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.

6Patrick Cripps

Carlton not buying into premiership favouritism narrative, maintaining "narrow focus" ahead of Giants battle
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Patrick Cripps of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Opening Round match between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at The Gabba on March 08, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Much has already been proven in terms of will and determination from one of the competition's best captains, helping turn around a season that looked doomed to fail in all the worst ways.

The next challenge will be an unfamiliar one with Cripps only playing four finals games in one year, but it could very well take the skipper and his club to a level of admiration rarely seen.

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