It might be a tough exit assembly for: Taylor Walker. The champion ahead, 35, is off contract, and his time could also be up after a modest finals marketing campaign. The Crows could really feel Thilthorpe and Fogarty have to be empowered and shoulder better accountability. Fellow veteran Brodie Smith, 33, can also be weighing up his future.
Something to stay up for: This was a 12 months when the Crows constructed a basis for what must be a five-year premiership tilt. Yes, they did not win 1 / 4 of their two finals defeats, changing into the primary minor premiers in additional than 40 years to be dumped from September in straight units, however that sting ought to hearth this squad.
However, they do have holes. While unbeaten in 13 video games towards backside 9 groups, they had been 6-7 towards prime 9 groups, their scoring and defence dropping off.
They want one other X-factor along with Rankine, whereas a ahead line of three talls didn’t hold-up in September, when the ball is on the bottom extra. Another sturdy defender would additionally assist.
Nicks might want to tinker together with his sport plan. As he stated after the semi-final loss to Hawthorn, it’s more durable to maneuver the ball the best way you need within the finals when the depth rises. The Crows have been linked with off-contract Lions ahead Callum Ah Chee.
Best and fairest tip: Jordan Dawson.
– Jon Pierik
Suns gun Matt Rowell takes a bodily battering in each sport he performs.Credit: Getty Images
Gold Coast (sixth after finals loss)
Wins: 15 Losses: 5 Draft picks 6, 14, 15, 32, 56, 68
What went properly: The Suns have lastly risen. This was a breakthrough season for a membership, which not solely made its maiden finals run in its fifteenth try, however conjured a miraculous win over the Dockers in Perth.
Skipper Noah Anderson and fellow midfielder Matt Rowell had been first-time All-Australians, their sustained efforts within the midfield a sight to behold. The bodily punishment Rowell takes reminds us of the hits an NFL operating again endures.
Marking ahead Ben King was very good in entrance of purpose however might want to add a brand new trick or two. Fellow ahead Ben Long had a breakout marketing campaign, though he was disappointing within the semi-final, whereas recruits Daniel Rioli and John Noble delivered what was anticipated of them at half-back.
Sam Collins is a beast at full-back, Touk Miller delivered run and carry, whereas Bailey Humphrey confirmed indicators of morphing into the Suns’ model of Cam Rayner.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Jed Walter. The younger ahead was dropped after spherical 19 and didn’t return to the facet. While the previous Suns academy product is contracted for subsequent season, he might be utilized in a commerce for Carlton’s Charlie Curnow. While a star within the making, Mac Andrew will face a robust evaluation of his finals performances.
Something to stay up for: There is a lot to stay up for with this rising record, coach Damien Hardwick declaring his staff is constructed for September. The base is there, it’s now time to construct internally and thru canny trades.
The Suns had been too reliant on Rowell and Anderson, and wish one other sturdy midfielder who can ship underneath stress. The unicorn that’s Ethan Read struggled within the semi-final however has the peak and expertise to be a long-term marking menace. They may lose Sam Flanders, who has two years remaining on his contract, and Malcolm Rosas, by means of the commerce interval.
Best and fairest tip: Noah Anderson.
– Jon Pierik
Fremantle (eighth)
Wins: 16. Losses: 7. Draft picks 13, 31, 38, 49, 67.
What went properly: After final 12 months’s meltdown, after they slipped from the highest eight at first of August to tenth by the top, the Dockers held agency this 12 months and returned to the finals for the primary time since 2022, successful 12 of their final 14 video games to complete sixth.
Caleb Serong once more starred within the Fremantle midfield.Credit: AFL Photos
They adopted a extra attacking gameplan after 5 losses from their first 9 video games, however failed to totally embrace this mantra in a stinging elimination remaining defeat to the Suns.
“We’ve grown a lot all year long with the best way we play our footy, the best way we embrace challenges, the best way we’ve improved our footy on the highway,” coach Justin Longmuir stated after the loss to the Suns.
Marking talls Josh Treacy (44 targets) and Patrick Voss (37) had sturdy seasons, whereas Murphy Reid claimed the AFLPA’s greatest younger participant award.
