior in the "magoos" and could be in the seniors before season's end. Good to see Ballard back in defense, recovering well. Juniors Coulson and Paterson still look as if they need some extra time. Maybe next season.
The interesting area is their rucks. Yes, Witts is coming to the end but is still their best ruckman. Moyle, the apparent successor, maybe slowly being overtaken by Ethan Read. But, there's also Max Knobel, another junior, who is doing very well in their "magoos". Can they keep all of them?
The Coasters' mid-season pick: Nah, not really. But I would give the in-form Jepson a run in the seniors.
During last season, the Suns' leadership must have been pulling out their hair. There were times when they looked like they'd taken tranquilisers before the game (Round 6, v Richmond). Also, they didn't match up well against smaller, speedier teams. Sure, it was Hardwick's first year and, with Hayden Hill's help, he looked and noted this all done. Hardwick loves his small, speedier players. (Don't we all!)
Come end of the year, almost a quarter of the list of mainly smalls and smaller-mediums were cleared out, ready to make way for boys with speed - Addinsall, Patterson, Z.Uwland, Coulson, Murray and Thomas - or experienced finishers - Petracca & Ugle-Hagan.
This season, Gold Coast will be a faster team. They should go better than last year on the basis that they lost a few winnable games and should do better.
The interesting one to watch is the 23yo and 206cm, Ned Moyle, with only 3 games last season, but would get a game with many other teams. The younger Read seems to be getting preference.
Select 23:
Gold Coast has a solid defence which should stay intact, although concern remains over Noble's ability to put his teammates under pressure, with his long kicks hitting the opposition too many times.
The forward half will be enhanced with the experienced finisher Petracca. Also Ugle-Hagan (if fit) might be preferred to Walter, as U-H has a history of kicking multiple goals, whereas Jed Walter still needs another year or two to develop.
Then, you bring the kids in around the ground for outside speed and for midfield rotations.
Gold Coast just snuck in last season. This year will be one where they consolidate their squad to ensure that the next few steps lead them all the way.
Mid-season:
Gold Coast are doing okay, but still lack a bit of pace around the edges. Jai Murray is showing super-form for a first-year junior in the "magoos" and could be in the seniors before season's end. Good to see Ballard back in defense, recovering well. Juniors Coulson and Paterson still look as if they need some extra time. Maybe next season.
The interesting area is their rucks. Yes, Witts is coming to the end but is still their best ruckman. Moyle, the apparent successor, maybe slowly being overtaken by Ethan Read. But, there's also Max Knobel, another junior, who is doing very well in their "magoos". Can they keep all of them?
The Coasters' mid-season pick: Nah, not really. But I would give the in-form Jepson a run in the seniors.
GWS 2026
List:
Initial impressions of the GWS list seem to be good ... a solid list of core players across the age and height groups ... but these first impressions cover over some cracks.
In our prediction for GWS for the 2025 season, we wondered whether it had enough midfielders in the squad to go the distance. About a month before finals, I admitted we'd been wrong. However, in that last month, problems began with injuries, and although they held out by less than 2 goals against the Saints in the last round, they were beaten by over 3 goals in an elimination final.
My bugbear with the GWS list is that they appear overly tall across the ground, with only 5 core players less than 186 cm. Only problem is that during finals time, conditions are wet, so you need more ground level players.
In their defensive half, I was confronted by key talls, and struggled to find back flankers. In attack, the first small goalkicker was Jones (8th) behind 6 talls, plus Greene. Jones and Bedford (9th) kicked less than a goal a game.
Their midfield is all talls, with no speedy midfielders, and resembles more of a rugby pack than an AFL team.
So where do we go from here? It's an enormous opportunity for some of GWS's young small guns, and there are about 11 of them.
Select 23:
As said, the back half as many talls. Last season, Himmelburg came in 5th with intercepts from talls, so he misses out, with Taylor, Buckley and Idun providing a good range of talls, with Aleer as a spare. Ash and Whitfield were their best rebounders, with medium Stone taking the third rebounding position.
Also, as said, their best goalkickers are all talls, but I had to put Jones in a pocket and Thomas on the bench for some crumbers.
Briggs continues, but Madden looks a prospect and should be given a run off the bench.
Clay Oliver walks into the centre, alongside Green, with Callaghan, O'Halloran, Brown, Greene, Jones, Kelly, and Thomas taking turns in the midfield.
GWS should be thereabouts again but should be looking to fast-track some younger smalls or smaller mediums. Otherwise, they look like they'll be run off their feet again by the top teams.
Mid-season:
So far, it has been an interesting season for GWS. Initially, the loss of Tom Green spelled disaster for them, but that hasn't been the case, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Oliver and Laverde have done well. The scenery change for both has been positive. Oliver has moved into the senior midfield role seemlessly. While Laverde has shown that he is talented after all. (He's not the only Essendon player to benefit from change, e.g. Draper, too.)
Also, those juniors that GWS has been investing in - Gothard, Thomas, Fonti, Gruzewski, even Cadman - have arrived.
Yes, Greene has spent more time midfield, but I think they've finally got the message that they need to have a much broader set of options rotating through the midfield. And, there appears to be a whole lot more of them coming through - Ough, Rowston, Delana, and others.
Initial impressions of the GWS list seem to be good ... a solid list of core players across the age and height groups ... but these first impressions cover over some cracks.
In our prediction for GWS for the 2025 season, we wondered whether it had enough midfielders in the squad to go the distance. About a month before finals, I admitted we'd been wrong. However, in that last month, problems began with injuries, and although they held out by less than 2 goals against the Saints in the last round, they were beaten by over 3 goals in an elimination final.
My bugbear with the GWS list is that they appear overly tall across the ground, with only 5 core players less than 186 cm. Only problem is that during finals time, conditions are wet, so you need more ground level players.
