Get ready for an AFL pre-season like no other! With the 2026 season just around the corner, the buzz is all about fresh faces, role shifts, and the race to recover from injuries. But here's the real kicker: which clubs will rise to the top, and who might stumble out of the gates?
Adelaide Crows are mixing things up, with Callum Ah Chee and Finnbar Maley adding firepower to their forward line. But the big question is, can Josh Rachele's midfield dreams become a reality? Meanwhile, Daniel Curtin's knee injury has everyone holding their breath, with the young star facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the season.
Brisbane Lions are in the spotlight, not just for their on-field prowess but also for Lachie Neale's off-field drama. Will it affect his performance? And this is the part most people miss: Keidean Coleman's return to form could be the Lions' secret weapon. However, Eric Hipwood's slow recovery from an ACL tear leaves a big question mark over their forward line.
Carlton is a team in transition, with Liam Reidy pushing to be the number one ruck. But will the Blues' new-look side gel in time for Round 1? Jesse Motlop's ACL injury is a huge blow, and the club's injury list is starting to pile up.
Collingwood is facing a soft tissue injury crisis, with Darcy Moore and Beau McCreery in a race to be fit for the season opener. Jordan De Goey's return to form is a bright spot, but the Pies' depth will be tested early.
Essendon is hoping for a clean run after a injury-plagued 2025. Brad Scott will be relying on his young draftees to step up, but Nic Martin's season-ending injury is a massive setback. Can the Bombers avoid another injury crisis?
Fremantle is experimenting with Luke Jackson in the midfield, and Murphy Reid is set to spend more time in the guts. But will these role changes pay off? The Dockers' injury list is relatively clean, but Hayden Young's soft tissue problems are a concern.
Geelong Cats are banking on Mitch Edwards to bolster their ruck stocks, but Toby Conway's ongoing recovery is a worry. Can the Cats maintain their injury-free run?
Gold Coast Suns are generating buzz with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's impressive pre-season. But the real story is Christian Petracca's impact on the group. Will the Suns finally live up to their potential?
GWS Giants are sweating on Toby Greene's and Jesse Hogan's fitness for the AFL Origin clash. Clayton Oliver's calf setback is a concern, but the Giants' depth will be tested.
Hawthorn is looking to Connor Macdonald to step up in the midfield, but Will Day's shoulder injury is a huge blow. Can the Hawks overcome their injury woes?
Melbourne is in a new era under Steven King, but their injury list is a concern. Max Gawn's fractured finger and Jake Bowey's foot injury are just the tip of the iceberg. Can the Demons get their key players fit in time?
North Melbourne is excited about Lachy Dovaston's potential, but Paul Curtis's health scare is a reminder of the game's fragility. Can the Roos' young stars step up?
Port Adelaide is testing Todd Marshall as a defender, but Sam Powell-Pepper's ACL recovery is a slow burn. Can the Power's new-look side click under Josh Carr?
Richmond is banking on Sam Grlj and Sam Cumming to make an impact, but Sam Lalor's hamstring issues are a concern. Can the Tigers' young stars deliver?
St Kilda is relying on Sam Flanders to bolster their midfield, but Max King's knee surgery is a huge worry. Can the Saints overcome their injury woes?
Sydney Swans are excited about Harry Kyle's potential, but Taylor Adams's off-field incident is a concern. Can the Swans maintain their momentum?
West Coast Eagles are testing Tom McCarthy in the midfield, but their injury list is a concern. Can the Eagles get their key players fit in time?
Western Bulldogs are hyping Sam Darcy, but Cody Weightman's ongoing knee injury is a worry. Can the Dogs maintain their injury-free run?
As the pre-season unfolds, one thing is clear: the 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be a thriller. But with so many variables at play, which clubs will rise to the top, and who will be left behind? What's your take? Who do you think will surprise us all, and who might struggle to keep up?
