AFL Season 2026: Rising Stars and Resurgent Stars Set to Shine
As the 2026 AFL season looms, the pre-season scratch matches have provided a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. From established stars looking to reassert their dominance to emerging talents poised to make their mark, every club has players entering the new campaign in red-hot form. We’ve taken a deep dive into each team to highlight the players who are set to be the talk of the town.
Adelaide Crows: Riley Thilthorpe’s Midfield Shift
Adelaide’s star forward, Riley Thilthorpe, has been trialled in a new on-ball role, a move that has impressed coach Matthew Nicks. “Riley went on-ball at times and when the ball hits the ground, he’s unique because he’s got long arms and he can take a pretty clean ground ball,” Nicks commented. The coach highlighted Thilthorpe’s physicality and ground-level prowess, suggesting the Crows want to leverage these attributes more frequently. This strategic shift could unlock a new dimension to Adelaide’s attack, moving away from a reliance on simply delivering the ball to him.
Brisbane Lions: The Ashcroft Dynasty and Coleman’s New Role
The Ashcroft brothers, Will and Levi, are generating considerable excitement. Will, a dual Norm Smith medallist, and his younger brother Levi are showing signs of a dominant partnership that could rival the best brother combinations the game has ever seen. Their class was evident against the Blues, with Will demonstrating his usual composure and Levi showcasing his sharp football intelligence. Levi’s full pre-season conditioning promises to make him an even greater threat. Additionally, forgotten Lion Keidean Coleman turned heads in a surprising new forward role, marking strongly on the lead. His ability to fill the void left by premiership player Callum Ah Chee, now at the Crows, is a significant development for Brisbane.
Carlton: Ben Ainsworth’s Instant Impact
Former Gold Coast Sun, Ben Ainsworth, has made a significant impression since joining Carlton. His strong pre-season form has carried into his first match for the Blues, where he booted four goals playing as a running half-forward. This role has been a challenging one for Carlton to consistently fill. Ainsworth’s willingness to also provide an option out of defence further enhances his value, making him a difficult player for opposition teams to contain. If he maintains this level of performance, Blues fans are likely to embrace him quickly.
Collingwood Magpies: Oscar Steene Steps Up in the Ruck
With Darcy Cameron being rested, Oscar Steene was given a prime opportunity to impress against the Giants. Under the guidance of new ruck coach Greg Stafford, Steene has shown considerable development. His performance suggests Collingwood can effectively utilise two rucks under the new interchange rules. Assistant coach Matthew Boyd noted, “Steeney has shown a different side of his game in the last couple of weeks that we have really enjoyed. His centre-bounce work with the new ruck rule could be a real strength of ours because he has a great vertical leap.” Mature-age draftee Angus Anderson also caught the eye, thriving in the contest and delivering a memorable tackle on Giants’ ruckman Kieren Briggs.
Essendon Bombers: Darcy Parish Returns to Form
After an injury-plagued 2024 season, Darcy Parish has made a strong comeback against Richmond. The talented midfielder, an All-Australian in 2021, was prolific with the ball and kicked two goals. This resurgence is a timely boost for the Bombers, especially in a year where many pundits doubt their finals prospects. Parish managed only 12 senior games in 2024, and with just three last year, his return to form is a welcome sight for Essendon supporters.
Fremantle Dockers: Murphy Reid’s Versatile Role
Rising Star winner Murphy Reid, who impressed in the forward line last season, is being strategically rotated through the midfield and high half-forward roles by coach Justin Longmuir. A fit-again Hayden Young also looked dangerous in a high forward position. Reid’s performance against West Coast was once again a highlight. Longmuir stated, “We would like to get Murph a few more minutes in the midfield… Murph has some things he has to work on, especially with the defensive side, but he’s probably our best ball user forward of centre, and he sees the game very well.” His vision and ball use are highly valued by the Dockers’ forward line.
Geelong Cats: Jay Polkinghorne and James Worpel’s Promising Starts
Jay Polkinghorne, an uncapped Cat, made a strong statement against Hawthorn, booting three goals and showcasing his impressive “sticky hands.” He has impressed club officials during the summer and could emerge as a third tall forward option alongside Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale. The addition of former Hawk James Worpel has also been a seamless transition. Worpel, a former club best-and-fairest winner with 148 games for Hawthorn, appeared right at home in the Cats’ midfield, suggesting he will be a valuable addition.
Gold Coast Suns: Christian Petracca’s Seamless Integration
The transition of former Melbourne star Christian Petracca to the Gold Coast Suns has been remarkably smooth. Despite a challenging couple of years, Petracca has immediately added an explosive element to the Suns’ midfield. His ability to break from the centre and deliver long, accurate passes to leading forwards was evident, including setting up a goal with a clever centre ball. His experience and dynamism are expected to propel the Suns into genuine premiership contention.
