The Australian Football League (AFL) is one of the most competitive and unpredictable sporting competitions in the world. With 18 teams vying for the top prize, the margin between success and failure is often razor-thin. As the 2026 season approaches, clubs are putting the finishing touches on their squads, and the depth chart is a crucial aspect of any team's chances of success.
The depth chart is a ranking of each club's players, from the strongest to the weakest, and it provides a snapshot of a team's overall strength and depth. A strong depth chart can be the difference between a team that can withstand injuries and one that is decimated by them. In this article, we will analyse the depth charts of all 18 AFL clubs and determine which teams are set to shine in 2026.
Section 1: Background and Context
The AFL has a long history of competitive balance, with different teams rising to prominence each season. However, some clubs have consistently demonstrated a strong ability to recruit and develop talent, which has enabled them to build deep and talented squads. The likes of Richmond, West Coast, and Geelong have all enjoyed significant success in recent years, and their depth charts reflect this. These clubs have a strong mix of experienced players and young talent, which provides them with the flexibility to adapt to different game styles and overcome injuries.
In contrast, some clubs have struggled to build depth and have been forced to rely on a small core of star players. These teams are often vulnerable to injuries and can struggle to compete with the stronger clubs. The AFL's recruitment and drafting system is designed to promote competitive balance, but it is up to each club to make the most of the opportunities available to them. By analysing the depth charts of each club, we can gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and identify which teams are best placed to succeed in 2026.
Section 2: Current Developments and Club Rankings
According to recent rankings, the top five clubs in terms of depth chart strength are Richmond, West Coast, Geelong, Brisbane, and Port Adelaide. These clubs have all demonstrated a strong ability to recruit and develop talent, and their squads are well-balanced and deep. Richmond, for example, has a strong mix of experienced players like Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin, as well as young talent like Shai Bolton and Liam Baker. West Coast has a similar blend of experience and youth, with players like Luke Shuey and Jeremy McGovern leading the way.
In contrast, the bottom five clubs in terms of depth chart strength are North Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Fremantle, and Hawthorn. These clubs have struggled to build depth and have been forced to rely on a small core of star players. North Melbourne, for example, has a strong core of players like Ben Cunnington and Todd Goldstein, but lacks the depth and talent to compete with the stronger clubs. Adelaide has a similar problem, with a small core of star players like Rory Laird and Brodie Smith, but a lack of depth and talent beyond that.
Section 3: Analysis and Implications
The depth chart analysis has significant implications for the upcoming 2026 season. Clubs with strong depth charts, such as Richmond and West Coast, are well-placed to withstand injuries and adapt to different game styles. These teams have the flexibility to make changes to their lineups and still compete at a high level, which gives them a significant advantage over clubs with weaker depth charts. In contrast, clubs with weak depth charts, such as North Melbourne and Adelaide, will struggle to compete with the stronger clubs and may be forced to rely on a small core of star players.
The recruitment and drafting strategies of each club will also play a crucial role in the upcoming season. Clubs that have been able to recruit and develop talent effectively, such as Brisbane and Port Adelaide, are well-placed to succeed in 2026. These clubs have built deep and talented squads, which provides them with the flexibility to adapt to different game styles and overcome injuries. In contrast, clubs that have struggled to recruit and develop talent, such as Fremantle and Hawthorn, will face significant challenges in the upcoming season.
Section 4: Outlook and Risks
As the 2026 season approaches, there are several risks and uncertainties that could impact the depth chart analysis. Injuries, for example, can have a significant impact on a team's chances of success, particularly if they occur to key players. Clubs with strong depth charts, such as Richmond and West Coast, are better equipped to withstand injuries, but even these teams can be vulnerable if they suffer a series of injuries to key players.
Another risk is the impact of the AFL's recruitment and drafting system. The system is designed to promote competitive balance, but it can also create uncertainty and unpredictability. Clubs that have been able to recruit and develop talent effectively, such as Brisbane and Port Adelaide, may be able to maintain their strong depth charts, but other clubs may be able to bridge the gap through effective recruitment and drafting. The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent years, and the depth chart analysis provides a valuable insight into which clubs are best placed to succeed.
The 2026 AFL season is likely to be a thrilling and unpredictable ride, with several clubs in contention for the top prize. While the depth chart analysis provides a valuable insight into which clubs are best placed to succeed, there are many other factors that will influence the outcome of the season. The recruitment and drafting strategies of each club, the impact of injuries, and the overall competitiveness of the league will all play a role in determining which clubs will rise to the top in 2026. As the season approaches, one thing is certain - the AFL is in for another exciting and unpredictable year, and the depth chart analysis is just the starting point for what promises to be a fascinating season
