Kane Cornes' Top 50 AFL Players Sparks Grand Final Prediction and Heated Debate
If grand finals are predicted by the elite talent on club rosters, this year's AFL decider is set to be a thrilling showdown between the reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions, and the Western Bulldogs. The two powerhouse clubs dominate Kane Cornes' highly anticipated top-50 AFL players list for the 2026 season, with the Lions boasting an impressive eight selections and the Bulldogs featuring six players, including two superstars ranked inside the top three.
Club Representation and Notable Omissions
Following closely behind are Fremantle and the Sydney Swans, each with five players apiece, bolstered by key additions like Charlie Curnow in the off-season. However, as always, Cornes' list has ignited fierce debate among fans, particularly those of Richmond and West Coast, who may feel aggrieved by the snubbing of their high-end talent.
For the second consecutive year, not a single Richmond Tiger has made the cut, while retired West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern and forward Jake Waterman, who managed only eight games last year due to injury, have been removed from the 2026 edition. Given West Coast finished at the bottom of the ladder and Richmond second bottom, their absence from the top 50 is not entirely shocking, but it still stings for loyal supporters.
Controversial Calls and Emerging Stars
Richmond fans will undoubtedly argue for back-to-back best-and-fairest winner Tim Taranto, while emerging West Coast superstar Harley Reid still needs to deliver a complete season to convince Cornes of his top-50 credentials. Collingwood supporters might also vent upon realizing they have just one player in the elite group, the undeniable Nick Daicos at No. 2.
Out of all teams that finished in the top eight last season, this is the lowest representation, which seems harsh given the Magpies made a preliminary final, only to be knocked out by eventual premier Brisbane. While Nick Daicos is Collingwood's best player, despite finishing runner-up in the club's best-and-fairest, forwards like Jamie Elliott and Josh Daicos have been left out, despite strong performances.
Elliott kicked 60 goals last year and was unlucky to miss an All-Australian blazer, and Josh Daicos was in the AA squad but didn't make the final cut. Veteran champions Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury also failed to make the grade, though they had top-10 finishes in their club's best-and-fairest last year.
Cornes' Bold Predictions for 2026
Cornes has made his thoughts on Collingwood's 2026 prospects abundantly clear, expressing confidence in a rough year ahead due to injuries, age, and speed issues. He highlighted concerns over players like Bobby Hill and noted the Saints are on the rise, apologizing to Collingwood fans for what he predicts will be a challenging season.
Club-by-Club Breakdown of Top-50 Players
- Adelaide: 3 players (Izak Rankine, Jordan Dawson, Riley Thilthorpe)
- Brisbane Lions: 8 players (including Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, Lachie Neale)
- Carlton: 1 player (Sam Walsh)
- Collingwood: 1 player (Nick Daicos)
- Essendon: 1 player (Zach Merrett)
- Fremantle: 5 players (including Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw)
- Geelong: 3 players (Jeremy Cameron, Max Holmes, Bailey Smith)
- Gold Coast Suns: 2 players (Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell)
- GWS Giants: 4 players (Toby Greene, Tom Green, Sam Taylor)
- Hawthorn: 3 players (Jai Newcombe, Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore)
- Melbourne: 2 players (Max Gawn, Kysaiah Pickett)
- North Melbourne: 1 player (Nick Larkey)
- Port Adelaide: 4 players (Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, Jason Horne-Francis)
- Richmond: 0 players
- St Kilda: 1 player (Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera)
- Sydney: 5 players (Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Charlie Curnow)
- West Coast: 0 players
- Western Bulldogs: 6 players (Sam Darcy, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards)
Insights on the Top-10 Elite Players
Cornes provided detailed analysis on his top-10 guns, highlighting standout performances and key attributes. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of St Kilda rounds out the top 10 after a historic 2025 campaign, while Harris Andrews of Brisbane is praised as the game's premier key defender. Hugh McCluggage, the new Brisbane captain, is noted for his statistical prowess and versatility.
Jeremy Cameron of Geelong remains the AFL's best key forward after an 80-plus goal season, and Isaac Heeney of Sydney is celebrated as a dual-threat clutch performer. Noah Anderson of Gold Coast breaks into the top five with a career-defining season, and Zak Butters of Port Adelaide is highlighted for his fearless play and elite skills.
Marcus Bontempelli of the Western Bulldogs maintains a top-three standing through unparalleled versatility, and Nick Daicos of Collingwood cements his elite offensive production. Topping the list is Sam Darcy of the Western Bulldogs, whose rare combination of height, mobility, and competitiveness makes him the league's most dominant prospect, with potential for 80-plus goals if he stays fit.
This comprehensive list not only predicts team strengths for the upcoming season but also sets the stage for intense discussions and rivalries as fans and analysts digest the rankings.
