The All-Australian team is a highly anticipated annual event in the Australian Football League (AFL), recognizing the top players from the previous season. This year, the team is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of established stars and emerging talents, with a few surprises along the way. Here's a deep dive into the early 2026 All-Australian team, complete with personal commentary and analysis.
Defenders
The backline is a mix of familiar names and emerging stars. James Sicily and Harris Andrews are two of the most reliable tall stoppers, with Andrews currently ranked as the highest-rated key defender in the competition. Nick Blakey, meanwhile, is a rebounding flair with an ability to play taller, currently sitting as the highest-rated defender overall. Jack Sinclair and Tom McCartin are the designated ball-users coming out of the back half, with McCartin looking for his first All-Australian blazer.
One thing that stands out is the importance of consistency and reliability in the backline. Andrews and Sicily are two of the most consistent performers, which is crucial for a team's success. Blakey, on the other hand, brings a unique rebounding flair to the team, which is a valuable asset.
Midfielders
The midfield is a fascinating mix of established stars and emerging talents. Bailey Smith, Isaac Heeney, and Jordan Dawson are all dual threats, with Heeney currently ranked as the competition's best. Heeney's ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates is a key strength, and his partnership with Errol will only enhance his impact.
Dawson, meanwhile, has been a standout performer this year, not only on the field but also off it. His courage and determination in the face of personal challenges are truly admirable. Smith, while sometimes questioned for his ball use, is a territory player with an impeccable work rate, sitting first for metres gained at an average of 32.7 disposals per game.
Forwards
The forwards are a mix of power and versatility. Shai Bolton, Josh Treacy, and Nick Watson are all key forwards, with Treacy currently ranked as the top player in his position. Treacy's ability to perform at an unparalleled level this year is a testament to his skill and consistency. Watson, meanwhile, has taken his game to a scary new level in his third year, currently sitting as the highest-rated forward in the AFL.
Kysaiah Pickett and Jeremy Cameron are also key players in the forward line, with Pickett expanding his game from small forward to midfield machine. Cameron, a 35-year-old, continues to do incredible things, currently leading the competition for marks inside-50 and averaging 7.8 score involvements.
Followers
The followers are a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Max Gawn, Marcus Bontempelli, and Zak Butters are all key players, with Gawn currently ranked as the game's number one ruckman. Bontempelli, meanwhile, is a daunting combination with Butters, currently sitting behind only Heeney as the game's highest-rated player this year.
Gawn's brilliance and longevity are evident in his player rating, which has only improved since 2019. Bontempelli's average of 5.23 coaches' votes per game is a testament to his impact on the field, and Butters' 50 coaches' votes already this year prove his unfazed approach to his playing future.
Interchange
The interchange is a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Luke Jackson, Nick Daicos, Christian Petracca, Chad Warner, and Lachie Ash are all key players, with Daicos currently sitting on the interchange due to his disposal efficiency. Despite his questionable disposal at times, Daicos has won the most coaches' votes in the competition, averaging over 30 disposals and a goal per game.
Jackson, Petracca, Warner, and Ash are all dual threats, with Petracca currently second for score involvements among midfielders and Warner averaging 1.3 goals per game. Ash, meanwhile, is one of the game's preeminent rebounders, averaging 30 disposals per game this year.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few notable players who missed out on a spot in the team, including Brodie Grundy, Clayton Oliver, Jai Newcombe, Ed Richards, Callum Wilkie, Wayne Milera, Bodhi Uwland, and Justin McInerney.
Grundy, despite his close competition with Gawn, is a key player who narrowly missed out. Oliver and Newcombe, while having tremendous clearance seasons, are dual-threat midfielders who just missed the cut. Richards, while right up there for player rating, hasn't quite had the campaign he had last year.
In conclusion, the early 2026 All-Australian team is a fascinating blend of established stars and emerging talents, with a few surprises along the way. The team showcases a mix of consistency, versatility, and rebounding flair, with a few key players standing out for their impact on the field and off it. As the season progresses, the team will evolve, and the final All-Australian team will be a true reflection of the best players in the AFL.