In their defensive half, I was confronted by key talls, and struggled to find back flankers. In attack, the first small goalkicker was Jones (8th) behind 6 talls, plus Greene. Jones and Bedford (9th) kicked less than a goal a game.
Their midfield is all talls, with no speedy midfielders, and resembles more of a rugby pack than an AFL team.
So where do we go from here? It's an enormous opportunity for some of GWS's young small guns, and there are about 11 of them.
Select 23:
As said, the back half as many talls. Last season, Himmelburg came in 5th with intercepts from talls, so he misses out, with Taylor, Buckley and Idun providing a good range of talls, with Aleer as a spare. Ash and Whitfield were their best rebounders, with medium Stone taking the third rebounding position.
Also, as said, their best goalkickers are all talls, but I had to put Jones in a pocket and Thomas on the bench for some crumbers.
Briggs continues, but Madden looks a prospect and should be given a run off the bench.
Clay Oliver walks into the centre, alongside Green, with Callaghan, O'Halloran, Brown, Greene, Jones, Kelly, and Thomas taking turns in the midfield.
GWS should be thereabouts again but should be looking to fast-track some younger smalls or smaller mediums. Otherwise, they look like they'll be run off their feet again by the top teams.
Mid-season:
So far, it has been an interesting season for GWS. Initially, the loss of Tom Green spelled disaster for them, but that hasn't been the case, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Oliver and Laverde have done well. The scenery change for both has been positive. Oliver has moved into the senior midfield role seemlessly. While Laverde has shown that he is talented after all. (He's not the only Essendon player to benefit from change, e.g. Draper, too.)
Also, those juniors that GWS has been investing in - Gothard, Thomas, Fonti, Gruzewski, even Cadman - have arrived.
Yes, Greene has spent more time midfield, but I think they've finally got the message that they need to have a much broader set of options rotating through the midfield. And, there appears to be a whole lot more of them coming through - Ough, Rowston, Delana, and others.
Hawthorn 2026
List:
Yes, they're a happy team at Hawthorn, and so they should be. The list looks set to be top of the mountain this season. They have great core based in the developing, mature, and twilight sections. Everyone of their twilight players are in their core. They have no dead wood.
Some bemoan the loss of Day and Worpel, but Day was out for most of 2025 too, and Worpel can be replaced by rising developing players.
Their extended midfield - Newcombe, Nash, Ward, Weddle, D'Ambrosio, C. McDonald, Moore, Amon, McKenzie and Greeves, along with support from Butler, Dalton, Anderson, and others - looks ominous.
Added to the list are Greeves, Schubert, LeRay, Nairn and Dalton. All at times played significant roles in the 2025 U18 championships.
Select 23:
Nearly all the team select themselves as core players. Without injury, Dear would've been a core player too. Reeves is as good as Meek and should be in the team as a regular change ruckman. McKenzie is another developing midfielder. While "newbie" Greeves is good enough to start on the bench.
Gee, that Hawthorn side looks strong.
Mid-season:
Yes, reiterating, they are a happy team at Hawthorn, (apart from Don Scott.) No significant injuries, Day is back, Lewis is back, and Chol has finally arrived as a consistent key forward. Even "old man river" Jack Gunston, "just keep rolling along." Every one wants a place in the team. Hopefully it all holds together up to and into the finals. Not much else to write about Hawthorn, except "all speed ahead!"
Yes, they're a happy team at Hawthorn, and so they should be. The list looks set to be top of the mountain this season. They have great core based in the developing, mature, and twilight sections. Everyone of their twilight players are in their core. They have no dead wood.
Some bemoan the loss of Day and Worpel, but Day was out for most of 2025 too, and Worpel can be replaced by rising developing players.
Their extended midfield - Newcombe, Nash, Ward, Weddle, D'Ambrosio, C. McDonald, Moore, Amon, McKenzie and Greeves, along with support from Butler, Dalton, Anderson, and others - looks ominous.
Added to the list are Greeves, Schubert, LeRay, Nairn and Dalton. All at times played significant roles in the 2025 U18 championships.
Select 23:
Nearly all the team select themselves as core players. Without injury, Dear would've been a core player too. Reeves is as good as Meek and should be in the team as a regular change ruckman. McKenzie is another developing midfielder. While "newbie" Greeves is good enough to start on the bench.
Gee, that Hawthorn side looks strong.
Mid-season:
Yes, reiterating, they are a happy team at Hawthorn, (apart from Don Scott.) No significant injuries, Day is back, Lewis is back, and Chol has finally arrived as a consistent key forward. Even "old man river" Jack Gunston, "just keep rolling along." Every one wants a place in the team. Hopefully it all holds together up to and into the finals. Not much else to write about Hawthorn, except "all speed ahead!"
Melbourne 2026
List:
So, the Dees have followed the Hawkers and Tiges. They've traded off the players who didn't want to be there anymore.
Only problem was they traded off most of their draft picks for experienced players from other clubs. Mihocek, Steele, Jiath and Heath will be useful players in the short term, and they did pick up 6 juniors including two developing basketballers anyway.
The real positive is that the juniors of Melbourne over the last few years are now coming through, so their twilighters can continue to be moved on, with talented younger replacements coming through.
Melbourne won 7 games last season with all their champions. One would guess about 5 games without them.
Select 23:
The Melbourne back half is experienced and good. They need to keep this stable, while slowly giving their younger defenders a taste.
I reckon the midfield will be okay. Steele is a very good inside midfielder, while Culley looks to have some talent as a tall goal-kicking midfielder.
\I think some juniors will step up to take the extra opportunity offered.
I've altered the balance of their forward half, with less key tall forwards. Mihocek should walk into a key forward post, unfortunately pushing Jefferson back to the magoos again.
Heath is a good supporting ruckman to Gawn, who should grow with regular rotations.
Hopefully, with time, their juniors will continue developing.
