AFL Experts Predict 2026 Season: Bold Over-Under Calls for Every Club
In a comprehensive preview for the 2026 AFL season, analysts Ryan Daniels, Nick Rynne, and Xavier Ellis have delivered their over-under predictions for each club, offering sharp insights into team strengths, weaknesses, and potential surprises. The trio debated win totals, highlighting key players and strategic factors that could shape the upcoming campaign.
Adelaide Crows: Under the Radar?
For Adelaide, set at 14.5 wins, all three experts lean under. Xavier Ellis locks in his under, criticizing the team as the "black boot brigade" and noting a tough draw that could lead to a slow start. Ryan Daniels adds that the Crows benefited from easy matches last season and expresses skepticism about their midfield reliability.
Brisbane Lions: Confidence in Continuity
Brisbane, with a line of 15.5 wins, receives unanimous over predictions. Nick Rynne emphasizes that factors like draw strength and injuries won't hinder them, pointing to young talents like Keidean Coleman and Levi Ashcroft as players yet to peak.
Carlton Blues: Divergent Views on Improvement
At 8.5 wins, Carlton splits opinions. Rynne locks in an under, citing historical underperformance and concerns over goal-scoring without key forwards. In contrast, Ellis predicts an over, highlighting Jagga Smith as a potential Brownlow contender and Sam Walsh's prime age.
Collingwood Magpies: Underwhelming Outlook
Collingwood's 13.5-win line sees all experts going under, with Rynne locking it due to limited improvement prospects from players like Ed Allan and Harry DeMattia.
Essendon Bombers: Youth vs. Experience
Essendon at 7.5 wins draws mixed calls. Daniels predicts under, arguing that developing young players like Nate Caddy is more crucial than wins. Ellis goes over, believing the team is slightly above lower-tier clubs and could secure key victories at the MCG.
Fremantle Dockers: Steady Ascent
Fremantle, also at 14.5 wins, gets unanimous over predictions. Daniels questions how they could decline without major injuries, while Ellis notes they might not contend for the flag but should finish around fifth or sixth on the ladder.
Geelong Cats: Doubts Persist
Geelong's 15.5-win line prompts all experts to go under, with Ellis locking it. He admits past errors in underestimating them but remains unimpressed, vowing to "double down until I get it right."
Gold Coast Suns: Home Ground Advantage
At 15.5 wins, Gold Coast sees varied predictions. Ellis goes over, citing their home ground as a significant edge and praising depth beyond star Christian Petracca.
GWS Giants: Injury Concerns and Vibes
GWS set at 13.5 wins splits the panel. Daniels worries about pressure on Clayton Oliver with Sam Taylor injured, predicting under. Rynne goes over based on positive vibes around Oliver and Jeremy Hogan.
Hawthorn Hawks: Mixed Signals
Hawthorn's 15.5-win line results in divergent calls. Daniels predicts over if Connor MacDonald can step up, while others are less optimistic.
Melbourne Demons: Locked Under
Melbourne at 8.5 wins sees Daniels and Ellis locking under. Daniels cites a weak midfield and reliance on Kysaiah Pickett, with Ellis joking about Max Gawn's age and team cohesion issues.
North Melbourne Kangaroos: Defensive Woes
North Melbourne, with 7.5 wins, gets an under lock from Daniels, who calls their backline "the worst in the AFL" and predicts a season under siege.
Port Adelaide Power: Potential for Surge
Port Adelaide at 9.5 wins draws an over lock from Rynne, who believes stars like Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis can drive improvement from last year's listless performance.
Richmond Tigers: Scoring Struggles
Richmond's 4.5-win line sees mixed predictions. Daniels predicts under despite fun moments from kids, while Ellis notes scoring deficiencies that may limit wins.
St Kilda Saints: Talent Acquisition Boost
St Kilda at 12.5 wins gets an over lock from Daniels, praising Ross Lyon's coaching and acquired talent, though concerns linger over Max King's injury.
Sydney Swans: Window Wide Open
Sydney, set at 14.5 wins, receives unanimous over predictions. Ellis highlights Charlie Curnow's impact in opening up the forward line as a game-changer.
West Coast Eagles: Optimism for Youth
West Coast at 3.5 wins sees all experts going over. Daniels expresses slight optimism about young players, with Rynne and Ellis confident in Harley Reid's special abilities and potential home wins.
Western Bulldogs: Offensive Firepower
The Western Bulldogs, with 13.5 wins, get unanimous over calls. Daniels notes defensive worries but senses Marcus Bontempelli in "F you mode," while Rynne predicts Sam Darcy kicking 95 goals.
These predictions set the stage for a thrilling 2026 AFL season, with experts highlighting key narratives around youth development, injury impacts, and strategic coaching. Fans will watch closely to see which calls hit the mark as the action unfolds.
