The 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be a thrilling affair, with our panel of experts making bold predictions that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. But will these forecasts come true, or will the football gods have other plans?
The Premier League Predicament:
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- The Three-Peat Repeat: Gemma Bastiani and Nat Edwards foresee a historic three-peat for Brisbane, while Sarah Black and Michael Whiting also envision a grand final appearance. But will the Lions' reign continue, or will they face unexpected challenges?
- Fremantle's Time to Shine: Barrett and Whiting highlight Fremantle's potential, with Whiting emphasizing the need for Justin Longmuir's team to deliver on its promise. But can they overcome the pressure and secure a premiership?
- The Rising Stars: When it comes to individual accolades, Nick Daicos is a popular choice for the Brownlow Medal, but Barrett predicts a fourth consecutive placement without a win. Jagga Smith is the favorite for the AFL Rising Star, but will he live up to the hype?
- The Big-Spending Saints: St Kilda is under immense pressure, having spent big in the off-season. While most experts predict they won't win a final, Josh Gabelich boldly believes they will. But is this a risky bet, or a calculated prediction?
The Ladder Shuffle:
- The Top Contenders: Brisbane dominates the premier predictions, with eight votes, while Fremantle and Gold Coast are close behind. But can the Lions maintain their dominance, or will a new champion emerge?
- The Bottom Dwellers: West Coast is unanimously predicted to finish last, with nine votes for the wooden spoon. But will they defy expectations, or is this a season of rebuilding?
- The Movers and Shakers: Sydney is expected to rise, with eight votes for moving up the ladder, while Collingwood is set to fall, according to five experts. But will the Swans soar, or will the Magpies find their footing?
- Pressure Points: St Kilda is the club under the most pressure, according to four experts, followed by Fremantle and North Melbourne. But which team will handle the heat, and which will crumble under the weight of expectations?
The Medal Chase:
- Brownlow Battle: Daicos leads the Brownlow Medal predictions with four votes, but Barrett's choice of Chad Warner and Gabelich's Errol Gulden could be game-changers. And this is the part most people miss—will a young gun steal the show, or will experience prevail?
- Coleman Conundrum: Charlie Curnow is the favorite for the Coleman Medal, but Sam Darcy and Mitch Georgiades are close contenders. Will the big-name forwards dominate, or will a surprise goal-kicker emerge?
- Rising Star Spotlight: Jagga Smith is the clear favorite for the AFL Rising Star, with seven votes, but Barrett's choice of Daniel Annable and Black's Zeke Uwland could be dark horses. Who will shine the brightest?
The Grand Finale:
- Entertainment Extravaganza: From Icehouse and Def Leppard to Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, our experts have diverse tastes in Grand Final entertainment. But who will get the nod, and will it be a crowd-pleaser?
- Headline Hype: From 'Merrett wants out' to 'Clubs call for interchange cap lift,' our experts predict the headlines that will grab attention. But which stories will dominate the news cycle, and which will fade away?
- Big Calls: From Nick Watson kicking 50 goals to an all non-Victorian preliminary final weekend, our experts have made some audacious predictions. But which calls will come true, and which will fall flat?
As the 2026 AFL season unfolds, these predictions will be put to the test. Will the favorites prevail, or will the underdogs rise? Will the big-spending Saints find success, or will they fall short? The stage is set for a captivating season, and our experts' insights will keep fans engaged and debating until the final siren sounds. What do you think? Are these predictions on point, or do you have a different vision for the upcoming AFL season?
