The one thing on your AFL team's wish list this Christmas

If your club could have one thing guaranteed for season 2026, what would it be? We've compiled a list of wishes to answer that question. So, here's one thing your club will be hoping is granted for Christmas this year. Adelaide [caption id="attachment_163070" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Josh Rachele of the Crows celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 08 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 3, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Rachele gets back to his best When Josh Rachele returned to AFL action after nearly two months out of the game, it was in a do-or-die semi-final against a raging Hawthorn outfit. The Crows lost and Rachele looked a touch off the pace, though he was electric when the ball landed in his lap, contributing two goals from just four disposals in 45 per cent time on ground. However, before his Round 17 injury, the former Pick 6 was in career-best form, kicking 25 goals from 13 outings, albeit two of those games were prematurely ended through injury. Adelaide are under a lot of pressure to replicate their minor premiership best in 2026, and the play of Rachele will be paramount to that. Brisbane [caption id="attachment_158197" align="alignnone" width="2560"] HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Oscar Allen of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 22 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and West Coast Eagles at Blundstone Arena, on August 10, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)[/caption] Recruit dominance The back-to-back premiers arguably got even better this off-season, adding star ruck Sam Draper and former Eagles captain Oscar Allen to their ranks. Once these two are fully fit, and likely return to their elite level of play following significant stints on the sideline, the Lions will boast one of the scariest stock of talls in the AFL. From 20-year-old Logan Morris breaking out to kick 53 goals in the calendar year, to Zac Bailey and Cam Rayner's ability to hit the scoreboard in moments that matter, it's no surprise the Lions ran rampant over the Cats on the final Saturday of September. Now think how good they'll be if a healthy Oscar Allen can kick two goals a game for them, or if Draper is able to use his athleticism to act as another target inside 50. Carlton [caption id="attachment_170457" align="alignnone" width="2128"] Oliver Florent and Will Hayward in the Navy Blue. Credit: Carlton FC[/caption] Opening Round revenge on Curnow, Swans The Blues could receive no sweeter gift than a famous victory at the SCG to kick off the 2026 season, months after their two-time Coleman Medal winner opted to leave Princes Park for the Harbour City. It wouldn't just be exacting revenge on Curnow for jumping ship that would bring joy to the Baggers, however, as defeating Sydney would be a perfect response for Will Hayward and Ollie Florent, who, despite both recommitting to the Bloods long term just over a year ago, were forced to move to Victoria in order to make the Curnow transaction possible. The pair have both stated they had planned to be Swans for life, but quickly found out from Dean Cox that they were not part of the club's long-term plans. A win over Sydney may not fully heal the bitterness of how their exits were handled, but it would certainly give the pair some satisfaction. Collingwood [caption id="attachment_162331" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Nick Daicos and Josh Daicos of the Magpies pose for a photo with their dad Peter Daicos and the Premiership Cup during the 2023 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] A Nick Daicos Brownlow Medal The prodigal son has finished on the podium in each of the last three Brownlow Medal counts, yet has never won the award - coming third in 2023, second in 2024 and second in 2025. According to Magpies fans, and most AFL enjoyers, it's probably time the superstar claims the prestigious honour as he continues to lead Collingwood to high levels of success. It would shore up a nearly-perfect AFL resume by the time he's 23 years old, with the opportunity to build his legacy as one of the game's greatest ever players. Essendon [caption id="attachment_160744" align="alignnone" width="2493"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Nick Bryan of the Bombers is seen injured during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on April 12, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] No more injuries 2025 was a nightmare for the Bombers, forced to play a record-breaking 15 debutants due to the club's mega injury toll. Unfortunately, the crisis continues to haunt Essendon's faithful into the 2026 pre-season, with star Nic Martin already ruled out for the entirety of next year, while there have been injury scares to draft bolter Sullivan Robey and defender Jordan Ridley. Essendon need a Christmas miracle to restore their health back to full strength, because if that happens, the club has proven they can be competitive and push for a top 10 spot, based off their early season form in the last two seasons. Fremantle [caption id="attachment_149319" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Sean Darcy of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round 10 AFL match between Walyalup/Fremantle Dockers and Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium, on May 20, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] The two-ruck experiment continues to work After the failure of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy at Demonland, many thought playing two dominant ruckmen simultaneously was a dead