Which outsiders are prepared to step into a full time role at your club in 2026?<\/p>\n
From players yet to debut to the stars of tomorrow waiting for their opportunity, these are the players we believe have made the most of their pre-season hit outs, ready to break into the senior side over the course of this season.<\/p>\n
Citing training reports, inside word and club needs, SEN.com.au has pieced together a list of relatively untried guns at your club that could reach a new level!<\/p>\n
Luke Nankervis<\/p>\n
After floating between roles in 2025, Nankervis has his eyes set on a permanent gig in the Crows’ back 50 this season.<\/p>\n
And by all reports, he might achieve just that, working tirelessly over pre-season to put on size and perfect his craft ahead of a crucial year for the 22-year-old.<\/p>\n
Standing at 189cm with an impressive tank and athleticism to match, Nankervis could elevate to permanent status within the Crows’ minor premiership defence.<\/p>\n
Hugh Bond has also impressed signifcantly over pre-season, earning co-signs from the club’s defensive cohort as he looks to build on his five appearances in 2025.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Daniel Annable<\/p>\n
Brisbane\u2019s best 23 is undoubtably the hardest for anyone to \u2018bolt\u2019 into, but pick No. 6 from last year\u2019s draft Daniel Annable is putting his best foot forward.<\/p>\n
The Lions already have a super strong on-ball unit, so if the Brisbane Academy graduate gets any kind of game time early, he\u2019ll be well and truly up to the level.<\/p>\n
Having won the flag despite so many injury woes last season, Brisbane\u2019s fresh faces are more those returning from health issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Keidean Coleman is set to return off the half-back flank, which could help push Jaspa Fletcher up the ground, while Noah Answerth is also every chance to play early after recovering from an Achilles injury.<\/p>\n
While Brandon Starcevich departed, the Lions won\u2019t be concerned about their backline depth with those two in the frame for selection.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Geleit<\/p>\n
Billy Wilson<\/p>\n
Featuring four times for the Blues at the back-end of 2025, Wilson has all the attributes necessary to cement a spot in Carlton’s back half.<\/p>\n
A pacey back flanker with elite ball use, Wilson accumulated 20+ disposals in all of his last 10 VFL hitouts before earning the call-up for the Blues’ final three home and away games. Racking up 19 disposals and nine marks in Round 24, Wilson’s potential was finally on show at the top level.<\/p>\n
By all reports, Wilson has set pre-season alight at the Blues, earning the nod of SEN’s own David King following his excursion to IKON Park.<\/p>\n
Third round pick Talor Byrne will certainly put his name up for selection, eyeing off a small forward role left vacant by the injured Jesse Motlop, while twin father-son prospects Ben and Lucas Camporeale have continued to impress as they work towards consistent top level football.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Tyan Prindable<\/p>\n
Pick No. 32 in last year\u2019s draft, Prindable has been a standout across the pre-season bolter for the Magpies.<\/p>\n
A tough inside midfielder from Brisbane\u2019s Academy, Prindable hasn\u2019t looked out of place across the summer, and should a spot open up in Collingwood\u2019s engine room, he won\u2019t die wondering.<\/p>\n
Fellow draftee Sam Swadling is also clearly a ball magnet with AFL traits. But perhaps the Magpies will let both he and Prindable develop in the VFL early on with Angus Anderson a more mature option should they look to bolster their midfield with new blood.<\/p>\n
Charlie West dominated some VFL footy last year as he managed to earn an AFL debut. He\u2019s now pushing for a more permanent role in the key forward role vacated by Brody Mihocek.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Geleit<\/p>\n
Jayden Nguyen<\/p>\n
After a handful of games late last season, Jayden Nguyen looks set to make senior football a common occurrence in 2026.<\/p>\n
The Category B rookie out of the James Hird Next Gen Academy has impressed with his speed and toughness over summer.<\/p>\n
Nguyen will be intent on continuing his strong pre-season form as he goes about locking down a lockdown defensive role.<\/p>\n
Lachie Blakiston, who was taken in the mid-season draft, featured in 11 games last year primarily as a defender so he doesn\u2019t exactly scream bolter.<\/p>\n
But Blakiston is set to bolt into the main ruck role until Nick Bryan is fit and ready to go. Or he may just hold down the spot himself.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n
Cooper Simpson<\/p>\n
Another best 23 that is stacked, it\u2019ll be fairly hard for any debutants to crack this Fremantle side early.<\/p>\n
One youngster though who could begin to make a name for himself is 5-gamer Cooper Simpson who could feature in a small\/medium defender role.<\/p>\n
