![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ZeroHanger_GamesCentre.png.webp.webp\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\nWith AFL<\/a> clubs having returned for pre-season training, the countdown for the 2026 season is on.<\/p>\n Coaches begin experimenting with new game plans and younger players begin pushing for spots. Every session counts as players push for Round 1 selection.<\/p>\n But not all players feel the same levels of pressure, with some under far more scrutiny than others. Whether it was a failed trade move, underperformance or stalled development, these are the 10 AFL<\/a> players with a point to prove in 2026.<\/p>\n 1Clayton Oliver<\/p>\n After a string of off-field incidents and injury issues in recent years, people have quickly forgotten how good Clayton Oliver’s best is. In Melbourne’s premiership year of 2021, Oliver won the Demons’ best and fairest and finished third in the Brownlow. He averaged 31.6 disposals and 17.4 contested possessions, cementing himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, his 2024 and 2025 seasons haven’t gone to plan. He has averaged 23 and 25 disposals respectively, his worst return since his debut season (excluding the COVID-affected 2020). His clearance and contested possession numbers have also fallen.<\/p>\n Oliver’s off-field incidents and injury troubles have been well publicised. However, if these issues are behind him, he would add significantly to an already dynamic midfield featuring Finn Callaghan<\/a> and Tom Green<\/a>.<\/p>\n A four-time best and fairest winner and three-time All-Australian, the Giants need Oliver to recapture that form after taking a risk in recruiting him.<\/p>\n