AFL Unveils New All Australian Panel Members for 2026 Season
The Australian Football League (AFL) has made significant changes to the All Australian selection panel just before the start of the 2026 season. In a major announcement, the league has added three high-profile former players to the mix, bringing fresh perspectives and extensive experience to the selection process.
New Additions to the Panel
Luke Hodge, the legendary Hawthorn premiership captain, and Joel Selwood, the celebrated Geelong great, have both accepted positions on the panel. They are joined by David Mundy, a respected Fremantle champion who retired at the end of 2022. This trio replaces outgoing members Nathan Buckley, who has taken on a role as a Geelong assistant coach, Matthew Pavlich, the Sydney Swans CEO, and Josh Mahoney, the former AFL football operations boss.
Hodge and Selwood are currently prominent media figures, serving as leading experts for Channel 7, while Mundy has established himself in commentary roles in Perth since his retirement. Their appointments highlight the AFL's focus on integrating individuals with strong media backgrounds and deep playing experience into the selection process.
Statements from AFL Leadership
In an official statement, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments. "Luke, David, and Joel are three of the most respected figures in the modern game," Dillon said. "They all enjoyed decorated playing careers, and we are delighted to have people of their experience, leadership, and credibility on the panel. These traits are essential in helping select the best players and team for the 2026 season."
Dillon also extended gratitude to the departing panel members, acknowledging their dedication and service. "On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank Nathan, Matthew, and Josh for their contributions as All Australian selectors," he added.
Panel Composition and Changes
With Mahoney's departure, the panel now includes football bosses Greg Swann and Laura Kane as the remaining AFL voices, alongside Dillon, who chairs the group. Hodge and Selwood will join fellow Channel 7 commentators Kane Cornes, Jude Bolton, and Abbey Holmes on the panel. Eddie Betts and Glen Jakovich complete the selection team, ensuring a diverse range of insights and expertise.
In addition to the personnel changes, the All Australian team selection process will see a structural adjustment this year. The panel will now select 23 players, an increase from the previous 22, from the initial squad. This change aligns with the AFL's decision to scrap the substitute rule and extend the interchange bench to five players, adding a fifth man on the bench to reflect the updated game dynamics.
Implications for the 2026 Season
These updates are expected to bring a renewed focus on player performance and team strategy as the AFL gears up for the 2026 season. The inclusion of Hodge, Selwood, and Mundy, with their combined experience as premiership captains and media personalities, is likely to influence the selection criteria and enhance the panel's decision-making process. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the final All Australian team announcement.
