By Andrew Wu, Jon Pierik, Marc McGowan, Scott Spits and Vince Rugari
Welcome to our “see you in Bali” wrap for each of the AFL teams as they move into their exit meetings and end-of-season trip plans.
See what went well for each team in 2025, who could be on the move, and something they have look forward to in 2026.
Dual Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft and the Lions will only get better in 2026.Credit: Eddie Jim
Brisbane Lions (premiers)
Wins: 16. Losses: 6. Draft picks: 18, 37, 40, 46, 49, 61, 72.
What went well: Taking possession of the premiership cup – for a second straight season – tells the tale here, particularly with five of their best 23 players missing. What appeared to be a gamble to play Lachie Neale in the grand final, and then use him as the substitute, proved anything but, and will live long in the memory of premiership masterstrokes.
Fears that the Lions’ forward line would struggle without the retired Joe Daniher, and then the injury to Eric Hipwood on the eve of September, proved unfounded, particularly as Logan Morris emerged as the No.1 tall inside attacking 50. He is a star in the making.
Levi Ashcroft played in every game as a rookie, and now joins brother, and dual Norm Smith medallist, Will, as a premiership player. Hugh McCluggage was a first-time All-Australian, while Harris Andrews rubber-stamped his standing as the game’s best defender. Josh Dunkley was a shutdown specialist and veteran Dayne Zorko continued to defy time, while Zac Bailey was a constant threat, and is ready for more midfield time.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Ruckman Oscar McInerney is a club favourite, but Sam Draper’s impending shift from Essendon could impact his future. Brandon Starcevich has become one of the league’s premier half-backs, but has a long-term offer from West Coast on the table. Callum Ah Chee, the reliable half-forward, has been linked to Adelaide, while Deven Robertson is weighing up his future, with the Western Bulldogs a potential new home.
Something to look forward to: More premierships. Considering the Lions regularly had eight players under the age of 22 towards the end of the season, the improvement will continue. If, as expected, they land Draper and West Coast skipper Oscar Allen as free agents, they will begin 2026 as premiership favourites, ready to emulate the triple-treat Lions of 2001-03. They have stars across every line, and players who can influence the result in the blink of an eye, including Kai Lohmann and Charlie Cameron. Special mention to Jaspa Fletcher, who was firmly in the Norm Smith Medal hunt, and was even Luke Hodge’s selection. Highly rated Queensland academy midfielder Daniel Annable is another player the Lions will add.
Predicted best and fairest: Harris Andrews.
– Jon Pierik
Bailey Smith had plenty of the ball in the grand final, but not enough to will the Cats to victory.Credit: Eddie Jim
Geelong (runners-up)
Wins: 19. Losses: 7. Draft picks: 17, 35, 53, 71.
What went well: If a team makes the grand final, plenty went right. Coach Chris Scott may enjoy taking aim at the AFL, but he also remains a master tactician, who typically gets the best out of his players.
The Bailey Smith trade was a risk the Cats were prepared to take, and it paid off better than expected. Without him, the Cats would not have gone deep into September.
Max Holmes was equally smooth through the midfield, while Jeremy Cameron capped a fine season with his second Coleman Medal, but his grand final was one to forget through injury.
Patrick Dangerfield’s burst work up forward and in the midfield was game-shaping, but he, too, struggled on the showpiece day.
Ollie Dempsey, Shaun Mannagh, Tom Atkins and Gryan Miers had strong seasons, while Irishmen Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin were important.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Rhys Stanley. The veteran ruckman, 34, is off contract, and was a non-factor upon returning from injury in the grand final. He has often had his future publicly questioned, but the Cats have always retained him. This time, however, Saint Rowan Marshall looms large.
Something to look forward to: The Cats have vowed to stay at the heels of Brisbane, declaring they will continue to chase premierships. That could depend on how well they go through the upcoming trade period, although they should still be a top-six team next year.
