Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: North Melbourne Kangaroos

Many North Melbourne fans would agree that the Kangaroos have lacked a bit of edge in their last few seasons. While the talent on the list is building strongly with each passing year, the lack of fire and heart in their on-field performances has been evident, losing six games by 50-plus points in 2025; only three fewer than the one-win Eagles. However, a lack of player movement in the off-season suggests the club believes they have the cattle to challenge the competition. So, what will spark life into a club becoming more and more desolate with hope of improvement? With that in mind, let's take a look at what North Melbourne's best 23 might look like in 2026... Defenders The Kangaroos' defence is still finding their groove, but may have unveiled a mix that could see them improve in 2026. Toby Pink became one of the biggest improvers in 2025, while Charlie Comben continued to take strides as a key defender, although injury hindered his progress. Caleb Daniel and Colby McKercher found plenty of football across the half-back, but they will need to work on their aggression. [caption id="attachment_160846" align="alignnone" width="2560"] LYNDOCH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Caleb Daniel of the Kangaroos in action during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast Suns at Barossa Park on April 12, 2025 in Lyndoch, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Expect Luke McDonald to feature regularly to begin 2026, given Jackson Archer's year-long absence, but there are plenty of youngsters on the verge of breaking through into the senior side more consistently, headlined by former first-round pick Riley Hardeman. Midfielders Highly touted draftees Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw have developed a phenomenal inside and outside pairing, which will look to reach new heights in 2026. Expect Finn O'Sullivan to insert himself into the starting centre square more often after a strong second half of last season, while the star trio of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin and Luke Parker present different auxiliary strengths that will be impossible to drop for senior coach Alastair Clarkson. [caption id="attachment_168727" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel of the Kangaroos are happy with the win during the 2024 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Arguably the biggest factor in the engine room at Arden Street, however, is Tristan Xerri. The 26-year-old led the Kangaroos in clearances, tackles and contested possessions and tapped the fourth-most hitouts to advantage in the league (10.3 per game). 2026 may finally be the year he succeeds Max Gawn for recognition as the league's top ruck, especially if North Melbourne continue to put together their stellar clearance work. Forwards The biggest selection intrigue for North Melbourne will come from their forward line. Recently appointed captain Nick Larkey will be a lock as the key target inside 50, but how the Kangaroos support him is a tough question to answer. Cam Zuhaar will likely be there, as will Paul Curtis given the level of x-factor he brings to a side that struggles to score more than most. Jacob Konstanty filled the small forward need last year, and should continue that role into this year, but he will have a target on his back. The Roos' off-season acquisitions and the plethora of young talent bursting through the ranks means the half-forward connector role is up for grabs, and there's plenty of players vying to take it. [caption id="attachment_159456" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 01: Jacob Konstanty of the Kangaroos reaches for the ball during the 2025 AAMI AFL Community Series match between West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Hands Oval on March 01, 2025 in Bunbury, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)[/caption] Cooper Trembath, albeit from a small sample size, looks like a poised presence inside 50, as the mid-season draftee booted nine goals in three senior matches to finish 2025. Cooper Harvey has demonstrated his capabilities too, kicking 1.4 goals per game in 2025, which ranked fifth for the Roos. Charlie Spargo looms as a sneakily good addition to the Kangaroos' forward mix for 2026, bringing some extra grit as an elite-level high-pressure forward and a bit of premiership pedigree. First-round draftee Lachy Dovaston brings an edge to their forward line too, with his on-field persona likened to the nature of Nick Watson. Time will tell which direction Clarkson eventually goes but the excitment building from Dovaston's draft year and Trembath's close to 2025 has them feature in our predicted best 23. Best 23 FB: Caleb Daniel, Toby Pink, Luke McDonald HB: Colby McKercher, Charlie Comben, Riley Hardeman C: Jy Simpkin, George Wardlaw, Finn O'Sullivan HF: Tom Powell, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis FF: Jacob Konstanty, Jack Darling, Cameron Zurhaar FO: Tristan Xerri, Harry Sheezel, Luke Davies-Uniacke I/C: Luke Parker, Lachy Dovaston, Wil Dawson, Cooper Trembath, Dylan Stephens Stiff to miss: Aidan Corr, Zane Duursma, Charlie Spargo, Griffin Logue, Cooper Harvey Not Available: Jackson Archer

		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

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: North Melbourne Kangaroos

Is this the side that finally takes the leap for North Melbourne?

Best 23

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