Average AFL player wage reaches record number as millionaire names revealed
AFL player pay has again surged off the back of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, with a record number of players taking home $1 million-plus last year.
AFL
9th February 2026
Snakes and Ladders: The verdict on which teams will rise and fall in 2026
Putting the marketing hyperbole of AFL clubs aside, it’s clear some teams have tangibly changed for better since last season, and others for worse.
Capacity crunch looms as Tasmania Devils fans brace for membership madness
The Tasmania Devils will start signing up members later this month, but there's some confusion about what is required to secure a seat for AFL games in 2028. Here's how it will work. .
8th February 2026
Speed thrills: Origin to showcase new-look rules; Viney latest Dee ruled out for round one
Blake Hardwick says AFL players and fans should brace for the code to be faster than ever before in 2026, while the mainstay of Melbourne’s midfield has fallen foul of injury.
Dees mid set for significantly delayed start to season after fresh setback
Demons veteran Jack Viney is facing a delayed start to the 2026 season.
Why Origin opportunity means more to gun Hawks forward
Hawks veteran Jack Gunston will "cherish" the opportunity of finally representing Victoria.
7th February 2026
Ex-Roo in line to earn another AFL chance as 16 players continue trials
Check out the 16 players still trialling for an AFL chance in 2026.
‘He knows where his heart is’: Hawks skipper confident young gun will re-sign
Co-captain Jai Newcombe has dismissed suggestions the Hawks will be distracted by trade talks linked to their arch rivals, the Bombers.
Hawks livewire suffers injury setback during dominant match sim
Jack Ginnivan broke his finger during a five-goal outing on Saturday.
The pre-season fitness overhaul giving Freo a physical edge
A new-look high-performance team is pushing Dockers players in more ways than one.
Squad analysis: How Origin teams compare
Check out how the two star-studded AAMI AFL Origin squads compare.
‘I felt numb for two years’: How James Sicily lost his edge
The Hawthorn hard man says he suppressed his emotions too much for years and now needs to get back to playing closer to the edge.
6th February 2026
Young Demon to undergo surgery on fractured arm
Dee Jai Culley will undergo surgery on a fractured arm.
Demons rocked by injury woes
The Melbourne Demons are learning to adapt to life without key stars, while Bailey Smith awaits to learn if he will lose his licence.
Luckless Roo set for scans after hurting hamstring again
Roo George Wardlaw will have scans after hurting his hamstring.
Key Crow facing months on sidelines after suffering leg injury at training
Mark Keane has been sent for scans after suffering a leg injury at training.
Devils nominate more than 20 under-17 guns as 'players of interest'
Tasmania has nominated more than 20 under-17 players as "players of interest".
Star midfielder open to Bombers contract talks after failed Hawks trade
Star midfielder Zach Merrett is open to a new deal at the Bombers.
'The women just want to play footy': Premier backs shunned country club
A former football administrator has criticised AFL Victoria's decision not to allow a club to join a women-only league in Central Victoria. .
‘The AFL don’t want to know about it’: Town’s 153-year-old footy club on verge of extinction
Maryborough Football Club has been in recess for 12 months. They believe they now only have one final chance at survival.
Graphic footage: Crow suffers horror injury in training clash
Adelaide’s Mark Keane awaits scan results on a suspected broken ankle after a heavy collision with teammate Finnbar Maley in Friday’s match sim.
Fully fit Mills eyes first opening round appearance in three years
After two seasons scuppered by injury, Callum Mills is on track to play appear in the Swans' first game of the year.
Shock report on Merrett contract talks; Baz caught in speeding incident — AFL Latest
A shock report has suggested Zach Merrett has begun preliminary talks of a contract extension at Essendon.
‘I’d be shocked if he didn’t apologise’: Why Lions coach has riled the Saints
Dual premiership coach Chris Fagan’s appraisal of St Kilda’s off-season spending spree has touched a nerve, with a Saints great insisting an apology is owed to his former club.
Saints add U18 premiership star to mix as SSP deadline looms
St Kilda has given Eastern Ranges graduate Blake Chambers a chance to trial for a spot on the list.
Riewoldt fires back at Fagan’s St Kilda pay swipe
Nick Riewoldt fires back at Chris Fagan, following the Brisbane coach's claims that the Saints’ massive deals pose a "danger" to the game.
Local icon commits to Devils as club eyes Tassie AFL talent
Tasmania has made a major off-field signing as the club's bid to land AFL talent ramps up.
