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...
Sydney
WHY - The addition of a two-time Coleman medallist
Charlie Curnow is a player who can turn the Swans from a fringe finals side to a premiership contender. Curnow can easily get back to his best with players like Gulden, Heeney and Warner lacing it out to him on a lead.
If everyone is healthy and Curnow can boot the 60-70 goals he's capable of, a premiership will be in the Bloods' sights.
WHY NOT - Can their backline hold up in a big game?
Sydney have big names all over the field, but the backline is one area where they lack some firepower. They do have Tom McCartin, who is an elite defender, but alongside him are Callum Mills and Nick Blakey, who are less of the lockdown type.
New addition Jai Serong is in for a big year, and he could possess the x-factor to assist the Swans' defensive efforts, particularly with Dane Rampe getting older. Serong will have some big challenges ahead of him, however, especially facing some of the top forward lines in the league after a year spent entirely in the VFL. That's a significant jump that shouldn't be overlooked, and time will tell if Serong is able to instantly meet the demand to support the back six.
Overall, Sydney will be hoping their backline is strong enough to perform week in and week out, but on paper, it is much more susceptible to breaking than any other area on this list.
