Best 23s named for all 18 teams ahead of 2026 season including Callum Ah Chee, Oscar Allen and Christian Petracca

The commerce interval and draft are finished and lists are for essentially the most half finalised, aside from a few supplemental choice interval slots.

With all that info now in, we’ve an honest thought what each crew will seem like in 2026, barring summer season breakouts or accidents.

We have gone by means of all 18 AFL groups to compile their finest 23s – clearly with 5 on the bench now, the very best 22 is formally useless.

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One factor to notice is we’ve not included any gamers out with important long run accidents, together with GWS pair Darcy Jones and Josh Kelly, Essendon defender Nic Martin and Carlton defender Harry O’Farrell, amongst others.

FB: M. Michalanney, M. Keane, J. Worrell

HB: M. Hinge, N. Murray, W. Milera

C: J. Peatling, J. Soligo, I. Cumming

HF: C. Ah Chee, D. Fogarty, A. Neal-Bullen

FF: T. Walker, R. Thilthorpe, J. Rachele

FOL: R. O’Brien, J. Dawson, I. Rankine

INT: S. Draper, D. Curtin, S. Berry, R. Laird, B. Keays

STRENGTH: The firepower of this Adelaide ahead combine is pretty much as good as any crew within the competitors. Particularly with the addition of Callum Ah Chee, one other dependable function participant to work alongside rising superstars like Riley Thilthorpe and Izak Rankine.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The minor premiers nonetheless lack depth of their midfield for essentially the most half. They hoped so as to add Christian Petracca within the commerce interval, however that fell by means of. The emergence of their 2024 high draftee, Sam Draper, may assist in that division.

FB: R. Lester, H. Andrews, D. Wilmot

HB: Ok. Coleman, J. Payne, D. Zorko

C: L. Ashcroft, J. Dunkley, H. McCluggage

HF: Z. Bailey, L. Morris, C. Rayner

FF: C. Cameron, O. Allen, Ok. Lohmann

FOL: S. Draper, L. Neale, W. Ashcroft

INT: E. Hipwood, J. Berry, D. Annable, J. Fletcher, N. Answerth

STRENGTH: Is it honest to only say ‘all the pieces’? It is not simply the additions of Oscar Allen and Sam Draper to positive up key place slots, and a high draftee in Daniel Annable, it is returning stars like Jack Payne, Keidean Coleman, Eric Hipwood and extra who did not even characteristic within the grand closing win. That is the very best checklist within the competitors and it is stronger than ever.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: They only gained a premiership with out a longtime key ahead and with out their full again. Their midfield is the deepest within the league. You possibly can perhaps say their ruck depth is questionable with Draper coming off an Achilles and Darcy Fort being 32 … perhaps.

FB: L. Cowan, J. Weitering, N. Haynes

HB: N. Newman, H. Dean, O. Hollands

C: J. Smith, P. Cripps, M. Cottrell

HF: Z. Williams, W. Hayward, B. Ainsworth

FF: J. Motlop, H. McKay, A. Moir

FOL: M. Pittonet, S. Walsh, G. Hewett

INT: O. Florent, A. Cerra, C. Lord, A. Saad, F. Evans

STRENGTH: It is a contemporary wanting Carlton facet going into 2026, with a handful of recent faces on high of thrilling children who may change the vibe after a tricky 12 months. They seem to be a deeper facet than final 12 months throughout the board, which ought to make them a bit extra constant.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: With out Charlie Curnow, lots now rests on the shoulders of Harry McKay. They lack a secondary key ahead on their checklist, notably with Brodie Kemp coming off a torn Achilles. They may hope Harry Dean can fill the void in defence as properly, however that group additionally seems to be shaky.

FB: B. Maynard, D. Moore, J. Howe

HB: D. Houston, B. Frampton, J. Daicos

C: S. Sidebottom, J. Crisp, P. Lipinski

HF: B. McCreery, T. Membrey, J. De Goey

FF: J. Elliott, D. McStay, B. Hill

FOL: D. Cameron, N. Daicos, S. Pendlebury

INT: L. Schultz, H. Perryman, I. Quaynor, N. Lengthy, H. Harrison

STRENGTH: Their finest 23 is extremely robust on paper, as they confirmed for almost all of the 2025 season. If they’ll keep wholesome and tempo their veterans, they may stay very tough to beat. Their defensive group can dominate within the air and with rebound.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: With out Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox, the Pies are missing key ahead depth on their checklist and asking numerous the undersized Tim Membrey and damage susceptible Dan McStay. They will hope Jack Buller and Charlie West could be huge components in 2026.