‘First time in three years’: Reid’s candid admission as Eagles superstar reveals role shift
Harley Reid has outlined his development both on and off the field heading into year three, including the expanded role he expects to play this season.
‘First person I called’: Warner lifts lid on Swans loyalty... and big admission fuelling flag redemption
Down, out and unable to play finals last year, the Sydney Swans pulled off an unlikely, but welcome, Round 22 win over eventual premiers Brisbane.
Lions' Ah Chee stalemate with Crows was a matter of 'principle'
Chris Fagan took exception to Adelaide's comments following the breakdown in talks on a deal for Callum Ah Chee.
The former junior teammate big Roo can’t wait to play alongside in Origin
Tristan Xerri can't wait for the AAMI AFL Origin clash on February 14.
Ah Chee stalemate revisited as Fagan says Crows 'wouldn't have a clue'
Chris Fagan took exception to Adelaide's comments following the breakdown in talks on a deal for Callum Ah Chee.
If you think you're getting stressed watching the footy, you're right
A new study reveals how much high-stakes sporting events can get the heart pumping by strapping trackers to over 200 German football fans.
5th February 2026
Lions star backs Andrews to be club’s sole captain
Dual Brisbane premiership forward Charlie Cameron has backed Harris Andrews to be the Lions’ sole captain ahead of the club’s leadership group announcement.
'A novel concept for some people': Saints hit back at Fagan
The Saints have hit back at Chris Fagan after the Lions coach's comments on their spending spree.
League keen to 'see how it plays out' before locking in Origin's future
Andrew Dillon can't guarantee AFL Origin will become an annual match, with clubs given the ability to put players on restrictions.
Steven May needs to be as honest with himself as Melbourne were with him
May has hit the headlines again. That can be an opportunity for club and player to make the next phase of his career and life a positive.
Pies ‘not factoring’ Hill into 2026 plans as Cats reveal goal for star’s return after ‘challenging’ period
Collingwood star Bobby Hill reportedly won’t come into selection calculations for at least the first half of the season, with the 25-year-old yet to return to training.
Why Lions gun is focusing on himself this pre-season
Lions gun Charlie Cameron has narrowed his focus after a tough 2025 season.
Superstar OUT of Origin as Cats fears linger; Demons’ horror pre-season gets worse — AFL Latest
The reigning Coleman medallist will miss Origin due to his Grand Final injury, while Melbourne’s horror pre-season has continued.
The Magpies are not planning on Bobby Hill’s return this year
The longer the 2023 Norm Smith medallist and 2024 mark of the year winner goes without training, the less the likelihood of an AFL return this season becomes.
AFL Daily: Footy's best daily podcast is BACK for a huge 2026
AFL Daily, AFL.com.au's popular daily podcast, returns from Monday.
Hawks start contract talks with gun amid Dons' mega offer
Josh Weddle and Hawthorn have opened talks on a new contract, amid Essendon's massive interest in the out-of-contract star.
Business as usual for Cats as coach remains on extended leave
Patrick Dangerfield says Chris Scott's absence from the club over pre-season isn't anything out of the ordinary.
Larkey praises Simpkin's 'admirable' selflessness amid North leadership shift
Nick Larkey says he admires how Jy Simpkin carried himself through last year's personal struggles while captaining the Roos.
Big Docker likely to face Eagles in match sim, captain ready for season start
The Dockers believe ruck Sean Darcy will be ready for their pre-season game against the Eagles.
AFL integrity unit looking into why police visited May
Melbourne veteran Steven May is being investigated by the AFL integrity unit, as the premiership defender stays away from Demons training.
AFL Integrity Unit aware of Demon May's situation amid training absence
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon says Melbourne has kept the League across Steven May's situation after police visited May's home last week.
‘Well in the past’: Andrew Dillon stands by integrity unit after explosive Sayers court claims
The thoroughness of the league’s handling of the Sayers scandal last year after a lewd photo had been posted on his X account has been questioned.
‘Things weren’t sitting right’: Why ‘daunting’ switch could spark Buddy-like Swans star into action
Star Swans recruit Charlie Curnow has opened up on the “daunting experience” of requesting a trade, declaring he’s “proud of myself for having a crack” at a fresh start.
Truth behind new AFL wildcard finals system — and how many wins you’ll need to make top 10
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: these aren’t real wildcards.
