Bold claim first: the season 2026 predictions are dominated by big names and bold moves, with Brisbane tipped to seize a historic title and Fremantle pegged as the legitimate challenger. Now, let’s unpack what the pundits are forecasting, why they’re feeling confident, and where the hot takes start to spark debate.
What the experts are saying, in a nutshell
- Brisbane is viewed as the premiership favorite by multiple writers, with several tipping them to clinch another title and complete a run of success.
- Fremantle and Geelong frequently appear near the top of the ladder, while West Coast is forecast to struggle, including predictions of a bottom finish from more than one analyst.
- Individual honors are widely forecast for a core group: Nick Daicos, Jagga Smith, and Charlie Curnow are seen as front-runners for major awards.
- A number of teams are spotlighted for big seasons or big off-season moves, notably St Kilda, which is under pressure to translate spending into on-field results.
Representative predictions (highlights from several analysts)
- Damion Barrett’s picks: Premier Fremantle; Runner-up Geelong; Wooden spoon West Coast; moving up Sydney; set to fall Adelaide. Brownlow: Chad Warner; Coleman: Mitch Georgiades; Rising Star: Daniel Annable; Recruit of the Year: Will Hayward; Surprise All-Australian: Murphy Reid. Big call: Nick Daicos finishes top-three in Brownlow but not the winner.
- Gemma Bastiani’s narrative favors Brisbane for a three-peat, with Western Bulldogs as runners-up and Sydney moving up; GWS is likely to drop due to injuries. The big call: Hawks fall away mid-season due to midfield inconsistency.
- Riley Beveridge and Nat Edwards broadly align Brisbane as Premier, with varied runners-up and a shared view that West Coast is the wooden spoon pick. Several anticipate Jagga Smith as the Rising Star in common with other predictions.
- Sarah Black and Callum Twomey largely place Brisbane at the summit, while also offering different permutations for other finals spots and surprise contenders.
Why these predictions matter (and where they might diverge)
- The logic rests on a mix of off-season activity, list depth, and perceived form momentum entering 2026. A single breakout season from a rising star or a mid-season injury wave could tilt the ladder in surprising directions.
- The biggest debate point is whether the heavy-spending clubs (notably St Kilda) can convert expenditure into sustained performance. Some forecasts say yes, others argue the pressure will mount and a late-season wobble could occur.
- Contention around the Brownlow, Coleman, and Rising Star awards often hinges on players’ health, team performance, and the depth chart. The predictions intentionally highlight familiar faces while also naming a few under-the-radar contenders who could breakout.
Thought-provoking takeaways for fans and followers
- Is Brisbane’s dominance sustainable, or will another club finally dethrone them and redefine the premiership race?
- With substantial investments in players, can St Kilda become a finals regular, or will the financial spend fail to translate into the required on-field consistency?
- Do rising stars like Jagga Smith or Daniel Annable have the support around them to reach elite status, or will the competition’s top performers consolidate their advantage?
- How will injuries, fixture pressure, and coaching strategies influence the early-season form and long-term ladder positions?
Your take: do you agree with the consensus, or do you see a dark horse shaping the 2026 season in an unexpected way? Which player or team do you think will surprise everyone and why? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
