The commerce interval and draft are executed and lists are for essentially the most half finalised, aside from a few supplemental choice interval slots.
With all that info now in, we’ve got an honest concept what each staff will appear like in 2026, barring summer time breakouts or accidents.
We have gone by way of all 18 AFL groups to compile their greatest 23s – clearly with 5 on the bench now, one of the best 22 is formally useless.
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One factor to notice is we’ve got not included any gamers out with important long run accidents, together with GWS pair Darcy Jones and Josh Kelly, Essendon defender Nic Martin and Carlton defender Harry O’Farrell, amongst others.
Callum Ah Chee joined Adelaide by way of the pre-season draft. Â by way of Getty Photographs
FB: M. Michalanney, M. Keane, J. Worrell
HB: M. Hinge, N. Murray, W. Milera
C: J. Peatling, J. Soligo, I. Cumming
HF: C. Ah Chee, D. Fogarty, A. Neal-Bullen
FF: T. Walker, R. Thilthorpe, J. Rachele
FOL: R. O’Brien, J. Dawson, I. Rankine
INT: S. Draper, D. Curtin, S. Berry, R. Laird, B. Keays
STRENGTH: The firepower of this Adelaide ahead combine is pretty much as good as any staff within the competitors. Particularly with the addition of Callum Ah Chee, one other dependable function participant to work alongside rising superstars like Riley Thilthorpe and Izak Rankine.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The minor premiers nonetheless lack depth of their midfield for essentially the most half. They hoped so as to add Christian Petracca within the commerce interval, however that fell by way of. The emergence of their 2024 prime draftee, Sam Draper, would possibly assist in that division.
Oscar Allen, now a Lion. Cricket Australia by way of Getty Imag
FB: R. Lester, H. Andrews, D. Wilmot
HB: Okay. Coleman, J. Payne, D. Zorko
C: L. Ashcroft, J. Dunkley, H. McCluggage
HF: Z. Bailey, L. Morris, C. Rayner
FF: C. Cameron, O. Allen, Okay. Lohmann
FOL: S. Draper, L. Neale, W. Ashcroft
INT: E. Hipwood, J. Berry, D. Annable, J. Fletcher, N. Answerth
STRENGTH: Is it honest to only say ‘all the pieces’? It is not simply the additions of Oscar Allen and Sam Draper to positive up key place slots, and a prime draftee in Daniel Annable, it is returning stars like Jack Payne, Keidean Coleman, Eric Hipwood and extra who did not even function within the grand remaining win. That is one of the best listing within the competitors and it is stronger than ever.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: They simply gained a premiership with out a longtime key ahead and with out their full again. Their midfield is the deepest within the league. You might possibly say their ruck depth is questionable with Draper coming off an Achilles and Darcy Fort being 32 … possibly.
Michael Voss the coach of the Blues speaks to Jagga Smith at coaching in November. Getty
FB: L. Cowan, J. Weitering, N. Haynes
HB: N. Newman, H. Dean, O. Hollands
C: J. Smith, P. Cripps, M. Cottrell
HF: Z. Williams, W. Hayward, B. Ainsworth
FF: J. Motlop, H. McKay, A. Moir
FOL: M. Pittonet, S. Walsh, G. Hewett
INT: O. Florent, A. Cerra, C. Lord, A. Saad, F. Evans
STRENGTH: It is a recent trying Carlton facet going into 2026, with a handful of latest faces on prime of thrilling kids who would possibly change the vibe after a troublesome yr. They are a deeper facet than final yr throughout the board, which ought to make them a bit extra constant.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: With out Charlie Curnow, loads now rests on the shoulders of Harry McKay. They lack a secondary key ahead on their listing, notably with Brodie Kemp coming off a torn Achilles. They’ll hope Harry Dean can fill the void in defence as properly, however that group additionally appears to be like shaky.
Nick Daicos of Collingwood. AFL Pictures by way of Getty Photographs
FB: B. Maynard, D. Moore, J. Howe
HB: D. Houston, B. Frampton, J. Daicos
C: S. Sidebottom, J. Crisp, P. Lipinski
HF: B. McCreery, T. Membrey, J. De Goey
FF: J. Elliott, D. McStay, B. Hill
FOL: D. Cameron, N. Daicos, S. Pendlebury
INT: L. Schultz, H. Perryman, I. Quaynor, N. Lengthy, H. Harrison
STRENGTH: Their greatest 23 is extremely robust on paper, as they confirmed for almost all of the 2025 season. If they’ll keep wholesome and tempo their veterans, they are going to stay very tough to beat. Their defensive group can dominate within the air and with rebound.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: With out Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox, the Pies are missing key ahead depth on their listing and asking a variety of the undersized Tim Membrey and damage inclined Dan McStay. They will hope Jack Buller and Charlie West will be massive components in 2026.
