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...
GWS
WHY - The Giants live and breathe finals footy
The Giants have been knocking on the door of a premiership for many years now. They seem to consistently make finals while being a dark horse every year.
They have all the right tools for a premiership side with a great midfield, forward line and an ever-improving backline. Adding Clayton Oliver will help if he can get back to some of his best football with a fresh start.
WHY NOT - The potential regression from aging stars
The Giants have already started to see some injury concerns for their aging stars, with Josh Kelly already ruled out for the season and Jesse Hogan missing significant time toward the back-end of 2025 with a persistent foot concern.
It also doesn't help that Toby Greene, Jake Stringer, Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield are another year older too. The premiership window can close quicker than expected, so for the 'Orange Team' to contend, their key figures will need to be fit and firing at the right time.