GWS Giants: Clayton Oliver’s Immediate Impact and Leadership
All eyes were on Clayton Oliver following his controversial departure from Melbourne. The star midfielder wasted no time making his mark for the Giants, immediately featuring in centre clearances and showcasing his elite ball-winning ability. Oliver’s presence becomes even more critical with Tom Green sidelined for the season. Former Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell lauded Oliver’s “first touch” and clearance skills, while Giants assistant coach Wayne Cripps praised his leadership, competitiveness, and positive influence on the club’s younger players.
Hawthorn Hawks: Josh Weddle’s Ascendancy and Nick Watson’s Potential
In a week where he signed a significant multi-million dollar contract, Josh Weddle delivered an impressive performance against the Cats. While primarily playing defence, he is expected to spend more time on a wing in the upcoming season, signalling his readiness to become a bona fide star. Creative forward Nick Watson is also one to watch, with expectations of increased midfield time this year, bolstering the Hawks’ on-ball stocks.
Melbourne Demons: Latrelle Pickett’s Explosive Potential
Latrelle Pickett has generated considerable excitement among Demons fans, particularly with his electrifying displays. Playing alongside his cousin Kysaiah, Pickett has shown a penchant for breaking lines and making smart, selfless decisions in forward 50 situations. Assistant coach Troy Chaplin indicated that an early season debut is a strong possibility, stating, “Latrelle has looked as good as that [at training]. We’ve known what he could be capable of… he wants to be Latrelle Pickett – he doesn’t want to live in Kozzie’s shadow.”
North Melbourne Kangaroos: Cooper Harvey’s Defensive Development
Cooper Harvey, son of club legend Brent Harvey, has shown resilience in a new role as a running defender against a formidable Melbourne outfit. Despite the Roos’ “unflattering” performance, Harvey’s adaptation to defence is a positive sign. North’s defensive stocks are a concern, and the club is actively exploring options. Assistant coach Michael Barlow acknowledged the scramble for rebound defenders, noting that Harvey and Robbie Hansen jnr have only recently been trialled in back-half roles.
Port Adelaide Power: Jack Whitlock’s Forward Promise
Jack Whitlock displayed an athletic and spirited performance in a forward role for the Power against Adelaide. His clean hands and a well-taken boundary-line goal were notable. His precise role for the season is still to be determined, but if Mitch Georgiades plays a higher role, it could open a pathway for Whitlock. Assistant coach Luke Webster commended his improvement, stating, “Whitlock certainly stepped up after half-time, and it helps when you get a little bit better in the contest, and you get cleaner ball going into the front half.”
Richmond Tigers: Sam Lalor and Sam Grlj’s Exciting Contributions
Sam Lalor, the No.1 pick in the 2024 national draft, has ignited enthusiasm at Punt Road. He was outstanding against the Bombers, taking a spectacular mark and posing a constant threat near the ball. Dubbed “Dusty 2.0,” he appears poised for a breakout season. Sam Grlj also deserves recognition for his excellent run and creativity from defence, adding valuable drive for the Tigers.
St Kilda Saints: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s Brilliance and Tom De Koning’s Impact
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s continued brilliance is expected to be a key factor if the Saints are to enjoy a successful season, with many tipping him for another Brownlow Medal contention. His dash and creativity were on full display against the Suns, including a memorable passage of play that led to a forward goal. Tom De Koning, in his first season of a significant contract, also showed promising form, particularly in the opening term. The new ruck rules are anticipated to benefit the athletic big man.
Sydney Swans: Charlie Curnow and Isaac Heeney’s Lethal Partnership
All eyes were on Charlie Curnow as he made his debut for the Swans against the Western Bulldogs. The key forward was a prominent target inside 50 and moved with purpose to kick four goals, potentially providing the missing piece for Sydney’s top-four aspirations. Isaac Heeney, playing as a deep forward in the second half, reaffirmed his status as a superstar with his dominant aerial contests, solidifying his position as the face of the Swans.
West Coast Eagles: Willem Duursma’s Immediate Impact
Despite significant areas for improvement, No.1 pick Willem Duursma made an immediate impact for the Eagles, kicking the opening goal from the 50-metre arc despite challenging conditions. Duursma appears ready to contribute from the outset, displaying clean ball handling and composure. The Eagles’ challenge will be to consistently get him into scoring positions. Fellow former No.1 pick Harley Reid also impressed with a goal from open play.
Western Bulldogs: Arthur Jones and Jordan Croft’s Rising Influence
Arthur Jones has shown flashes of his talent but is yet to cement a regular spot inside 50. His three-goal performance against the Swans, coupled with his willingness to chase and follow up, was particularly impressive. Jordan Croft has also stepped up as a key forward, demonstrating fearless attack on the ball and a strong desire to make his mark, especially following his new three-year contract.
