Your club's big question in the first month of 2026

Opening Round kicks off on Thursday and the pre-season has provided plenty of answers, but certain questions can't be answered until the real stuff starts. Zero Hanger has outlined a topic likely to garner plenty of discussion at each club in the first month of the season. Adelaide Crows The ruck personnel It seems increasingly likely that Lachie McAndrew's height, reach and leap will win him the Crows' starting ruck position over long-time servant and leadership group member Reilly O'Brien. The ruck rule changes have quelled the impact of O'Brien with selection in practice matches indicating that McAndrew will be at the centre stoppage in Round 1. It's a massive show of faith from the Crows to insert a new ruck into a side which should theoretically be contending in 2026 given he is yet to play at AFL level. It will be interesting to watch how he competes and how well he gels with a midfield group that was beaten up last September despite a fine season. [caption id="attachment_164068" align="alignnone" width="1064"] Adelaide's Lachlan McAndrew at training. Credit: Adelaide FC[/caption] Brisbane Lions How does Brisbane replace Starcevich? The natural answer is to say the Lions have an embarrassment of riches and won't be affected by one departure. Noah Answerth missed last year's premiership and is a perfect like-for-like replacement for Starcevich, who has departed for West Coast. But expecting one player to step into a role held by the best small lockdown defender in the league is expecting too much. The Lions will need to adjust and ensure they aren't relying on the sort of one-on-one wins and bravery Starcevich continually delivered. Rhylee West, Tom Papley, Jack Higgins and Jamie Elliott are the first four premier small forwards that the Lions defence will face and each will feel there is more of an opening in the Lions defence than last year, given Starcevich's departure. [caption id="attachment_163512" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Noah Answerth of the Lions in action during the 2025 AFL Round 12 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Essendon Bombers at The Gabba on May 29, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Carlton Blues Ball movement forward of centre There appears to have been a clear focus on the Blues' ball movement going inside 50 in the off-season and the more dynamic forward line has forced them to be more creative. Across their practice matches, Carlton have shown a greater willingness to change the angles and had more direction with their kicks in the front half. No longer can they bomb it long and expect star talls Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay to do the rest given the departure of Curnow will allow teams to better nullify McKay. Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth are both underrated additions, while Talor Byrne has shown a bit as an opportune small forward, so he may get a chance early. Whether Byrne or someone else, it's critical the Blues find a trusty small forward to complement the rest of the forward group and give them liveliness in the front half. [caption id="attachment_173123" align="alignnone" width="2280"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Will Hayward of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2026 AFL match simulation between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at Brighton Homes Arena on February 18, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Collingwood Magpies How do the inexperienced bookmarks perform? For all the talk about the age of the Pies, there's every chance that Joel Cochran, Harvey Harrison, Jack Buller and Charlie West all play in Round 1. The sextet have a combined 27 games between them. The departures of Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox and Bobby Hill's personal leave forces the Magpies to play underexposed players inside 50, which will test the system which has always stood up under Craig McRae. But that system has always been contingent on a watertight defence and injuries to Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore puts increased responsibility on the likes of Billy Frampton. [caption id="attachment_151210" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Harvey Harrison of the Collingwood Magpies in 2024 (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Essendon Bombers Who kicks the goals? Dynamic third-year forward Nate Caddy has had a big pre-season and will carry an enormous responsibility in 2026. Notwithstanding the promise that Isaac Kako showed last season, the Bombers lack proven quality ground-level forwards - though whether Jade Gresham or Matt Guelfi rise to a new level in a contract year will be interesting to track. The Bombers would ideally love to ease the burden on Kyle Langford after an injury interrupted campaign so he can be freed up to play a higher forward role. Peter Wright has been a great servant for the last few years but if the club is to be in the finals mix, one senses they need to move past him, while Archie May and Liam McMahon remain inexperienced. [caption id="attachment_152291" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Nate Caddy of the Bombers celebrates his first league goal during the 2024 AFL Round 15 match between the Essendon Bombers and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on June 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle Dockers How does Hayden Young perform? Hayden Young could be the player that elevates the Dockers to the heights many felt they were capable of reaching - but fell short of - last year. His excitement, ability to use space and hit up forwards complements the contested ball-winning capabilities of Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw. Young visited Qatar rehabilitation centre Aspetar in the off-season and will allow him to play a full season this year, having long threatened to be a genuine star of the competition. Not only might he be the cream of the crop in a rich midfield group, but his ability to contribute as a half forward or running defender will also add plenty to a flexible Fremantle lineup. [caption id="attachment_123787" align="alignnone" width="2558"] Hayden Young during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)[/caption] Geelong Cats What should we expect from Tanner Bruhn in 2026? There aren't too many pressing questions about the Cats despite a couple of injuries in the early rounds, but one point of watch will be Tanner Bruhn. Coach Chris Scott ahead of Opening Round labelled Bruhn's wretched 2025 on the