Former premiership Tiger Shai Bolton (28) was arguably the recruit of the 12 months. Defender Jordan Clark and midfield stud Caleb Serong had been All-Australians, whereas Andrew Brayshaw was unfortunate to not be.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Jye Amiss. While he performed all 24 video games, Amiss, a key marking tall, returned a modest 32 targets, and averaged career-lows in marks and disposals per sport. He had solely two touches (one purpose) within the elimination remaining earlier than being subbed off. Amiss might be a commerce goal.
Then there’s ruckman Sean Darcy. Will he and Luke Jackson proceed to be a one-two punch within the ruck? We’ll see.
Something to stay up for: The Dockers are constructing properly. They had a mean age of simply 24.9 years by means of the season – the fourth youngest within the competitors.
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy.Credit: AFL Photos
AFL nice James Hird has set excessive expectations for them subsequent 12 months, regardless of their loss to the Suns on Saturday.
“I believe they need to be prime 4 subsequent 12 months with their record and the best way they’ve had the ultimate this 12 months and the performances towards the very best groups within the competitors. I’ve actually gotten locked in that prime 4 subsequent 12 months,” Hird stated.
But they can not afford to have lulls and slip again right into a defensive mindset when the stress is at its best. This shall be Longmuir’s best problem.
Best and fairest: Caleb Serong.
– Jon Pierik
GWS (seventh)
Wins: 16. Losses: 7 (+1 finals). Draft picks: 12, 30, 36.
What went properly: After a dodgy first half of the 12 months, the Giants received 9 of their final 10 home-and-away video games, scoring greater than 100 factors in every of them. In the top, they completed with one of many AFL’s greatest attacking information, simply two factors behind third place.
Toby Greene and his Giants had been eradicated at dwelling by the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos
At their greatest, they had been completely awe-inspiring: their beautiful third quarters towards the Swans within the second Sydney derby of the season, plus their (ultimately unsuccessful) comeback towards Hawthorn of their elimination remaining, will dwell lengthy within the reminiscence. The problem shall be closing the hole between their scary greatest and their timid worst.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Everyone. The Giants have now misplaced their previous 4 finals, together with two at dwelling (and three in Sydney) – the type of file that every participant must take a various diploma of accountability for, in addition to the teaching group, and would require all of them to look deeply inside over the summer season. September stumbles have gotten an excessive amount of of a theme.
What’s clear is that they concede too many entries, which might’t be wholly pinned on the six poor blokes in defence who needed to cope with that avalanche. All issues thought of, they managed OK, however it felt unsustainable, and so it has proved.
And there’s an identical downside going the opposite means. When they’re on, they’re on, however the Giants’ assault falls to items after they mindlessly blaze away inside 50 as they did towards Hawthorn, which fully undermines their ahead set-up. Composure in key moments is missing on this facet throughout each line, and that’s not a simple factor so as to add.
Sam Taylor is a star defender for GWS, however the Giants’ defensive unit is underneath stress.Credit: AFL Photos
Something to stay up for: As Adam Kingsley stated post-match, the Giants nonetheless have “all of the items” to contend, though their ageing stars are operating out of petrol. But the window stays open, their subsequent tier of rising stars shall be higher with one other season underneath their belts and if they’ll deal with their inconsistencies, get to the psychological nub of their finals failures and have some higher luck with accidents, there’s no cause why they received’t be again contending once more in 2026.
Best and fairest tip: Finn Callaghan confirmed precisely why St Kilda threw a $17 million, 10-year contract provide at him; thank heavens he stated no. He and Tom Green (seemingly second in the very best and fairest) run this staff now.
– Vince Rugari
Western Bulldogs (ninth)
Wins: 14. Losses: 9. Draft picks: 10, 28
What went properly: Offensive energy. The Doggies poured on the targets this season, scoring extra factors (2493) than some other staff. Led by Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards and an more and more influential Sam Darcy up ahead, they beat up groups with regularity. While that resulted in a 14-9 file, the staff from the west missed the finals.
