As another year of footy approaches, every club's fanbase enters the season with a sense of cautious optimism.
However, some have more reason to be hopeful than most, as their side looks to embed itself into AFL folklore.
Could we see a three-peat in 2026, or will a new club be crowned as kings of the competition?
Here are the five teams most likely to win the 2026 AFL premiership...
5Hawthorn Hawks
Another September appearance beckons for Hawthorn in 2026, but they'll be hoping to find themselves inside the top four for the first time under Sam Mitchell's tutelage to give themselves the best chance at a grand final appearance.
The depletion of their midfield stocks may hurt these chances, with Hawthorn relying on rapid improvements from their crop of young midfield talent to cover the void of James Worpel's departure and Will Day's shoulder injury, which has ruled him out for at least the first two months of the season.
However, the Hawks have proven they can succeed without Day in the midfield, defeating GWS and Adelaide without him on their way to a preliminary final. His potential return during the back half of the season gives the Hawks a perfect launching pad to go one week further in 2026, as exclaimed by co-captain Jai Newcombe.
While ranking fifth on this list, it's important to note that the Hawks are the only side inside the top five that play their home games at the MCG. Brisbane has proven that that's not completely necessary to win a flag in recent years, but this home ground advantage can certainly be a difference-maker in tight affairs.
