The best part about entering a new footy season is that it's a fresh slate - every club starts from zero.
Optimism is high as fans relish in the prospect of their club making some form of improvement on last year, whether that's contending for a premiership, returning to September action, or seeing young players blossom into genuine superstars to push a rebuild forward.
However, there are also doubts. Lists have been reshaped, coaches have tweaked their systems, and with those changes comes an uncomfortable question that will refuse to subside until the 2026 season is underway.
So, what is the harsh question pressing at the front of your team's mind? Below is every club's burning question heading into 2026...
Western Bulldogs
Will Luke Beveridge finally capitalise on his star-studded list, or will it be another season of mediocrity?
After leading the Dogs to a drought-breaking premiership win in 2016, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for coach Luke Beveridge. His side hasn't been able to finish any higher than fifth since then. Given the state of the list currently, it would be incredibly disappointing if they couldn't capitalise before the premiership window imminently closes.
On paper, the Dogs boast one of the most complete lists in the competition: a forward line spearheaded by Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton, a midfield featuring Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards, and a backline sparked by the line-breaking Bailey Dale.
The Bulldogs had five players named in the 2025 All-Australian squad, with three named in the final team. This was the equal most in the competition. On this alone, it is staggering that they have managed to miss the top eight.
Statistically, the Bulldogs profile as a contender. They were the competition's highest possession team in 2025 (375.9 per game), ranked second for inside 50s (56.4) and finished as the highest scoring team in the AFL with 108.4 points per game. They also conceded the fewest inside 50s (47.6), suggesting they controlled territory better than anyone.
Without a closer look, you assume they were a premiership contender.
A closer look reveals a big flaw in the game plan. The Bulldogs were the league's most uncontested team with just 36.4 per cent of their possessions contested. This was the second lowest in the competition, behind only Essendon. Their heavy reliance on handball chains (131.4 handball receives per game, second most in the AFL) points to a free-flowing, uncontested style of play.
While their approach generated scoreboard dominance at times in 2025, when the heat came in big moments, their game plan simply didn't stack up. You'd expect a big contest focus throughout the 2026 pre-season.