Mid-season:
Like GWS, Melbourne too has been stacking their list with juniors, whilst also adding some quality mature players. One might have thought that the losses of Oliver and Petracca, along with the loss of Viney would have ripped the guts out of them, but not so. Melbourne are 6th! Who would have thought! Mihocek and Steele have grabbed many of their media headlines, but underlying all of that is the continuing development of Sparrow, Chandler, Pickett, Bowey, Rivers, Turner, Van Rooyen, Windsor, Lindsay, Tholstrup, Langford and Jefferson.
My only query is on their tall defenders. May has gone, while Lever and McDonald can't have much time left. Petty won't get any better, while Adams and Onley look years off it. Onley's "Magoo" stats do look good though!
Hopefully, mid-season draft recruit, Lucas Cook can be the one. While Fitzgerald looks a beauty too. Here's hoping!
So, the Dees have followed the Hawkers and Tiges. They've traded off the players who didn't want to be there anymore.
Only problem was they traded off most of their draft picks for experienced players from other clubs. Mihocek, Steele, Jiath and Heath will be useful players in the short term, and they did pick up 6 juniors including two developing basketballers anyway.
The real positive is that the juniors of Melbourne over the last few years are now coming through, so their twilighters can continue to be moved on, with talented younger replacements coming through.
Melbourne won 7 games last season with all their champions. One would guess about 5 games without them.
Select 23:
The Melbourne back half is experienced and good. They need to keep this stable, while slowly giving their younger defenders a taste.
I reckon the midfield will be okay. Steele is a very good inside midfielder, while Culley looks to have some talent as a tall goal-kicking midfielder.
\I think some juniors will step up to take the extra opportunity offered.
I've altered the balance of their forward half, with less key tall forwards. Mihocek should walk into a key forward post, unfortunately pushing Jefferson back to the magoos again.
Heath is a good supporting ruckman to Gawn, who should grow with regular rotations.
Hopefully, with time, their juniors will continue developing.
Mid-season:
Like GWS, Melbourne too has been stacking their list with juniors, whilst also adding some quality mature players. One might have thought that the losses of Oliver and Petracca, along with the loss of Viney would have ripped the guts out of them, but not so. Melbourne are 6th! Who would have thought! Mihocek and Steele have grabbed many of their media headlines, but underlying all of that is the continuing development of Sparrow, Chandler, Pickett, Bowey, Rivers, Turner, Van Rooyen, Windsor, Lindsay, Tholstrup, Langford and Jefferson.
My only query is on their tall defenders. May has gone, while Lever and McDonald can't have much time left. Petty won't get any better, while Adams and Onley look years off it. Onley's "Magoo" stats do look good though!
Hopefully, mid-season draft recruit, Lucas Cook can be the one. While Fitzgerald looks a beauty too. Here's hoping!
North Melbourne 2026
List:
North looks in great shape to improve this year. The core of their group is in and around the maturing level, complemented by junior hard runners.
Spargo is an experienced player that they've picked up, but the question arises, is he the right type? Little fellows who struggle to pick up 10 possies a game and struggle to kick goals are usually the first you throw out. So, why Spargo? Surely, as per list gaps, a taller-medium, big-bodied midfielder would have been a better choice.
It is unfortunate that North have over-focused on junior smalls and smaller-mediums, they really could have done with more taller midfielders.
With that, we look at the gaps in North list and who they need for further improvement. Xerri is their only playable senior ruckman, as Coleman-Jones doesn't appear to be up to AFL standard. One thinks that if Trembath continues his excellent 2025 form, that Larkey might ruck in the forward half, or they could use Corr as a 2nd ruckman/spare tall defender.
North rely too much on Davies-Uniake, and they desperately need another of his type, for when he needs a rest. Clearly, North can't financially afford an Oliver or a Petracca, but someone like them would be invaluable.
I reckon this may well be the year that North starts rising. How far? Not sure! But, the first few weeks should give a good indication.
Select 23:
North's line-up looks pretty settled. Hopefully, McDonald has returned from injury and will resume on the half-back line. If he doesn't, Hardeman, although a junior, is a ready replacement. Pink has overtaken Corr as a key defender. As said, Corr might be redeployed as a second ruckman. Trembath and Harvey should now be regulars in the team, adding a crucial 3-4 goals to the team tally each game. Wardlaw should add to the midfield rotations.
North have 12 midfielders in their team that they can rotate, and that doesn't count Konstanty and Scott, who'd be next in. In fact, their abundance of midfielders allows Daniel to play the rebounding defender role more often.
Good luck, North! We know you battle the financial odds, but you have that special Shinboner spirit.
Mid-season:
As expected, North have improved, only marginally, but they have improved. Soon, they might be even overtaking St Kilda and Collingwood. Yes, they do have stacked up on junior and developing midfielders, and that's the basis of any long-term improvement.
We have all read about the development of Davies-Uniake, Sheezel, McKercher, O'Sullivan, Trembath, Curtis, etc.. However, the only problem is fitting all of Konstanty, Dovaston, Harvey, Hardeman, and the others just missing out.
Also, they still need an extra genuine tall down back. Their intercepting rates are too low. Whether they wait for Whitlock or trade for some other, they need another defensive tall who can take 7 or 8 intercepting marks per game.
BTW, I wonder how Horne-Francis feels now?
North looks in great shape to improve this year. The core of their group is in and around the maturing level, complemented by junior hard runners.
Spargo is an experienced player that they've picked up, but the question arises, is he the right type? Little fellows who struggle to pick up 10 possies a game and struggle to kick goals are usually the first you throw out. So, why Spargo? Surely, as per list gaps, a taller-medium, big-bodied midfielder would have been a better choice.
It is unfortunate that North have over-focused on junior smalls and smaller-mediums, they really could have done with more taller midfielders.
