With AFL clubs having returned for pre-season training, the countdown for the 2026 season is on.
Coaches begin experimenting with new game plans and younger players begin pushing for spots. Every session counts as players push for Round 1 selection.
But not all players feel the same levels of pressure, with some under far more scrutiny than others. Whether it was a failed trade move, underperformance or stalled development, these are the 10 AFL players with a point to prove in 2026.
7Logan McDonald
Kicking 93 goals from his first 70 games, McDonald has enjoyed a solid start to AFL football. But 2025 was a disaster for the injury-riddled key forward, missing the entire season through an ankle injury.
Drafted at Pick 4 in the 2020 National Draft, the Swans will have high hopes for McDonald in 2026 as they look to find a reliable key forward combination post the Lance Franklin era.
McDonald has shown glimpses of the talent that saw him selected at Pick 4 in the draft, but inconsistency and injury woes have left Swans fans frustrated at times.
The arrival of Charlie Curnow is an interesting prospect for McDonald. He may benefit from the former Blue's addition, with Curnow set to attract plenty of attention from opposition defences.
