In the first season of a young AFL career, many players take some time to adjust to the physicality and skill gap between junior football and the elite competition.
Every year, there are players who take leaps in their second season. Some go from fringe best 23 players in their first year to mainstays in their respective lines, while others go from elite first-year talents to some of the very best in the competition.
There are many potential second-year talents who could take leaps in 2026. We look through the five players most likely to take a sizeable second-year leap next season.
Murphy Reid
Murphy Reid burst onto the scene in his first year in the AFL, booting four goals in a quarter against Geelong in Round 1 of 2025 on debut.
The crafty small forward became a mainstay in the talented Dockers forward line, playing in every possible match across 2025.
Reid’s impressive 5.5 score involvements per match placed him at the top of all first-year players. Amassing 14.5 disposals, one goal and one goal assist per match, Reid immediately became one of the elite small forwards in the game.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 08: Murphy Reid of the Dockers kicks the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 09 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on May 8, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
With plenty of upside heading into his second year, an All-Australian season is potentially on the cards in 2026.