The wait is over! The 2026 season is officially on the horizon as players lace up their boots and hit the track for pre-season training. But here’s where it gets exciting: just 44 days after Brisbane’s triumphant Grand Final victory over Geelong, the grind begins anew. Monday marked the first day of pre-season for first-to-fourth-year players at clubs that missed out on the 2025 finals—a fresh start for those hungry to prove themselves. And this is the part most people miss: in the next two weeks, the landscape will shift dramatically as the Telstra AFL Draft (November 19-20) introduces a wave of new talent to the mix. Will these fresh faces be the game-changers their teams need? Or will they face an uphill battle in a league known for its relentless competition? Below, catch a glimpse of the pre-season action already underway—a sneak peek into the sweat, strategy, and determination fueling the next chapter of AFL. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With the draft looming, how much of a team’s success is built on seasoned veterans versus the potential of untested rookies? Share your take in the comments—this debate is far from settled!