With that, we look at the gaps in North list and who they need for further improvement. Xerri is their only playable senior ruckman, as Coleman-Jones doesn't appear to be up to AFL standard. One thinks that if Trembath continues his excellent 2025 form, that Larkey might ruck in the forward half, or they could use Corr as a 2nd ruckman/spare tall defender.
North rely too much on Davies-Uniake, and they desperately need another of his type, for when he needs a rest. Clearly, North can't financially afford an Oliver or a Petracca, but someone like them would be invaluable.
I reckon this may well be the year that North starts rising. How far? Not sure! But, the first few weeks should give a good indication.
Select 23:
North's line-up looks pretty settled. Hopefully, McDonald has returned from injury and will resume on the half-back line. If he doesn't, Hardeman, although a junior, is a ready replacement. Pink has overtaken Corr as a key defender. As said, Corr might be redeployed as a second ruckman. Trembath and Harvey should now be regulars in the team, adding a crucial 3-4 goals to the team tally each game. Wardlaw should add to the midfield rotations.
North have 12 midfielders in their team that they can rotate, and that doesn't count Konstanty and Scott, who'd be next in. In fact, their abundance of midfielders allows Daniel to play the rebounding defender role more often.
Good luck, North! We know you battle the financial odds, but you have that special Shinboner spirit.
Mid-season:
As expected, North have improved, only marginally, but they have improved. Soon, they might be even overtaking St Kilda and Collingwood. Yes, they do have stacked up on junior and developing midfielders, and that's the basis of any long-term improvement.
We have all read about the development of Davies-Uniake, Sheezel, McKercher, O'Sullivan, Trembath, Curtis, etc.. However, the only problem is fitting all of Konstanty, Dovaston, Harvey, Hardeman, and the others just missing out.
Also, they still need an extra genuine tall down back. Their intercepting rates are too low. Whether they wait for Whitlock or trade for some other, they need another defensive tall who can take 7 or 8 intercepting marks per game.
BTW, I wonder how Horne-Francis feels now?
Port Adelaide 2026
List:
The focus of this website is on club lists. This applies also to Port, who have an quite a good list, once you set aside all the political / coaching / board / management issues from last season.
If we look at the list only, we can see why Port will, most probably, return to their very competitive position of previous seasons.
They have a good mix of core players in and around the mature group and in most height areas.
There are two major concerns for me, being: 1. The empty column of core genuine talls (195-199cms); and, 2. Is there best ruckman their number 1 ruckman or some other?
Ratugolea, Zerk-Thatcher, and Lukosius, each played half seasons or less in 2025. Are they going to play full seasons in 2026? If not, who else does? Marshall? Lord? Clearly Port need to have this as a Plan B.
Also, Jordon Sweet is by far their best ruckman, yet he is unfairly being held to a rookie contract. Of course, we know now that Soldo has wrecked his knee, again, and Sweet will be elevated. But, is that the Port list management intention? Is Marshall a forward and/or a change ruckman? If so, how will that affect the development of Visentini, who looks every bit their next first ruckman?
Marshall appears to have lost his way. Is he a ruckman, a forward, or both? His 2025 left many questions about his performance.
So, the key backs in defence need to settle. The key forwards look more predictable. Georgiades, Lukosias, Marshall and Lord can be rotated through the course of the season.
The good news is that the midfield looks very strong. Butters, Wines, Drew, Farrell, Sinn, Horne-Francis, Rozee, Brodie, Wehr, Richards, and others make it look very strong, with plenty of rotations.
For the EOS draft, some junior mobile talls (190-194cm) might be suggested.
Select 23:
Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher did play very well in the half seasons they played, so I'd go with them, plus Aliir as 3rd tall. Burgoyne, Jones, and Bergman are core mediums around them.
As said, the midfield picks itself. It will be interesting to see how Brodie comes up after so much time out of footy. Brodie was a walk-up start in his last game, but that was back in April 2023. How is he now?
To me, Sweet is their #1 ruckman. He should have a full-time contract. Visentini should continue developing his craft rotating from the bench.
On paper, Georgiades and Lukosias are their two best key forwards. Although Powell-Pepper on performance would be in the pocket, he had an arthroscopy only 3 weeks ago to reduce discomfort. So, Marshall may well start the season in that pocket. Durdin and Mackinlay are the crumbers.
New coach Carr, and his team, have some figuring to do, but the upside can be quick and significant, if things work out.
Mid-season:
You look at the rankings of Port's top-20 players, and you can see about half a dozen players who have played less than a handful of games. This may indicate: 1. injuries, 2. a new coach who will try new and developing players when injuries or lack of form to older players occur, and 3. mature players struggling to change to a new style. A look through the twilight and mature players shows that there are only 6 of 17, not including Soldo who has retired, who are either injured and out of form. With Butters likely leaving, it may be rebuild time for Port.
Shame for Port. They have attempted to protract a finals' window for about 10 years without a cup.
The focus of this website is on club lists. This applies also to Port, who have an quite a good list, once you set aside all the political / coaching / board / management issues from last season.
If we look at the list only, we can see why Port will, most probably, return to their very competitive position of previous seasons.
They have a good mix of core players in and around the mature group and in most height areas.
There are two major concerns for me, being: 1. The empty column of core genuine talls (195-199cms); and, 2. Is there best ruckman their number 1 ruckman or some other?
Ratugolea, Zerk-Thatcher, and Lukosius, each played half seasons or less in 2025. Are they going to play full seasons in 2026? If not, who else does? Marshall? Lord? Clearly Port need to have this as a Plan B.
Also, Jordon Sweet is by far their best ruckman, yet he is unfairly being held to a rookie contract. Of course, we know now that Soldo has wrecked his knee, again, and Sweet will be elevated. But, is that the Port list management intention? Is Marshall a forward and/or a change ruckman? If so, how will that affect the development of Visentini, who looks every bit their next first ruckman?