Shannon Neale had a breakout season up forward, and should continue to develop well. However, the Cats have confirmed their interest in Charlie Curnow, the Blues’ forward keen for a fresh start.
Predicted best and fairest: Bailey Smith.
– Jon Pierik
Jack Ginnivan broadened his game in 2025.Credit: AFL Photos
Hawthorn (preliminary finalist)
Wins: 15. Losses: 8. Draft picks: 8, 26, 55, 69.
What went well: The Hawks built on their breakthrough 2024 campaign under Sam Mitchell, this time reaching a preliminary final – a step further than last year.
Recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, the latter an All-Australian, locked down the key defensive posts, while Jai Newcombe, Karl Amon, Jarman Impey and Josh Ward delivered consistent run. Newcombe has become a finals star.
Blake Hardwick, employed at either end of the ground, had an outstanding season. Veteran forward Jack Gunston booted 73 goals and won All-Australian selection in one of the surprises of the season.
Lloyd Meek emerged as the preferred ruckman, while Jack Ginnivan became more than a half-forward, his ability to connect further afield a pleasing development for the Hawks.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: James Worpel and Mitchell have a bit to talk about. Worpel is a restricted free agent, and has interest from the Cats, having slipped in the Hawks’ midfield pecking order. Will Mitchell offer him more time to stay, or will that depend on what hap]pens during the trade period?
Jai Serong is likely to leave, while Sam Butler is mulling a shift to West Coast.
Something to look forward to: The Hawks have made no secret they want to beef up their list, and they will be busy through the trade period.
They could yet land one of Zach Merrett, Christian Petracca or Zak Butters.
Will Day is on the mend from another fractured foot.
Day remains the Hawks’ most skilful player, but will need to be monitored closely for the rest of his career. The likes of Nick Watson and Ginnivan continue to add to their games, while skipper James Sicily will give his sore body time to heal over summer.
Predicted best and fairest: Jai Newcombe.
– Jon Pierik
Collingwood (preliminary finalist)
Wins: 17 Losses: 8. Draft picks: 34, 52, 64, 70
What went well: Plenty, despite being the “Dad’s Army” of the competition – their preliminary final team was the oldest line-up ever fielded in an AFL final. That they reached the penultimate weekend of the season meant this campaign was a success. Just not as successful as they had hoped.
Nick Daicos had another superb season, capped with his second-straight runner-up finish in the Brownlow Medal count. Is there a better kick in the league? Brother Josh provided drive from half-back, while ruckman Darcy Cameron had a career year.
Steele Sidebottom and Jack Crisp were consistent contributors, Jamie Elliott booted a team-high 60 goals, while former Giant Harry Perryman settled in well across half-back. Ned Long had a break-out year, while Scott Pendlebury, 37, defied his age until he was stopped by a calf strain in the opening minutes of the preliminary final. The AFL games record will be his in 2026 if he plays the eight more games needed to go past Brent Harvey on 432.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: More than one Magpie, and even for the Magpies’ list managers, for Elliott, 33, may need to be dissuaded from joining the Gold Coast Suns on a three-year deal, while Brody Mihocek, 32, has a three-year offer from Melbourne to consider.
The Magpies, however, may tell Mihocek they won’t budge from their two-year offer. Mason Cox, 34, faces an uncertain future, while Dan Houston – and the Pies – will agree they need more from him next season. Bobby Hill, having missed so much football because of personal issues, remains a close watch.
Something to look forward to: Houston was not the same counter-puncher he was at Port Adelaide in his first year with the Magpies – expect that to change next year. He is exemplary with ball in hand, and needs to have more of it.
Nick Daicos is in his prime and Scott Pendlebury is on the brink of the AFL games record.Credit: AFL Photos
Skipper Darcy Moore had an indifferent season, and may need to revisit the balance between pure defending and hunting the ball. Get that right, and the Magpies – already built on defence – will be even stronger.
