I know what you’re thinking. Why would the girl who predicted exactly 1 team correctly last year (shout-out Hawthorn!!!) try to predict it again? Because even west coast got a win last year, and I’m looking to double my chances. Truth be told, February is my favourite time in the footy calendar. There is a sense of optimism in the air, everything is play on and any team could win the flag. So, allow me to crush some of those dreams really quickly.

As my second favourite team (yes, that's allowed, I don't care, I don't care), my heart is breaking for them. There is not much hope on the field for this team, being in the midst of a massive rebuild. This year will be all about getting some games into the young kids and hopefully replicating what Richmond was able to do. Unfortunately, the most excited the Eagles fans will be this year will be at the State of Origin clashes, where they still lost. I’m personally excited to work out the Batman and Robin dynamic between the two number one picks, Harley Reid and Willem Dursmaa. Although Harley used to date Carlton AFLW player, Yasmin Dursmaa, so I think we know exactly how that power struggle will proceed.

Now, I was going to put North 18th, but their win over Collingwood convinced me. With that being said, premierships aren’t won in February, North! God North… Is enough not enough? I am convinced that Alistar Clarkson does not know how to coach. Whispers on the ground are saying that Clarko has 6 rounds to keep his job. The results of that, I think we can ALL make a sure-fire prediction on. Despite this uncertainty, they do have some guns in Tristan Xerri and Nick Larkey. Harry Sheezel is the GOAT, though, so if you remove the other 19 players on the ground, North doesn’t look too bad…

Apart from Brisbane fans, Richmond fans might have been the happiest last year. Going from being predicted not to win a single game to winning 5 games is incredible. And of course, who could forget their win against Carlton in round 1, leading to the inception of Richmond Gorringe. The kids have been running amok; it’s time for them to stand up and keep chipping away at these wins. They are on the rebuild path, and there is no shame in sticking to it!

Melbourne, Melbourne, Melbourne. Losing Petracca to the Gold Coast and trading Clary for a pack of chips to GWS. What is going on at this club? Goody has gotten the sack (and now ended up at the Swans, score!), and Steven May has retired? Jeez, I do not envy new coach Steven King. Just hold on, Melbourne fans, it might be time to dust off the 2020 season re-runs.

After Ken’s farewell tour, which was the 2025 season, it is finally time to start the Carr. Josh Carr, that is, their new head coach. Time will tell if Josh Carr is the guy to lead this club to the promised land. I mean, Port has some big guns on their list with Connor Rozee, No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis and Brownlow medalist Ollie Wines. And of course, you have their star, Zac Butters, in potentially his last season with the team, as trade whispers are only getting louder. Let’s hope for the sake of Adelaide that Carr will move some magnets around and get Port firing again. Shout out to Ken, though, we will miss his gummy smile in the commentary box (literally).

If you think your team had a rough season, try being a Bombers fan last year. The dons had injury after injury, nearly running out of players and debuting 14 different debutants throughout the season, setting an AFL record. And to top off a season to forget, a captain who doesn’t even want to be there!!!! Zach Merett at Alcatraz, sorry, Essendon Football Club. On the bright side, the new CEO is not backing away from a fight. If the whispers of a potential resignation of Merett are to be believed, Essendon just needs to get a few soldiers back and build the club's culture once again. All I know is I wouldn't want to be in those locker rooms, that's for sure. Maybe I should have put them lower…

This might be rough coming from a Swans fan, but losing Charlie might just be a blessing in disguise. After picking up a few guns in Will Hayward and Ollie Florent, all of a sudden, their forward line is looking a lot more solid. Jagga Smith looks unreal, and Sammy Walsh has signed on for a mega deal. There are glimmers of hope for the baggers. Michael Voss is in a seriously hot seat, though. If they don’t turn this season around, I don't see him sticking around for too long. Although the Baggers have been showing some unbelievable promise in the scratch matches, let's just wait and see how that translates in season.

I know that every year, Freo is predicted in the top 8 because they should be. They have everything going for them: a star coach and star players. Yet, Flagmantle is still nowhere in sight. Unfortunately, the addition of Shai Bolton didn’t quite have the effect that they’d hoped for in the forward line. I just don’t see how they will ever get it together. They have stars in Jye Amiss, Andy Brawshaw, Luke Jackson, and, of course, the prodigy, Murphy Reid. Considering recent events, maybe Lachie Neale would be open to a return? Flagmantle 2027??

After the miracle at Marvel, I truly believe that St Kilda can do anything. Now, with the shining beacon of hope that is Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and flashy new recruits of TDK, Sam Flanders, Jack Silvangi and Liam Ryan, there is some serious manpower on the field. Not to mention the footy head, Ross “The Boss” Lyon at the helm, the future looks bright for this club. All this to say, I might need a bit more convincing before I’m sure about St Kilda, but I seriously wouldn't be surprised if this prediction ends up being unders for the club.

