As the 2026 AFL season heats up, it's time to take a critical look at the clubs that need to make significant changes to stay in the premiership mix. While some teams are flying high, others are struggling to find their footing. In my opinion, the key to success lies in addressing specific areas of weakness, and I'll be offering my insights on what each club should focus on.
Adelaide Crows: Scoring Woes
The Crows' scoring issues are a cause for concern. Ranked 10th for points per game and scores per forward-50m entry, they've dropped from third and fourth place last season. Their kick-to-handball ratio has favored kicking too much, and Ben Keays' role as a deep forward has been questionable. Riley Thilthorpe needs to step up and get moving. I think the Crows need to re-evaluate their forward strategy and consider a more balanced approach, perhaps focusing on improving their inside 50s and creating more scoring opportunities.
Brisbane Lions: Midfield Impact
The Lions' co-captain, Josh Dunkley, hasn't been living up to his potential. Averaging fewer disposals, contested possessions, and clearances than in previous seasons, he's struggling to make the same impact. I believe the Lions need to find a way to get Dunkley back on track and ensure he's contributing more to the team's midfield dominance. Perhaps a tweak in his role or a change in strategy could help.
Carlton Blues: Stoppage Dependence
The Blues' over-reliance on scoring from stoppages is a critical issue. With more than 50% of their score coming from this source, they're well above the league average. I think Michael Voss needs to work on diversifying their scoring options and finding a more sustainable approach. The inability to close out games is also a concern, and they need to find a way to improve their final-quarter performances.
Collingwood Magpies: Inside 50 Struggles
The Magpies are facing challenges inside attacking 50m, ranking 16th for scoring and goals. Jamie Elliott's lack of production has been a growing concern, but his performance against the Blues was a welcome sight. I believe the Magpies need to focus on improving their inside 50s and finding a more consistent scoring threat. Defender Jeremy Howe could be a game-changer if the goalkicking issues persist.
Essendon Bombers: Boldness and Defensive Philosophy
The Bombers need to maintain their boldness and keep taking the game on. Their revised defensive philosophy has been helpful, and the poise and class of Jacob Farrow are impressive. I think they should continue to push the boundaries and find a way to balance their attacking and defensive strategies. The return of Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett to form is also a positive sign.
Fremantle Dockers: Rucks and Big-Game Mentality
The Dockers need to determine whether the Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson ruck combination is the best way forward. Darcy's fitness issues and cumbersome look against Collingwood were concerning. I believe they should focus on finding a more consistent and effective ruck partnership. Additionally, the Dockers need to develop a big-game mentality, as they've fallen short in recent seasons. This is a slow burn, but with the right strategy, they can turn things around.
Geelong Cats: Keeping Dangerfield Fit
The Cats are well-placed, but they need to keep Patrick Dangerfield fit and fresh. The ageing champion is still a match-winner, but his age and the need to stay fresh are concerns. Shaun Mannagh's improved performance is a positive sign, and they should focus on maintaining their scoring prowess and turnover differential advantage.
Gold Coast Suns: Anderson's Return and Petracca's Health
The Suns need to get skipper Noah Anderson purring when he returns from his appendix removal. His hard-running midfield role is crucial, and his average disposals and clearances need to improve. Additionally, they should hope Christian Petracca remains healthy, as his presence is vital to their success. The Suns' performance will be a true test when they face the Hawks in Launceston on Anzac Day.
GWS Giants: Injury Woes
The Giants are a worry, and their injury woes need to be addressed. The return of key players like Jack Buckley, Brent Daniels, Toby Bedford, and Aaron Cadman was a positive, but Cadman's concussive injury is a concern. Jake Stringer's quad injury and Daniels' rest also highlight the need for a healthier squad. I think the Giants should focus on injury prevention and player management.
Hawthorn Hawks: Centre-Bounce Clearances
The Hawks have been outscored by 4.3 points per game from centre-bounce clearances, ranking 15th. They were fourth last season, so this is a significant drop. I believe Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek should focus on improving their centre-bounce dominance and finding a way to regain their previous form. The injury absence of Will Day and the trade miss on Merrett are also factors to consider.
