Predicting EIGHT potential first-time AFL All-Australians in 2026

Four of the past five years have seen at least 11 first-time All-Australians named in the respective sides, leading to an average of 10.6 newly-tailored blazers each season since 2021. Half of last year's lineup were first-time All-Australians, equal to the 2021 crop, while 2022 and 2023 managed a dozen fresh faces, compared to the lowly seven in 2024. Heading toward the 2026 season, we've looked at EIGHT potential first-time All-Australians... Max Holmes The Cats speedster would've come close to a spot in last year's 22-player lineup, with the additional bench spot that has been introduced likely to have come in handy for Holmes had it been ticked off 12 months prior. Holmes has been named in the extended All-Australian squad the past two years, adding to best and fairest honours for Geelong in both seasons as he continues to grow his game as an inside-outside threat. [caption id="attachment_168808" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Max Holmes of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Entering his sixth season in the hoops, Holmes' trajectory has him on course for a blazer in the near future, and with the new demands of the game, his speed and line-breaking abilities will soon separate him from the rest. Will Ashcroft With two Norm Smith Medals to his name, Ashcroft already has quite a decorated cabinet after just three years in the system. The Lions will again contend in 2026, and Ashcroft is expected to potentially take the mantle as Chris Fagan's No.1 midfielder, if he isn't already. [caption id="attachment_172146" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Will Ashcroft of the Lions celebrates a goal during the AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] With another pre-season under his belt, and the chance to steer Brisbane to a third successive premiership, Ashcroft is about to reach even greater heights. Sam Darcy A knee injury might have been what separated Darcy from his maiden All-Australian blazer in 2025, with the Dogs spearhead limited to just 17 games due to the mid-season setback. The 208cm forward still managed 48 goals and led the competition for total contested marks - numbers worthy of an All-Australian squad spot. [caption id="attachment_160078" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round three AFL match between Carlton Blues and Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, on March 28, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] A full year for Darcy this year could see the young Dogs star break the 60-goal barrier and contend for the Coleman Medal, with the athletically gifted pup a favourite for this year's award in the eyes of some. Aaron Cadman Another key forward who's set to make the leap into Coleman Medal contention is the former Pick 1 selection out of GWS. Cadman booted 44 goals to continue his rise as one of the game's best young talls, with 2026 presenting as a campaign that could see him go past Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan as the Giants' main man in the front third. [caption id="attachment_163901" align="alignnone" width="1891"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Aaron Cadman of the Giants kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the Brisbane Lions and the GWS Giants at The Gabba on June 14, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] The 21-year-old's marking and athleticism will place him in good standing, while his accurate set shot routine has him rated as one of the more clinical key forwards. Finn Callaghan Another young Giants star who will be critical in the club's bid for a maiden premiership. Callaghan was one of four Giants named in the All-Australian squad last year, and was the second youngest player of the 44 selected. [caption id="attachment_159357" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Finn Callaghan of the Giants kicks the ball during the AFL Opening Round match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium, on March 09, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] With his explosive, match-winning capabilities and a supporting cast that will include Tom Green and Clayton Oliver, you can expect Callaghan to be contending for a blazer once more in 2026. Tristan Xerri The ruck spot will be hotly contested in 2026, with Max Gawn's reign to come to an end eventually... right? Only three rucks were selected in the squad of 44 last year, with Brodie Grundy and Luke Jackson joining Gawn in being picked ahead of Xerri. Jackson wouldn't look out of place on this list, but his prospects of securing the ruck spot are hindered, given his wide-ranging role for the Dockers as a midfielder and forward asset. [caption id="attachment_163797" align="alignnone" width="2048"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Luke Jackson of the Dockers and Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos compete in a ruck contest during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers on March 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Gawn, and Grundy, could be set to pass the baton to the next batch of big men, and Xerri looks to be at the front of the queue. Josh Weddle A young star who looks set to take his game to new heights this year, Weddle has steadily grown his game as an explosive half-back for Hawthorn. What role Weddle takes on in 2026 remains to be seen, with the agile utility tipped to eventually make the move further up the field as a midfield option. [caption id="attachment_137434" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Hawthorn Hawk Josh Weddle, 2023 )Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)[/caption] Offering speed and execution with ball in hand, Weddle is one player who looks destined to flourish with where the game is heading. Paul Curtis The Roos livewire flirted with All-Australian conversations last year in what was a breakout campaign for Curtis. The fiery front-half threat ended the year with 38 goals to his name, having been limited to the 19 appearances due to injury and suspension. [caption id="attachment_149738" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Paul Curtis of the Kangaroos kicks a goal during the round 18 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium, on July 16, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] An uninterrupted year, coupled with further time to hone his craft, could see Curtis rise to a standard that places him alongside the game's best smaller-framed forwards.

Predicting EIGHT potential first-time AFL All-Australians in 2026

We’re tipping these stars to secure their maiden blazers this year.

Sam Darcy

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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