Origin honour not lost on 'grateful' O'Meara after years of toil
Jaeger O'Meara wasn't sure if his recent form warranted an AAMI AFL Origin call-up but he can't wait to don the black and gold against Victoria.
Why Fagan sees Saints' cash splash as a 'danger for the game'
Lions coach Chris Fagan believes the price the Saints paid for two signings are a "danger" to the game as Brisbane tries to re-sign Zac Bailey.
4th February 2026
Blues pair to miss start of season in double injury blow
The Blues have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the start of the season.
Blues’ double injury setback revealed; young Swan ruled out for SIX months — AFL Daily
Two of Carlton’s senior players have been placed on modified training duties, ruling them out of an Opening Round appearance.
New signing deadline revealed as 14 players fight for AFL spots
A handful of players will get more chances to impress for a spot on the list in 2026.
Footy Shorts returns for 2026: Another chance for footy-loving filmmakers
Four emerging Victorian filmmakers will get the chance to make a film celebrating Australian football's connection to the community.
Why Carlton’s viral training gaffe is no joke for fans
The vision of a recent pre-season training drill that has gone viral – and the reaction of captain Patrick Cripps – means questions need to be asked.
Swans draftee out for months in injury blow
Max King will miss months in a cruel blow for the young Swan.
Inside bid to settle Aussie sport’s great debate... and cheeky Foxx dig AFL champ couldn’t resist
NRL stars Josh Addo-Carr and Reece Walsh and NRLW counterparts Ali Brigginshaw and Jamie Chapman have combined to settle the age old Australian sporting debate, which footy code is the best? .
Hardwick shuffles the decks as new roles loom for key Suns
Wil Powell, Ethan Read and Lachie Weller have been trialled in new positions across the pre-season.
Why a 'curious' Ashcroft could be an even scarier proposition in 2026
Dual Norm Smith Medal winner Will Ashcroft talks to Josh Gabelich about his improvement, ACL rehab and little brother Levi.
Crows bullish on goalsneak's midfield move after 'super damaging' summer
Max Michalanney says Josh Rachele is primed to have a massive impact as a midfielder this season.
Demons defender May misses AFL pre-season training
Melbourne Demons veteran Steven May was not at training for his club on Wednesday, just six weeks out from the start of the 2026 AFL season.
AFL ‘across’ May situation amid Dees star’s training absence after police home visit
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says the league’s integrity unit is looking into the situation surrounding Melbourne premiership defender Steven May.
Who has the best young guns in the AFL? Your club’s 22-and-unders ranked
The players born since the start of 2004 are not only stars of the future, many are already lighting up the competition.
May absent from Melbourne training after police visit
Melbourne defender Steven May was not at training on Wednesday, casting doubt over his short-term playing future.
‘Bloody hard’: Brayden Maynard’s candid admission after prelim heartbreak ... and Pies’ list stragety he backs
Star defender Brayden Maynard says his Collingwood side remains firmly premiership focused, with a glowing endorsement of the club’s next generation he says has been well-influenced by the senior core’s high standards.
How two Origin teams could line up as Vics finalise squad
Victoria has finalised its squad for the AAMI AFL Origin match on February 14.
Female athletes work smarter, to thrive in sport and professional careers
The sport-work-life balance is a struggle faced by many female athletes, but many are finding meaningful ways to diversify their income to secure their future.
‘Hungry’ star eyeing big-time role shift... and unsung roommate who’s ‘definitely’ in Rd 1 mix
A hungrier-than-ever Josh Rachele is eyeing an enhanced role this year — and he’s named a rival star whose game-style he wants to emulate.
3rd February 2026
This club ‘should be a powerhouse’, but its senior side folded on the eve of the season
The club was first established around the 1880s and has been a long-time member of GFNL, considered one of the strongest football leagues in the state.
Flag winner out, five new faces in as WA finalises Origin squad
Western Australia has completed its 25-player squad to face Victoria.
Lions put huge long-term deal on table to keep in-demand free agent
Zac Bailey will be one of this year's hottest free agents.
Tassie boss on Daicos, Buckley and when new coach will be named
Tasmania sounds out players ahead of its 2028 entry into the competition, remaining confident of early commitments from recruits.
'Going to try smack him': Brotherly banter alive as Duursma embraces expectations
Xavier Duursma says he's looking forward to lining up on younger brother, and No.1 draft pick, Willem.
