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...
Hawthorn
WHY - Elite backline and a fiery rat pack
The Hawks' backline is amongst the best, featuring players that can lock down key and small forwards, like Blake Hardwick and Tom Barrass, and intercept like James Sicily and Josh Battle.
Add in some dash and elite kicking with Karl Amon, Jarmen Impey and Jack Scrimshaw off half-back and their ability to turn stops into scores becomes unprecedentedly high.
The so-called "rat pack" running around the field brings an elite energy that can be difficult for an opponent to overcome, too. Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald can swing momentum massively with the extra edge they play with, an unquantifiable factor that played a significant role in their two post-season wins in 2025.
WHY NOT - Will Day's health
Will Day is one of the Hawks' most impressive players when he is out there on the field, but has struggled to stay fit for an extended period of time.
He is already set to miss half the season with a shoulder injury, a significant loss for Hawthorn's midfield after letting James Worpel walk to Geelong and missing out on Bombers star Zach Merrett.
However, if Day can find a way to stay healthy after his return, the Hawks have every reason to believe they can push further than a preliminary final and contend for a flag.
