{"id":390431,"date":"2026-01-04T05:37:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T05:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/390431\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T05:37:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T05:37:15","slug":"which-afl-teams-enter-the-2026-season-with-the-oldest-and-youngest-lists-afl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/390431\/","title":{"rendered":"Which AFL teams enter the 2026 season with the oldest and youngest lists? – AFL News"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a><\/p>\n

The 2026 age and experience rankings are here ahead of the upcoming AFL<\/a>\u00a0season.<\/p>\n

After securing a second consecutive flag, Brisbane remains one of the most experienced teams in the competition, hinting at their sustained success, especially since acquiring Sam Draper<\/a> and Oscar Allen<\/a> via free agency.<\/p>\n

Collingwood continues to reign supreme as the oldest list in the league, doubling down on its experienced heads to bring home more silverware.<\/p>\n

There’s no surprise that West Coast takes the cake for both the youngest and most inexperienced list, following their historic 2025 draft haul led by Pick 1 Willem Duursma<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Essendon’s age profile dived, farewelling a host of established talents.<\/p>\n

Miraculously, Gold Coast sits in the bottom six for age and experience in the AFL<\/a> despite claiming their first finals appearance and victory last year, as well as the additions of Christian Petracca<\/a> and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here’s where each club sits on the\u00a0AFL<\/a> age and experience ladder ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

Adelaide<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.9 years (7th)
Average Games:\u00a074.3 games (9th)
30 or older:\u00a04<\/p>\n

The Crows lost some experience via the departures of All-Australians Matt Crouch<\/a> and Brodie Smith<\/a>, while Lachlan Murphy<\/a> and Harry Schoenberg<\/a> headed the delistings.<\/p>\n

However, they added a key piece to their forward mix, landing dual premiership Lion Callum Ah Chee<\/a> as well as North Melbourne high-flyer Finnbar Maley<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Adelaide looked to bolster their key tall stocks in the draft, but are primed for another tilt at September action after claiming the minor premiership.<\/p>\n

Brisbane<\/p>\n

Average Age: 25.6 years (2nd)
Average Games:\u00a090.6 games (2nd)
30 or older:\u00a08<\/p>\n

Chris Fagan’s men are well and truly in the mix for a three-peat, adding Allen and Draper as key position talent, along with academy graduate Daniel Annable.<\/p>\n

Premiership heroes Oscar McInerney<\/a>, Brandon Starcevich<\/a> and Ah Chee did leave, as did depth options Deven Robertson<\/a> and Oscar Ryan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But the Lions’ age profile and experience have them prepared for the unthinkable.<\/p>\n

Carlton<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a025.1 years (6th)
Average Games:\u00a079.3 games (6th)
30 or older:\u00a08<\/p>\n

The Blues underwent a major list overhaul following the 2025 campaign, losing the likes of Charlie Curnow<\/a>, Tom De Koning<\/a>, Jack Silvagni<\/a> and Corey Durdin<\/a> to rival clubs.<\/p>\n

However, the acquisitions of Sydney pair Will Hayward<\/a> and Ollie Florent, as well as Ben Ainsworth<\/a>, Liam Reidy<\/a> and Campbell Chesser<\/a> have potentially safeguarded a dramatic drop in the club’s performance this year.<\/p>\n

Carlton also holds plenty of experience over the age of 30, and the return of Nic Newman<\/a> from an ACL injury will bode well for the club.<\/p>\n

Collingwood<\/p>\n

Average Age: 25.8 years (1st)
Average Games:\u00a094.7 games (1st)
30 or older:\u00a010<\/p>\n

An expected return, the Pies rank first in average age and games heading into 2026.<\/p>\n

The loss of premiership veterans Tom Mitchell<\/a>, Mason Cox<\/a> and Brody Mihocek<\/a> didn’t knock the club off the perch as they hunt a second flag in four seasons.<\/p>\n

The inclusion of youth via the draft is preparing for the future, and ultimately bridged the gap between Collingwood and the rest of the competition.<\/p>\n

Essendon<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a023.9 years (17th)
Average Games:\u00a059.6 games (16th)
30 or older:\u00a01<\/p>\n