Marshall appears to have lost his way. Is he a ruckman, a forward, or both? His 2025 left many questions about his performance.
So, the key backs in defence need to settle. The key forwards look more predictable. Georgiades, Lukosias, Marshall and Lord can be rotated through the course of the season.
The good news is that the midfield looks very strong. Butters, Wines, Drew, Farrell, Sinn, Horne-Francis, Rozee, Brodie, Wehr, Richards, and others make it look very strong, with plenty of rotations.
For the EOS draft, some junior mobile talls (190-194cm) might be suggested.
Select 23:
Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher did play very well in the half seasons they played, so I'd go with them, plus Aliir as 3rd tall. Burgoyne, Jones, and Bergman are core mediums around them.
As said, the midfield picks itself. It will be interesting to see how Brodie comes up after so much time out of footy. Brodie was a walk-up start in his last game, but that was back in April 2023. How is he now?
To me, Sweet is their #1 ruckman. He should have a full-time contract. Visentini should continue developing his craft rotating from the bench.
On paper, Georgiades and Lukosias are their two best key forwards. Although Powell-Pepper on performance would be in the pocket, he had an arthroscopy only 3 weeks ago to reduce discomfort. So, Marshall may well start the season in that pocket. Durdin and Mackinlay are the crumbers.
New coach Carr, and his team, have some figuring to do, but the upside can be quick and significant, if things work out.
Mid-season:
You look at the rankings of Port's top-20 players, and you can see about half a dozen players who have played less than a handful of games. This may indicate: 1. injuries, 2. a new coach who will try new and developing players when injuries or lack of form to older players occur, and 3. mature players struggling to change to a new style. A look through the twilight and mature players shows that there are only 6 of 17, not including Soldo who has retired, who are either injured and out of form. With Butters likely leaving, it may be rebuild time for Port.
Shame for Port. They have attempted to protract a finals' window for about 10 years without a cup.
Richmond 2026
List:
Richmond is always hard for me to do, given my bias. However, clearly Richmond is in a state of flux. With so many juniors brought in over the last few years, more than half the list sits in the junior (18-21) and developing (22-24) age brackets. Consequently, twilighters have been retained to provide some structure.
The clear gap on the Tiger list is that Nankervis sits alone as #1 ruckman, although undersized according to the new rules, with Hayes-Brown and Sampson already in mature phase without experience, and no junior understudy.
Also, one can see that this may be the last season for some of the twilighters, especially in its defence. The youngsters are coming on and they need opportunity.
Richmond will continue its transition this season. There will be players omitted in the start of season 23 that come into the midseason or EOS 23. But, that happens with all clubs. With such transition occurring, it is hard seeing the Tiges moving up the ladder. They may improve, but that may not reflect itself in wins and losses.
Select 23:
As said, positions are open or under challenge.
The Tiges have a fairly stable defence with Vlastuin, Broad and Miller. Balta is said to be returning to defence. While Banks, a now developing tall-medium defender has clinched a rebounding defensive position. Campbell Gray, with only 3 games in 2025, showed very good intercepting skills with limited opportunity. But, Trainor, Gibcus, Trezise, Brown, and Kaleb Smith, will all be looking to grab a spot.
Some of the forward line, and an interchange ruckman's spot, I've left blank because there are no clear contenders who have proven themselves capable.
In the ruck, Sampson Ryan keeps breaking down, while Hayes-Brown hasn't played a game yet. One thinks that if one of these grabs a spot, the other may be traded/delisted for a junior ruckman. If neither succeed, an external developing ruckman may be sought, as was Nankervis almost 10 years ago.
Up forward, Lynch, Lalor, Campbell were the only regulars to kick 1 or more goals per game. The positions have been left open for one tall and one small forward.
So, the Tiges have some sorting out to do, before they start moving up the ladder.
Mid-season:
Things have gone both as expected, and less than expected for the Tigers. Personally, I thought that they wouldn't win a game, and they've won two. Less than expected is the continued run of injuries, mainly from pushing junior boys into senior footy too early. The media have already covered the Tigers injuries. However, some past decisions are haunting them. Chol left because he was queued behind Riewoldt and Lynch, and now he is CHF in a very good Hawker team. Collier-Dawkins was on par with Ross, when the Tiges delisted him. Ross is now a leader, and Collier-Dawkins would be with him too. Even last season, they chose the younger but injured Gibcus over the mature Tyler Young. The latter is now playing a key role in Westcoast's defence, while Gibcus has broken down again, and Annard had to be drafted mid-season to cover his loss. So, the big idea for rebuilding is fine. The concern is that the Tiges are falling down on the detail.
Mind you, Hayes-Brown is finally kicking on. The return of Brown and Trezise, lately, have made their defence stronger, which won them those 2 games, and they are sharing the midfield around more than last season, which benefits the developing players too. However, intercepts across the defence are generally down from last season.
It will be some time before the Tigers rise again.
St Kilda 2026
List:
They say, "A leopard doesn't change their spots!" I used to think that, but Ross Lyon has proven me wrong. For, he has.
Over the last few of years, we've seen StKilda evolve from a team full of half-back flankers to one that is well-rounded with a balanced set of key-position forwards and backs, and midfielders. From a team that rested almost entirely on its experienced players, StKilda has put games into their juniors and, now, as they become developing players, they have over a handful around or over 50 games.
My twin misgivings about them are their surplus of mobile junior talls, and lack of midfield depth.
Where do you play all those junior mobile talls? Well, Wood, Macrae and Wilkie are in the twilight zone, and only Sharman and Owens lie in between the those twilighters and the junior talls. So, they do need to get games into them.
What about the midfield? newie Flanders, Wanganeen-Milera, and Windhager are their first rotation. Macrae, Wilson and Sinclair could be their second rotation. With, Garcia, Hall and Byrnes as their 3rd rotation.