The Dockers rate the 20-year-old and there\u2019s no doubt he\u2019s ready for senior football.<\/p>\n
His issue is perhaps the inclusion of Judd McVee in the trade period from Melbourne, with the former Demon seemingly a best 23 lock should he remain fit.<\/p>\n
If Luke Jackson features as a midfielder in 2026, which he has done often at training, that could open the door for Mason Cox to feature as a second-ruck alongside Sean Darcy.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Geleit<\/p>\n
Mitch Edwards<\/p>\n
Geelong ruckman Mitch Edwards is looking like the potential answer for an area of the ground that hasn\u2019t been the Cats\u2019 strongest in recent years.<\/p>\n
Entering his third pre-season without playing an AFL game, Edwards has reportedly taken huge strides this summer and now looms as someone who could push Rhys Stanley for that No. 1 ruck role, particularly with Toby Conway injured.<\/p>\n
Still, don\u2019t be surprised if Chris Scott goes with utility Mark Blicavs in the ruck instead, allowing Edwards to develop in the VFL for a little longer.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Geleit<\/p>\n
Oscar Adams<\/p>\n
The seventh pick in the 2025 mid-season draft, Oscar Adams has endured his first pre-season under the Gold Coast sun as he prepares to lock up a spot in the Suns’ defensive unit.<\/p>\n
Featuring in all of Gold Coast’s final eight fixtures of the 2025 season, Adams was quick to adapt to Hardwick’s structure, playing a key defensive role alongside Sam Collins and Mac Andrew.<\/p>\n
At just 22 years of age, Adams has plenty of room to develop, poised for a key role in the young Suns’ future.<\/p>\n
Early academy pick Leo Lombard will also look to lock down a spot in the senior side, featuring just four times in his rookie season despite carrying immense potential.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Jack Ough<\/p>\n
The 36th pick from the 2024 draft, Jack Ough, is yet to play at AFL level but could make his senior debut very early this season.<\/p>\n
Last year he played in the VFL with a sore shoulder prior to undergoing a reconstruction late last season, but he\u2019s put together a solid pre-season and is ready to step up to senior footy.<\/p>\n
Ough is a tough, big-bodied inside mid who has plenty of competition for spots ahead of him. He could play early if Clayton Oliver\u2019s calf injury keeps him out.<\/p>\n
Ollie Hannaford is putting his best foot forward but has plenty of opposition in the small forward stakes.<\/p>\n
He dealt with wrist and adductor injuries last year but has trained strongly over summer and is eyeing an AFL debut.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n
Aidan Schubert<\/p>\n
The Hawthorn 23 appears fairly well set but there could be a few who bob up on a needs basis.<\/p>\n
Just in case Jack Gunston, touch wood, were to miss some footy, or if Mitch Lewis has a setback there will be a key forward waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n
Aidan Schubert, Pick 23 in the 2025 draft, is a \u201cbeauty\u201d in the words of gun footy analyst and keen track watcher David King.<\/p>\n
The Hawks shouldn\u2019t be too concerned at the other end either.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s say Josh Battle cops an injury, there\u2019s a 2024 draftee named Noah Mraz who is there to cover.<\/p>\n
From a positional perspective, Connor Macdonald can bolt straight into the midfield vacancy left by another Will Day injury. But we already know that he is a genuine first-team player.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n
Andy Moniz-Wakefield<\/p>\n
Breaking into the senior setup in 2024, Moniz-Wakefield’s pre-season ACL injury ruled him out for the entire 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Now, eyeing off a Round 1 return, the speedy back-flanker could see himself well and truly in the mix to solidify his place amongst the new-look Demons lineup.<\/p>\n
While he is yet to compete in a full match sim, Moniz-Wakefield’s cameos in ’24 hold him in high regard at the club, with hopes of turning heads across the season.<\/p>\n
Matthew Jefferson’s three-goal haul in the Dees’ intraclub praccy holds him in great stead for a spot in their opening side, while key position player Luker Kentfield will also remain in the mix to leap into senior football in 2026.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Luke Urquhart<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old from East Fremantle has certainly taken his opportunities over the pre-season.<\/p>\n
Lining up within the Roos’ midfield group in match sim, Urquhart was noted as a standout, collecting plenty of touch and hitting the scoreboard while manning none other than Harry Sheezel.<\/p>\n
Yet to break into the senior setup, the former Pick 57 will look to step into an inside mid role over the course of 2026.<\/p>\n
Top athlete Josh Goater will also look to be a difference-maker as he approaches a full return from an unfortunate ACL injury.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Jack Watkins<\/p>\n