Coach Craig McRae wants a blend of good draft picks and established players through this trade/draft period. They missed out on Jack Silvagni, but will trade for Swans’ forward Jack Buller.Another established defender may be front of mind, for Jeremy Howe, 35, is showing signs of wear and tear.
Predicted best and fairest: Nick Daicos.
– Jon Pierik
Adelaide (fifth after finals loss)
Wins: 18 Losses: 7 Draft picks: 18, 41, 48, 54, 66, 72.
What went well: There was much to like. The Crows not only leapt back into the finals for the first time since 2017, but won 12 of their final 13 home-and-away games to finish as minor premier.
Matthews Nicks’ game plan, essentially built on going long down the line, held up during the season proper.
Skipper Jordan Dawson and full-forward Riley Thilthorpe were All-Australians, while fellow forwards Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty, and forward-midfielder Ben Keays, also enjoyed strong home-and-away seasons. Former Demon Alex Neal-Bullen was a fine acquisition, and could be a future skipper.
Taylor Walker may not like what he hears from the Crows’ bosses in his end-of-season meeting.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Izak Rankine provided creativity up field and close to goal, and was badly missed through suspension for a homophobic slur in September. “What it did do was it changed the dynamic of our group,” Nicks said of Rankine’s absence. “Izak is, and this is my opinion, one of the best players in the game, so I think if any team loses their best player, then it becomes quite challenging to replace that.”
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Taylor Walker. The champion forward, 35, is off contract, and his time may be up after a modest finals campaign. The Crows may feel Thilthorpe and Fogarty need to be empowered and shoulder greater responsibility. Fellow veteran Brodie Smith, 33, is also weighing up his future.
Something to look forward to: This was a year when the Crows built a foundation for what should be a five-year premiership tilt. Yes, they failed to win a quarter in their two finals defeats, becoming the first minor premiers in more than 40 years to be dumped from September in straight sets, but that sting should fire this squad.
However, they do have holes. While unbeaten in 13 games against bottom nine teams, they were 6-7 against top nine teams, their scoring and defence dropping off.
They need another X-factor in addition to Rankine, while a forward line of three talls didn’t hold-up in September, when the ball is on the ground more. Another strong defender would also help.
Nicks will need to tinker with his game plan. As he said after the semi-final loss to Hawthorn, it’s harder to move the ball the way you want in the finals when the intensity rises. The Crows have been linked with off-contract Lions forward Callum Ah Chee.
Best and fairest tip: Jordan Dawson.
– Jon Pierik
Suns gun Matt Rowell takes a physical battering in every game he plays.Credit: Getty Images
Gold Coast (sixth after finals loss)
Wins: 16 Losses: 9 Draft picks 6, 14, 15, 32, 56, 68
What went well: The Suns have finally risen. This was a breakthrough season for a club, which not only made its maiden finals run in its 15th attempt, but conjured a miraculous win over the Dockers in Perth.
Skipper Noah Anderson and fellow midfielder Matt Rowell were first-time All-Australians, their sustained efforts in the midfield a sight to behold. The physical punishment Rowell takes reminds us of the hits an NFL running back endures.
Marking forward Ben King was superb in front of goal but will need to add a new trick or two. Fellow forward Ben Long had a breakout campaign, although he was disappointing in the semi-final, while recruits Daniel Rioli and John Noble delivered what was expected of them at half-back.
Sam Collins is a beast at full-back, Touk Miller delivered run and carry, while Bailey Humphrey showed signs of morphing into the Suns’ version of Cam Rayner.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Jed Walter. The young forward was dropped after round 19 and did not return to the side. While the former Suns academy product is contracted for next season, he could be used in a trade for Carlton’s Charlie Curnow. While a star in the making, Mac Andrew will face a strong review of his finals performances.
Something to look forward to: There is plenty to look forward to with this emerging list, coach Damien Hardwick declaring his team is built for September. The base is there, it’s now time to build internally and through canny trades.