Indications are that the Sainters might be ready to hit the finals again. But they are doing it with some twilighters who are coming to the end.
Select 23:
I did hear of the Saints tossing up playing Marshall up forward, but his stats history indicates at best half a goal a game. I'd much prefer the 196cm Caminiti to move forward again, as he was a regular goalkicker before moving back to cover for the injury to Dougal Howard. With Silvagni coming into the defence, and the junior Tauru not that far away, Caminiti should come forward again. Especially as King appears to be regularly injured. When King and/or Howard go down, like last season, they do have depth, now.
Their major disappointment must be Liam Henry, who has gone right back in two seasons, after leaving Freo. One would have thought by now that he would have replaced Hill on a wing, but that hasn't happened.
Whichever way, the Sainters do look more competitive and, hopefully, they'll show that.
Mid-season:
Meh! Just when you think someone has changed their spots, they prove you wrong. St Kilda looked so tempting this season, but when under pressure with a more offensive style, the coach has reverted to his old defensive traits. Silvagni, Windhager, Flanders, and De Konning are all playing defensive roles. The loss of Dougal Howard appears to have also put their defense out of sorts. Caminiti, such an exciting prospect a few years ago, seems to have lost his way too. While Steele is killing them down at Melbourne. Where they should have gone for genuine midfielders, they spent BIG on the luxury bookends instead. Did them no good. Another false dawn for the Sainters.
They say, "A leopard doesn't change their spots!" I used to think that, but Ross Lyon has proven me wrong. For, he has.
Over the last few of years, we've seen StKilda evolve from a team full of half-back flankers to one that is well-rounded with a balanced set of key-position forwards and backs, and midfielders. From a team that rested almost entirely on its experienced players, StKilda has put games into their juniors and, now, as they become developing players, they have over a handful around or over 50 games.
My twin misgivings about them are their surplus of mobile junior talls, and lack of midfield depth.
Where do you play all those junior mobile talls? Well, Wood, Macrae and Wilkie are in the twilight zone, and only Sharman and Owens lie in between the those twilighters and the junior talls. So, they do need to get games into them.
What about the midfield? newie Flanders, Wanganeen-Milera, and Windhager are their first rotation. Macrae, Wilson and Sinclair could be their second rotation. With, Garcia, Hall and Byrnes as their 3rd rotation.
Indications are that the Sainters might be ready to hit the finals again. But they are doing it with some twilighters who are coming to the end.
Select 23:
I did hear of the Saints tossing up playing Marshall up forward, but his stats history indicates at best half a goal a game. I'd much prefer the 196cm Caminiti to move forward again, as he was a regular goalkicker before moving back to cover for the injury to Dougal Howard. With Silvagni coming into the defence, and the junior Tauru not that far away, Caminiti should come forward again. Especially as King appears to be regularly injured. When King and/or Howard go down, like last season, they do have depth, now.
Their major disappointment must be Liam Henry, who has gone right back in two seasons, after leaving Freo. One would have thought by now that he would have replaced Hill on a wing, but that hasn't happened.
Whichever way, the Sainters do look more competitive and, hopefully, they'll show that.
Mid-season:
Meh! Just when you think someone has changed their spots, they prove you wrong. St Kilda looked so tempting this season, but when under pressure with a more offensive style, the coach has reverted to his old defensive traits. Silvagni, Windhager, Flanders, and De Konning are all playing defensive roles. The loss of Dougal Howard appears to have also put their defense out of sorts. Caminiti, such an exciting prospect a few years ago, seems to have lost his way too. While Steele is killing them down at Melbourne. Where they should have gone for genuine midfielders, they spent BIG on the luxury bookends instead. Did them no good. Another false dawn for the Sainters.
Sydney 2026
List:
Sydney has the problem that nearly all the interstaters have, which is: how do I attract interstate stars to my club, while staying within the salary cap. Yep, Sydney lost BIG, when then 5% salary surplus was taken out. So, they've done it by maintaining twilighters well past their use by dates.
Twelve twilighters on their list, and seven of them suffering from recurring injuries. That becomes a list blocker!
The development of the Sydney Academy is a key, but depends a lot on how many grassroots juniors are playing Aussie-Rules, i.e., greater Brisbane. That's where the AFL Admin junior development programs need to continue building.
Otherwise, the alternative is continuing to dabble in taking other clubs cast-offs.
Select 23:
The defence initially worried me. My original defensive six included 5 twilighters, of which two were non-core in 2025. Lloyd has been a faithful servant, but young Bice needs opportunity. Blakey is a STAR. So is Mills! Jai Serong should replace the aging and injury-ridden Melican. Rampe probably gets another season based on no ready replacement. And, Mills.
Their midfield is fairly strong with nine - Rowbottom, Heeney, McInerney, the two Warners, Gulden, Sheldrick, Jordan and Wicks, and Lloyd, now that he won't be tied up in the defence, but those names are unlikely to match it against the top clubs.
Up forward, their range of goalkickers is narrow. They did need a Curnow or similar type. Smaller goalkickers are needed to aid Papley, ergo Rosas.
Grundy and Ladhams can probably run out a full game together, but they need to fast-track Green or an outsider. (Funny to think that Nankervis, ex-Sydney, is still younger than Grundy and Ladhams!)
Sydney will finish thereabouts this season. Last season, they finished 10th with 12 wins. Maybe, Curnow, the other 'newies', and the new 'Wild-card' round may have them play finals this season.
Mid-season:
A few years ago, when they looked old and tired, the Swans went for young midfielders - Chad Warner, Gulden, Sheldrick, Roberts,.... Now those juniors are midfield leaders. Of course, they were complimented by mature stars, such as Mills and Heeney. Also, they recruited Amartey, Blakey, McLean, McInerney, and McDonald before that.