FB: J. Ridley, B. McKay, A. McGrath

HB: M. Redman, Z. Reid, J. Farrow

C: A. Roberts, J. Caldwell, X. Duursma

HF: M. Guelfi, N. Caddy, B. Fiorini

FF: I. Kako, P. Wright, Ok. Langford

FOL: N. Bryan, Z. Merrett, S. Durham

INT: L. Blakiston, J. Gresham, D. Parish, S. Robey, H. Jones

STRENGTH: If they’ll truly preserve this group wholesome, they bat fairly deep within the midfield and have fairly a stable defensive core with some pace off the flanks. Preserving Zach Merrett helps and there is a rising group of younger expertise that’s value getting enthusiastic about.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Not having Nic Martin in 2026 hurts as this crew wants all of the star energy it could possibly get round an honest crop of function gamers. The ruck division can be a giant query mark, pending Nick Bryan’s return from a torn ACL.

FB: L. Ryan, A. Pearce, J. McVee

HB: J. Clark, B. Cox, H. Chapman

C: N. O’Driscoll, A. Brayshaw, N. Erasmus

HF: M. Reid, P. Voss, S. Bolton

FF: L. Jackson, J. Treacy, S. Switkowski

FOL: S. Darcy, C. Serong, H. Younger

INT: J. Amiss, J. Draper, M. Frederick, Ok. Worner, J. O’Meara

STRENGTH: They definitely do not lack for talls between the beginning ruckmen in Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson and the trio of key forwards in Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss. The Dockers have all the pieces they want there.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: This crew would not need for a lot if they’ll discover a bit extra luck on the damage entrance in 2026. The midfield seems to be robust on paper, however depth behind the massive three stays a little bit of a query mark.

FB: C. O’Sullivan, J. Henry, Z. Guthrie

HB: L. Humphries, S. De Koning, T. Stewart

C: O. Dempsey, J. Worpel, B. Smith

HF: P. Dangerfield, J. Cameron, S. Mannagh

FF: T. Stengle, S. Neale, G. Miers

FOL: R. Stanley, M. Holmes, T. Atkins

INT: M. Blicavs, B. Shut, J. Bowes, T. Bruhn, O. Mullin

STRENGTH: The Cats have the very best group of attacking mid-forward weapons within the competitors, with Ollie Dempsey, Bailey Smith, Shaun Mannagh, Gryan Miers coupled with Max Holmes and Patrick Dangerfield and the returning Tanner Bruhn.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: After failing to safe Rowan Marshall within the commerce interval, Geelong’s ruck shares don’t look notably engaging with 35-year-old Rhys Stanley and the damage susceptible Toby Conway. This can be a huge crimson flag for a premiership contender.

FB: B. Uwland, S. Collins, M. Andrew

HB: D. Patterson, C. Ballard, D. Rioli

C: A. Davies, C. Petracca, T. Miller

HF: B. Humphrey, J. Walter, Z. Uwland

FF: B. Lengthy, B. King, E. Learn

FOL: J. Witts, N. Anderson, M. Rowell

INT: W. Powell, J. Farrar, L. Weller, J. Noble, W. Graham

STRENGTH: Including Christian Petracca and high draftee Zeke Uwland to an already fine quality midfield unit makes the Suns extremely harmful subsequent season. They may simply problem Brisbane for the very best checklist within the competitors if these draftees are pretty much as good as they appear.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: They shed numerous depth and function gamers so as to convey on this loaded draft hand, that means they are going to be counting on them fairly early on. Who is aware of what they get from Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, however he’s a cherry on high at this level.

FB: H. Himmelberg, S. Taylor, C. Idun

HB: L. Ash, J. Buckley, L. Whitfield

C: T. Bedford, C. Oliver, S. Coniglio

HF: B. Daniels, A. Cadman, C. Brown

FF: T. Greene, J. Hogan, J. Stringer

FOL: Ok. Briggs, T. Inexperienced, F. Callaghan

INT: L. Aleer, X. O’Halloran, J. Riccardi, R. Angwin, H. Thomas

STRENGTH: The Giants have the most effective defensive teams within the AFL, notably after holding onto rising key defender Leek Aleer. Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley have change into pretty much as good as any lockdown defensive combo, whereas Connor Idun stays underrated.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Clayton Oliver provides some a lot wanted depth on-ball, however not having Josh Kelly for many of 2026 offsets that considerably. They’re asking numerous Tom Inexperienced and Finn Callaghan specifically.

