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...

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Brisbane

Roles for new youth

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy celebrates kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy celebrates kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

There's not a lot to prove for Brisbane entering this pre-season, given they've just won two premierships in as many years.

However, an area of intrigue will be how their young stars will be dispersed during pre-season, as with less stakes and a greater opportunity to experiment, fans may see the roles senior coach Chris Fagan has in store for his superstars of the future.

One to keep an eye on is first-round Academy selection Dan Annable. The sixth selection of the 2025 National Draft commanded attention from scouts thanks to his dominance as an inside midfielder, but as is well-publicised, the Lions have arguably the best, and deepest, engine room in the competition.

A similar thought will be asked of young gun Levi Ashcroft. Fagan has stated over the off-season that the 19-year-old will have to continue to buy his time, and likely return to a role on the wings in 2026, but perhaps a dominant stint in the middle during pre-season could persuade him otherwise.

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