Their defence has been renovated too, with the introduction and development of Bice, Serong and Roberts.
Sydney recruit well. Recently, Jordan, Serong, Curnow, and Rosas.
Now they have a strong Swans Academy. To quote that famous contemporary Celtic scholar: "You wear it well!"
Sydney has the problem that nearly all the interstaters have, which is: how do I attract interstate stars to my club, while staying within the salary cap. Yep, Sydney lost BIG, when then 5% salary surplus was taken out. So, they've done it by maintaining twilighters well past their use by dates.
Twelve twilighters on their list, and seven of them suffering from recurring injuries. That becomes a list blocker!
The development of the Sydney Academy is a key, but depends a lot on how many grassroots juniors are playing Aussie-Rules, i.e., greater Brisbane. That's where the AFL Admin junior development programs need to continue building.
Otherwise, the alternative is continuing to dabble in taking other clubs cast-offs.
Select 23:
The defence initially worried me. My original defensive six included 5 twilighters, of which two were non-core in 2025. Lloyd has been a faithful servant, but young Bice needs opportunity. Blakey is a STAR. So is Mills! Jai Serong should replace the aging and injury-ridden Melican. Rampe probably gets another season based on no ready replacement. And, Mills.
Their midfield is fairly strong with nine - Rowbottom, Heeney, McInerney, the two Warners, Gulden, Sheldrick, Jordan and Wicks, and Lloyd, now that he won't be tied up in the defence, but those names are unlikely to match it against the top clubs.
Up forward, their range of goalkickers is narrow. They did need a Curnow or similar type. Smaller goalkickers are needed to aid Papley, ergo Rosas.
Grundy and Ladhams can probably run out a full game together, but they need to fast-track Green or an outsider. (Funny to think that Nankervis, ex-Sydney, is still younger than Grundy and Ladhams!)
Sydney will finish thereabouts this season. Last season, they finished 10th with 12 wins. Maybe, Curnow, the other 'newies', and the new 'Wild-card' round may have them play finals this season.
Mid-season:
A few years ago, when they looked old and tired, the Swans went for young midfielders - Chad Warner, Gulden, Sheldrick, Roberts,.... Now those juniors are midfield leaders. Of course, they were complimented by mature stars, such as Mills and Heeney. Also, they recruited Amartey, Blakey, McLean, McInerney, and McDonald before that.
Their defence has been renovated too, with the introduction and development of Bice, Serong and Roberts.
Sydney recruit well. Recently, Jordan, Serong, Curnow, and Rosas.
Now they have a strong Swans Academy. To quote that famous contemporary Celtic scholar: "You wear it well!"
Westcoast 2026
List:
As you guessed, like the Tiges, Westcoast is in flux. However, they have gone a slightly different road. Whereas the Tiges, and North for that matter, have single-mindedly gone for drafting and junior development, Westcoast have drafted juniors but, also, picked up some mature players from outside. Especially, to bolster their defence. Their intercepting averages were comparatively low. Opposition tall forwards were outmarking them.
They do have some interesting key defenders. Harry Edwards, newie Tyler Young, Ginbey, Hough, Brock, Bazzo and Maric. How many do you need?
Starcevich might be a good pick-up, but injury concerns are beginning to kick in. His 2025 stats, including the grand final, were ordinary, and he is injured again. However, Duursma, Duff-Tytler, Josh Lindsay look very exciting, Williams and Sam Allen look okay, too. Then you've got a few others.
The positive is that there are definite players to fill every position.
The rucks, my goodness! I can see a number of other AFL clubs looking at Westcoast's rucking list and thinking, "Who can we pick up?"
Select 23:
As said, the Westcoast back half had ordinary stats last season. Ginbey did well. While, Brock, Edwards, Baker and Cole did okay. Tyler Young is a good get and will add the extra tall defender.
The midfield looks ordinary. They have eight to rotate - Harley Reid, Hewett, Kelly, Dewar, young Duursma, Graham, Hutchinson and young Lindsay - not nearly enough, and some fill-ins. One would expect them to be over-run by most opposing midfields.
The forwards look okay but lack for regular multiple goalkickers.
As said, Westcoast are still in flux and will need about 5 to 6 years.
Mid-season:
It's a long process rising from the bottom. All Westcoast can do is the continue to introduce and develop new and younger players into the team.
Tyler Young, from Richmond, has been a fillip to their defence. Lindsay, Duursma, and Murdock look very good too.
Yes, the only way is up, but it will take time.
As you guessed, like the Tiges, Westcoast is in flux. However, they have gone a slightly different road. Whereas the Tiges, and North for that matter, have single-mindedly gone for drafting and junior development, Westcoast have drafted juniors but, also, picked up some mature players from outside. Especially, to bolster their defence. Their intercepting averages were comparatively low. Opposition tall forwards were outmarking them.
They do have some interesting key defenders. Harry Edwards, newie Tyler Young, Ginbey, Hough, Brock, Bazzo and Maric. How many do you need?
Starcevich might be a good pick-up, but injury concerns are beginning to kick in. His 2025 stats, including the grand final, were ordinary, and he is injured again. However, Duursma, Duff-Tytler, Josh Lindsay look very exciting, Williams and Sam Allen look okay, too. Then you've got a few others.
The positive is that there are definite players to fill every position.
The rucks, my goodness! I can see a number of other AFL clubs looking at Westcoast's rucking list and thinking, "Who can we pick up?"
Select 23:
As said, the Westcoast back half had ordinary stats last season. Ginbey did well. While, Brock, Edwards, Baker and Cole did okay. Tyler Young is a good get and will add the extra tall defender.
The midfield looks ordinary. They have eight to rotate - Harley Reid, Hewett, Kelly, Dewar, young Duursma, Graham, Hutchinson and young Lindsay - not nearly enough, and some fill-ins. One would expect them to be over-run by most opposing midfields.
