Here's a thrilling look at the 18 AFL clubs gearing up for the 2026 season, with a focus on the Round 1 bolters and new faces in new places. Get ready for some intense match simulations and exciting new tactics! But here's where it gets controversial... Some clubs are just days away from the real deal, and the pre-season games will give fans their first glimpse of new strategies and players. And this is the part most people miss... Don't miss out on the action! Watch the 2026 AFL pre-season match sims and AAMI Community Series LIVE and ad-break free on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports. Now, let's dive into the clubs and their key players:
Adelaide Crows
- Key Players: Callum Ah Chee, Lachlan McAndrew, Josh Rachele
- Match Simulation: Play Port Adelaide on Friday, February 20 at 6 pm (AEDT)
- What to Watch: Keep an eye on the ruck dynamics and the integration of Cal Ah Chee into the side.
Brisbane Lions
- Key Players: Charlie Cameron, Hugh McCluggage, Keidean Coleman
- Match Simulation: Play Carlton on Wednesday, February 18 at 6 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will beloved running defender Keidean Coleman stay healthy and what role will he play?
Carlton
- Key Players: Patrick Cripps, Jacob Weitering, Jagga Smith
- Match Simulation: Play Brisbane on Wednesday, February 18 at 6 pm (AEDT)
- Thought-Provoking Question: Will the new-looking forward line, with recruits Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth, be a success?
Collingwood
- Key Players: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Charlie West
- Match Simulation: Play GWS Giants on Friday, February 20 at 11 am (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Which emerging Pies can grasp their opportunities?
Essendon
- Key Players: Zach Merrett, Jacob Farrow, Dyson Sharp
- Match Simulation: Play Richmond on Friday, February 20 at 10:30 am (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will free agency acquisition Brayden Fiorini live up to the hype?
Fremantle
- Key Players: Shai Bolton, Jordan Clark, Luke Jackson
- Match Simulation: Play West Coast Eagles on Saturday, February 21 at 12 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will Luke Jackson play as a pure midfielder this year?
Geelong Cats
- Key Players: Patrick Dangerfield, Max Holmes, Lawson Humphries
- Match Simulation: Play Hawthorn on Monday, February 16 at 1:45 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the Cats' ruck set-up, without Rowan Marshall, be a conundrum?
Gold Coast Suns
- Key Players: Noah Anderson, Sam Collins, Ben King
- Match Simulation: Play St Kilda on Thursday, February 19 at 7:45 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan live up to the hype?
GWS Giants
- Key Players: Lachie Ash, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene
- Match Simulation: Play Collingwood on Friday, February 20 at 11 am (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will Tom Green's serious knee injury impact the Giants' premiership chances?
Hawthorn
- Key Players: Tom Barrass, Josh Battle, Nick Watson
- Match Simulation: Play Geelong on Monday, February 16 at 1:45 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the Hokball rascal pack live up to the hype?
Melbourne
- Key Players: Max Gawn, Kysaiah Pickett, Trent Rivers
- Match Simulation: Play North Melbourne on Friday, February 20 at 4:30 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will Caleb Windsor's development live up to the hype?
North Melbourne
- Key Players: Finn O'Sullivan, Harry Sheezel, Tom Powell
- Match Simulation: Play Melbourne on Friday, February 20 at 4:30 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the new-look midfield, with Harry Sheezel, live up to the hype?
Port Adelaide
- Key Players: Zak Butters, Mitch Georgiades, Connor Rozee
- Match Simulation: Play Adelaide on Friday, February 20 at 6 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will Connor Rozee's move to half-back be a success?
Richmond
- Key Players: Nathan Broad, Sam Grlj, Sam Cumming
- Match Simulation: Play Essendon on Friday, February 20 at 10:30 am (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will trade recruit Pat Retschko make an impact on a wing?
St Kilda
- Key Players: Bradley Hill, Jack Sinclair, Tom De Koning
- Match Simulation: Play Gold Coast on Thursday, February 19 at 7:45 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the Saints' new names, like Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, live up to the hype?
Sydney Swans
- Key Players: Charlie Curnow, Chad Warner, Malcolm Rosas
- Match Simulation: Play Western Bulldogs on Thursday, February 19 at 2 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will Charlie Curnow's move to Sydney be a success?
West Coast Eagles
- Key Players: Liam Baker, Jake Waterman, Harley Reid
- Match Simulation: Play Fremantle on Saturday, February 21 at 12 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the Eagles' new-look midfield, with Tom McCarthy, live up to the hype?
Western Bulldogs
- Key Players: Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Tim English
- Match Simulation: Play Sydney on Thursday, February 19 at 2 pm (AEDT)
- Controversial Point: Will the Bulldogs' defense, a sore point last year, improve?
Get ready for an exciting 2026 AFL season! Who will rise to the challenge and who will fall short? Stay tuned for more thrilling match simulations and keep an eye out for the controversial points that will spark debate among fans. Don't forget to voice your agreement or disagreement in the comments!