Zach Merrett will return to Essendon in 2026. Getty
FB: J. Ridley, B. McKay, A. McGrath
HB: M. Redman, Z. Reid, J. Farrow
C: A. Roberts, J. Caldwell, X. Duursma
HF: M. Guelfi, N. Caddy, B. Fiorini
FF: I. Kako, P. Wright, Okay. Langford
FOL: N. Bryan, Z. Merrett, S. Durham
INT: L. Blakiston, J. Gresham, D. Parish, S. Robey, H. Jones
STRENGTH: If they’ll really preserve this group wholesome, they bat fairly deep within the midfield and have fairly a stable defensive core with some velocity off the flanks. Holding Zach Merrett helps and there is a rising group of younger expertise that’s price getting enthusiastic about.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Not having Nic Martin in 2026 hurts as this staff wants all of the star energy it may well get round an honest crop of function gamers. The ruck division can also be a giant query mark, pending Nick Bryan’s return from a torn ACL.
Judd McVee, now a Docker. Fremantle Dockers
FB: L. Ryan, A. Pearce, J. McVee
HB: J. Clark, B. Cox, H. Chapman
C: N. O’Driscoll, A. Brayshaw, N. Erasmus
HF: M. Reid, P. Voss, S. Bolton
FF: L. Jackson, J. Treacy, S. Switkowski
FOL: S. Darcy, C. Serong, H. Younger
INT: J. Amiss, J. Draper, M. Frederick, Okay. Worner, J. O’Meara
STRENGTH: They actually do not lack for talls between the beginning ruckmen in Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson and the trio of key forwards in Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss. The Dockers have all the pieces they want there.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: This staff does not need for a lot if they’ll discover a bit extra luck on the damage entrance in 2026. The midfield appears to be like robust on paper, however depth behind the large three stays a little bit of a query mark.
The Cats look on after they had been defeated by the Lions  by way of Getty Photographs
FB: C. O’Sullivan, J. Henry, Z. Guthrie
HB: L. Humphries, S. De Koning, T. Stewart
C: O. Dempsey, J. Worpel, B. Smith
HF: P. Dangerfield, J. Cameron, S. Mannagh
FF: T. Stengle, S. Neale, G. Miers
FOL: R. Stanley, M. Holmes, T. Atkins
INT: M. Blicavs, B. Shut, J. Bowes, T. Bruhn, O. Mullin
STRENGTH: The Cats have one of the best group of attacking mid-forward weapons within the competitors, with Ollie Dempsey, Bailey Smith, Shaun Mannagh, Gryan Miers coupled with Max Holmes and Patrick Dangerfield and the returning Tanner Bruhn.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: After failing to safe Rowan Marshall within the commerce interval, Geelong’s ruck shares don’t look notably attractive with 35-year-old Rhys Stanley and the damage inclined Toby Conway. It is a massive pink flag for a premiership contender.
Christian Petracca as a Solar. 9
FB: B. Uwland, S. Collins, M. Andrew
HB: D. Patterson, C. Ballard, D. Rioli
C: A. Davies, C. Petracca, T. Miller
HF: B. Humphrey, J. Walter, Z. Uwland
FF: B. Lengthy, B. King, E. Learn
FOL: J. Witts, N. Anderson, M. Rowell
INT: W. Powell, J. Farrar, L. Weller, J. Noble, W. Graham
STRENGTH: Including Christian Petracca and prime draftee Zeke Uwland to an already high quality midfield unit makes the Suns extremely harmful subsequent season. They could simply problem Brisbane for one of the best listing within the competitors if these draftees are pretty much as good as they appear.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: They shed a variety of depth and function gamers so as to deliver on this loaded draft hand, which means they are going to be counting on them fairly early on. Who is aware of what they get from Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, however he’s a cherry on prime at this level.
Clayton Oliver at GWS coaching. Â GWS Giants Instagram
FB: H. Himmelberg, S. Taylor, C. Idun
HB: L. Ash, J. Buckley, L. Whitfield
C: T. Bedford, C. Oliver, S. Coniglio
HF: B. Daniels, A. Cadman, C. Brown
FF: T. Greene, J. Hogan, J. Stringer
FOL: Okay. Briggs, T. Inexperienced, F. Callaghan
INT: L. Aleer, X. O’Halloran, J. Riccardi, R. Angwin, H. Thomas
STRENGTH: The Giants have the most effective defensive teams within the AFL, notably after holding onto rising key defender Leek Aleer. Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley have develop into pretty much as good as any lockdown defensive combo, whereas Connor Idun stays underrated.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Clayton Oliver provides some a lot wanted depth on-ball, however not having Josh Kelly for many of 2026 offsets that considerably. They’re asking a variety of Tom Inexperienced and Finn Callaghan particularly.