After a couple of disappointing seasons, I believe this team still has a bit of life in it. I mean, Sam Darcy is a freak of nature, paired with Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards. Of course, I believe in my GOAT, the captain and one of the best players in the competition, Marcus Bontempelli. This may in fact be one of his last chances to win the ever elusive Brownlow. Unfortunately, Adam Treloar will be sidelined with an injury, but hey, if Sam Darcy can do a knee mid-season and make it back, anything can happen.

I’m going back to back with these 8th-place predictions for Adelaide. The club is in their premiership window, and with guns Darcy Fogarty, Izak Rankine and captain Jordan Dawson, they can be unstoppable. Let’s hope that key forward, Riley Thilthorpe, will be able to get right for the season. They really don’t need a repeat of last year. I mean, straight set finals exits, from first?!! Wow. I don’t know what’s worse, a straight-sets exit or not showing up to a grand final. Actually touchy subject for this Swans fan. 

Collingwood looks old. And I say that with all the hate I have in my heart. Of course, they have the Daicos brothers, so they will never be out of the top 8 for long, but I just look at a team that feels tired. I mean, losing to North in a pre-season match is truly never a good sign. Despite giving up the kitchen sink for Dan Houston, it’s evident that that risk hasn’t paid off. Add in some underperforming players like Norm Smith Medalist Bobby Hill and captain Darcy Moore, well… Of course, this is Collingwood at the end of the day, and despite a few hiccups with Craig McRae last year, I still have full faith in his game plan and coaching abilities. Hence why I have them just sneaking into the 8.

Despite the absolute studs they have in Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes, I have the same concerns I did for Collingwood: age. This is a team that has been one of the oldest in the competition for years now. And of course, they manage to rewind the clock each season, but I believe it may just catch up to them now (especially if Shannon Neale goes down as he did in the preseason). They do, however, still have some good talent coming through, including Connor O’Sullivan and Ollie Dempsey. And of course, the man, the myth, the legend, Bailey Smith. The cats will be alright.

I’m not scared, but I am getting a bit nervous, you know what I mean. I’m still convinced that the Giants have one of the most dangerous lists out there, with the addition of Clayton Oliver to an already stacked midfield of Finn Callaghan and Tobey Greene. Undoubtedly, the shadow of Tom Green’s ACL rupture has cast a shadow over their season's hopes, but I trust that Clarry will get right and slot into the side very nicely. In addition, they still have studs like Jesse Hogan and Lachie Whitfield to cover them on the ground. Let’s just hope they aren’t plagued by any more injuries; no one needs another Essendon.

After signing Josh Weddle to a monster contract, I see quite a hopeful future for the Hawks. They have passed their legitness test, making it deep into finals the past two years. Now it’s time for the boys to get serious about their footy, ditch their chaos-ball strategy that brought them into the finals in 2024, and expand on their more developed, structured game plan from 2025. Absolute gun players of Ginnivan, Barass and Gunston all firing will lead this team deep into a finals campaign. Although, I’m still not sure about Sam Mitchel using AI to help coaching. Maybe he could try doing his own job??

The cinema of David Swallow, an inaugural Suns player, winning their first final at home last year, was a feel-good moment for the league. I believe after years of sludging away, the footy gods will smile down on the mighty Suns. They are adding Christian Petracca to an already stacked midfield with now Brownlow medalist, Matt Rowell and captain, Noah Anderson. Add Jamarruh Ugle-Haggan into a forward line with Ben King, and there’s a serious problem up north. Truly, their best recruit was head coach Damien Hardwick. He has transformed this club into a serious unit. Prepare for some sun damage this season. 

Brisbane, Brisbane, Brisbane. Of course, I know better than to underestimate this team, but their turbulent off-season has me shook. I mean, Lachie Neale is great and all, but do they really need three captains to replace him? That feels excessive. Of course, they have the greatest footy mind of all, Chris Fagan, coaching the Lions, along with premiership studs like the Ashcroft brothers, McCluggage, Dunkley, Andrews, and more than I care to list. If they leave everything off the field, they should have no problem replicating their winning on-field performances. 

I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t care. We are so back.

I said it last year, and I’ll say it again: Swans are deep in their premiership window. It is absolutely our time to win. Although we weren’t as bad as Essendon, we had some serious outs last year that completely halted our finals campaign. Notably, Gulden, Papley, Amartey and McInerney are all out for extended periods, and we still managed to do some damage as a spoiler team. 

Coming into this season, we have our shiny, new saviour, sorry, recruit, Charlie Curnow. Suring up that the forward line with Heeney and McDonald. Even in the practice matches, the connection piece between him and Errol, Charlie doesn’t know what hit him. In our busy off-season, we also managed to snag Malcolm Rosas JR and Jai Serong on our side. Bring it on!

Madeline Kahl is a student from Sydney studying a double degree in Commerce and Media. If you can’t find her at uni, you’ll probably find her thrifting glassware she’ll never use or trying not to fall asleep in savasana.