Every AFL team's 'one to watch' for 2026

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. Adelaide Sid Draper Crows fans may have expected to see Draper more at AFL level in 2025, but the likes of Dawson, Rankine and Soligo playing through the midfield meant Draper had to bide his time. A powerful inside midfielder, he played 10 games at AFL level, although six of those as the starting substitute, and he was used mainly at half-forward. He performed well at SANFL level through the midfield, where he played 14 games, averaging 21 disposals, five tackles and four clearances. Many pundits expected the Crows would attempt to add an experienced midfielder with speed to their list throughout the trade period. However, the Crows may have what they are looking for on their list already in Draper. He was described as having top-end speed and being one of the most explosive players in his draft class. [caption id="attachment_156990" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Sid Draper of the Crows poses for a photograph during the 2024 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption] Draper will be looking for a strong pre-season to become a permanent fixture in the Crows' midfield mix in 2026. You can also read up on the Crows' 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. Brisbane Keidean Coleman The Lions half-back has played two games since his starring role in the Lions' 2023 Grand Final loss to Collingwood, with an ACL injury and several setbacks hindering his bid to return to full fitness. Coleman had proven before his sideline stint that he is the real deal, offering pace and clean kicking from the backline. [caption id="attachment_125638" align="alignnone" width="2144"] Keidean Coleman during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)[/caption] The 25-year-old, once ready to return, will add another layer to Brisbane's offensive juggernaut, slotting into a running role alongside the likes of Dayne Zorko, Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot, giving the reigning premiers further flexibility. You can also read up on the Lions' 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. Carlton Jagga Smith It was a devastating blow for the Blues when their prized first-round draft pick from 2024 tore his ACL last February. Smith was firming for a Round 1 debut, and looked as if he would play an important role for the Blues on the wing with his running capacity and ability to accumulate the footy. The smooth-moving midfielder put together a remarkable U18 year, starring at every level, including in the Coates Talent league, National Championships and VFL. [caption id="attachment_171894" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Jagga Smith of the Blues kicks during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on June 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] The Blues will be confident the youngster will transition seamlessly into AFL footy with a full pre-season moving into 2026. You can also read up on the Blues' 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. Collingwood Ed Allan Collingwood is screaming out for an emerging youngster to take his place in the AFL, and Ed Allan is ready to go. The former first-rounder played 13 games in 2025 after two in his first two seasons. But another full pre-season should equip him with the capabilities and the confidence to push for more senior games. [caption id="attachment_150987" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Edward Allan of the Magpies in action during the Collingwood Magpies Intra-Club match at Olympic Park Oval on February 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Craig McRae will be looking to lessen the load on Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom through the midfield, meaning Allan's running power and class could be utilised. You can also read up on the Magpies' 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. Essendon Nate Caddy There is no doubting Caddy's immense talent, but he would love to become more of a week-in, week-out player for the Bombers with his trademark sprinkling of highlight-reel moments. The Bombers will hope that they can build their next generation of forwards around Caddy, and while he's still some time away from reaching his peak, it's important he takes another step forward. [caption id="attachment_153991" align="alignnone" width="1248"] Nate Caddy of the Essendon Bombers in 2024 (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Commands the footy, has speed and is a nightmare matchup, which he's shown by kicking 29 goals in 27 games across the first two seasons of his career. You can also read up on the Bombers' 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. Fremantle Hayden Young The classy left-footer played nine games due to injury last year. But a comprehensive pre-season could put Young on the path to stardom, and he's proven that over his young career. The 24-year-old has the capacity to play as a starting midfielder, but his versatility has resulted in multiple forward roles as well as stints across half-back. A sheer nightmare for the opposition. [caption id="attachment_124162" align="alignnone" width="2547"] Hayden Young during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)[/caption] You can also read up on the Dockers' 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. Geelong Tanner Bruhn The return of Tanner Bruhn to Geelong's best 23 could be a game changer