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...
Geelong
WHY - Chris Scott's resilience and innovation
The Cats have made a preliminary final in 10 of the 15 seasons under Chris Scott's tutelage, highlighting why Geelong cannot be counted out of any race for the premiership.
Scott has proven to have the capacity to push his side to the limit, and commonly out-coaches any other opponent in the competition.
The Cats have star factor across the board, with some of the most damaging players in the competition. Their forward line is among the best, with Jeremy Cameron leading the way. Midfielders Bailey Smith and Max Holmes are set for another big year, while they welcome James Worpel to bolster their contested ball-winning abilities.
The Cats are in the hunt every year, and with a promising group of youth developing strongly, there's no reason to believe they will drop off anytime soon.
WHY NOT - The ruck problem
At the moment, the Cats' main ruckman is a 35-year-old Rhys Stanley, and there's no telling if he will be good enough to be a premiership ruck again at his age.
Developing youngsters Mitchell Edwards and Toby Conway haven't shown enough to be relied on consistently, with the latter facing constant injury woes the last two years to hold him out of consistent competitive play.
Their next options would be to play a mixture of Mark Blicavs, Sam De Koning and Shannon Neale, a combination which worked well in two of their three Finals, but struggled in the rematch with Brisbane in the decider. If it's needed to be relied upon again, will it be enough for this team to get over the line?