SANFL Team of the Year midfielder and Port Adelaide SANFL Best and Fairest, Watkins has earnt his right to debut at AFL level.<\/p>\n
Selected out of the Rookie Draft ahead of the 2025 season, the former North Melbourne VFL star set the second tier alight in his debut season in South Australia.<\/p>\n
At 25 years of age, Watkins should find himself a place in the senior side within 2026, with hopes of a rotational spot far from a distant dream.<\/p>\n
Harrison Ramm could also earn a spot in the Power’s defensive unit after a promising pre-season.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Patrick Retschko<\/p>\n
Not much was made of Richmond\u2019s deadline day dealings with Geelong for Patrick Retschko.<\/p>\n
The Tigers quietly parted with Pick 99 for the uncapped rookie draftee who they had shown interest in previously.<\/p>\n
It could be a cheeky good move from all reports with Retschko pushing for a starting spot on the wing with his strong running ability.<\/p>\n
Defender Campbell Gray is also plotting his way into Adem Yze\u2019s Tigers side.<\/p>\n
But he\u2019s up against Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Ben Miller, Nathan Broad, Josh Gibcus and Luke Trainor for a starting spot in defence.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n
Jack Carroll<\/p>\n
Can this former Carlton product find his feet at AFL level?<\/p>\n
Trialled in an advanced role over pre-season, Carroll could find himself playing higher up the ground this season, shifting from his traditional midfield role.<\/p>\n
And it could be the move that delivers the consistency the 23-year-old needs.<\/p>\n
Another former Blue, Paddy Dow will hope for a healthy season that could spell out a highly anticipated return to senior footy.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Will Edwards<\/p>\n
An inconspicuous candidate for Sydney is mature-age defender Will Edwards.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has been biding his time since he was selected in the 2022 rookie draft but now looks ready for regular senior footy.<\/p>\n
Edwards has been at times training one on one against prized recruit Charlie Curnow and will be pushing for a key defensive post in 2026.<\/p>\n
Angus Sheldrick played 20 games last season so cannot be classed as a bolter but one thing he could do is force his way into the Sydney midfield.<\/p>\n
He is ready to join Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and Errol Gulden as a more recognised midfielder.<\/p>\n
Harry Kyle, last year’s Pick 14, looks the best of the draftees and Patrick Snell could be reday to break into the senior side.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n
Clay Hall<\/p>\n
13 games in 2025, Clay Hall flirted with a fully fledged breakout within his second season at the top level. His third could deliver in spades.<\/p>\n
A tough, hard running midfielder, Hall has worked to alter his game over the break, moving out to the wing to accomodate for the Eagles’ plethora of new midfielders.<\/p>\n
With the likes of Harry Schoenberg, Finlay Macrae, Deven Robertson and – of course – Willem Duursma joining the club, Hall’s reinvention could land him a permanent place in the Eagles 23.<\/p>\n
19-year-old Hamish Davis has also impressed, while mature-aged recruit Fred Rodriguez could also earn a debut in 2026.<\/p>\n
Jaiden Sciberras<\/p>\n
Lachie Jaques<\/p>\n
Lachie Jaques is looking to make a rebounding defensive position his own in 2026.<\/p>\n
Keen track watcher David King reckons Jaques \u201clooks ready to take a big leap\u201d as a \u201cquality user\u201d out of the backline for the Dogs this year.<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old out of the 2024 draft (Pick 29) put together a fairly strong season as Footscray won the VFL flag in 2025. He looks ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n
Michael Sellwood could hold down a defensive post for the Doggies.<\/p>\n
The mid-season rookie selection out of Peel Thunder was excellent in the back half of the VFL season and is pressing his case for an AFL debut.<\/p>\n
Andrew Slevison<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Which outsiders are prepared to step into a full time role at your club in 2026? From players…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":460922,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,85],"class_list":["post-460921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-afl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460921","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=460921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460921\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/460922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=460921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=460921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=460921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}