NewsBite

Ladder

AFL News

Geelong season 2026 AFL preview.

20 Cats without a deal and the best 23 to atone for GF disaster

The last 14 sides to lose a grand final by 40 points or more didn’t win a final the following year. Geelong will need to reinvent itself on the run to avoid becoming 15 — here’s who they’ll rely on.

0

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues looks on during the 2025 AFL Round 22 match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The two impossible puzzles Voss must solve to salvage Blues’ 2026

After a disastrous 2025 Carlton lost its main ruckman, its best key forward and a key defender. Here are the two impossible puzzles Michael Voss must solve to salvage Carlton’s 2026 hopes.

0

Riley Thilthorpe transformation after injury

‘Had to find a new identity’: The transformation of Riley Thilthorpe

Riley Thilthorpe was drafted as a skinny, fresh-faced teenager — unrecognisable to the bearded, hulking key forward he is now. But he reveals that physical transformation pales compared to his mental one.

0

s07wh607 b1 Football VFL Box Hill v Sandringham at Box Hill ... Box Hill coach Damien Christensen ..pic Mark Wilson 070812

At peace with death: Ex-Cat, VFL coach details ‘horrific’ cancer battle

Damien Christensen thought he just had stomach pain. Six weeks later, the former Geelong player and long-time coach has accepted he won’t make it to his 63rd birthday. He shares his tragic story from his hospital bed to raise awareness about his rare cancer.

0

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos and Max Gawn of the Demons compete in a ruck contest during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Al Paton’s big cash splash in first 2026 SuperCoach side

SuperCoach expert Al Paton has found plenty of value for his 2026 team, but he’s spending big in one position. SEE HIS TEAM.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Debutant, Charlie West of the Magpies celebrates his first league goal with teammates during the 2025 AFL Round 16 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Life after Brody: Who’s going to be the man up forward for the Pies?

For so long, Brody Mihocek was the ever-reliable man up forward for Craig McRae, but now that he’s gone, who will step up? Josh Barnes takes a deep dive into where the Pies sit ahead of 2026.

0

UPDATEDAFL

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Phoenix Spicer of the Kangaroos runs the ball during the round 19 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Hawthorn Hawks at Blundstone Arena on July 23, 2022 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

‘Rest easy’: Current Roos pay tribute to Phoenix Spicer

New North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey has paid tribute to former teammate Phoenix Spicer. Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of deceased persons.

0

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. November 10th, 2025. AFL.. Richmond training at Punt Road Oval . Richmonds Josh Gibcus during todays 1st official training session back . Picture: Michael Klein

Forgotten top-10 Tiger one to watch in 2026

The Tigers defied the doubters last year, but 2026 is a new ball game. And it’s not just the fresh draftees that could excite the Richmond faithful when a new season comes around.

0

Former AFL footballer James Begley who is headed overseas for a year backpacking.

‘Borrowed money off my mum’: Ex-Crow’s empire from nothing

Former Crow James Begley turned down a $45,000 job offer to spend $50,000 backpacking, a decision that led him to build a multi-million dollar talent marketplace empire.

0

Tom De Koning at St Kilda training. Picture: Jarryd Thomas, St Kilda FC

Where new Saints fit in best 23 — and the mid who needs to lift

St Kilda brought in a quartet of recruits on the trade and free agency market, but are they all worthy of a starting spot? See the Saints’ best 23 here, plus the man who must improve in 2026.

0

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Lachie Neale of the Lions reacts after missing a goal during the round three AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, on March 30, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

‘I haven’t considered that’: Neale coy on football future amid marriage breakdown

Lachie Neale says he’s yet to consider what his football future could look like after his wife Jules and two children returned to Perth due to their marriage breaking down.

0

Rudi Ellis and Tim English wedding. Picture: Bianca Virtue Weddings

The footy stars who tied the knot in the AFL off-season

Love is in the air for many AFL stars, with a plethora of athletes getting hitched during the sport’s off-season.

0

ANALYSISAFL News

IPSWICH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 02: Lachie Neale speaks to the media during a Brisbane Lions AFL press conference at Brighton Homes Arena on January 02, 2026 in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Embattled Neale chose the only option he had left

Lachie Neale says his decision to step down as Brisbane co-captain was ‘100 per cent’ his, but as CALLUM DICK writes, it was his only choice.

0

Sydney Swans season 2026 preview.

Best 23, predictions and the five Swans under contract heat

The Swans missed the finals in Dean Cox’s first season at the helm. So was 2025 an aberration or the new norm? Lachlan McKirdy looks at all things Sydney.

