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...
Western Bulldogs
Defensive competence
The defensive unit is the biggest point of intrigue for the Bulldogs this year, particularly after a largely unsuccessful off-season recruitment period.
The Bulldogs had the best scoring profile from defensive 50 in 2025, thanks to the elite dash off half-back from the likes of Bailey Dale, Lachie Bramble and Bailey Williams, who will all be locks to feature prominently in 2026.
However, the Bulldogs struggled to limit their opposition's attacking prowess due to their weak key defender stocks. In pre-season, they'll come up against Hawthorn and Sydney - the Hawks featuring several key forward options and Sydney notably boasting two-time Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow.
If the Bulldogs can display positive signs in this area during the pre-season against these formidable opponents, perhaps a return to premiership contention can be confidently predicted.
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