FB: B. Hardwick, T. Barrass, J. Sicily

HB: J. Weddle, J. Battle, J. Scrimshaw

C: M. D’Ambrosio, J. Newcombe, J. Impey

HF: J. Ginnivan, C. Expensive, D. Moore

FF: J. Gunston, M. Chol, N. Watson

FOL: L. Meek, W. Day, J. Ward

INT: Ok. Amon, C. Nash, C. MacDonald, C. Mackenzie, H. Morrison

STRENGTH: One other elite defensive group, Tom Barrass and Josh Battle have made this Hawthorn backline fairly formidable. Josh Weddle is among the competitors’s quickest rising stars and will escape absolutely in 2026 throughout half again or wherever on the sphere.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Not touchdown Zach Merrett within the commerce interval leaves this midfield unit a bit skinny. Will Day is coming off a big foot damage and the likes of Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie aren’t on the high degree but. They really feel a star midfielder wanting premiership competition.

FB: X. Taylor, S. Could, D. Turner

HB: J. Bowey, J. Lever, T. Rivers

C: X. Lindsay, J. Viney, C. Windsor

HF: Ok. Chandler, B. Mihocek, B. Fritsch

FF: L. Pickett, J. Van Rooyen, H. Petty

FOL: M. Gawn, Ok. Pickett, H. Langford

INT: J. Steele, J. Melksham, C. Salem, T. Sparrow, E. Langdon

STRENGTH: The Dees have numerous thrilling younger gamers to construct round on this new period, which instantly stands out on this finest facet. Younger midfielders Langford, Windsor and Lindsay will assist form a brand new unit with extra tempo and run than the earlier starters.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: How will this backline maintain up throughout a season? They’re clearly hoping to maneuver on from Steven Could, however they do not have a heap of dimension down again with out him until somebody breaks out. Taylor will want time to search out his ft at AFL degree as properly.

FB: J. Archer, G. Logue, T. Pink

HB: C. McKercher, C. Comben, R. Hardeman

C: J. Simpkin, G. Wardlaw, T. Powell

HF: L. Parker, J. Darling, P. Curtis

FF: L. Dovatson, N. Larkey, C. Zurhaar

FOL: T. Xerri, H. Sheezel, L. Davies-Uniacke

INT: Z. Duursma, F. O’Sullivan, C. Harvey, D. Stephens, C. Trembath

STRENGTH: If they’ll preserve Wardlaw wholesome, the midfield group ticks numerous containers on paper. They’ve three real stars in there and the most effective ruckmen within the competitors. Simpkin, Powell, Parker and McKercher present nice depth. Time to place the items all collectively.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: It is nonetheless tough to belief this defensive group. Charlie Comben seems to be like a top quality intercept marking defender and Jackson Archer has proven numerous promise, however they are going to be hoping for somebody like Matt Whitlock or Wil Dawson to snare a spot again there this season.

FB: Ok. Farrell, A. Aliir, J. Sinn

HB: J. Burgoyne, E. Ratugolea, C. Rozee

C: M. Bergman, W. Drew, O. Wines

HF: J. Lukosius, O. Lord, J. Berry

FF: D. Byrne-Jones, M. Georgiades, J. Richards

FOL: J. Candy, Z. Butters, J. Horne-Francis

INT: L. Jones, T. Marshall, J. Wehr, C. Moraes, C. Durdin

STRENGTH: It is onerous to argue in opposition to the calibre of the Port Adelaide midfield group. Few groups boast a number of match profitable gamers like Butters, Horne-Francis and Rozee could be at their finest, whereas Bergman is a participant on the rise as properly and Drew handles the grunt work.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The shortage of depth past a couple of stars is stark and speaks to the place the checklist is at coming off an prolonged run within the high eight. They lack efficiency up ahead exterior of Georgiades and may need to play Horne-Francis ahead to kick profitable scores.

