Every club's one thing to look forward to in 2026
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
We get to keep it positive because even Sam has things to look forward to this year
Something to look forward to: Mattaes Phillipou (MID/FWD)
Is this the year Mattaes Phillipou finally flourishes? Coach Roberts has kept the faith in the former No. 7 draft pick despite countless setbacks, could Phillipou help Beat Mike claim its first finals win since 2020? With a shallow pool of forwards in 2026, Phillipou's MID/FWD DPP might just be a difference maker.
Something to look forward to: New responsibilities
Coach Carruthers finally has something to be excited about, with two of his young guns set to flourish in 2026. Finn Callaghan is ready to take the league by storm, especially after Tom Green's heartbreaking season-ending ACL rupture, while the electric Caleb Windsor looks to have the chance to show what he's capable of in the midfield. Who knows, he might just be that Errol Gulden clone after all?
Something to look forward to: Winning
After just eight wins from their first 50 games in the league, Future Players can finally get excited in 2026. Coach Rapaic went for players over picks during the off-season, welcoming the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Christian Petracca and Jai Newcombe to his side. We can safely rule out a third-consecutive wooden spoon, but do the Players have what it takes to sneak into the new-look Top 5?
Something to look forward to: Under-20s
The back-to-back premiers walked away from the 2026 Nanas Draft with three players under 20 years old for the first time since 2020. The Milkmen are still in the premiership window, but hopefully Dylan Patterson (Pick 20), Isaac Kako (Pick 43) and Lachy Dovaston (Pick 96) can give something for Coach Holland to get excited about once that window closes.
Something to look forward to: The league medallists
The league’s move to the Keeper platform marked the return of the Cousins-Bevis Medal, with Jammers teammates Nick Daicos and Max Gawn named joint medallists. The Jammers were unable to make the most of the duo's dominance, falling to Gabe's Team in the first week of finals, but as long as those two are firing, Coach JMHQB's side will always be competitive. Let's see what's in store for 2026.
Something to look forward to: Zak Butters
Zak Butters could be the most sure-thing captain option across the entire league in 2026. The boy from Darley enters a contract year at Port Adelaide, which is a dream come true for Coach Fienemann as Butters looks to prove his worth ahead of the AFL Trade Period.
Something to look forward to: Potential
Every season there's a handful of players that seemed poised for a breakout. In 2026 it feels like most of them play for Max's Team. Will Ashcroft is entering his fourth year, Connor Macdonald is potentially playing midfield minutes and does a third-year breakout await Colby McKercher? Potential is exciting, which is why so many expect Max's Team to be the biggest climber in 2026.
Something to look forward to: Jagga Smith
An ACL injury in his first season in the system saw Jagga Smith slide to No. 3 in the 2025 Nanas Draft. Coach Manthorpe was prepared to be patient, and now he gets to reap the rewards as Smith has tongues wagging over pre-season. If the Nana Winner core of Smith, Harley Reid, Harvey Langford, Willem Duursma and Daniel Annable can reach their potential, a dynasty awaits.
Something to look forward to: Flexibility
If Coach Hedges decides his Choir Boys don't have what it takes to challenge for a second premiership, he doesn't have to worry one bit. If Coach Hedges decides his Choir Boys can still challenge for the flag, despite a youthful focus on draft night, he still doesn't have to worry one bit.
Why? Because The Catholic Church holds two Future Players first rounders - on top of two of its own - as well as a 2027 second round selection tied to Future Players. It means that if Coach Hedges wants to go all in once more, he has the assets to trade for a big name player. Alternatively, if he wants to blow it all up, his current draft hand already means he'll be back competing in no time. Terrific list management.
Something to look forward to: St Kilda
The Xerri Berries boast four St Kilda players ahead of 2026, but two of them could make or break Coach Moore's season: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Sam Flanders. Wanganeen-Milera is projected to be the league's highest-averaging defender, while Sam Flanders finds himself in the top five for forwards. Coach Moore will be glued to the TV for St Kilda games in 2026. Eight of them (out of 14) are live and free on Seven btw.
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