Each AFL team has at least one player ready for a breakout year or is looking to prove their value in the top flight, while others returning from a long injury layoff might be a catalyst in the upcoming campaign.
There's always increased excitement or expectation mounted on players who looked to be a big part of the season to come, even if they aren't among the top line of stars in their squad.
Here we look at your club's 'one to watch' heading into the 2026 AFL season.
Western Bulldogs
Sam Darcy
In his fifth season at AFL level, Darcy looks like he's entering his prime, a frightening prospect for the rest of the competition given what he has already achieved in his career to date.
How the opposition seeks to defend the mobile, 208cm behemoth will be an intriguing watch; while there may be teams tempted to double team Darcy to nullify his impact, the presence of Aaron Naughton puts risk on that move.
You can also read up on the Bulldogs' star player, the name under pressure, 2026 expectations, squad list, fixtures, stats, recruitment report, matches to watch, best 23, player profiles and more for FREE with our 2026 Season Guide.
