The AFL season is heating up with the highly anticipated match simulations, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming season. But here's where it gets controversial: the match sims are more than just a warm-up, they're a strategic battleground where clubs unveil their new tactics and players. And this is the part most people miss: the subtle shifts in team dynamics and the emergence of fresh talent can make or break a club's season. So, let's dive into the 18-club state of play and explore the key storylines that will shape the 2026 AFL season.
Adelaide Crows: The Crows have a ruckman dilemma as Lachlan McAndrew challenges veteran Reilly O'Brien for the top spot. Josh Rachele's midfield push adds a hybrid threat, while Cal Ah Chee's integration and Finnbar Maley's pre-season performance are under the microscope. Fringe players like Zac Taylor and Luke Nankervis aim to make an impact.
Brisbane Lions: Keidean Coleman's health and role in the backline are key, especially with Brandon Starcevich's departure. Oscar Allen and Tom Doedee are set to make an impact, while Sam Marshall and Dan Annable push for senior spots. Lachie Neale's strong pre-season and the Ashcroft brothers' development are also in focus.
Carlton: Jagga Smith's return from injury and his fit in the midfield are intriguing. Sam Walsh's partnership with Smith and the new-look forward line with Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth are worth watching. The backline sees Harry Dean and Nic Newman join Jacob Weitering, while Ollie Florent adds class. Campbell Chesser and the ruck battle between Marc Pittonet and Liam Reidy are also in the spotlight.
Collingwood: With injuries and departures, young players like Charlie West and Jack Buller get their chance. Ed Allan and the Ashcroft brothers aim to impress, while the Giants match sim will be crucial for their Opening Round hopes. Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore's injuries add uncertainty.
Essendon: Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp, the first-round draftees, could debut in Round 1. WA native Farrow has impressed with his class and composure, while Sharp brings SANFL experience. NGA graduate Hussien El Achkar steps up in Isaac Kako's absence, and free agency acquisition Brayden Fiorini slots in seamlessly. Zach Reid's presence in the backline is crucial after interrupted seasons.
Fremantle: Rumors suggest Luke Jackson may play as a pure midfielder, adding a lethal element to an already strong midfield. Hayden Young's role and Mason Cox's injection as a second ruck are key. Recruit Judd McVee and Jordan Clark form a tag-team across half-back, while Sean Darcy's calf issue is monitored. Murphy Reid's role and Luke Ryan's return from shoulder surgery are also in focus.
Geelong Cats: Geelong's ruck setup is a conundrum after missing out on Rowan Marshall. Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs remain options, with Shannon Neale and Sam De Koning as backups. Recruit James Worpel impresses, and Tanner Bruhn's return adds depth. Toby Conway and Mitch Edwards' development are monitored, while the absence of key players like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Stewart is notable.
Gold Coast Suns: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's emergence in Suns colors is a gripping storyline. The former No.1 pick's role in the forward line is uncertain, while youngster Jed Walter aims to make an impact. Ben King is a mainstay, and Ethan Read's position on the wing is monitored. Christian Petracca's role as a center-forward and Charlie Ballard's return to defense are key. Wil Powell's role and the debut hopes of Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson are also in focus.
GWS Giants: Tom Green's serious knee injury is a huge blow, impacting the Giants' premiership hopes. Clayton Oliver's importance is enhanced, and Finn Callaghan must step up. Harry Rowston and skipper Toby Greene's midfield minutes are crucial. Ollie Hannaford, Harry Oliver, and Cody Angove, top-25 picks, are worth watching. Joe Fonti's development and Phoenix Gothard's emergence are key, while the tall-forward setup with Jake Riccardi and Callum Brown is intriguing.
Hawthorn: The Hokball rascal pack, led by Nick Watson and Connor Macdonald, is set to garner attention. Watson's goal-scoring prowess and Macdonald's midfield role are notable. Josh Weddle's dynamic presence around stoppages is a threat. The tall setup is a curiosity, with Lloyd Meek as the No.1 ruck and the potential inclusion of Ned Reeves. The roles of Mitch Lewis, Calsher Dear, and others are uncertain.
