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...
Collingwood
WHY - Premiership experience
Experience is in the Magpies' favour despite concerns about their age profile. The club has been elite in close games, and they simply know how to pull out wins under senior coach Craig McRae. Collingwood can manage a game like no other and somehow find a way to win the tough contests.
Additionally, it goes without saying that the Daicos brothers can turn the tide in Collingwood's favour by themselves, but these two can truly break open any game and propel their team to victory. With these two on the field, there will always be a belief that Collingwood can challenge for the premiership.
WHY NOT - Their age profile
After the Pies' hot start last season, they fell off very quickly in the second half to drop an almost certain minor premiership, yet they still managed to win an impressive qualifying final on the road to host a preliminary final.
Many of their big guns, like Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Howe and Moore, are entering the twilight stages of their career, and don't have much depth to replace them. How they manage them throughout the year will be crucial to their success.
Experience may be the reason they contend, but it could also be what hinders them in the end.
