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<\/a><\/p>\nIt’s that time of year when crystal balling and theorising are at their most frequent ahead of a new AFL<\/a> season.<\/p>\n What are some storylines to look out for in 2026? Who are the people set to shape the coming campaign?<\/p>\n We’ve listed 26 bold predictions for the 2026 AFL<\/a> season…<\/p>\n 1Tassie land big fish to support Buckley\u00a0<\/p>\n The Devils, and the AFL<\/a>, have been staunch in their assertion that the early years of this expansion will not be reminiscent of the cursed inadequacy that the Gold Coast Suns<\/a> and GWS Giants<\/a> put forth in their respective infancies.<\/p>\n The club’s appointments to date have been sterling, headlined by the salient appointment of Brendon Gale as CEO. Given that most believe the head coaching vacancy is Nathan Buckley’s, smart money says another coaching veteran will be brought in to support him in a director of coaching or general manager of football capacity.<\/p>\n Expect someone of the Adam Simpson<\/a>, John Longmire<\/a> or Ken Hinkley ilk to be announced as this support person at some junction of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
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