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.
7Marcus Bontempelli
The longtime Bulldogs skipper has already achieved the biggest prize in the sport, and at this stage of his career there's still plenty of more space on his trophy cabinet.
A Brownlow Medal is also missing from his resume, and a big run in the finals could be just what's needed to repair an average 7-6 record in the finals.