The Bombers went hard on list calls after a tumultuous 2025 campaign, and dropped to the bottom three in both average age and games.<\/p>\n

That was assisted by the departures of Todd Goldstein<\/a>, Dylan Shiel<\/a>, Jayden Laverde<\/a> and Sam Draper<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The heavy focus on the top-end of the draft also doubled down on Essendon’s youth emphasis, but added plenty of excitement heading into the new season.<\/p>\n

Fremantle<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.5 years (11th)
Average Games:\u00a067.2 games (13th)
30 or older:\u00a05<\/p>\n

The Dockers were relatively quiet over the off-season, but could have added some critical parts to their line-up as they look to return to September.<\/p>\n

Judd McVee<\/a> and Mason Cox<\/a> will come in handy throughout 2026, but the inclusion of some exciting draftees, coupled with the retirement of Nat Fyfe<\/a> and Michael Walters<\/a>, does leave the club in the bottom half of the competition in terms of age and experience.<\/p>\n

Geelong<\/p>\n

Average Age: 25.5 years (4th)
Average Games:\u00a089.3 games (3rd)
30 or older:\u00a09<\/p>\n

After a grand final loss, the Cats looked to welcome fresh faces but failed to do so, excluding James Worpel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They lost Mitch Duncan<\/a> and Cam Guthrie over the summer months and flicked around youthful talent for incoming draftees.<\/p>\n

Gold Coast<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.2 years (15th)
Average Games:\u00a063.9 games (15th)
30 or older:\u00a06<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, the Suns sit bottom four for average age and experience, which is a scary thought.<\/p>\n

A finals appearance and subsequent win, combined with the addition of Christian Petracca<\/a>, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan<\/a> and a host of first-round selections, could see Damien Hardwick’s group climb further into September.<\/p>\n

However, they were forced to part ways with stalwarts of the club, such as Brayden Fiorini<\/a>, Ben Ainsworth<\/a>, Sam Flanders<\/a>, Connor Budarick<\/a> and Malcolm Rosas<\/a> Jr.<\/p>\n

GWS<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.4 years (12th)
Average Games:\u00a077 games (7th)
30 or older:\u00a07<\/p>\n

The Giants lost plenty in experience following club legend Callan Ward’s retirement, while Lachlan Keeffe<\/a> will be sorely missed.<\/p>\n

However, Clayton Oliver<\/a> and Jayden Laverde’s arrival immediately adds much-needed pieces to Adam Kingsley’s puzzle.<\/p>\n

\"Jayden-Laverde-and-Clayton-Oliver-at-GWS-training-on-November-24-2025.-Picture-Phil-Hillyard\"<\/p>\n

Hawthorn<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.4 years (13th)
Average Games:\u00a071.4 games (12th)
30 or older:\u00a05<\/p>\n

A quieter off-season for Hawthorn’s standards, who dealt with trying to land Zach Merrett<\/a>, Oscar Allen<\/a> and briefly Christian Petracca<\/a>, all of which failed.<\/p>\n

They lost James Worpel<\/a>, Changkuoth Jiath<\/a> and Jai Serong<\/a> to rivals, while retirement called for Luke Bruest and Sam Frost<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Melbourne<\/p>\n

Average Age: 25.6 years (3rd)
Average Games:\u00a080.8 games (5th)
30 or older:\u00a012<\/p>\n

The Demons added some experience to Steven King’s line-up, notably in the form of Jack Steele<\/a> and Brody Mihocek<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Clayton Oliver<\/a> and Christian Petracca<\/a> were the big outs, as were Charlie Spargo<\/a>, Judd McVee<\/a> and Jack Billings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

North Melbourne<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.2 years (14th)
Average Games:\u00a072 games (11th)
30 or older:\u00a04<\/p>\n

The Kangaroos focused on positional needs and landed some small forwards, albeit on the youthful side.<\/p>\n

They did lose a host of depth players to delistings, such as Will Phillips<\/a> and Eddie Ford<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.6 years (9th)
Average Games:\u00a064.9 games (14th)
30 or older:\u00a04<\/p>\n

