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.

5Jai Newcombe

The top 50 AFL players after 2024 (30-21)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jai Newcombe of the Hawks kicks the ball during the 2024 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

A finals riser to the definition, Newcombe has turned into a dominant big-game player, possessing an impressive 26 disposals and 8 clearances a game over his finals career.

The Hawthorn star has been crowned the club's best finals player in consecutive seasons, and with that comes the expectation to perform to his best yet again.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION