Eight Things We Learned: The 2026 AFL Season's Surprises and Stories
The 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with unexpected teams rising to the challenge and others facing challenges that could make or break their season. Here's a breakdown of eight key takeaways from the past few weeks of action:
Melbourne's Quiet Revolution: The Dees are more than just a pretty face. Despite lacking star power, Melbourne is playing a brand of football that can win big games. Their consistent tackle count and ability to leave nothing in the tank are writing a story that could lead them deep into September. This team is a testament to the power of collective effort and strategic coaching.
Jack Ison's Blues Debut: A ray of hope for Carlton fans. Jack Ison, a young Indigenous player, made history as the first player to don the navy blue after coming through the club's Next Generation Academy. His debut against the Western Bulldogs was a highlight, with fans and the club riding every wave of his performance. Ison's presence brings a new energy and a sense of history to the Blues.
Geelong's Clear Path to Glory: The Cats are on a roll. After taking care of the premiers at the Gabba, Geelong's road to the top four appears clear. With a strong finish and a spot in the four seemingly secured for the past 20 years, the Cats are a force to be reckoned with. Tom Stewart and Jeremy Cameron are back to their best, and Chris Scott's management of workloads is paying off.
Collingwood's Structural Headache: The Magpies are facing a challenge. Darcy Cameron, last year's Copeland Trophy winner, has not quite recaptured his best form. The team's ruck depth is also a concern with Oscar Steene's season-ending ACL injury. The makeshift combination of Jack Buller, Billy Frampton, and Dan McStay is not enough to curb Brodie Grundy's influence. Collingwood needs to make strategic moves to remain a finals contender.
Sam Collins' Defensive Mastery: Gold Coast enforcer Sam Collins is a key defender who can win and negate. Despite conditions in Darwin not being conducive to high marking, Collins won most of his one-on-one contests against Mitch Georgiades. His ability to intercept and win the ball back for his team is impressive, and he is currently ranked inside the top five for intercept possessions. Collins is a strong contender for a maiden All-Australian selection.
Hugo Garcia's Rising Star: The young Saints speedster Hugo Garcia is making waves. While the clash between Euro-Yroke and Richmond won't be making any end-of-year highlight reels, Garcia's performance was outstanding. His explosiveness, speed, agility, and smarts made him one of the Saints' best in their comfortable victory. Garcia's impact as a game-breaker through the middle is a positive sign for the Saints.
Fremantle's Bargain Hunt: The Dockers are more than just headline-grabbing trades. While they have made some high-profile acquisitions, Fremantle's success is also built on a foundation of bargains. Players like Patrick Voss, Josh Treacy, Isiah Dudley, and Oscar McDonald have joined the club as rookies or delisted free agents. The Dockers' ability to identify and develop talent is a key factor in their flag push.
Adelaide's Forward Line Evolution: The Crows have another ace up their sleeves. After a questioned forward line set-up last year, Adelaide showed a different look against North Melbourne. With Riley Thilthorpe and Taylor Walker sidelined, the smaller forward line worked wonders, particularly during a 10-goal second quarter. The impact of Darcy Fogarty and Toby Murray as talls, along with the pressure from the rest of the team, showcased the Crows' ability to adapt and find success in unexpected ways.
These eight takeaways highlight the surprises and stories emerging from the 2026 AFL season. From Melbourne's quiet revolution to Adelaide's forward line evolution, the competition is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with teams rising to the challenge and others facing challenges that could make or break their season.
