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...
Carlton
Threaten by foot
The viral vision from earlier this month of Carlton players repeatedly miskicking highlights a concern that played a critical role in the Blues' downfall from premiership contention in 2025.
While it's important to not overreact to that particular footage, given the hot conditions on the day it was filmed and it being only February, Carlton were in fact one of the worst teams in the AFL last year using the Sherrin by foot.
Only Port Adelaide had a kicking efficiency worse than Carlton's 63.3 per cent, and at the very least the Power were somewhat threatening with those disposals.
Carlton, meanwhile, ranked 16th in Wheelo Ratings Kick Threat Rating metric.
If senior coach Michael Voss is to cool the flame under his seat, his side will need to demonstrate significant improvements in this area as early as this month, with no better way of doing so than against both 2025 Grand Finalists.
