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Sport Nation
Premiers, Brownlow and rookies: Way too early 2026 predictions
Abby Crozier • December 14th, 2025 8:54 pm
SEN’s Mark Bickley has revealed his official way too early predictions ahead of the 2026 AFL season!
The two-time Adelaide premiership captain labelled the teams he believes will feature on the final day of September, stating his pick for the premiership, the Brownlow Medal and a young player to watch over the course of the year.
On the other end of the table, Bicks has also called who he believes will bottom out in 2026, whilst also exploring how he envisions the South Australian sides performing in what presents as a crucial year for either side – for incredibly varying reasons.
See Bickley’s predictions below:
Wooden Spoon
West Coast Eagles
“The West Coast Eagles may have room to improve from last year, but they are still behind everyone else. With the new No.1 Draft pick, and Harley Reid improving, there are a few things going for them, but their pace is still a bit off.
“I’m also not sure what to expect from North Melbourne. They’ve got some great youngsters, but I’m not sold on their list to send them rocketing up the ladder.”
Who will come head-to-head in the Grand Final?
Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns
“The Western Bulldogs – I think their best is good enough. Their losses against top teams were all under two goals, so it really depends on a matter of improving by 1 or 2 goals in 2026.
“Sam Darcy has the potential to become the most damaging player in the competition next year, and they’ve got great mids and a healthy batch of youngsters exposed last season.
"They will need to focus in on their defensive play, working on doing things differently to allow the backline to hold up.
“The Gold Coast list is phenomenal.”
The winner?
“Western Bulldogs and Marcus Bontempelli to take the Brownlow.”
Young Player to Watch
Jagga Smith, 2024 No.3 Draft Pick
“He was injured in pre-season and has spent a full year in the gym building his body. He has some speed and dash, so he is exactly what the Blues need. Hopefully providing some outside class to Cripps and the other guys inside.”
How will SA teams fare?
Port Adelaide
“Zak Butter’s future with Port Adelaide will remain a talking point all year – with his performance and position set to be continually reframed. If Port Adelaide go well, then the club will see a future with Butters. If not, and the season sees Port struggling to challenge the top 8 come finals, will he want to leave the club to chase a flag?
“Port’s draw looks good early on, in terms of getting wins and confidence.”
Adelaide Crows
“Taylor Walker for the Adelaide Crows will be a big matter of contention for the season. How many games will he play?
“It will be a stretch for the Crows to win 18 games in the 2025 season, but could they get 16 wins and achieve a top 4 season, or will they drop further with a tough draw? I think the Crows will be good, but if they have a slow start to the season, the pressure could build."