for the Cats in 2026. Just two seasons ago, Bruhn led the Cats in clearances per game and was one of the club's better midfielders, averaging 4.2 tackles and 9.4 pressure acts per game, the latter ranking in the 91st percentile league-wide. That elite level of service presents as a damaging weapon when paired with the explosive outside speed and precision kicking of Max Holmes, Bailey Smith and Ollie Dempsey, which developed strongly in Bruhn's absence last year. [caption id="attachment_151827" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Tanner Bruhn of the Cats runs with the ball during the round one AFL match between Geelong Cats and St Kilda Saints at GMHBA Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] It highlights how Bruhn's stoppage wins can potentially allow Geelong to create rapid transitions inside 50 and continue their scoring dominance from stoppages and centre bounces. You can also read up on the Cats' 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. Gold Coast Bailey Humphrey After an intense off-season for the Moe-raised youngster, fuelled by trade speculation and private meetings with rival clubs, Bailey Humphrey returns to Gold Coast as the Suns' biggest X-factor talent. The 20-year-old forward only needs a few moments to win a game with his electric goal-scoring and creation inside 50s, but will look to expand his repertoire in 2026. [caption id="attachment_169679" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Bailey Humphrey of the Suns celebrates a goal during the AFL Elimination Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] How he responds to the scrutiny from his mismanaged October will also be something to keep an eye on, as his commitment to Gold Coast remains a question mark. You can also read up on the Suns' 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. GWS Phoenix Gothard The Giants selected Gothard with their first pick in the 2023 Draft. It has been a slow start to his AFL career with injury and illness restricting him at times, but some strong signs in the VFL last year indicate he could be ready to explode in 2026. The former Murray Bushrangers prodigy possesses blistering speed, elite skills and tackles ferociously. Gothard's game is suited perfectly to Adam Kingsley's fast-paced, chaotic game plan. [caption id="attachment_158713" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Phoenix Gothard (L) and James Leake of the Giants pose for a photograph during the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption] His numbers across 11 VFL games in 2025 were strong, averaging 14.5 disposals, 1.4 goals and 5.2 tackles. You can also read up on the Giants' 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. Hawthorn Will Day Will Day has obvious superstar potential, but his injury interruptions have prevented him from truly illustrating that at AFL level consistently. Day managed just six games in 2025 but was arguably Hawthorn's best player in each of those games, clinical with ball in hand and damaging via his clearance game. [caption id="attachment_172041" align="alignnone" width="2560"] LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Will Day of the Hawks runs the ball during the round 3 AFL match between theHawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants at University of Tasmania Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)[/caption] Assuming he can finally get an injury-free run at things once he returns from his latest setback, Day could revolutionise a Hawthorn side that has already won three September fixtures in his absence. You can also read up on the Hawks' 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. Melbourne Harvey Langford With Melbourne's midfield undergoing a facelift over the off-season, Langford shapes as a name that will excite as he likely takes on a larger workload as an inside ball winner. The Pick 6 selection from the 2024 AFL Draft, Langford was often utilised on the wing in his debut season, with the Dandenong Stingrays product enjoying a strong maiden campaign in a new role. [caption id="attachment_160209" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Harvey Langford of the Demons kicks during the round three AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Gold Coast Suns at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] With a move to his more traditional position in the middle of the ground, Langford could be one of the breakout players of 2026, adding to his impressive 22 games from last year. You can also read up on the Demons' 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. North Melbourne Nick Larkey Jy Simpkin's successor as captain, Nick Larkey will be looking to utilise his leadership skills to guide North Melbourne up the ladder in 2026. The delivery to Larkey was down in 2025, seeing him engage in 3.1 offensive one-on-ones per game and taking 3.6 shots at goal per match. [caption id="attachment_171631" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos and Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos leave the field after the round six AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, on April 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption] Those are both reductions from his career-best 71-goal campaign from 2023, where he was duelling in 4.0 offensive one-on-ones and taking 4.3 shots at goal per game. You can also read up on the Kangaroos' 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. Port Adelaide