tactic at AFL level, but Fremantle proved many wrong with the play of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy in their best 23 in 2025. Combining Jackson's athleticism with Darcy's strength provided the Dockers with the versatility to conquer any ruck scenario, ultimately seeing Jackson achieve a career-best season in the purple chevron guernsey. Fremantle also ranked third in hitouts to advantage. However, with the new ruck rules set to be introduced in 2026, this may affect Fremantle's gameplan and the effectiveness of using both Darcy and Jackson in the lineup. If they thwart that concern though, this duo provides the Dockers with a competitive advantage not many other sides can match. Geelong [caption id="attachment_171854" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats and Tom McDonald of the Demons compete for the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on April 4, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] 100-goal season from Cameron In 2025, Jeremy Cameron kicked the most goals in a single season since Brendan Fevola in 2009, but fell agonisingly short of the century, booting 88 majors. Despite the heavy total, Cameron actually went goalless on four occasions this year, suggesting he has the capacity to break the bank again in 2026. There aren't many players left in the AFL truly capable of kicking 100 goals anymore - in fact, Cameron might be the last one remaining. So, the opportunity for Cats fans to storm Kardinia Park one night next year is a story none of them would want to pass up. Gold Coast [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] Bailey Humphrey doesn't seek another exit Emerging youngster Bailey Humphrey was entrenched in rumours throughout the course of the 2025 trade period, as the 21-year-old's desire to return to Victoria became clear. Uncomfortable scenes were crafted after he was spotted meeting several Victorian clubs, despite his management claiming he had not met with any, and the Suns holding the view that he was an "untouchable asset". Ultimately, Humphrey was not dealt on deadline day and will be held to his contract, which is set to expire after the 2027 season. However, the potential of another trade request looms entering 2026, particularly as he fights with Christian Petracca for that dual midfield-forward role. In saying that, Humphrey has repeatedly stated that he has no issue with the Gold Coast footy club or any of the players, and now has the potential to expand his repertoire significantly under the mentorship of his new superstar teammate. Only time will tell how strong the call of home is, but Suns fans will be hoping it weakens by the round. GWS A focused Clayton Oliver The opportunity to replicate the success of Jake Stringer's recruitment with Clayton Oliver is obvious for GWS, but it will certainly have a greater impact on their premiership ambitions. The Giants ranked 13th in clearances this past season, so adding Oliver into the mix would immediately boost this area of the oval in Western Sydney and provide him with guaranteed inside midfield minutes that he desires. His impact should help elevate the already elite standards of the likes of Tom Green and Finn Callaghan and help the Giants push toward September glory. Hawthorn [caption id="attachment_154858" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Will Day of the Hawks in action during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Waverley Park on September 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption] Will Day stays healthy Assuming he can finally get an injury-free run at things, Hawks fans firmly believe Day could revolutionise a Hawthorn side that has already won three September fixtures in his absence. There's a good reason for that, too. 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, being clinical with ball in hand and damaging via his clearance game. A full 23 games in 2026 could see Hawthorn well and truly in the top four hunt. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_161816" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Max Gawn of the Demons kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 08 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on May 3, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] A record-breaking ninth All-Australian blazer for Max Gawn There are a lot of question marks hovering over the Demons entering 2026, but there should be one certainty - another elite year from Max Gawn. If any player deserves a ninth All-Australian blazer, it's Gawn; a premiership captain who has refused to jump ship after a disappointing 24 months at Melbourne, mitigating an intraclub cultural disaster with on and off-field class. Time will tell if he can break the record in 2026, but there's every possibility the twilight years of Gawn's stellar career aren't here just yet. North Melbourne [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] A Nick Larkey Coleman campaign Not too long ago, the Kangaroos' newly appointed captain kicked 71 goals in a calendar year, but has since struggled to reach those heights again. It's partially not his fault, as the delivery to Larkey has been worse in the prior two seasons, while injuries to his sublet of forwards has allowed opposition defences to better prevent him from finding advantageous one-on-one contests inside 50. However, with an influx of forward line talent arriving at the club, and a fresh leadership group which Larkey himself headlines, perhaps he could revitalise his goalkicking form and help North Melbourne make the long-awaited jump out of the AFL's basement in 2026. Port Adelaide [caption id="attachment_161920" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Zak