The Port Adelaide Power coaching handover from Ken Hinkley to Josh Carr; The future isn’t all grim for the Essendon Bombers; Sam Lalor and the Richmond Tigers young guns could help propel Adem Yze and his men right up the ladder in 2026
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 tip: I’ve landed on Ed Richards ahead of Tom Liberatore. Bontempelli’s missed games through injury will cost him.
– Scott Spits
Port Adelaide (13th)
Wins: 8. Losses: 15. Draft picks: 26, 42, 60
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.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch stuck with Ken Hinkley to the end.Credit: Getty Images
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.
Zak Butters won Port Adelaide’s best and fairest award – the John Cahill Medal – for the third consecutive year in 2025. Credit: Getty Images
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 gave Bombers fans something to get excited about.Credit: AFL Photos
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.
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: 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 tip: 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 tip: 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.
Brodie Grundy returned to his best form for Sydney in 2025.Credit: AFL Photos
Playmaker Isaac Heeney had a tough start, but then reminded everyone why he is a legitimate star.
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*.
What went well: Not much. George Hewett was one of few Blues to exceed expectations, putting together a career-best season in the midfield.
Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning are both leaving the Blues.Credit: Getty Images
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.
Midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are stars for Melbourne and both have long-term contracts, but that no longer means their respective futures at the club are guaranteed. Credit: Getty Images
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.
Loading
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 tip: Max Gawn.
– Andrew Wu
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