sidelines an ‘egregious injustice' and he'll be like a new recruit this year. It's easy to overlook how promising Bruhn's first season at the Cattery was in 2024 as a dynamic midfielder who gave himself an excellent platform to explode last year, before his court battle kept him sidelined. With Bailey Smith to miss first up, he has a great opportunity to establish himself as an important part of one of the competition's best midfield groups - but how quickly can he get to his best form after the emotional toll of last year and more than 12 months away from the level? [caption id="attachment_151827" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Tanner Bruhn of the Cats runs with the ball during the round one AFL match between Geelong Cats and St Kilda Saints at GMHBA Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Suns How do the new pair go? Jed Walter's opening round suspension has strengthened Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's chances of a berth in Gold Coast's first game of the year despite looking a way below what he's capable of in the practice matches. How will the former number one pick go when the intensity goes up another notch? And what will the synergy between the former Bulldog and focal point Ben King look like? And in the midfield, the integration of Christian Petracca will be a fascinating watch. It's been floated that he and Bailey Humphrey will swap and forward-mids to maximise the powerful skillset of both players. Of particular note will be how Petracca - and Wil Powell - perform at centre stoppage for a midfield group that has for the past few seasons built success with a stable group spearheaded by skipper Noah Anderson, former captain Touk Miller and Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell. [caption id="attachment_170805" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Christian Petracca poses during a media opportunity with the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium on October 17, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)[/caption] GWS Giants How deeply will injuries cut? No club had a worse pre-season of injuries than the Giants, with all of Sam Taylor, Brent Daniels, Toby Bedford and Aaron Cadman out of the early rounds, Tom Green out for the season and Josh Kelly and Darcy Jones still sidelined. It's a massive chunk of their best 23 absent, while Finn Callaghan has also had a slightly interrupted finish to pre-season. Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Collingwood await in the first month - all viewed presently as teams that could be fighting for spots in the bottom half of the top 10, so they could be reflected upon as eight point games. It will be an intriguing test of GWS' system which will need to net them at least a couple of wins in those games. [caption id="attachment_172981" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Sam Taylor of the Giants kicks on the run during the 2025 AFL Opening Round match between the GWS Giants and the Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium on March 9, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Hawthorn Hawks Who gets the extra midfield minutes? There was already plenty of talk about Hawthorn's midfield in 2025 and after failing to land Zach Merrett in the trade period, it put great responsibility on youngsters to step up. That was amplified by Will Day's pre-season injury which will rule him out until mid-season. Jai Newcombe is also set to miss Round 1 with suspension, putting further strain on the midfield depth. Connor MacDonald has spent plenty of time training with the midfield group in pre-season, Josh Ward showed a lot in last year's finals series, Henry Hustwaite has been dominating the VFL, Harry Morrison played a role in his first full year at AFL level last year, Cam McKenzie has plenty of tools and Nick Watson is keen for more midfield minutes. The Hawks desperately need for one of them to take a big step forward and start the season with a bang. [caption id="attachment_172225" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Connor Macdonald of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the AFL Elimination Final match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn Hawks at ENGIE Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Demons How does the new-look midfield perform? If you could read anything into practice match form, Melbourne fans would be the most buoyed. A demolition of North Melbourne, followed by a strong performance against Richmond that was cut short due to lightning, the Dees looked clinical and exciting with their ball movement and style. Granted, the quality of opponent can be questioned but you can only play who you're up against and Melbourne looked far more exciting with their ball movement, and the skills were at a much higher level than last year. It started in the centre where Kozzie Pickett was the fire starter, and Jack Steele, Trent Rivers, Caleb Windsor and Harvey Langford have all shown at different stages of pre-season that they can deliver Melbourne more efficiency than they have had in recent years. [caption id="attachment_173171" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons kicks a goal during the 2026 AFL match simulation between the Melbourne Demons and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Casey Fields on February 20, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] North Melbourne Kangaroos How much can they capitalise on a soft draw? Matches against Port Adelaide, West Coast, Essendon and Carlton provides North Melbourne with the opportunity to start the season on the front foot. Will the Roos be good enough to seize the easy fixture? With young talent ready to take another step forward, including Finn O'Sullivan - set for more midfield time after a brilliant pre-season - Colby McKercher and Harry Sheezel, internal improvement is a must. But with a leaky and injury-hit defence, George Wardlaw absent through injury and a forward line overly dependent on first year captain Nick Larkey, pessimists have plenty of reason for skepticism. [caption id="attachment_162429" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Finn O'Sullivan of the Kangaroos handballs whilst being tackled by esapduring the round eight AFL match between Essendon Bombers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, on May 01, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)[/caption] Port Adelaide What will Miles the midfielder produce? After missing the AAMI Community Series game with a minor foot ailment, Bergman is set to return for Round 1 and looks set to be unleashed in