Butter him up: Essendon midfielder says this Port star could help Bombers become a ‘powerhouse’
The Bombers are hopeful of a strong season in 2026, and are likely to have their eye on attempting to land one of the league’s premier midfielders.
Illness forces star Bomber to miss training, team photo
Zach Merrett has missed a training session because of illness, while fellow midfielder Jy Caldwell was dealing with a knee complaint.
50 players locked in! Baz added as WA, Vic reveal full squads for spectacular — AFL Origin daily
Fifty AFL stars have been named for this month’s Origin spectacular, with Western Australia and Victoria finalising their respective squads this week.
Greene details Bontempelli rivalry
Toby Greene spoke of his rivalry with Marcus Bontempelli in the Prime Original Final Siren: Inside the AFL.
‘Missed the whole thing’: Vlastuin lifts lid on injury mission, Rd 1 race as young stars impress
Nick Vlastuin is no certainty to suit up for Richmond’s season-opening clash with Carlton in Round 1, as recovery from a nasty fractured ankle continues to take its toll in more ways than one.
Moneyball theory reveals AFL teams to rise, fall this year… with 2025 finalists on watch
For a 10th consecutive year, it’s time to look back in order to look forward.
New Swans, gameplan and 'unspoken' expectations: Inside Sydney's bid to bounce back
Swans coach Dean Cox speaks to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey about Sydney's pre-season, Charlie Curnow, the health of the list and much more.
The Hawks are in win now mode, but can they really take the next step with this midfield?
Who got battered, and who got better? Our guide to the 2026 AFL off-season has all the information you need on who’s in form, who’s hurt and who’s trying something new as opening round approaches.
2nd February 2026
Magpies open to vacating nest to help Australian Open keep growing
Collingwood are supportive of the bold vision Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley has outlined for Melbourne’s sporting precinct, and looking at how they could draw benefits from the proposal.
Coaches answer all the big questions as 'Your Coach' podcast returns
AFL.com.au's Your Coach podcast series is back for 2026.
Viral Carlton training footage highlights skill issues
Footage from Carlton training that has gone viral in the last week because of poor ball skills.
Victorian clubs prepare offers for premiership Lion as Draper succumbs to injury again
Zac Bailey is a dynamo up forward for the Lions but hasn’t been able to break into the club’s stacked midfield and is leaving his options open as a free agent.
Timeline becomes clearer for Lions recruit after injury setback
Sam Draper is facing a delayed start to his first season at the Lions.
AFL Daily: Huge Bailey offer in $1.3m war; Ginni takes to socials amid AFL fashion debate
Brisbane is reportedly dangling a massive contract offer in front of its star free agent.
‘Nearly the best I’ve seen’: Serong’s big call on breakout Docker... and brave act that sums him up
Karl Worner is a name you mightn’t have heard too often, but he’s the player being tipped by multiple teammates to break out in a premiership-contending Fremantle side in 2026. That’s in a side that just added Judd McVee — who plays a similar role — no less.
Rd 1 bolters, crucial role tweaks and injury setbacks: Mega AFL pre-season state of play
Happy February! That means we’re edging closer to AFL pre-season action and Opening Round.
Star trio managing training loads as Swans build towards season opener
Despite a disrupted pre-season with calf issues, Tom Papley is on track to play against Carlton in Opening Round.
Neale, Butters and Voss: How the defining decisions of season 2026 may unfold
The futures of the former Brisbane captain, Port Adelaide gun and Carlton coach will all be in the spotlight.
1st February 2026
Bailey Smith in the Big V? It’s likely to happen
The State of Origin match is now less than a fortnight away, and Victorian selectors still have some decisions to make as they finalise their squad.
Process over panic: Dean Cox on family, failure and year two at the Swans
Dean Cox experienced 11 losses in his first season as Sydney’s head coach, and every one of them taught him a lesson, which he hopes will take the Swans to a new level this year.
The moment Swans coach was told Curnow deal was 'not going to happen'
Dean Cox says letting go of Will Hayward and Ollie Florent to land Charlie Curnow was the hardest choice he's had to make in his time as coach.
31st January 2026
How your club used the sub in 2025, and what it might mean for 2026
Check out how every club used their sub last year in what could be a pointer of what's to come.
‘Last year was a shambles’: Inside Curnow’s leap of faith to Sydney
Two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is settled in Sydney and is ready to help provide the missing piece of the puzzle for their premiership push.
