AFL is gearing up for one of its most exciting eras yet, with a wave of elite talent entering their prime alongside breakout young guns shaking up the competition. For punters, keeping an eye on rising stars and consistent match-winners is essential for everything from Brownlow markets to Premiership futures and same-game multis.
Here’s your 2026 guide to the AFL players poised to dominate the season.
Established Superstars Ready for Another Big Year
Christian Petracca – Melbourne
Still one of the most damaging midfielders-forward hybrids in the comp. Petracca remains a go-to in disposal markets, goal scorer props, and Brownlow top-10 bets thanks to his consistency and scoreboard impact.
Nick Daicos – Collingwood
Collingwood’s golden boy continues to redefine the modern midfielder. His elite ball use and stoppage work make him a constant threat in over disposal lines, Brownlow contention, and player performance multis.
Marcus Bontempelli – Western Bulldogs
The Bont enters 2026 as one of the league’s premier leaders and impact players. He’s a favourite for most influential player markets, Brownlow betting, and club best-and-fairest propositions.
Charlie Curnow – Carlton
Two Coleman Medals already on the shelf — and more likely coming. Curnow remains a top pick in first goal scorer, most goals, and team total scoring markets.
Rising Stars and Breakout Candidates
Harley Reid – West Coast
The breakout machine of 2025 is primed to explode even further in 2026. Reid’s power, speed, and game-breaking style make him a prime candidate for Rising Star markets, high-disposal props, and player impact bets.
Sam Darcy – Western Bulldogs
After showing flashes of elite tall utility potential, Darcy enters 2026 as a legitimate breakout contender in marking markets, goal scorer bets, and futures on the Dogs improving.
Jai Newcombe – Hawthorn
A tackling beast with elite work rate. Newcombe is quickly becoming a go-to for punters backing tackle overs, inside-midfield props, and Hawks upset specials.
Luke Jackson – Fremantle
Still improving and becoming one of the AFL’s most dynamic ruck-forwards. Jackson offers serious value in player prop markets, especially for hit-outs, goals, and around-the-ground disposals.
Defensive Weapons Who Change Games
Harris Andrews – Brisbane
A defensive general whose presence shapes entire betting markets. When Andrews locks down an opposition forward, punters should always consider unders on key forwards, alternate scoring lines, and margin variations.
Tom Stewart – Geelong
Elite intercepting plus great ball movement makes Stewart a constant option for high-disposal props, intercept mark specials, and player performance multis.
Young Guns Set for Stardom
Ryley Sanders – North Melbourne
Silky, composed, and rapidly improving. Sanders is becoming a regular in over 20+ disposal markets and Rising Star-style futures.
Zane Duursma – North Melbourne
A high-impact flanker who can swing games in minutes. Perfect for punters who like goal scorer multis, first goal markets, or value odds on breakout games.
What This Means for Punters in 2026
Tracking players is crucial in multiple betting markets:
- Brownlow Medal futures – Daicos, Bont, Petracca remain top-tier
- Coleman Medal bets – Charlie Curnow still the benchmark
- Rising Star & breakout markets – Reid, Sanders, Duursma among top value picks
- Player prop markets – Big returns for those who watch trends in disposals, tackles, goals, and hit-outs
- Same-Game Multis – Knowing which players consistently hit statistical overs is vital
The AFL is becoming more data-driven each season, and punters who follow individual player trends will have the edge in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 AFL season promises explosive performances, breakout stars, and career-defining years from some of the league’s best. Whether you’re backing goal scorers, disposal kings, or Brownlow contenders, staying ahead of player form is essential for smarter punting.
For expert AFL betting insights, odds comparisons, and punter-friendly guides, head to Top Betting Australia — your home for sharp, reliable wagering info.