The Bulldogs had been an offensive juggernaut in 2025 however nonetheless missed finals.Credit: Getty Images
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The one-time No.1 draft decide has occupied a lot of the Bulldogs prime brass’ time this season. It could be fascinating to witness his official exit assembly given there’s a lot to debate for a participant who didn’t add to his tally of 67 AFL video games this season.
Defenders shall be within the highlight, too, however every participant on the record shall be pressed for explanations as to why the Dogs merely couldn’t beat groups who had been vying for finals spots.
Something to stay up for: Plenty, to be truthful. The Dogs have recorded 14 wins in consecutive seasons; in 2024 they performed finals, to allow them to’t wallow in pity about what occurred this 12 months.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan didn’t play a sport for the Bulldogs this season.Credit: Justin McManus
Darcy, at age 22, stays probably the most thrilling younger gamers within the sport. Aaron Naughton’s greatest season (65 targets) is a beacon of hope for even higher issues, too.
Best and fairest tip: I’ve landed on Ed Richards forward of Tom Liberatore. Bontempelli’s missed video games by means of harm will value him.
– Scott Spits
Port Adelaide (thirteenth)
Wins: 8. Losses: 15. Draft picks: 26, 42, 60
What went properly: That’s robust to reply as a result of this was a particularly disappointing 12 months, regardless of Ken Hinkley’s protestations the record is ready up properly for 2026.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch caught with Ken Hinkley to the top.Credit: Getty Images
Having made a preliminary remaining final 12 months, the Power slipped markedly. However, skipper Connor Rozee and fellow star midfielder Zak Butters had been usually industrious, whereas ahead Mitch Georgiades delivered a half-century of targets for the primary time. Aliir Aliir loved one other stellar season in defence, whereas Travis Boak and Hinkley got an aesthetic send-off towards the Suns, the victory totally deserved.
Zak Butters received Port Adelaide’s greatest and fairest award – the John Cahill Medal – for the third consecutive 12 months in 2025. Credit: Getty Images
It might be a tough exit assembly for: President David Koch and his board. The succession plan designed to ease Hinkley out and Josh Carr to arrange for the senior position subsequent season was completed with the very best of intentions, however the scoreboard says it was a failure.
If Hinkley wasn’t the person to take the staff ahead, then Carr ought to have been instantly put in, and Hinkley given a thank-you payout for his years of effective service.
Something to stay up for: The Power must be again within the finals hunt subsequent 12 months, however they might want to get busy within the commerce interval.
Do they’ve sufficient true stars? Missing out on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will harm.
Late season accidents have given the children an opportunity. We like what we’ve seen of Jack Whitlock, who can play ruck and go ahead.
Best and fairest winner: Zak Butters.
– Jon Pierik
Essendon (fifteenth)
Wins: 6. Losses: 17. Draft picks: 4, 5, 22, 25.
What went properly: The Bombers have some very good children. In his second 12 months, Nate Caddy once more gave glimpses of the participant he may develop into, with 20 targets and extra flashes of brilliance.
Isaac Kako gave Bombers followers one thing to get enthusiastic about.Credit: AFL Photos
Isaac Kako impressed together with his smarts round targets and confirmed late within the season he may also be developed as a pinch-hitter within the centre sq..
Archie Roberts, the bottom draft decide of the trio, may find yourself being a steal. The teenager is superior past his years, demonstrating composure and talent in a defence that was underneath siege.
Angus Clarke is one other of the membership’s 15 debutants this 12 months who has offered Bombers followers with hope in a wretched marketing campaign.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Ben Hobbs. In his fourth season, Hobbs, 21, did not take a extra vital position within the facet. Worryingly for Hobbs, regardless of Essendon’s litany of accidents, he was dropped for the primary leg of the ultimate spherical and couldn’t break again into the staff.
Hobbs has stagnated in his previous two seasons, reaching 20 disposals in simply three of his previous 30 video games. His disposal stays a fear. If time has run out for the first-round decide from the 2021 draft, it might elevate additional queries on the Bombers’ recruiting and participant growth.
Something to stay up for: The draft. The Bombers have a robust hand on this 12 months’s draft after buying Melbourne’s first choice by means of a decide swap final 12 months. Even accounting for father/son, academy and NGA picks, the Bombers ought to have entry to 2 superb children.
