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...
St Kilda
Effective management of Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall as dual rucks
One of the bigger question marks to be answered in 2026 at Moorabbin is how the Saints intend to use the star ruck pair of De Koning and Marshall. St Kilda was firm on their stance with Marshall, despite the 29-year-old's attempted exit during the trade period to Geelong due to wish to remain the club's number one ruckman.
They'll become the next club of many expected to roll out a dual ruck line-up in 2026, as the AFL looks to speed up the game with its latest rule changes.
Pre-season will be an opportunity to iron out the wrinkles in this set-up, and should the Saints prove its effectiveness, particularly with the new ruck rules that emphasise athleticism, it will bolster the confidence of Saints fans around the country that this team can return to September action after a two-year hiatus.
