The best part about entering 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...
Brisbane
How much will the Lachie Neale drama impact the Lions' three-peat chances?
The last thing a reigning premier needs entering their title defence is an off-field distraction, but the Lions will have to endure the media storm surrounding Lachie Neale as the dual Brownlow medallist's public marriage fall-out and looming contract decision sharpen into focus.
After announcing he would step down from his role as co-captain in the new year, Neale remained non-committal to the club beyond his contract, which is set to expire at the conclusion of this season, and will be eligible for free agency under the unrestricted band.
The Lions have flown under the radar in a media sense in their prior two premiership campaigns, but that feels very unlikely to happen again in 2026. The spotlight was already well and truly on the back-to-back premiers with a three-peat in their sights, and the added drama from the former co-captain just adds more fuel to the fire.
How senior coach Chris Fagan and captain Harris Andrews ensure composure amongst the group as they become the hunted - both in an on- and off-field sense - is undoubtedly the most intriguing question that will shape Brisbane's season.
