The AFL season is just around the corner, and fans are starting to believe that their team can compete for a premiership in 2026.
There are 11 teams with a legitimate chance to overcome the barriers in their way to lift the trophy come September, but only one side can do the honours. So, what may cause these premiership fancies to fall short of the AFL's pinnacle?
Here's one reason your favourite club will win the 2026 AFL premiership, and one reason why they won't...
Adelaide
WHY - Finals experience and Izak Rankine's return
Last year was the first time this Adelaide Crows core played in a finals series after finishing as the minor premiers. Along with having no experience in finals, they also lost star Izak Rankine to suspension to curtail their chances.
With Rankine's addition into the line-up, along with the boost of finals experience, the West Lakes-based outfit could find a way to host another set of home finals in a bid for redemption. Should they then make the Grand Final, anything could happen.
WHY NOT - Midfield concerns
Adelaide's problem was not the backline, nor the forward line, in their devastating crash out of September, but their play out of the middle. It has led to questions over whether they have enough to sustain a premiership challenge.
Jordan Dawson is the engine in the contest, but they'll need greater production from the likes of Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo, James Peatling and potentially Josh Rachele.
Is the midfield group ready to compete against the best?