The Suns were too reliant on Rowell and Anderson, and need another robust midfielder who can deliver under pressure. The unicorn that is Ethan Read struggled in the semi-final but has the height and talent to be a long-term marking threat. They could lose Sam Flanders, who has two years remaining on his contract, and Malcolm Rosas, through the trade period.
Best and fairest: Matt Rowell.
– Jon Pierik
Fremantle (8th)
Wins: 16. Losses: 8. Draft picks 13, 31, 38, 49, 67.
What went well: After last year’s meltdown, when they slipped from the top eight at the start of August to 10th by the end, the Dockers held firm this year and returned to the finals for the first time since 2022, winning 12 of their last 14 games to finish sixth.
They adopted a more attacking gameplan after five losses from their first nine games, but failed to fully embrace this mantra in a stinging elimination final defeat to the Suns.
Caleb Serong again starred in the Fremantle midfield.Credit: AFL Photos
“We’ve grown so much throughout the year with the way we play our footy, the way we embrace challenges, the way we’ve improved our footy on the road,” coach Justin Longmuir said after the loss to the Suns.
Marking talls Josh Treacy (44 goals) and Patrick Voss (37) had strong seasons, while Murphy Reid claimed the AFLPA’s best young player award.
Former premiership Tiger Shai Bolton (28) was arguably the recruit of the year. Defender Jordan Clark and midfield stud Caleb Serong were All-Australians, while Andrew Brayshaw was unlucky not to be.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Jye Amiss. While he played all 24 games, Amiss, a key marking tall, returned a modest 32 goals, and averaged career-lows in marks and disposals per game. He had only two touches (one goal) in the elimination final before being subbed off. Amiss could be a trade target.
Then there’s ruckman Sean Darcy. Will he and Luke Jackson continue to be a one-two punch in the ruck? We’ll see.
Something to look forward to: The Dockers are building nicely. They had an average age of just 24.9 years through the season – the fourth youngest in the competition.
AFL great James Hird has set high expectations for them next year, despite their loss to the Suns on Saturday.
“I think they have to be top four next year with their list and the way they’ve had the final this year and the performances against the best teams in the competition. I’ve really gotten locked in that top four next year,” Hird said.
But they cannot afford to have lulls and slip back into a defensive mindset when the pressure is at its greatest. This will be Longmuir’s greatest challenge.
Best and fairest: Caleb Serong.
– Jon Pierik
GWS (7th)
Wins: 16. Losses: 8. Draft picks: 12, 30, 36.
What went well: After a dodgy first half of the year, the Giants won nine of their last 10 home-and-away games, scoring more than 100 points in each of them. In the end, they finished with one of the AFL’s best attacking records, just two points behind third place.
Toby Greene and his Giants were eliminated at home by the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos
At their best, they were absolutely awe-inspiring: their stunning third quarters against the Swans in the second Sydney derby of the season, plus their (eventually unsuccessful) comeback against Hawthorn in their elimination final, will live long in the memory. The challenge will be closing the gap between their frightening best and their timid worst.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Everyone. The Giants have now lost their past four finals, including two at home (and three in Sydney) – the sort of record that each player needs to take a varying degree of responsibility for, as well as the coaching group, and will require them all to look deeply within over the summer. September stumbles are becoming too much of a theme.
What’s clear is that they concede too many entries, which can’t be wholly pinned on the six poor blokes in defence who had to deal with that avalanche. All things considered, they managed OK, but it felt unsustainable, and so it has proved.
Sam Taylor is a star defender for GWS, but the Giants’ defensive unit is under pressure.Credit: AFL Photos
And there’s a similar problem going the other way. When they’re on, they’re on, but the Giants’ attack falls to pieces when they mindlessly blaze away inside 50 as they did against Hawthorn, which completely undermines their forward set-up. Composure in key moments is lacking in this side across every line, and that’s not an easy thing to add.