The Power’s four additions were all mature-age players, and could help springboard Josh Carr’s first season in charge towards the top 10.<\/p>\n

Travis Boak<\/a> is a big departure, as is Willie Rioli<\/a>, Rory Atkins<\/a>, Ryan Burton<\/a> and Jeremy Finlayson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"SYDNEY,SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Travis Boak of the Power looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Port Adelaide Power at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson\/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
\nRichmond<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024 years (16th)
Average Games:\u00a058.7 games (17th)
30 or older:\u00a06<\/p>\n

Another strong focus on top-end draft talents, the Tigers compounded on their 2024 intake with two selections inside the first eight.<\/p>\n

Premiership utility Kamdyn McIntosh<\/a> wasn’t offered a new contract, as Tylar Young<\/a> took one at West Coast.<\/p>\n

But understandably, Adem Yze<\/a> is still dealing with an incredibly young and inexperienced list.<\/p>\n

St Kilda<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.5 years (10th)
Average Games:\u00a076.2 games (8th)
30 or older:\u00a07<\/p>\n

The Saints’ aggressive off-season tactics were well documented, and resulted in acquiring Tom De Koning<\/a>, Jack Silvagni<\/a>, Sam Flanders<\/a> and Liam Ryan<\/a>. All of which should contribute to the club’s finals aspirations.<\/p>\n

However, left on the outer were skipper Jack Steele<\/a> and Max Heath<\/a>, as Zaine Cordy<\/a> and Zak Jones<\/a> weren’t offered another opportunity.<\/p>\n

Sydney<\/p>\n

Average Age: 25.1 years (5th)
Average Games:\u00a084.9 games (4th)
30 or older:\u00a06<\/p>\n

Charlie Curnow<\/a> was the biggest name to move clubs after 2025, and the Swans cashed in, albeit trumping up a hefty price.<\/p>\n

\"MELBOURNE,MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Charlie Curnow poses after being traded to Sydney during a Sydney Swans media opportunity in South Melbourne on October 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson\/AFL Photos via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Sydney also collected a mix of talent via the draft, as well as Jai Serong<\/a> from Hawthorn, who struggled to break into the senior side despite showcasing some immense strengths.<\/p>\n

The bold moves did result in club stalwarts Ollie Florent and Will Hayward<\/a> leaving, as did emerging forward Jack Buller<\/a>.<\/p>\n

West Coast<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a023.6 years (18th)
Average Games:\u00a054.1 games (18th)
30 or older:\u00a03<\/p>\n

The Eagles welcomed a strong blend of youth and experience, but were largely aided by their draft hand.<\/p>\n

Multiple first-round selections saw five prospects taken, along with experienced heads Brandon Starcevich<\/a> and Tylar Young<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The AFL’s assistance package also contributed to landing delisted midfielders Finlay Macrae<\/a>, Deven Robertson<\/a> and Harry Schoenberg<\/a>.<\/p>\n

West Coast did lose co-captain Oscar Allen<\/a>, Liam Ryan<\/a> and Campbell Chesser<\/a> to rivals, as retirement came calling for Jeremy McGovern<\/a> and Dom Sheed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Western Bulldogs<\/p>\n

Average Age:\u00a024.9 years (8th)
Average Games:\u00a073.4 games (10th)
30 or older:\u00a05<\/p>\n

Some very notable names left the Whitten Oval following the 2025 season, but none bigger than Jamarra Ugle-Hagan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Premiership players Taylor Duryea<\/a> and Jason Johannisen<\/a> exited the Bulldogs along with Liam Jones<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Connor Budarick<\/a> from Gold Coast was the most experienced inclusion as the Bulldogs drafted three young talents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 age and experience rankings are here ahead of the upcoming AFL\u00a0season. After securing a second consecutive…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":390432,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-390431","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-afl","8":"tag-afl","9":"tag-au","10":"tag-australia","11":"tag-australian-football-league","12":"tag-australianfootballleague","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=390431"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390431\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/390432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=390431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=390431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=390431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}