Saints need answers, not excuses, after shaky 2026 start
St Kilda's failure to win critical moments in opening losses to Collingwood and Melbourne reveals coaching and decision-making problems that could define their season.
Collingwood's forward line crisis demands more than defensive excellence
McRae's Magpies cannot score. With key forwards struggling after Adelaide loss, structural problems at the club threaten season prospects.
Perth's Fork in the Road: Dockers Peak, Eagles Climb Begins
Two Perth AFL clubs face opposite 2026 challenges: Fremantle chases a premiership window, West Coast builds toward 2027 finals contention.
King backs Pickett's Darwin dash as Demons build new culture
Steven King approves Kysaiah Pickett's personal leave to Darwin, signalling a new approach to player welfare at Melbourne ahead of 2026 season.
Voss: Docherty's outburst is how Carlton defeats itself
Michael Voss links Sam Docherty's criticism to deeper problem at Carlton after 63-point Sydney loss in Opening Round.
How the AFL's quiet bench rule became footy's biggest tactical shift
The removal of the substitute and fifth interchange player addition is changing how coaches manage elite players, with early 2026 results showing veterans thriving.
Can the Lions Make History? Brisbane Faces 17-Team Challenge for Three-Peat
The 2026 AFL season opens with Brisbane chasing a historic three-peat against 17 hungry challengers. Will the Lions make history?
Dennis Cometti, Voice of Australian Sport, Dies Aged 76
Dennis Cometti, Australia's most celebrated sports broadcaster and 11-time AFMA Caller of the Year, has died aged 76 after a battle with illness.
New rules, new finals: Everything changing in the AFL's biggest shake-up in years
The 2026 AFL season launches with sweeping changes: no centre bounce, no substitute rule, and a new wildcard finals round expanding the finals to ten teams.
The 2026 AFL Season's Most Intriguing Breakout Candidates
From Jagga Smith's ACL return to Nate Caddy's growing goal tally, we analyse the AFL players most likely to break out in the 2026 season.
The Daily Perspective