Mabior Chol of the Hawks is congratulated by teammates after kicking a objective. Darrian Traynor by way of Getty Photographs
FB: B. Hardwick, T. Barrass, J. Sicily
HB: J. Weddle, J. Battle, J. Scrimshaw
C: M. D’Ambrosio, J. Newcombe, J. Impey
HF: J. Ginnivan, C. Expensive, D. Moore
FF: J. Gunston, M. Chol, N. Watson
FOL: L. Meek, W. Day, J. Ward
INT: Okay. Amon, C. Nash, C. MacDonald, C. Mackenzie, H. Morrison
STRENGTH: One other elite defensive group, Tom Barrass and Josh Battle have made this Hawthorn backline fairly formidable. Josh Weddle is among the competitors’s quickest rising stars and will get away totally in 2026 throughout half again or anyplace on the sector.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Not touchdown Zach Merrett within the commerce interval leaves this midfield unit a bit skinny. Will Day is coming off a big foot damage and the likes of Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie aren’t on the prime stage but. They really feel a star midfielder in need of premiership competition.
Latrelle Pickett and Xavier Taylor pose after being chosen by the Demons as a part of the 2025 AFL Draft. Getty
FB: X. Taylor, S. Might, D. Turner
HB: J. Bowey, J. Lever, T. Rivers
C: X. Lindsay, J. Viney, C. Windsor
HF: Okay. Chandler, B. Mihocek, B. Fritsch
FF: L. Pickett, J. Van Rooyen, H. Petty
FOL: M. Gawn, Okay. Pickett, H. Langford
INT: J. Steele, J. Melksham, C. Salem, T. Sparrow, E. Langdon
STRENGTH: The Dees have a variety of thrilling younger gamers to construct round on this new period, which instantly stands out on this greatest facet. Younger midfielders Langford, Windsor and Lindsay will assist form a brand new unit with extra tempo and run than the earlier starters.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: How will this backline maintain up throughout a season? They’re clearly hoping to maneuver on from Steven Might, however they do not have a heap of dimension down again with out him except somebody breaks out. Taylor will want time to seek out his ft at AFL stage as properly.
Harry Sheezel of the Kangaroos celebrates a objective. Getty
FB: J. Archer, G. Logue, T. Pink
HB: C. McKercher, C. Comben, R. Hardeman
C: J. Simpkin, G. Wardlaw, T. Powell
HF: L. Parker, J. Darling, P. Curtis
FF: L. Dovatson, N. Larkey, C. Zurhaar
FOL: T. Xerri, H. Sheezel, L. Davies-Uniacke
INT: Z. Duursma, F. O’Sullivan, C. Harvey, D. Stephens, C. Trembath
STRENGTH: If they’ll preserve Wardlaw wholesome, the midfield group ticks a variety of packing containers on paper. They’ve three real stars in there and the most effective ruckmen within the competitors. Simpkin, Powell, Parker and McKercher present nice depth. Time to place the items all collectively.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: It is nonetheless tough to belief this defensive group. Charlie Comben appears to be like like a top quality intercept marking defender and Jackson Archer has proven a variety of promise, however they are going to be hoping for somebody like Matt Whitlock or Wil Dawson to snare a spot again there this season.
Josh Carr might be Port Adelaide coach from 2026 onwards. Getty
FB: Okay. Farrell, A. Aliir, J. Sinn
HB: J. Burgoyne, E. Ratugolea, C. Rozee
C: M. Bergman, W. Drew, O. Wines
HF: J. Lukosius, O. Lord, J. Berry
FF: D. Byrne-Jones, M. Georgiades, J. Richards
FOL: J. Candy, Z. Butters, J. Horne-Francis
INT: L. Jones, T. Marshall, J. Wehr, C. Moraes, C. Durdin
STRENGTH: It is laborious to argue towards the calibre of the Port Adelaide midfield group. Few groups boast a number of match profitable gamers like Butters, Horne-Francis and Rozee will be at their greatest, whereas Bergman is a participant on the rise as properly and Drew handles the grunt work.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The shortage of depth past just a few stars is stark and speaks to the place the listing is at coming off an prolonged run within the prime eight. They lack efficiency up ahead outdoors of Georgiades and may need to play Horne-Francis ahead to kick profitable scores.
