Entering any new AFL season comes with a level of pressure and scrutiny, but it can rise to astronomical heights if you're fighting for your career.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, over 300 players have yet to have their futures confirmed. However, the majority of those are more than likely to remain at their current club, seek a new opportunity or hang up the boots.
This leaves a host of players in contract limbo, and their efforts in the new season will determine where they will be next year...
Mitch McGovern
Carlton's Mitch McGovern will be playing for his career after managing to scrape through another contract.
McGovern played 17 games in 2025, but fell short of hitting a contract trigger that would've locked him in for 2026. Despite the nervous wait, the 31-year-old received a one-year extension, but is clearly wrestling for key position spots in the Blues outfit.
Carlton drafted father-son gun Harry Dean, while the return of Nic Newman and preference with Lachlan Cowan could push McGovern further down the pecking order.
On the other end of the ground, Brodie Kemp and Will Hayward are expected to take prominent forward roles alongside Harry McKay.
