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.
7Nathan Buckley
The Collingwood champion is back at clubland, joining Geelong as an assistant after spending the past several seasons in the media since his Magpies coaching exit.
And while getting used to Buckley in Cats colours will take some time, it'll be the fascination surrounding what comes next for the former senior coach, with Tasmania looming as a likely landing spot.
The Devils will be expected to announce their inaugural coach sometime in 2026, and Buckley looks almost a sure thing.
He opted against the Melbourne role amid talks with Tasmania, and the coaching comeback with the Cats looks to be the needed stepping stone before his seemingly inevitable return to the top flight as the Devils' man.