Sam Cumming and Samuel Grlj pose after being chosen by the Tigers as a part of the 2025 AFL Draft. Getty
FB: J. Gibcus, B. Miller, N. Vlastuin
HB: J. Brief, N. Balta, S. Banks
C: S. Grlj, T. Taranto, L. Trainor
HF: J. Hopper, H. Armstrong, T. Hotton
FF: J. Faull, T. Lynch, S. Campbell
FOL: T. Nankervis, S. Lalor, D. Prestia
INT: T. Brown, N. Broad, S. Cumming, J. Ross, R. Mansell
STRENGTH: Doubtlessly the toughest greatest 23 to foretell this low season given the sheer amount of younger expertise the Tigers have accrued throughout the final two years. No staff boasts as many prime draft picks in the beginning of their careers and the important thing might be placing sufficient veteran our bodies round them to guard them.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Having so many kids is their power, however it can additionally impression their capability to carry out persistently throughout the season. The ahead line particularly will take time to seek out its ft given the younger key forwards coupled with Tom Lynch within the remaining stage of his profession.
Jack Silvagni in a St Kilda guernsey. Instagram
FB: A. Tauru, C. Wilkie, L. Stocker
HB: J. Sinclair, J. Silvagni, B. Hill
C: D. Wilson, M. Windhager, M. Wooden
HF: M. Phillipou, C. Sharman, M. Corridor
FF: J. Higgins, M. King, R. Marshall
FOL: T. De Koning, N. Wanganeen-Milera, S. Flanders
INT: M. Owens, J. Macrae, L. Ryan, H. Garcia, T. Travaglia
STRENGTH: The Saints splashed within the commerce interval to bolster their greatest facet, they usually have actually given themselves one of the best ruck combo within the recreation with De Koning and Marshall, Silvagni offers their backline an additional tall it has wanted and permits Tauru to develop alongside two veterans.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The ahead line continues to be considerably laborious to belief, notably given Max King has barely featured at AFL stage for a number of seasons now. Behind him, they’d be counting on Marshall or De Koning to hit the scoreboard, and neither are real key forwards.
Charlie Curnow poses after being traded to Sydney AFL Pictures by way of Getty Photographs
FB: D. Rampe, T. McCartin, S. Wicks
HB: N. Blakey, L. Melican, C. Mills
C: J. Jordon, I. Heeney, E. Gulden
HF: J. McInerney, J. Amartey, J. Dattoli
FF: T. Papley, C. Curnow, H. McLean
FOL: B. Grundy, C. Warner, J. Rowbottom
INT: B. Campbell, J. Lloyd, M. Roberts, A. Sheldrick, J. Serong
STRENGTH: Charlie Curnow fills the most important void in footy and that is the total ahead slot for the Swans. A staff that will really feel prefer it had all the pieces else it wanted, now has its spearhead inside 50 as properly to utilize its elite midfield group.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The backline stays considerably questionable, although Jai Serong may emerge as the answer. Rampe will flip 36 subsequent yr, whereas McCartin and Melican must maintain up as soon as once more as key defensive pillars.
Willem Duursma poses after being chosen by the Eagles as a part of the 2025 AFL Draft. Getty
FB: W. Duursma, H. Edwards, B. Starcevich
HB: J. Lindsay, R. Ginbey, T. McCarthy
C: L. Duggan, H. Reid, B. Hough
HF: E. Hewett, J. Shanahan, T. Brockman
FF: C. Duff-Tytler, J. Waterman, J. Cripps
FOL: A. Reid, L. Baker, J. Graham
INT: T. Kelly, E. Yeo, B. Williams, T. Younger, R. Maric
STRENGTH: With the additions of Duursma, Starcevich and Lindsay the Eagles have added important depth to their run and carry shares off half again and thru the wings, notably whenever you think about McCarthy, who completed the yr robust. If they’ll preserve their greatest group wholesome, they’ve loads to work with throughout the board.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Who will emerge because the staff’s key defenders in 2026? They’ve choices, together with Harry Edwards, Sandy Brock and Tylar Younger, however somebody goes to need to seize the spot and till then it is laborious to know who to belief.
Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs leads the staff out. Getty
FB: C. Budarick, R. Lobb, L. Bramble
HB: B. Dale, J. O’Donnell, B. Williams
C: J. Freijah, T. Liberatore, R. Sanders
HF: M. Kennedy, A. Naughton, L. Vandermeer
FF: C. Weightman, S. Darcy, R. West
FOL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, E. Richards
INT: A. Treloar, J. Croft, S. Davidson, R. Garcia, J. Harmes
STRENGTH: The Bulldogs’ midfield continues so as to add extra layers, with the emergence of Richards and Freijah coupled with Kennedy becoming a member of the membership in 2025. They’ll hope Adam Treloar can get again to his greatest, whereas a Sanders breakout can be one other weapon alongside Bontempelli and Liberatore.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The Canine tried desperately so as to add a star key defender to their listing within the commerce interval, however finally got here up quick. With Liam Jones gone, that’s the place of most concern for them in 2026. Can O’Donnell or Jedd Busslinger step up and assist Lobb?
