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...
Brisbane
WHY - Elite depth and proven premiership list
After winning back-to-back premierships, the Lions seem to have only gotten better. Adding Oscar Allen and Sam Draper are, of course, great additions, but it's also the injured players who didn't play in their 2025 Grand Final team that make this list so scary.
Jack Payne, Noah Answerth, Eric Hipwood, Tom Doedee, Jarrod Berry and Keidean Coleman are all players who could be in their best side, so if most of these players are healthy by September, there's no reason to doubt them.
WHY NOT - Controversy around the club
There's not much to nitpick about the Lions, and last year proved that there's no reason to believe there will be a premiership hangover. So, the only fair question is how much the Lachie Neale controversy will affect the team?
He has already stepped down as co-captain, while the media around these sorts of situations can be uncontrollable. If there's any way to quash this doubt, it will be with on-field performances, and as seen in the past when the Lions have faced controversy in the off-season, they still have found a way to win the flag.