If Sam Draper departs by means of free company, that ought to ship one other first-round decide. Unfortunately for the Dons, this isn’t thought of the strongest draft, however one skilled recruiter has stated they’d not be shocked if smokies emerge deeper within the pool.
Best and fairest: Zach Merrett.
– Andrew Wu
West Coast (18th)
Wins: 1. Losses: 22. Draft picks: 1, 14, 19, 32, 50.
What went properly: Sorry West Coast followers, this isn’t fairly. The Eagles have managed 11 wins in 4 seasons, together with only one victory, over St Kilda, in a torturous 2025 season.
But there’s at all times a glimmer of hope and performances and gamers to have a good time. Two-time Richmond premiership participant Jack Graham, who joined the Eagles for 2025, comfortably exceeded his profession common for disposals (19.2 possessions per sport this season) and had 7.8 tackles per sport (which is taken into account “elite”).
It might be a tough exit assembly for: The defensive unit and the defence coaches. West Coast comfortably conceded the very best variety of factors (2438) this season, leaving them with a limp share of 60.1. If premierships are constructed from the backline, they should focus there.
It shall be fascinating to see the membership’s perspective in the direction of Tim Kelly, who performed 19 video games in his sixth season with the Eagles.
Something to stay up for: It couldn’t get any worse, may it? If West Coast haven’t bottomed out, the place is the underside?
The Eagles can anticipate the No.2 draft decide as compensation for shedding free agent Oscar Allen to Brisbane, in order that’s one thing. And Harley Reid is staying for now, having resisted curiosity from massive Victorian golf equipment to increase till the top of 2028. Eagles followers can solely stay up for higher instances forward.
Best and fairest tip: Jack Graham.
– Scott Spits
North Melbourne (sixteenth)
Wins: 5 Losses: 17 Draws: 1 Draft picks: 20, 21, 39, 57
What went properly: They made it out of the underside two! The Kangaroos and coach Alastair Clarkson would have appreciated to see extra progress on the ladder, however he stays bullish they’re on target.
North Melbourne averted one other bottom-two end.Credit: Getty Images
After a torrid first six rounds and the odd thrashing past that, North had been typically extra aggressive, together with securing a draw with Brisbane, however there have been no assertion wins.
Instead, they’d be happy with Harry Sheezel’s transition to a midfield-forward position, the continued growth of Colby McKercher and career-best seasons from Cam Zurhaar and Paul Curtis.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Will Phillips. The No.3 decide within the COVID-19-impacted 2020 draft class performed solely seven matches this season and doesn’t look like within the Roos’ plans. He ought to latch on someplace, however must get going to save lots of his profession.
Something to stay up for: Next 12 months guarantees to be the season when North Melbourne lastly take a real leap. How excessive that’s stays to be seen, however the expectations should rise, even when that’s as modest as aiming for between eight and 10 wins.
The younger expertise is there, they usually could have lastly discovered Nick Larkey’s sidekick in Cooper Trembath.
A stiffer defence and one other development from their midfield group ought to allow them to take one other belated step.
Best and fairest: Luke Davies-Uniacke.
– Marc McGowan
Richmond (seventeenth)
Wins: 5. Losses: 18. Draft picks: 2,3
What went properly: Plenty for a membership that was extensively tipped to sail by means of turbulent waters with a drastically younger and inexperienced record.
The season started on the very best be aware potential with a surprising round-one win over Carlton. The nature of the victory, a come-from-behind triumph, set the tone for the season for each the Tigers and Blues. Throw in highlights from Maurice Rioli jnr, and all was swell.
Tim Taranto had a robust season as one of many Tigers’ on-field leaders.Credit: AFL Photos
It might be a tough exit assembly for: The membership’s forwards and the ahead coaches. The Tigers scored the fewest variety of factors (1449), much less even than West Coast, a membership that limped to at least one victory, in comparison with Richmond’s 5.
Veteran spearhead Tom Lynch may cop a drive-by sledge for lacking video games. He performed solely 16 matches (due largely to a suspension) after a tricky couple of years with accidents.
