With the start of the AFL season just around the corner, we thought we would check in on how 2026 is shaping up for our south west exports in the big league.
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions – South Warrnambool).
Now a certified star of the competition, 2025 was almost the perfect season for McCluggage.
The silky wingman was a member of the Lions back-to-back premiership team and an All-Australian. He has started 2026 where he left off, being made the Lions co-captain and representing Victoria.
Willem Drew (Port Adelaide – Koroit).
The talented midfielder has grown his game to combine run-with roles and getting plenty of the ball himself. Drew has become an important part of the Power’s midfield, with his hard edge and tackling pressure a valuable combination.
Zach Merrett (Essendon – Cobden)
Won his sixth Essendon best and fairest in 2025 and then actively sought a way to leave the club. But the deal didn’t get done so Merrett has remained with the Bombers. Was part of the Victorian team that defeated Western Australia and will no doubt be among the Bombers top handful of players again in 2026.
Jeremy Cameron (Geelong – Dartmoor)
A great of the game, with best and fairtests at Geelong and Greater Western Sydney, and three leading goalkicker trophies with the Cats. He remains a key player for Geelong with his ability to hit the scoreboard a possible determining factor as to whether he can become a dual premiership player for the boys in blue and white.
Finn O’Sullivan (North Melbourne – Koroit)
Went into his debut season with plenty of pressure, having been picked at number two in the national draft. But O’Sullivan absorbed that pressure well, playing 22 games and earned a rising star nomination. The Kangaroos will be hoping he is among a group of talented young players to lift them up the ladder.
Talor Byrne (Carlton – Koroit)
Could be one of the stories of the season. At just 174cm, Byrne is one of the smallest players in the AFL but has taken no time to be noticed since being drafted by the Blues at the end of last season. He kicked three goals as a small forward in a practice game against the Brisbane Lions and is being tipped to play round one.
George Stevens (Geelong – South Warrnambool)
After two seasons, Stevens was delisted by Geelong, before they re-drafted him with a rookie elevation. He made his senior debut in 2025, an impressive performance against Richmond that won him a Brownlow Medal vote. He played one more senior before being dropped. He will be hoping to show enough early in the season to be elevated back to the senior list.
Rhys Unwin (Essendon – Cobden)
Had to wait until late in the season to get his AFL debut, but had a game to remember against St Kilda, kicking a goal. He went on to play three senior games and showed enough for the Bombers to retain him on the list and continue to develop him as a small forward.
Rowan Marshall (St Kilda – Portland)
Another player who was keen to move clubs during the off-season, but neither Marshall or the Saints could get the transaction finished so he has stayed put. The Saints are seen as the team most likely to rise from the pack this season and Marshall will be a key factor to their fortunes back in the ruck and as a tall forward.
Sean Darcy (Fremantle – Cobden)
What a player Darcy has turned out to be for the Dockers over a long period of time. The Dockers impressed in 2025 and many believe they are genuine premiership contenders in 2026. Darcy’s ability to give Fremantle’s fleet-footed midfield first use will be vital for the Dockers premiership hopes.
Sam Walsh (Carlton – Cobden)
Has made history by signing the longest contract in Carlton Football Club history. Walsh has signed on to stay with the Blues until 2033. The Blues will be hoping this security for both player and club will bring out the best in the midfielder who is one of the league’s leading performers when at the top of his game.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Gold Coast Suns – South Warrnambool)
An incredible talent that went number one in the 2020 national draft, when he was picked up by the Western Bulldogs. He played 67 games for the club before standing out last season due to personal issues. The Suns have decided Ugle-Hagan has plenty of upside and have selected him as what they hope will be the cherry on top of a team ready to take it to the summit.