Butters of the Power celebrates at full time during the round five AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval, on April 13, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] A Zak Butters contract extension Speculation is mounting that Zak Butters will leave the Power at the end of next season as the superstar midfielder remains vague on his intentions. An early recommitment to playing at Alberton will ease the nerves for those donning the black and teal, and also provide newly appointed senior coach Josh Carr a confirmed quartet of All-Australian calibre talents to build toward premiership success with. Richmond [caption id="attachment_164604" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Tom Lynch of the Tigers walks from the ground after the round 16 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 29, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)[/caption] Return of dynasty days Tom Lynch Amid the rebuild, spearhead forward Tom Lynch remains the only real source of consistent goal scoring for the Tigers. However, he's been underperforming to his lofty standards in recent years, and things notably took a frustrating tumble for the 30-year old in 2025. While Lynch kicked 1.5 goals per game this year, he converted at a shocking 41.4 per cent in front of the sticks, which, among the 44 AFL players who averaged at least 1.5 goals per game, is the worst accuracy of the bunch. If Lynch can keep his frustrations and mindset in check, he can continue to play a key role in Richmond's fortunes and help set up another era of success for the yellow and black. St Kilda [caption id="attachment_140557" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Max King of the Saints reacts after missing a goaduring the round 22 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on August 12, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] A healthy Max King It feels like a lot to ask for, considering Max King just underwent yet another knee surgery to sideline him until the end of January, but his importance to St Kilda's forward line cannot be understated. Until his season-ending knee injury in Round 16, 2024, King had played 83 AFL games and kicked 159 goals. That's a return of nearly two per game (1.89), which ranks 10th among active players. St Kilda's forward line has developed strongly in his absence as the likes of Cooper Sharman and Mitch Owens continue to adjust to AFL level, while livewire Jack Higgins broke out sensationally in 2025. However, to take the club truly to the next level with their attack, they need a figurehead key forward, and King has proven to be the dominant forward of the competition for that role, if he can get his body right. Sydney [caption id="attachment_171791" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Nick Blakey of the Swans runs with the ball during the round 13 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 07, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] Return to premiership contention 2025 was a stark fall off from what is typically seen from the Swans, bowing out of finals contention mathematically by Round 21. However, with a superstar recruit and a fully healthy lineup, Swans fans will be dreaming of a return to the big dance in 2026, which isn't unreasonable, given they've already played in two deciders this decade. West Coast [caption id="attachment_166642" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Harley Reid of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 19 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] Obvious development from Harley Reid 2025 saw the 2023 first overall pick cop a lot of scrutiny for his on-field antics, demeanour and overall lack of notable improvement. There's obviously been areas of Reid's game that have been refined, but considering he plateaued across most statistical areas, averaging nearly identical disposals, efficiency, score involvements and tackles to his rookie season, Eagles fans will be hoping to see more from him in 2026, especially with another Pick 1 by his side. Western Bulldogs [caption id="attachment_162339" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Rory Lobb (left) and Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs look on after Darcy was subbed from the match with injury during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] A competent backline The Bulldogs' midfield group is stacked with elite talent, leading the competition in clearances this season and scores originating from centre bounces in 2025. The club has also continued to unveil its plethora of 200cm-plus forward talents, with superstar Sam Darcy the most notable, highlighting how their forward 50 combinations could be total mismatches for most opposition. However, there is one element of their game that let them down significantly in 2025 and, if nothing changes for 2026, it will likely let them down again. It is, of course, their defensive profile. The Bulldogs ranked 17th this season in defensive one-on-one contests lost, losing 32.8% of their 10.5 one-on-ones per game. They also ranked 17th in spoils and conceded 11.6 marks inside 50 per game. It will take some effort to change that in 2026, given the club's attempt to land a star key back failed on multiple occasions, missing out on Jack Silvagni and being unable to pry Callum Wilkie out of St Kilda. If this changes, however, they'll certainly be one of the teams to beat next year, given how historically dominant their other two lines on the field were and will likely continue to be next year.

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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