the midfield. Signed a two-year contract extension last year after courting interest from Victoria and at 24, is entering his prime years. Gets the ball going forward with great intent and should complement the crash-and-bash of Zak Butters and explosiveness of Jason Horne-Francis. After a sparkling start to his career off half-back, he's a player the Power need to pop if they are going to get a boost in Josh Carr's first year. [caption id="attachment_138390" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: Miles Bergman of the Power in action during the 2023 AFL Round 12 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on June 3, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Richmond How do the cubs go? It's easy to forget the eulogies that were being written about Richmond's season 12 months ago, before they managed to win five games and give fans hope that the rebuild is on the right track. But it's easy to forget that the Tigers are still relatively early in the rebuild. Arguably, no club has performed better across the past two drafts than Richmond, which will hold them in good stead in the long term. Sam Lalor, Sam Grlj, Jonty Faull and potentially Luke Trainor are the first and second-year players likely to feature early in the season and Richmond would love to see positive signs from the quartet to help them compete well and set them up for the future. There will be particular interest on 2024 number one pick Lalor after an injury-interrupted start to life as an AFL footballer. [caption id="attachment_159465" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Rhyan Mansell (left) and Sam Lalor of the Tigers celebrate during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] St Kilda Saints How quickly can the recruits repay the faith? St Kilda's AAMI Community Series win over Essendon would have been buoying, with all of Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan playing a significant role in a comfortable win. The Saints' were the busiest club in the off-season, spending a war chest as they sought to attract the final pieces of a September-bound lineup. Fixtures against Collingwood, Melbourne, GWS and St Kilda will give a good early indication of how well balanced the club is and those are the sorts of scalps St Kilda need to start claiming to be taken seriously after playing catch-up for the last two years. Rightly or wrongly, pressure will quickly ramp up on De Koning if he starts the year quietly given the financial investment, and although he does not come out of contract again until next year, discussions about the future of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will grow ever louder if the Saints don't have a significant uptick in form. [caption id="attachment_172511" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall at pre-season training in 2026 (Image via St Kilda FC)[/caption] Sydney Swans How big does Charlie go? Curnow kicked 32 goals last year for Carlton after three consecutive seasons with 50 or more majors. The Swans recruit is exactly what the club needs, having lacked a star centre point of the forward line since the retirement of Lance Franklin. If Dean Cox's men can get it right, the sight of Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney and co. sending it down could be one of the best sights in footy for neutral footy fans - and scariest for opposition coaches. Curnow starts the season in a blockbuster against his old side, where he will line up on old mate Jacob Weitering, before meetings with Hawthorn and West Coast. [caption id="attachment_173124" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Charlie Curnow of the Swans chats to former Carlton teammate Matthew Kennedy of the Bulldogs during the 2026 AFL match simulation between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans at Mission Whitten Oval on February 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] West Coast Eagles Can they establish an identifiable brand? There will be plenty of eyes on certain individuals at West Coast - can Willem Duursma live up to the hype, where is Harley Reid at, how important an acquisition is Brandon Starcevich - but Eagles fans will most of all be desperate to see a brand of footy. The pre-season smacking at the hands of Port Adelaide would not have inspired great confidence and it's hard to know what is a realistic expectation for this year given they are the outright favourites for another wooden spoon. But if they can start to play a style that fans can resonate with and give fans hope that it's a sustainable, exciting way of playing that can take them into the future, that will be a big step forward. If they're able to do that, it likely means the young players are starting to show some glimpses of upside and they're able to compete for longer periods more consistently - all important steps back to relevance. [caption id="attachment_168877" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: The Eagles look dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 21 match between the Melbourne Demons and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on August 2, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Western Bulldogs How do they defend? Plenty was made of the Western Bulldogs' backline last year, with the Dogs' inability to contain sides a significant contributing factor to them missing finals despite their starpower. The club made attempts to bring in established talent but was unable to land the big fish they were after, so they will be reliant on internal development to take the next step. The club has made notable adjustments to the way they defend the ground, and their backline structure is different to how it looked in 2025. James O'Donnell has notably bulked up over the summer, and Buku Khamis has been impressive in the backline in practice matches against Sydney and Hawthorn, while Rory Lobb will be charged with leading the tall defenders. The Dogs' ability to nullify Mabior Chol and Mitch Lewis in the AAMI Community Series match will provide. [caption id="attachment_165498" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: James O'Donnell of the Bulldogs marks the ball during the round 11 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on May 22, 2025, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)[/caption]

			P	W	L	PTS	%
1		CARL	0	0	0	0	0
2		ESS	0	0	0	0	0
3		WB	0	0	0	0	0
4		GEEL	0	0	0	0	0
5		ADEL	0	0	0	0	0
6		MELB	0	0	0	0	0
7		FRE	0	0	0	0	0
8		WCE	0	0	0	0	0
9		GWS	0	0	0	0	0
10		HAW	0	0	0	0	0

Your club’s big question in the first month of 2026

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