Something to stay up for: There’s a lot to stay up for.
Realistically, the Tigers will battle to copy their win-loss tally (5-18) as they proceed to develop their younger group.
It might be a case of the “second-year blues” for a number of gamers. But Richmond shall be eyeing off their matches towards Carlton and the prospect to knock them off once more.
Best and fairest tip: Tim Taranto.
– Scott Spits
St Kilda (twelfth)
Wins: 9. Losses: 14. Draft picks: 7, 43, 58.
What went properly: The Saints had been a well-liked option to sink into the underside 4, however completed three wins away from that territory whereas prioritising youth.
The Saints will welcome Tom De Koning in 2026 and welcome again Max King after one other injury-riddled season.Credit: AFL Photos
St Kilda’s spherical two upset of Geelong was a false daybreak, however a peek at their upside. They additionally demolished Fremantle and executed the best three-quarter-time comeback from 46 factors down towards Melbourne.
That latter win was the primary of 4 in a row earlier than they nearly upset GWS in spherical 24.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s emergence as a top-liner was large, whereas Max Hall adopted Cooper Sharman and Max Heath as a mid-season draft success story.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Zak Jones. The brother of ex-Demons captain Nathan was not one of many 5 Saints who re-signed final week, and faces an unsure future. Jones turns 31 in March, and St Kilda already made it clear they wish to get youthful within the midfield.
Something to stay up for: Another two years from Wanganeen-Milera, who they retained regardless of Adelaide and Port Adelaide wanting him.
There is optimism about what Mattaes Phillipou, Darcy Wilson, Alix Tauru and Tobie Travaglia can develop into, whereas the likes of Hugo Garcia, Isaac Keeler, Hugh Boxshall and Lance Collard additionally present promise. Tom De Koning shall be on the record in 2026, and Max King will hopefully be match once more.
Best and fairest tip: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
– Marc McGowan
Sydney (tenth)
Wins: 12. Losses: 11. Draft picks: 9, 27, 45, 63.
What went properly: Having received simply 4 of their first 12 video games underneath new coach Dean Cox, the Swans confirmed fortitude to rebound and win eight of their remaining 11 video games.
Brodie Grundy returned to his greatest kind for Sydney in 2025.Credit: AFL Photos
Playmaker Isaac Heeney had a tricky begin, however then reminded everybody why he’s a professional star.
Chad Warner was a constant menace by means of the midfield, however didn’t have the impression he loved by means of 2022-24.
A severe ankle harm by means of the pre-season sidelined Errol Gulden for months and critically harm the Swans’ midfield and artistic drive, simply as his return in spherical 15 had the reverse impact. Brodie Grundy bolstered why he is likely one of the competitors’s premier ruckmen.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Skipper Callum Mills. For the Swans to make the leap subsequent season, Mills must persistently be on the park. His 2024 marketing campaign was derailed after injuring his rotator cuff in a Mad Monday celebration. He missed the primary half of this 12 months due to plantar fascia. He must paved the way in 2026.
Something to stay up for: This has been a 12 months of recalibration for the Swans, and studying, notably for Cox, who’s now extra comfortable within the prime position after changing John Longmire.
While it feels considerably of a wasted 12 months, the Swans are nonetheless in top-four mode, and are more likely to be strengthened by means of the commerce interval. They simply must get shifting earlier subsequent season.
Best and fairest tip: Isaac Heeney.
– Jon Pierik
Carlton (eleventh)
Wins: 9. Losses: 14. Draft picks: 34, 44, 62*.
What went properly: Not a lot. George Hewett was one among few Blues to exceed expectations, placing collectively a career-best season within the midfield.
Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning are each leaving the Blues.Credit: Getty Images
Better referred to as a defensive onballer, Hewett grew to become a prolific ball-winner in his personal proper. In his twelfth season on an AFL record, the previous Swan is a robust probability to win his first greatest and fairest award.
Veteran Nick Haynes overcame a horror begin on the membership to develop into reliable defender. He deserves one other 12 months. Young midfielder Cooper Lord is one to observe.