Melbourne: Caleb Windsor's development in the midfield, following Jack Viney's absence and the departures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, is gripping. The forward line's acclimation of Brody Mihocek and the growth of Jacon van Rooyen and Matthew Jefferson are key. Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay's roles are crucial, while Blake Howes' increased reliance in defense is noted. Max Heath's progression as a ruck prospect is monitored.
North Melbourne: Finn O'Sullivan's role in the midfield is watched, as is Colby McKercher's time on a back flank. Harry Sheezel's added muscle and midfield presence are key, with Tom Powell as a mix-and-match option. Cooper Trembath and Lachy Dovaston push for forward spots, while Zane Duursma's role is monitored after trade speculation.
Port Adelaide: Connor Rozee's move to half-back and Zak Butters' time across half-back are tactical shifts. Will Brodie's engine-room role and Jacob Wehr's pace and poise are noted. Todd Marshall's move to defense and Jack Whitlock's mark as a key forward are key. Joe Berry's impact as a smaller livewire and Jaidyn Stephenson's AFL career revival are watched. Dante Visentini's role as a second-choice tapster is pivotal.
Richmond: The Tigers' youngsters, including the 2024 crop and last year's top-10 picks, are in focus. Sam Grlj and Sam Cumming push for early-season debuts, while Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton, Harry Armstrong, and Luke Trainor are key names. Trade recruit Pat Retschko's impact on a wing is crucial. Maurice Rioli, Kane McAuliffe, and Campbell Gray aim for Round 1 nods. Josh Gibcus' breakout campaign after an uninterrupted pre-season is anticipated.
St Kilda: A host of new names, including Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders, and Liam Ryan, are watched. Silvagni's fit in Ross Lyon's side, alongside Cal Wilkie, Alix Tauru, and Anthony Caminiti, is intriguing. De Koning's injection impacts Rowan Marshall and Cooper Sharman's roles. Sam Flanders' midfield addition and the battle for minutes with Marcus Windhager, Hugo Garcia, Jack Macrae, and Hugh Boxshall are key. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's role between the arcs and deep forward is monitored. Mattaes Phillipou's leap and Tobie Travaglia's impact in year two are anticipated.
Sydney Swans: Charlie Curnow, the centerpiece of the 2025 AFL trade period, is fit and firing. His chemistry with the Swans' midfielders is ominous. Malcolm Rosas, Jai Serong, Ned Bowman, and Harry Kyle push for the Opening Round lineup. Bowman's switch to defense during the off-season makes him a genuine chance for an early debut.
West Coast Eagles: Brandon Starcevich and Tylar Young join Harry Edwards and Reuben Ginbey in a new-look backline. Harley Reid's tremendous form and maturity are noted. The midfield group, including Tom McCarthy, Harry Schoenberg, and Deven Robertson, is telling. Hamish Davis' pre-season on a wing and Willem Duursma's settling on the other wing are points of interest. Jacob Newton and young key forwards Jobe Shanahan and Archer Reid are also watched.
Western Bulldogs: The defense, a sore point last year, must improve to complement the high-powered attack. Rory Lobb, James O'Donnell, Jedd Busslinger, and Buku Khamis compete for first-choice tall spots. Connor Budarick and Lachie Jaques form a defensive partnership, while Cooper Hynes aims for a big year two. Sam Darcy's prodigious talent and Joel Freijah and Ryley Sanders' development as longer-term midfielders are watched.
As the match simulations unfold, these storylines will shape the AFL landscape. Which clubs will capitalize on their new faces and tactics? Which players will rise to the occasion and become breakout stars? The AFL season is full of surprises, and these match sims are just the beginning. So, what do you think? Which clubs and players are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's get the conversation started!