0

IPSWICH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 02: Lachie Neale arrives to a Brisbane Lions AFL media press conference at Brighton Homes Arena on January 02, 2026 in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Watch the replay: Lachie Neale press conference in full

Lachie Neale has confirmed he and his wife Jules have separated. Watch the replay of the full, unedited press conference.

All the milestones for season 2026

Every possible milestone your club will celebrate in 2026

Scott Pendlebury could be set to break the AFL games record on one of its biggest stages, while a host of other legends-in-waiting are closing in on huge milestones. See them all here.

0

AFL biggest moments of 2025 thumb

Slurs, sackings, trade bombshells: AFL’s biggest moments of 2025

From Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s ultimate heist to coach sackings, finals-shaping bans and trade bombshells, these 25 moments defined an unforgettable year across the AFL.

0

Fremantle Dockers preview for 2026

The young guns who hold Freo’s finals fate in their hands

Fremantle promised the world in 2025 and underdelivered. After a quiet trade period and draft — where does the improvement come from in 2026? Here’s who has to stand up for them to contend.

0

Finding a $100+ Brownlow smokie

We’re after a $100+ Brownlow winner – are these worth a punt?

Ollie Wines started 2021 as an $81 outside favourite to take home the Brownlow. Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli are the early 2026 favourites, but here’s eight $100+ smokies who could make you serious coin.

0

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: (L-R) Jack Graham, Tyler Brockman and Liam Baker of the Eagles look dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 16 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Stop it’: Eagle investigated over alleged street brawl

An alleged street brawl, which left a person hospitalised with a broken jaw, is being investigated by West Coast – with Tyler Brockman appearing to be caught in the confrontation.

x x x x x

Suns’ best 23 intel: Where Trac, Jamarra and Academy guns fit

Gold Coast made a maiden finals appearance in 2025. Now, with stacks of draft talent and two new superstars, the onus is on the Suns to prove they’re the real deal — but where do all the new pieces fit?

0

Brisbane Lions season 2026 preview.

Best 23, intel on gun teen and it’s ‘make or break’ for a veteran Lion

How are Brisbane shaping up for yet another premiership assault? See their best 23, predictions, burning question and more ahead of the 2026 season.

0

Players yet to be picked for State of Origin.

State of Origin snubs? The stars yet to be picked for Vics, WA

The State of Origin sides are starting to take shape ahead of February’s clash between Victoria and Western Australia. See the teams so far and the notable players yet to be selected.

0

EXCLUSIVEAFLW

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. August 30th, 2025 . AFL Hawthorn training at Waverly Park .. James Sicily of the Hawks chats with assistant coach Brett Ratten during todays session . Picture: Michael Klein

Dees bid to lure Ratten for AFLW coaching role revealed

Melbourne has approached Brett Ratten about being its next AFLW senior coach. Ed Bourke has full details on the contenders to replace Mick Stinear.

0

Western Bulldogs 2026 season preview

Bevo’s last chance? Why Dogs must change fast to contend

They were the blockbuster Bulldogs in 2025, but never stepped up to the plate when it really mattered. So how does Luke Beveridge’s side do so in 2026? Something will have to change.

0

Port Adelaide recruits for 2026.

Three SANFL recruits? Why Port’s predicted 23 raises eyebrows

After a bottom-six finish last year, where is the improvement coming from at the Power? According to our predicted 2026 line-up, it isn’t from their trio of new recruits.

0

Essendon 2026 AFL season preview.

Merrett chaos, contract calls and the Don set to ‘explode’ in 2026

Essendon endured a nightmare 2025 season plagued by injuries and a chaotic trade period, but the Bombers are banking on key changes to turn their fortunes around.

0

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. August 28th, 2025 . AFL Legends Match at Marvel Stadium. Victoria vs All Stars. Daniel Gorringe . Picture: Michael Klein

‘Upset and angry’: Backlash over shock Dan Gorringe podcast call

Dan Gorringe has fronted up to significant backlash from his legions of fans after a big decision surrounding the podcast Dan Does Footy. Ed Bourke has the details.

0

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. November 10th, 2025. AFL.. Essendon training at Tullamarine . Brayden Fiorini during todays 1st official training session back . Picture: Michael Klein

‘Clear vision’: The Scott pitch that allayed fears of Essendon’s crisis

New Essendon recruit Brayden Fiorini has revealed coach Brad Scott’s presentation about the truth behind the club’s 2025 injury crisis was a “massive” factor in his free agency decision.

0

AFL mega track watch art

New recruits, new roles: The real stars of every club’s pre-season

The first part of the 2026 campaign is already in the books as the players put their feet up for the Christmas break. We’ve got the inside word on who’s dominated your club’s pre-season.

0

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/ladder