FB: J. Gibcus, B. Miller, N. Vlastuin

HB: J. Quick, N. Balta, S. Banks

C: S. Grlj, T. Taranto, L. Trainor

HF: J. Hopper, H. Armstrong, T. Hotton

FF: J. Faull, T. Lynch, S. Campbell

FOL: T. Nankervis, S. Lalor, D. Prestia

INT: T. Brown, N. Broad, S. Cumming, J. Ross, R. Mansell

STRENGTH: Probably the toughest finest 23 to foretell this low season given the sheer amount of younger expertise the Tigers have amassed throughout the final two years. No crew boasts as many high draft picks in the beginning of their careers and the important thing can be placing sufficient veteran our bodies round them to guard them.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Having so many children is their energy, however it can additionally affect their skill to carry out constantly throughout the season. The ahead line specifically will take time to search out its ft given the younger key forwards coupled with Tom Lynch within the closing stage of his profession.

FB: A. Tauru, C. Wilkie, L. Stocker

HB: J. Sinclair, J. Silvagni, B. Hill

C: D. Wilson, M. Windhager, M. Wooden

HF: M. Phillipou, C. Sharman, M. Corridor

FF: J. Higgins, M. King, R. Marshall

FOL: T. De Koning, N. Wanganeen-Milera, S. Flanders

INT: M. Owens, J. Macrae, L. Ryan, H. Garcia, T. Travaglia

STRENGTH: The Saints splashed within the commerce interval to bolster their finest facet, they usually have definitely given themselves the very best ruck combo within the recreation with De Koning and Marshall, Silvagni provides their backline an additional tall it has wanted and permits Tauru to develop alongside two veterans.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The ahead line remains to be considerably onerous to belief, notably given Max King has barely featured at AFL degree for a number of seasons now. Behind him, they’d be counting on Marshall or De Koning to hit the scoreboard, and neither are real key forwards.

FB: D. Rampe, T. McCartin, S. Wicks

HB: N. Blakey, L. Melican, C. Mills

C: J. Jordon, I. Heeney, E. Gulden

HF: J. McInerney, J. Amartey, J. Dattoli

FF: T. Papley, C. Curnow, H. McLean

FOL: B. Grundy, C. Warner, J. Rowbottom

INT: B. Campbell, J. Lloyd, M. Roberts, A. Sheldrick, J. Serong

STRENGTH: Charlie Curnow fills the most important void in footy and that is the total ahead slot for the Swans. A crew that may really feel prefer it had all the pieces else it wanted, now has its spearhead inside 50 as properly to utilize its elite midfield group.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The backline stays considerably questionable, although Jai Serong might emerge as the answer. Rampe will flip 36 subsequent 12 months, whereas McCartin and Melican must maintain up as soon as once more as key defensive pillars.

FB: W. Duursma, H. Edwards, B. Starcevich

HB: J. Lindsay, R. Ginbey, T. McCarthy

C: L. Duggan, H. Reid, B. Hough

HF: E. Hewett, J. Shanahan, T. Brockman

FF: C. Duff-Tytler, J. Waterman, J. Cripps

FOL: A. Reid, L. Baker, J. Graham

INT: T. Kelly, E. Yeo, B. Williams, T. Younger, R. Maric

STRENGTH: With the additions of Duursma, Starcevich and Lindsay the Eagles have added important depth to their run and carry shares off half again and thru the wings, notably if you think about McCarthy, who completed the 12 months robust. If they’ll preserve their finest group wholesome, they’ve lots to work with throughout the board.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Who will emerge because the crew’s key defenders in 2026? They’ve choices, together with Harry Edwards, Sandy Brock and Tylar Younger, however somebody goes to need to seize the spot and till then it is onerous to know who to belief.

FB: C. Budarick, R. Lobb, L. Bramble

HB: B. Dale, J. O’Donnell, B. Williams

C: J. Freijah, T. Liberatore, R. Sanders

HF: M. Kennedy, A. Naughton, L. Vandermeer

FF: C. Weightman, S. Darcy, R. West

FOL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, E. Richards

INT: A. Treloar, J. Croft, S. Davidson, R. Garcia, J. Harmes

STRENGTH: The Bulldogs’ midfield continues so as to add extra layers, with the emergence of Richards and Freijah coupled with Kennedy becoming a member of the membership in 2025. They may hope Adam Treloar can get again to his finest, whereas a Sanders breakout could be one other weapon alongside Bontempelli and Liberatore.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The Canine tried desperately so as to add a star key defender to their checklist within the commerce interval, however in the end got here up brief. With Liam Jones gone, that’s the place of most concern for them in 2026. Can O’Donnell or Jedd Busslinger step up and help Lobb?