Mitch Georgiades Mitch Georgiades was one of the few sources of inspiration for the Power going forward in 2025, leading Port Adelaide with 58 goals - 31 more than the next Power goalkicker. It was a career-best output for Georgiades, and there's potential for him to get even better in 2026. Newly appointed senior coach Josh Carr is hunting to add more avenues to attack inside 50 in his system, while Georgiades shot at a subpar 51.8% accuracy in 2025 - the fourth-lowest accuracy among players who kicked 40-plus goals this season. [caption id="attachment_155090" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mitch Georgiades of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on September 13, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] If that returns to a respectable 60% in 2026, Georgiades could easily kick 60-70 goals, based on his volume from the past two years. You can also read up on the Power's 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. Richmond Taj Hotton In the closing stages of 2025, Richmond fans got a taste of Taj Hotton's skillset; a small glimpse into why the club was so keen to draft him. An athletic livewire who makes things happen, his dynamism added a point of difference to Richmond's front half. He played just seven games at the top level in his debut season, missing the first half of the year with an ACL injury he sustained before being drafted, but he did not look like he missed a beat when he returned. Speed is the name of the modern game, and Hotton has that in spades. In the closing stages of 2025, Richmond fans got a taste of Taj Hotton's skillset; a small glimpse into why the club was so keen to draft him. [caption id="attachment_163708" align="alignnone" width="2228"] Taj Hotton of the Richmond Tigers at training in 2025 (Image via Richmond FC)[/caption] An athletic livewire who makes things happen, his dynamism added a point of difference to Richmond's front half. You can also read up on the Tigers' 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. St Kilda Alix Tauru The first-round pick at the 2024 AFL Draft looked exceptionally exciting in his first year and still has so much upside. Recorded 14 spoils and two contested marks in just his second game, underlining his venomous attack on the footy, work rate and bravery. Remains raw, but competed above his weight grade and showed how much skill he has when he was given a clear run and jump at the footy. [caption id="attachment_171493" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Debutant, Alixzander Tauru of the Saints marks the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 15 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on June 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Not only one of the most athletically gifted and cleanest-skilled young talents, but also one of the most marketable, Tauru has a thrilling trajectory. You can also read up on the Saints' 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. Sydney Joel Amartey Injury cruelly ended Joel Amartey's 2025 campaign at eight games, but he flashed the potential to be the key pillar in Sydney's forward line moving forward. A year after kicking 43 goals, Amartey took 3.8 shots at goal per game in his eight appearances in 2025, on pace to break that goal tally. [caption id="attachment_151954" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Joel Amartey of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the round 13 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats at SCG on June 09, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] However, with the arrival of Charlie Curnow, the 26-year-old's role may undergo a major change. You can also read up on the Swans' 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. West Coast Willem Duursma There will always be plenty of eyeballs on a No.1 pick at an AFL Draft, and it's especially so for a player who is expected to get plenty of AFL exposure in his first year. How much, if any, midfield time he gets in his first year as he grows into his frame will be a point of debate across the industry, with widespread belief he'll start his career off a flank before graduating into his preferred position, with his versatility a big strength. [caption id="attachment_171010" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power) is presented his jumper by Harley Reid of the Eagles after being drafted with pick one by the West Coast Eagles during the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 19th, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] The fanfare around Harley Reid out west was at fever pitch in his first year, and Duursma can expect similar limelight. You can also read up on the Eagles' 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. 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. [caption id="attachment_159806" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs is congratulated by Laitham Vandermeer of the Bulldogs after kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between Footscray Bulldogs (Western Bulldogs) and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] 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.

Every AFL team’s ‘one to watch’ for 2026

Whether they’re needing to prove a point or are on the verge of a breakout year, there’s set to be increased eyes on these 18 players.

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		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9