It's that time of year when crystal balling and theorising are at their most frequent ahead of a new AFL season.
What are some storylines to look out for in 2026? Who are the people set to shape the coming campaign?
We've listed 26 bold predictions for the 2026 AFL season...
2Managerial mafia force more trades, leading to a statement from the AFL executive team
In recent years, a litany of high-profile trades of in-contract superstars have been executed at the whim of player managers with an ever-increasing power at their disposal. Clubs are left in this impossible position, where they're held over the coals to dole out contracts at a longer term than they're often comfortable with, only to be shafted by the very same players and agents in a few seasons' time when the player requests a change of scenery.
The real kicker is that the club often ends up pitching in salary for that player to represent another club.
Contracts are barely worth the paper they're written on, as clubs lack the leverage to hold players to their signature.
More of the same can be expected this year, and every year, until the AFL grows the requisite backbone to stand up to the mafia that is the player management fraternity. With any luck, that growth will occur this season.
