When it comes to finals footy, there is really no better way, in terms of scale, to measure a player's worth in what they can bring to the field when the win matters the most.
Some players are looking to change the narrative of the finals, while others start their mark on the competition for seasons to come.
Note that these players are being ranked in terms of who is under the most pressure and expectations to succeed in the finals along with their club, not just individual rankings.
Here's the ten players I believe will have to prove the most to themselves and their fan base ahead of the 2026 AFL Finals Series.
1Bailey Smith
Stats and touches have never come with much challenge for Geelong's star midfielder, though the discussion on whether those touches have any impact definitely has.
A way to bury that narrative forever and win the game's biggest prize would be one of the main ways Smith can catapult into the AFL star stratosphere.
