With coaching changes, star trade moves, controversial calls and ongoing alterations at AFL House, 2025 was a year of headlines.
The next 12 months promise some sizeable stories too, with uncertainty surrounding more AFL coaches, the game's biggest names rising further, year-long trade speculation on stars, and some facing the heat in the aftermath of this year's twists and turns.
So, as we reach the turn of the new year, let's take a look at nine names set to shape the AFL and as certain headline makers for 2026.
1Michael Voss
If you thought the noise surrounding Voss was loud in 2025, the next 12 months could be deafening.
The Carlton coach's contract reaches its cessation at the end of the 2026 season, which is Voss' fifth campaign in charge of the club.
A decision was made on his future following a nine-win 2025 season, with the Blues backing their man in, but they did need to weigh up that call first.
A slow start to 2026 will be cause for concern at Princes Park, with Voss set to lead a Carlton outfit without two-time Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow.
The loss of the spearhead forward is a huge hit to the Blues' hopes of finishing in the top half, which could be the pass mark for Voss after finishing 11th this year.
