A club’s best recruit doesn’t always come from the draft or the trade table. More often than not, the best recruits come from the rehab group – a player returning to the main group after a long injury layoff.
We analyse some of the competition’s best players set to return from injury in 2026.
1Keidean Coleman
It has been an injury-ravaged two years for Coleman after an incredibly promising start to his AFL career. He has managed just two AFL games across the past two seasons, restricted heavily by persistent knee injuries.
In 2022 and 2023, Coleman elevated himself into one of Brisbane’s prime movers off half-back. His blistering speed and precise skills tore opposition defences apart, averaging just over 17 disposals, 300 metres gained and five marks per game in this period.
Speaking to SEN recently, Brisbane head of football Danny Daly said Coleman had returned to pre-season training in superb condition and was training well.
“Last night watching training, his ability to hit those kicks through the corridor in a little bit of match sim type practice was unbelievable. You forget what type of footballer he is,” Daly Said.
“His ability to be able to penetrate with his kicking is exceptional – his 2023 Grand Final, he came runner up in the Norm Smith Medal. We’re looking forward to having a fit Kiddy Coleman back next year, which will be great for us.”