The 2026 AFL pre-season is here, offering the first real glimpses into how clubs will address 2025's shortcomings.
While there's no premiership points available, a strong showing can build momentum into the 2026 campaign, and demonstrate what is potentially possible once the home-and-away season gets underway.
So, here's what your favourite AFL club must show in their two pre-season fixtures this month...
Melbourne
Prove that Steven King's system could exceed expectations
Melbourne being a bottom four side is a foregone conclusion to most pundits entering this season.
A major off-season overhaul will see the Demons go into 2026 with a refreshed list and a new approach under the tutelage of senior coach Steven King, with the departures of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca allowing the club to focus on what's next.
King plans to prioritise the development of youth over stars of years past but that doesn't mean they'll be uncompetitive, considering the top-end talent on his list.
Adjusting to King's gameplan could take several weeks, but an optimistic view would be that the Dees quickly illustrate his gameplan. Considering how strongly the likes of off-season recruits Jack Steele and Changkuoth Jiath bought into King's pitch, pre-season could highlight that Melbourne may just be "retooling" rather than undergoing a full blown rebuild.