Something to look forward to: As Adam Kingsley said post-match, the Giants still have “all the pieces” to contend, although their ageing stars are running out of petrol. But the window remains open, their next tier of rising stars will be better with another season under their belts and if they can address their inconsistencies, get to the psychological nub of their finals failures and have some better luck with injuries, there’s no reason why they won’t be back contending again in 2026.
Best and fairest tip: Finn Callaghan showed exactly why St Kilda threw a $17 million, 10-year contract offer at him; thank heavens he said no. He and Tom Green (likely second in the best and fairest) run this team now.
– Vince Rugari
Western Bulldogs (9th)
Wins: 14. Losses: 9. Draft picks: 10, 28
What went well: Offensive power. The Doggies poured on the goals this season, scoring more points (2493) than any other team. Led by Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards and an increasingly influential Sam Darcy up forward, they beat up teams with regularity. While that resulted in a 14-9 record, the team from the west missed the finals.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The one-time No.1 draft pick has occupied so much of the Bulldogs top brass’ time this season. It would be fascinating to witness his official exit meeting given there’s so much to discuss for a player who didn’t add to his tally of 67 AFL games this season.
The Bulldogs were an offensive juggernaut in 2025 but still missed finals.Credit: Getty Images
Defenders will be in the spotlight, too, but each player on the list will be pressed for explanations as to why the Dogs simply couldn’t beat teams who were vying for finals spots.
Something to look forward to: Plenty, to be truthful. The Dogs have recorded 14 wins in consecutive seasons; in 2024 they played finals, so they can’t wallow in pity about what happened this year.
Darcy, at age 22, remains one of the most exciting young players in the game. Aaron Naughton’s best season (65 goals) is a beacon of hope for even better things, too.
Best and fairest: Ed Richards.
– Scott Spits
Port Adelaide (13th)
Wins: 8. Losses: 15. Draft picks: 26, 42, 60
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch stuck with Ken Hinkley to the end.Credit: Getty Images
What went well: That’s tough to answer because this was an extremely disappointing year, despite Ken Hinkley’s protestations the list is set up well for 2026.
Having made a preliminary final last year, the Power slipped markedly. However, skipper Connor Rozee and fellow star midfielder Zak Butters were typically industrious, while forward Mitch Georgiades delivered a half-century of goals for the first time. Aliir Aliir enjoyed another stellar season in defence, while Travis Boak and Hinkley were given a classy send-off against the Suns, the victory fully deserved.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: President David Koch and his board. The succession plan designed to ease Hinkley out and Josh Carr to prepare for the senior role next season was done with the best of intentions, but the scoreboard says it was a failure.
If Hinkley wasn’t the man to take the team forward, then Carr should have been immediately installed, and Hinkley given a thank-you payout for his years of fine service.
Something to look forward to: The Power should be back in the finals hunt next year, but they will need to get busy in the trade period.
Do they have enough true stars? Missing out on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will hurt.
Late season injuries have given the youngsters a chance. We like what we have seen of Jack Whitlock, who can play ruck and go forward.
Best and fairest winner: Zak Butters.
– Jon Pierik
Essendon (15th)
Wins: 6. Losses: 17. Draft picks: 4, 5, 22, 25.
What went well: The Bombers have some superb youngsters. In his second year, Nate Caddy again gave glimpses of the player he could become, with 20 goals and more flashes of brilliance.
Isaac Kako impressed with his smarts around goals and showed late in the season he can also be developed as a pinch-hitter in the centre square.
Isaac Kako gave Bombers fans something to get excited about.Credit: AFL Photos
Archie Roberts, the lowest draft pick of the trio, could end up being a steal. The teenager is advanced beyond his years, demonstrating composure and skill in a defence that was under siege.
Angus Clarke is another of the club’s 15 debutants this year who has provided Bombers fans with hope in a wretched campaign.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Ben Hobbs. In his fourth season, Hobbs, 21, failed to take a more significant role in the side. Worryingly for Hobbs, despite Essendon’s litany of injuries, he was dropped for the first leg of the final round and could not break back into the team.