The forwards look okay but lack for regular multiple goalkickers.
As said, Westcoast are still in flux and will need about 5 to 6 years.
Mid-season:
It's a long process rising from the bottom. All Westcoast can do is the continue to introduce and develop new and younger players into the team.
Tyler Young, from Richmond, has been a fillip to their defence. Lindsay, Duursma, and Murdock look very good too.
Yes, the only way is up, but it will take time.
Western 2026
List:
The Doggies' list looks good. You can see on the list that they have a good spread of height ranges over their age groups.
The only area where they look thin is across the taller-medium (186-189cms) group. One might suspect that they will focus in this area in the coming draft.
Also, they appear to have overdone the 200+ cms group. Lobb is their 200cm tall in defence, English is their ruck, and Sam Darcy is their 200cm forward. Darcy will play ruck in the future, Croft will play as key forward when Darcy moves into the ruck, Lou Emmett is a junior ruck, as is Lachie Smith.
Hence a surfeit of ruckmen.
Budarick has been brought in for the injured Weightman, but the stats question his goalkicking talent. Maybe it's time for him to go down back, but he needs more of the ball.
The Doggies look okay, 9th last season, and will also be thereabouts with surrounding clubs, especially with the new wild-card final.
Select 23:
The Doggies are fairly settled, but their back half needs a little rejigging. Buku Kamis can add some agility to the experienced Bramble. Dale, Williams, then Lobb and O'Donnell. Garcia should become a core small forward/midfielder this season.
Croft is talented and should gain with part-time experience on the bench.
What is crucial this season will be the careers of Trelour and Harmes. Although they've had past successes, Trelour is a twilighter and played only 4 games last season. While Harmes, another twilighter, hasn't played a full season in 3 years. I've put both on the bench. Baker is another who looked like he'd clicked in 2023, but has been recovering since. All three might be omitted midseason.
Mid-season:
The Bulldogs are going along okay, considering some big injuries. Budarick has found his best career form after transferring from Gold Coast. While opportunities to junior and developing players - Busslinger, Sellwood, Jacques, Jones, and Freijah - have added extra pace and enthusiasm.
The Bulldogs are sitting comfortably in the Top-10, and can move into the top 6.
The Doggies' list looks good. You can see on the list that they have a good spread of height ranges over their age groups.
The only area where they look thin is across the taller-medium (186-189cms) group. One might suspect that they will focus in this area in the coming draft.
Also, they appear to have overdone the 200+ cms group. Lobb is their 200cm tall in defence, English is their ruck, and Sam Darcy is their 200cm forward. Darcy will play ruck in the future, Croft will play as key forward when Darcy moves into the ruck, Lou Emmett is a junior ruck, as is Lachie Smith.
Hence a surfeit of ruckmen.
Budarick has been brought in for the injured Weightman, but the stats question his goalkicking talent. Maybe it's time for him to go down back, but he needs more of the ball.
The Doggies look okay, 9th last season, and will also be thereabouts with surrounding clubs, especially with the new wild-card final.
Select 23:
The Doggies are fairly settled, but their back half needs a little rejigging. Buku Kamis can add some agility to the experienced Bramble. Dale, Williams, then Lobb and O'Donnell. Garcia should become a core small forward/midfielder this season.
Croft is talented and should gain with part-time experience on the bench.
What is crucial this season will be the careers of Trelour and Harmes. Although they've had past successes, Trelour is a twilighter and played only 4 games last season. While Harmes, another twilighter, hasn't played a full season in 3 years. I've put both on the bench. Baker is another who looked like he'd clicked in 2023, but has been recovering since. All three might be omitted midseason.
Mid-season:
The Bulldogs are going along okay, considering some big injuries. Budarick has found his best career form after transferring from Gold Coast. While opportunities to junior and developing players - Busslinger, Sellwood, Jacques, Jones, and Freijah - have added extra pace and enthusiasm.
The Bulldogs are sitting comfortably in the Top-10, and can move into the top 6.
Conclusions 2026
Quite frankly, last season, Brisbane looked to be back-to-back premiers from the get-go.
This season, they still look very strong, but the top-half appears to be a lot more open than last season. Adelaide looks as good as last season, however, their draw might be harder this time around.
Next, there are six teams that I've grouped under silver - Geelong, Fremantle, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Gold Coast & GWS - and could finish anywhere between 3rd and 8th. Some of these teams have 'fortress' home ground advantages, especially in finals.
After, the bronze group - Bulldogs, Sydney, Carlton, St Kilda & Port - should be thereabouts, but may be held outside due to general improvement in the competition. Also, remembering that we now have the wild-card finals.
Finally, we have the also-ran and rebuilding groups. The also-rans - Essendon, North & Melbourne - although showing marginal improvement might be held out by the competitive nature of the ladder. While the rebuilding group - Richmond & Westcoast are just that. Meh, could've had Melbourne in that rebuilding group too.
Have a good season, all!
This season, they still look very strong, but the top-half appears to be a lot more open than last season. Adelaide looks as good as last season, however, their draw might be harder this time around.
Next, there are six teams that I've grouped under silver - Geelong, Fremantle, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Gold Coast & GWS - and could finish anywhere between 3rd and 8th. Some of these teams have 'fortress' home ground advantages, especially in finals.
After, the bronze group - Bulldogs, Sydney, Carlton, St Kilda & Port - should be thereabouts, but may be held outside due to general improvement in the competition. Also, remembering that we now have the wild-card finals.
Finally, we have the also-ran and rebuilding groups. The also-rans - Essendon, North & Melbourne - although showing marginal improvement might be held out by the competitive nature of the ladder. While the rebuilding group - Richmond & Westcoast are just that. Meh, could've had Melbourne in that rebuilding group too.
Have a good season, all!