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<\/a><\/p>\nPre-season training is well underway as AFL<\/a> clubs begin their preparations for 2026.<\/p>\n As is the case every year, there are a number of clubs that surge up the ladder as their list improves and their players mature. On the other hand, ageing lists and player turnover see other clubs regress.<\/p>\n We look at three clubs expected to rise, and three that may fall in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Riser: Gold Coast Suns<\/p>\n It was a history-making season for the Suns in 2025 as they made their first-ever appearance in September. And it was a successful one at that.<\/p>\n After finishing seventh, they travelled to Perth in week one of the finals where they recorded a resounding one-point victory. It was a statement win for the expansion club, signalling they now must be considered a serious threat. They bowed out the following week to eventual premiers Brisbane, but a debut finals appearance and a finals win was a success.<\/p>\n The Suns are set to be even stronger in 2026. With an average age of 25.5 in 2025, their young talent is beginning to mature. They have had a plethora of first-round picks since entering the competition in 2011, and it seems now they finally have a list profile that should contend for a premiership.<\/p>\n First-round picks Noah Anderson<\/a>, Matt Rowell<\/a>, Bailey Humphrey<\/a> and Ben King<\/a> are now established AFL<\/a> players, while the trade period has been fruitful for the Suns too.<\/p>\n The addition of Christian Petracca<\/a> over the off-season was massive for the Suns’ 2026 premiership aspirations. As dangerous as a forward as he is through the midfield, Damien Hardwick<\/a> will have the luxury of using Petracca wherever he needs a spark. A starting midfield of Petracca, Anderson and Rowell is scary.<\/p>\n All signs now point to the Suns being firmly in the premiership mix as they enter the 2026 season.<\/p>\n