AFL 2026 Season Forecast: Expert Predictions Unveiled
As the AFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama on the field. This year, a panel of expert commentators and award-winning journalists from across Australia has shared their bold predictions for the 2026 campaign, offering insights into potential premiers, individual awards, and breakout stars.
Premiership and Grand Final Projections
The consensus among experts strongly favors the Brisbane Lions to secure a historic three-peat, with 12 out of 21 predictions backing them as premiers. Other contenders include the Gold Coast Suns with five votes, Hawthorn with two, and one each for Sydney and the Western Bulldogs. Grand final matchups vary, with Brisbane frequently paired against teams like GWS Giants, Fremantle, or the Western Bulldogs in anticipated showdowns.
Brownlow Medal and Coleman Medal Contenders
In the race for the Brownlow Medal, Nick Daicos leads the pack with eight expert picks, followed closely by Marcus Bontempelli with five and Errol Gulden with three. Other notable mentions include Noah Anderson, Christian Petracca, and Chad Warner. For the Coleman Medal, Ben King is the top choice with 10 predictions, while Sam Darcy and Charlie Curnow also receive significant support from analysts.
Rising Star and Team Movements
Carlton's young gun Jagga Smith emerges as the overwhelming favorite for the Rising Star award, garnering 16 expert votes. Teams expected to rise include Sydney with 10 predictions, while Collingwood faces the most forecasts for a decline, with eight experts predicting a fall in their performance. This highlights the dynamic shifts anticipated in team standings throughout the season.
Bold and Unconventional Calls
Beyond the mainstream predictions, experts have made several audacious forecasts for 2026. These include Kane Cornes predicting Collingwood to finish in the bottom four, Nick Riewoldt suggesting umpires could be stripped of Brownlow voting rights, and Erin Phillips envisioning a rare three-way tie for the Brownlow Medal. Such calls add an element of intrigue and speculation to the upcoming season.
Historical Context and Expert Accuracy
Reflecting on past successes, last year saw commentator Brian Taylor accurately tip the grand final, premiers, and Coleman medallist Jeremy Cameron. This track record underscores the credibility of expert insights, though the unpredictable nature of AFL ensures that surprises are always possible. As the season unfolds, these predictions will be put to the test, offering fans a thrilling narrative to follow.