Hobbs has stagnated in his past two seasons, reaching 20 disposals in just three of his past 30 games. His disposal remains a worry. If time has run out for the first-round pick from the 2021 draft, it would raise further queries on the Bombers’ recruiting and player development.
Something to look forward to: The draft. The Bombers have a strong hand in this year’s draft after acquiring Melbourne’s first selection through a pick swap last year. Even accounting for father/son, academy and NGA picks, the Bombers should have access to two very good youngsters.
If Sam Draper departs through free agency, that should deliver another first-round pick. Unfortunately for the Dons, this is not considered the strongest draft, but one experienced recruiter has said they would not be surprised if smokies emerge deeper in the pool.
Best and fairest tip: Zach Merrett.
– Andrew Wu
West Coast (18th)
Wins: 1. Losses: 22. Draft picks: 1, 14, 19, 32, 50.
What went well: Sorry West Coast fans, this is not pretty. The Eagles have managed 11 wins in four seasons, including just one victory, over St Kilda, in a torturous 2025 season.
But there’s always a glimmer of hope and performances and players to celebrate. Two-time Richmond premiership player Jack Graham, who joined the Eagles for 2025, comfortably exceeded his career average for disposals (19.2 possessions per game this season) and had 7.8 tackles per game (which is considered “elite”).
It could be a rough exit meeting for: The defensive unit and the defence coaches. West Coast comfortably conceded the highest number of points (2438) this season, leaving them with a limp percentage of 60.1. If premierships are built from the backline, they need to focus there.
It will be fascinating to see the club’s attitude towards Tim Kelly, who played 19 games in his sixth season with the Eagles.
Something to look forward to: It couldn’t get any worse, could it? If West Coast haven’t bottomed out, where is the bottom?
The Eagles can expect the No.2 draft pick as compensation for losing free agent Oscar Allen to Brisbane, so that’s something. And Harley Reid is staying for now, having resisted interest from big Victorian clubs to extend until the end of 2028. Eagles fans can only look forward to better times ahead.
Best and fairest tip: Jack Graham.
– Scott Spits
North Melbourne (16th)
Wins: 5 Losses: 17 Draws: 1 Draft picks: 20, 21, 39, 57
What went well: They made it out of the bottom two! The Kangaroos and coach Alastair Clarkson would have liked to see more progress on the ladder, but he remains bullish they are heading in the right direction.
North Melbourne avoided another bottom-two finish.Credit: Getty Images
After a torrid first six rounds and the odd thrashing beyond that, North were generally more competitive, including securing a draw with Brisbane, but there were no statement wins.
Instead, they would be pleased with Harry Sheezel’s transition to a midfield-forward role, the continued development of Colby McKercher and career-best seasons from Cam Zurhaar and Paul Curtis.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Will Phillips. The No.3 pick in the COVID-19-impacted 2020 draft class played only seven matches this season and does not appear to be in the Roos’ plans. He should latch on somewhere, but needs to get going to save his career.
Something to look forward to: Next year promises to be the season when North Melbourne finally take a genuine leap. How high that is remains to be seen, but the expectations must rise, even if that is as modest as aiming for between eight and 10 wins.
The young talent is there, and they may have finally found Nick Larkey’s sidekick in Cooper Trembath.
A stiffer defence and another progression from their midfield group should enable them to take another belated step.
Best and fairest: Luke Davies-Uniacke.
– Marc McGowan
Richmond (17th)
Wins: 5. Losses: 18. Draft picks: 2,3
What went well: Plenty for a club that was widely tipped to sail through turbulent waters with a drastically young and inexperienced list.
The season began on the best note possible with a stunning round-one win over Carlton. The nature of the victory, a come-from-behind triumph, set the tone for the season for both the Tigers and Blues. Throw in highlights from Maurice Rioli jnr, and all was swell.