Melbourne Demons: Stoppage Struggles and Balance
The Demons have been a feel-good story, but they still have work to do. They've struggled at stoppages, conceding more than 40 points per game from this area. I think they need to find a better balance in contested possession differential and improve their ground-ball gets. Their attacking style has them in the finals hunt, but a more sustainable approach is needed.
North Melbourne Kangaroos: Inside 50 Differential
The Kangaroos have enjoyed a strong start to the season, but they need to address their inside 50 differential. Conceding 35.7 points per game from clearances, ranked 15th, is a concern. I believe Alastair Clarkson should focus on improving their defensive strategy and finding a way to regain their previous form. Their negative inside-50 differential is an area for improvement.
Port Adelaide Power: Mindset and Rebuild
The Power need to adopt a full rebuild and change their mindset. Conceding scores from almost 50% of opposition inside 50s and struggling with stoppages are significant issues. I think Kane Cornes' call for a rebuild is valid, and the club should focus on a long-term strategy. The new coach, Josh Carr, needs to address these concerns and find a way to turn things around.
Richmond Tigers: Alarm Bells Everywhere
The Tigers' woes are alarming, with defeats by large margins and a ranking last for points scored and scores from clearance differential. I believe Adem Yze needs to address the team's overall strategy and find a way to improve their performance. The long injury list and rebuilding process are factors, but the club should focus on finding a more consistent and effective approach.
St Kilda Saints: Defending Turnovers and De Koning's Impact
The Saints need to address their defending turnovers, conceding 58.2 points per game. They also need to find a way to manage the impact of Tom De Koning, whose addition has had a significant effect on Rowan Marshall. I think they should focus on improving their defensive strategy and finding a way to balance their attack and defense.
Sydney Swans: Curnow's Delivery and Big-Game Mentality
Charlie Curnow remains a key watch, and the Swans need to find a way to get him back to his best. His history of knee and ankle issues is a concern, and the club should focus on his recovery. Additionally, the Swans need to develop a big-game mentality, as they've fallen short in recent seasons. Dean Cox should work on finding a more consistent and effective approach.
West Coast Eagles: Defensive Struggles and Reid's Frustration
The Eagles have gone backwards defensively, conceding a competition-high 116.2 points. Harley Reid's frustration is evident as rivals target him. I believe Andrew McQualter needs to address their defensive strategy and find a way to improve their performance. The catch-up with Luke Hodge is expected to provide some guidance.
Western Bulldogs: Key Injuries and Coaching Uncertainty
The Bulldogs have suffered key injuries, including Sam Darcy's ACL tear and Tim English's knee injury. Coach Luke Beveridge is unsure when English will return, and the club needs to find a quick fix. James O'Donnell and Tom Liberatore's injuries are also concerns. I think the Bulldogs should focus on injury prevention and player management.
AFL Scheduling: A Poor Call
The AFL's scheduling of a Friday night double-header in Geelong and Sydney was a poor call. The clash of game times made it even more bewildering, and the league should reconsider its approach. The Giants and Swans deserve a standalone clash, and there are many available slots for games. I believe the AFL should prioritize creating a more balanced and enjoyable schedule for fans.
Last-Touch Rule Relaxation: A Necessary Change
It's time to relax the last-touch rule when the ball goes out of bounds between the arcs. The video checks to confirm whether a ball has flicked a toe and gone out of bounds are excruciating. I believe the decision should be left to the field and boundary umpires, who can make a call based on their judgment. This change would improve the flow of the game and reduce unnecessary delays.
In conclusion, the 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable journey. Each club faces unique challenges, and addressing these issues will be crucial to their success. From scoring woes to defensive struggles, each team has areas for improvement, and I believe with the right strategy and focus, they can turn things around. The AFL landscape is ever-changing, and the clubs that adapt and evolve will be the ones to watch in the coming months.
