Brisbane Lions Showcase Unmatched Depth in AFL Top 50 Rankings
The staggering depth of the Brisbane Lions outfit, which is competing for a remarkable fourth consecutive grand final appearance and third consecutive premiership this year, has been strongly reinforced by Channel 7 AFL expert Kane Cornes. As Cornes continues his highly anticipated top-50 AFL players countdown, the Lions' freshly minted co-captains, Harris Andrews and Hugh McCluggage, have made a significant impact by appearing at No.9 and No.8 in the prestigious top 10 list.
Brisbane Lions Lead the Pack with Eight Players in Top 50
The inclusion of the respected duo, both of whom were All-Australians last year, means that Brisbane now boasts an impressive eight players inside Cornes' top 50 rankings, easily the most of any team so far. This dominance underscores the team's formidable roster and their strong position heading into the 2026 season.
Veteran Dayne Zorko, dual Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey, Jaspa Fletcher, new captain Josh Dunkley, and Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale are the other Brisbane premiership players who have secured spots inside the top 50, further highlighting the squad's exceptional talent and consistency.
Rapid Rise for Andrews and McCluggage into Top 10
Both Harris Andrews and Hugh McCluggage have roared into the top 10 after Cornes ranked them both in the 30s in last year's top 50, with Andrews at 33 and McCluggage at 31. This dramatic climb reflects their outstanding performances and growing influence within the league.
Cornes has praised Andrews as the AFL's premier key defender heading into the 2026 season, while he describes the 27-year-old McCluggage as a beautifully balanced midfielder. Their leadership and skills are expected to be pivotal for the Lions' continued success.
St Kilda's Rising Star and Other Top 10 Highlights
Rounding out the top 10 is St Kilda's rising superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who was unranked last year but has rocketed up the board after a stunning 2025 campaign. His inclusion adds excitement to the list, showcasing emerging talent in the league.
Meanwhile, the superstar status of Geelong's Jeremy Cameron and Sydney's Isaac Heeney has been reaffirmed with consecutive appearances inside Cornes' top 10. Cameron drops in at No.7, down from No.4 last year, while Heeney comes in at No.6 after being ranked at No.3 last year, demonstrating their enduring elite performance.
Kane Cornes' Top 50 AFL Players for 2026 Season
The full list of Kane Cornes' top-50 AFL players ahead of the 2026 season includes a mix of established stars and rising talents, with Brisbane Lions players prominently featured. This comprehensive ranking provides fans and analysts with key insights into the players to watch in the upcoming season.
Expert Analysis on Top 10 Players
Cornes offers detailed commentary on his top-10 selections, highlighting their achievements and potential. For instance, he notes that Wanganeen-Milera's move from half-back to midfield was a genius decision, leading to match-winning heroics. Andrews is celebrated for his finals series performance, while McCluggage is recognized for his statistical prowess and versatility.
Jeremy Cameron is described as the AFL's best and most damaging key forward after a monster 80-plus goal season, and Isaac Heeney is praised as the league's most dangerous dual-threat and clutch performer. These insights add depth to the rankings, emphasizing the skills and impact of each player.
As the AFL community eagerly anticipates the reveal of the top-five players, this list sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season, with the Brisbane Lions positioned as a powerhouse team to beat.