Tim Taranto had a strong season as one of the Tigers’ on-field leaders.Credit: AFL Photos
It could be a rough exit meeting for: The club’s forwards and the forward coaches. The Tigers scored the fewest number of points (1449), less even than West Coast, a club that limped to one victory, compared to Richmond’s five.
Veteran spearhead Tom Lynch could cop a drive-by sledge for missing games. He played only 16 matches (due largely to a suspension) after a tough couple of years with injuries.
Something to look forward to: There’s so much to look forward to.
Realistically, the Tigers will battle to replicate their win-loss tally (5-18) as they continue to develop their young group.
It could be a case of the “second-year blues” for a host of players. But Richmond will be eyeing off their matches against Carlton and the chance to knock them off again.
Best and fairest: Tim Taranto.
– Scott Spits
St Kilda (12th)
Wins: 9. Losses: 14. Draft picks: 7, 43, 58.
What went well: The Saints were a popular choice to sink into the bottom four, but finished three wins clear of that territory while prioritising youth.
The Saints will welcome Tom De Koning in 2026 and welcome back Max King after another injury-riddled season.Credit: AFL Photos
St Kilda’s round two upset of Geelong was a false dawn, but a peek at their upside. They also demolished Fremantle and executed the greatest three-quarter-time comeback from 46 points down against Melbourne.
That latter win was the first of four in a row before they almost upset GWS in round 24.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s emergence as a top-liner was massive, while Max Hall followed Cooper Sharman and Max Heath as a mid-season draft success story.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Zak Jones. The brother of ex-Demons captain Nathan was not one of the five Saints who re-signed last week, and faces an uncertain future. Jones turns 31 in March, and St Kilda already made it clear they want to get younger in the midfield.
Something to look forward to: Another two years from Wanganeen-Milera, who they retained despite Adelaide and Port Adelaide wanting him.
There is optimism about what Mattaes Phillipou, Darcy Wilson, Alix Tauru and Tobie Travaglia can become, while the likes of Hugo Garcia, Isaac Keeler, Hugh Boxshall and Lance Collard also show promise. Tom De Koning will be on the list in 2026, and Max King will hopefully be fit again.
Best and fairest: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
– Marc McGowan
Sydney (10th)
Wins: 12. Losses: 11. Draft picks: 9, 27, 45, 63.
What went well: Having won just four of their first 12 games under new coach Dean Cox, the Swans showed fortitude to rebound and win eight of their final 11 games.
Playmaker Isaac Heeney had a tough start, but then reminded everyone why he is a legitimate star.
Brodie Grundy returned to his best form for Sydney in 2025.Credit: AFL Photos
Chad Warner was a consistent threat through the midfield, but did not have the impact he enjoyed through 2022-24.
A serious ankle injury through the pre-season sidelined Errol Gulden for months and seriously hurt the Swans’ midfield and creative drive, just as his return in round 15 had the reverse effect. Brodie Grundy reinforced why he is one of the competition’s premier ruckmen.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Skipper Callum Mills. For the Swans to make the leap next season, Mills needs to consistently be on the park. His 2024 campaign was derailed after injuring his rotator cuff in a Mad Monday celebration. He missed the first half of this year because of plantar fascia. He needs to lead the way in 2026.
Something to look forward to: This has been a year of recalibration for the Swans, and learning, particularly for Cox, who is now more at ease in the top role after replacing John Longmire.
While it feels somewhat of a wasted year, the Swans are still in top-four mode, and are likely to be strengthened through the trade period. They just need to get moving earlier next season.
Best and fairest tip: Isaac Heeney.
– Jon Pierik
Carlton (11th)
Wins: 9. Losses: 14. Draft picks: 34, 44, 62*.
Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning are both leaving the Blues.Credit: Getty Images
What went well: Not much. George Hewett was one of few Blues to exceed expectations, putting together a career-best season in the midfield.
