NewsBite

AFL 2026

Advertisement
Brisbane Lions preseason composite

How do you replace departing Lions’ champions? Pass the torch to these men

Recruits, senior champions and even Gout Gout were on deck as the Brisbane Lions’ quest to cement another dynasty well and truly launched.

  • Nick Wright

Latest

Supplied images project what the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, Tasmania, will look like.

Fifteen people, one vote: The future of the Tasmania Devils is on the line this week

If Tasmania’s upper house doesn’t approve the new, roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, the Devils may well be dead before they’ve even truly begun. Here’s the state of play heading into this week’s crucial vote.

  • Jon Pierik
Andrew Welsh is Essendon’s new president.

For the second straight year, Essendon will have a contested board election

After a year of drama, injury and disappointment, Essendon face their second contested board vote in two years. President Andrew Welsh is one of two board members up for re-election.

  • Michael Gleeson
Taylah Gatt brandishing her 2025 premiership medal.

The Kangaroos banned one phrase this season. On Sunday, celebrating with fans, they could finally use it

With the self-inflicted pressure of going through the AFLW season undefeated released, North Melbourne had the chance to relax and soak up the adoration of their fans.

  • Staff reporters and AAP
Nic Martin at Essendon training earlier this month.

Essendon’s injury curse continues: Martin to miss 2026 after further knee surgery

The Bombers’ bad luck on the injury front has worsened again. Meanwhile, Brian Cook’s appointment to mentor CEO Paul Guerra comes after a season of huge change at Melbourne.

  • Michael Gleeson
Zach Merrett’s time as Essendon skipper has ended.

Essendon avoid a summer of discontent with Merrett’s captaincy call

Zach Merrett reached his decision to vacate the captaincy in the past few days after meetings with club president Andrew Welsh, CEO Craig Vozzo and senior coach Brad Scott.

  • Michael Gleeson
Advertisement
Dyson Sharp, like Sullivan Robey, was an Essendon diehard growing up.

‘I have to live up to the hype’: Dons draftees eye Hawks blockbuster

As Zach Merrett settles back into life at Essendon after his failed trade bid, the club’s boom draftees say they’re ready to help with the heavy lifting in 2026.

  • Jon Pierik
Dylan Patterson began his career with the Gold Coast Suns.

As his mates headed to schoolies, a dual-code phenom began his AFL ascent

He had rugby league clubs chasing him, and he turned them down. Now he spearheads a draft class eager to take over the AFL.

  • Nick Wright
Zach Merrett has opened up about his off-season decision to request a trade from Essendon to Hawthorn.

Zach Merrett knew leaving Essendon was a long shot, but he tried anyway. He explains why

Merrett’s request to leave Essendon for Hawthorn was the talk of trade period, but a deal didn’t get done. He explains why he’s excited to be back and why he wanted the move in the first place, and gives an answer on the captaincy for 2026.

  • Michael Gleeson
Sam Mitchell has broken his silence on Hawthorn’s failed trade bid for Zach Merrett.

Mitchell breaks silence on failed Merrett trade, leaves door ajar for another crack

In his first public comments since the Hawks’ attempt to snare the Essendon captain collapsed, Sam Mitchell admitted he was annoyed that the trade didn’t go through, stating Hawthorn’s offer was fair.

  • Sam McClure

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/afl-2026-6i11