AFL 2026 Team Profiles

After an outstanding 2025 season finishing 18-5, the Crows are genuine contenders again. Their Adelaide Oval dominance (12-1 at home) is a major factor — one of the best home records in the league. Opposing teams dread the trip to Adelaide.

Defending back-to-back premiers seeking an unprecedented threepeat. Added Oscar Allen (FA from West Coast) and Sam Draper (from Essendon) to an already stacked list. Deepest midfield in the league with proven finals pedigree. The 0-2 start may offer value for savvy punters.

A transition year after losing superstar Charlie Curnow to Sydney. The silver lining is Jagga Smith's emergence — the Rising Star favourite ($2.50) looked elite in pre-season with 37 disposals and a goal against Geelong. One for the future.

Still a contender with a strong, experienced list and 2023 premiership pedigree. Need consistency to challenge for a top-4 finish. Their MCG comfort is an asset, but the 13.5 win line suggests the market sees them as a tier below the elite.

A nightmare start at 0-2 with just 55% percentage — the worst in the league. Losing Sam Draper to Brisbane has left a hole in the ruck. Consistency and defensive issues persist under Brad Scott. The 7.5 win line says it all — steer clear.

Elite defensive setup with added creativity from Shai Bolton. Optus Stadium is a fortress and the Dockers are building something special. At $15, they represent genuine value — a midfield of Serong, Brayshaw, and Bolton is among the competition's best.

Still among the AFL's elite with the highest win line alongside Brisbane and Gold Coast at 15.5. GMHBA Stadium remains one of the hardest grounds to visit in the league. Their blend of experience and emerging talent keeps them firmly in the premiership conversation.

The real deal under Hardwick. A perfect 3-0 start with a staggering 191% percentage has the Suns looking like genuine premiership threats. The addition of Christian Petracca from Melbourne is massive — combining with Rowell, Anderson, and King to form a formidable core.

Talented list but inconsistency remains their Achilles heel. The 1-2 start (including an 81-point Round 1 loss to the Bulldogs) is concerning. At $21 they're an intriguing dark horse if they can find consistency, but the ceiling and floor gap is enormous.

Sam Mitchell's young Hawks are the real deal. A 2-1 start featuring an impressive 62-point Round 1 demolition of Essendon has them right in the premiership mix. At $9, they're sharing second-favouritism with Gold Coast and represent a genuine threat in September.

Losing Christian Petracca to Gold Coast is devastating — he was the engine of their 2021 premiership machine. The 8.5 win line reflects a team entering a rebuilding phase. At $67 for the flag, there's no value here. Focus is on developing the next wave of talent.

Showed real promise with a dominant 46-point Round 1 win over Port Adelaide. Under Clarkson's guidance, the rebuild is progressing faster than expected. At $101, they're not a premiership play, but the development trajectory is encouraging and they could shock some top-8 sides.

Bounced back from a 46-point Round 1 loss to North Melbourne with a dominant 63-point Round 2 win over Essendon. Classic Port — capable of anything on their day but maddeningly inconsistent. At $51 and a 9.5 win line, they're firmly mid-tier. Not enough for serious flag consideration.

Deep in a rebuild with a 4.5 win line — the second-lowest in the league. An 0-2 start with heavy losses is the reality of rebuilding after a dynasty. At $151, this is purely a long-term project. Expect plenty of pain before any gain for Tiger faithful.

Genuine top-8 aspirations under the canny Ross Lyon. Despite a 1-2 start, the Saints have the talent to be competitive. At $18 they're an intriguing each-way proposition. Lyon's defensive structures could make them hard to beat in September — if they get there.

The Curnow acquisition addresses their forward line gap perfectly. Combined with the dynamic midfield trio of Gulden, Warner, and Heeney, Sydney are genuine premiership threats. A 2-1 start with 139.5% shows they mean business. At $10, well worth a look.

Wooden Spoon favourite at $2.30 with the lowest win line in the league at 3.5. Lost Oscar Allen to Brisbane but Harley Reid is an absolute star in the making. A tough year ahead, but the rebuild is centred on Reid, Duursma, and Starcevich — the future is bright long-term.

Flying at 3-0 with dominant performances including an 81-point Round 1 demolition of GWS. Luke Beveridge's side are genuine contenders and at $15 represent outstanding value. The 137.2% percentage shows they're not just winning — they're destroying teams. Don't sleep on the Dogs.