Better known as a defensive onballer, Hewett became a prolific ball-winner in his own right. In his 12th season on an AFL list, the former Swan is a strong chance to win his first best and fairest award.
Veteran Nick Haynes overcame a horror start at the club to become dependable defender. He deserves another year. Young midfielder Cooper Lord is one to watch.
George Hewett stepped up for the Blues in 2025, but didn’t get enough support.Credit: Getty Images
The Blues blooded seven debutants, the best of whom looks to be key defender Harry O’Farrell, who, unfortunately, injured his knee.
Other gains were bitter-sweet. Jack Silvagni was a revelation in defence but played just 13 games and is now on the move. Ollie Hollands found plenty of the ball in his new role as a running defender but his kicking needs work.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Mitch McGovern. The Blues are keen to get money off their books and the writing is on the wall for the 30-year-old, who narrowly missed a games trigger that would have earned a contract extension.
With Silvagni walking out and O’Farrell to be unsighted for much of 2026, the defender may yet get another year, but it will be on the Blues’ terms. Veterans Adam Saad and Blake Acres both had ordinary seasons.
Something to look forward to: With mass change underway in the coaches box, free agents Tom De Koning and Silvagni confirming their departures, and ongoing chatter about Charlie Curnow, it’s already been a turbulent off-season for the Blues, and the AFL home and away season isn’t even officially over yet! Expect that turmoil to continue for some time yet.
But once they ride that out, there will be hope again. The departures of De Koning and Silvagni will strengthen the Blues’ draft hand to acquire highly-rated Harry Dean as a father-son pick.
Decimated by injury in 2025, the Blues can vault back into finals contention with a cleaner bill of health. Curnow (assuming he stays) and Sam Walsh had interrupted preseasons which severely impacted their year.
Harry McKay missed half the season. Matthew Cottrell and Elijah Hollands, two of their best runners, hardly played, and heart-and-soul defender Nic Newman didn’t get on the field at all.
Then there’s the prospect of a fit Jagga Smith. Get all them right and the Blues should be stronger – but this was a year when they fell well below expectations.
Best and fairest tip: George Hewett.
– Andrew Wu
Melbourne (14th)
Wins: 7. Losses: 16. Draft picks: 23, 51, 59*
What went well: Kysaiah Pickett graduated from a star goalsneak to a game-breaking midfielder/forward who now rivals skipper Max Gawn as the club’s best player. Despite their troubles, the Demons secured Pickett’s prized signature in a huge coup, keeping him in the red and the blue until the end of 2034 on a lucrative contract.
Gawn was again a colossus, talking through action on the field and becoming their spokesperson for almost every crisis off it.
Rebounding defender Jake Bowey has taken the next step to become a driver of the team while Harvey Langford, the No.6 pick in last year’s draft, is the Demons’ next A-grade midfielder after making a seamless transition to senior football.
Veteran forward Jake Melksham, with 33 goals from 18 games, earned himself another contract, which was confirmed by the Demons just days after their season ended.
It could be a rough exit meeting for: Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. Do two of Melbourne’s greatest players want to stay? If either player wants out, the club should not stand in their way.
Coming back from a life-threatening injury, Petracca’s season was steady, and he will likely finish in the top six of the club’s best and fairest award, but a long way from his game-breaking ways.
Oliver was better than last year when his campaign was compromised by his off-field issues. Both still have time to return to their best but the competition trend away from contest and stoppage towards speed and ball use is against them.
Jacob van Rooyen went backwards in a season the club needed him to hold down a key forward posting.
Something to look forward to: The appointment of a new coach always renews hope among the supporter base.
Nathan Buckley is the early favourite but whoever succeeds Simon Goodwin must decide whether the core of this list can rise again after two years of diminishing returns or if it’s time to invest more heavily in the next generation.
In Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay and Caleb Windsor, the Dees have three highly talented young guns who will play a lot of football for the club.
Best and fairest: Max Gawn.
– Andrew Wu
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.