George Hewett stepped up for the Blues in 2025, however didn’t get sufficient assist.Credit: Getty Images
The Blues blooded seven debutants, the very best of whom seems to be key defender Harry O’Farrell, who, sadly, injured his knee.
Other features had been bitter-sweet. Jack Silvagni was a revelation in defence however performed simply 13 video games and is now on the transfer. Ollie Hollands discovered loads of the ball in his new position as a operating defender however his kicking wants work.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Mitch McGovern. The Blues are eager to get cash off their books and the writing is on the wall for the 30-year-old, who narrowly missed a video games set off that may have earned a contract extension.
With Silvagni strolling out and O’Farrell to be unsighted for a lot of 2026, the defender could but get one other 12 months, however it will likely be on the Blues’ phrases. Veterans Adam Saad and Blake Acres each had atypical seasons.
Something to stay up for: With mass change underway within the coaches field, free brokers Tom De Koning and Silvagni confirming their departures, and ongoing chatter about Charlie Curnow, it’s already been a turbulent low season for the Blues, and the AFL dwelling and away season isn’t even formally over but! Expect that turmoil to proceed for a while but.
But as soon as they experience that out, there shall be hope once more. The departures of De Koning and Silvagni will strengthen the Blues’ draft hand to amass highly-rated Harry Dean as a father-son decide.
Decimated by harm in 2025, the Blues can vault again into finals competition with a cleaner invoice of well being. Curnow (assuming he stays) and Sam Walsh had interrupted preseasons which severely impacted their 12 months.
Harry McKay missed half the season. Matthew Cottrell and Elijah Hollands, two of their greatest runners, hardly performed, and heart-and-soul defender Nic Newman didn’t get on the sphere in any respect.
Then there’s the prospect of a match Jagga Smith. Get all them proper and the Blues must be stronger – however this was a 12 months after they fell properly beneath expectations.
Best and fairest tip: George Hewett.
– Andrew Wu
Melbourne (14th)
Wins: 7. Losses: 16. Draft picks: 23, 51, 59*
What went properly: Kysaiah Pickett graduated from a star goalsneak to a game-breaking midfielder/ahead who now rivals skipper Max Gawn because the membership’s greatest participant. Despite their troubles, the Demons secured Pickett’s prized signature in an enormous coup, maintaining him within the pink and the blue till the top of 2034 on a profitable contract.
Midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are stars for Melbourne and each have long-term contracts, however that now not means their respective futures on the membership are assured. Credit: Getty Images
Gawn was once more a colossus, speaking by means of motion on the sphere and changing into their spokesperson for nearly each disaster off it.
Rebounding defender Jake Bowey has taken the following step to develop into a driver of the staff whereas Harvey Langford, the No.6 decide in final 12 months’s draft, is the Demons’ subsequent A-grade midfielder after making a seamless transition to senior soccer.
Veteran ahead Jake Melksham, with 33 targets from 18 video games, earned himself one other contract, which was confirmed by the Demons simply days after their season ended.
It might be a tough exit assembly for: Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. Do two of Melbourne’s best gamers wish to keep? If both participant needs out, the membership mustn’t stand of their means.
Coming again from a life-threatening harm, Petracca’s season was regular, and he’ll seemingly end within the prime six of the membership’s greatest and fairest award, however a great distance from his game-breaking methods.
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Oliver was higher than final 12 months when his marketing campaign was compromised by his off-field points. Both nonetheless have time to return to their greatest however the competitors pattern away from contest and stoppage in the direction of velocity and ball use is towards them.
Jacob van Rooyen went backwards in a season the membership wanted him to carry down a key ahead posting.
Something to stay up for: The appointment of a brand new coach at all times renews hope among the many supporter base.
Nathan Buckley is the early favorite however whoever succeeds Simon Goodwin should determine whether or not the core of this record can rise once more after two years of diminishing returns or if it’s time to take a position extra closely within the subsequent era.
In Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay and Caleb Windsor, the Dees have three extremely proficient younger weapons who will play quite a lot of soccer for the membership.
Best and fairest tip: Max Gawn.
– Andrew Wu
