The Dogs 2025 season proved another frustrating near miss. Despite a strong win–loss record, the Dogs were unable to consistently challenge top eight opposition, falling just short of finals once again.

Matt and Nick from The Salty Bulldog Podcast, the number one Bulldogs page delivering in-depth weekly analysis of all things Doggies, joined The Footy Forecast to provide answers for all Dogs fans heading into 2026.

We break down Luke Beveridge’s performance following his contract extension, ongoing concerns around the Bulldogs’ defensive structure, and key player performances.

We discuss Rory Lobb’s transition into a key defensive role, Sam Darcy’s emergence as one of the competition’s most exciting young stars, and the continued rise of underrated contributors Rhylee West and Ed Richards.

We also chat the Bulldogs’ off-season, reviewing their draft haul, the addition of Connor Budarick, plus the fallout from Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s departure.

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus turns to whether the Dogs can finally capitalise on their star-studded list. We discuss players under pressure to deliver, preseason standouts, and what the Bulldogs must address defensively to push back into finals contention.

A must listen for all Dogs fans!

Adelaide’s season last year delivered a major statement, finishing first with an 18–5 record after not playing finals since 2017 and ending the home and away season a game clear at the top the ladder. 

While finals heartbreak followed with a straight-sets exit, the year still marked a significant step forward in what was widely viewed as a breakout season for the Crows.

Jack and Harry from Crows Nation, Adelaide’s number one fan channel and podcast with over 15.5K followers, joined The Footy Forecast to reflect on their rising campaign and where it all unravelled at the pointy end of the season.

We unpack the expectations heading into 2025, the pressure that comes with finishing on top, and standout performances from the season gone.

We touch on Riley Thilthorpe’s All-Australian breakout, Jordan Dawson’s midfield dominance, and Josh Worrell’s emergence as a defensive general.

We also break down Adelaide’s off-season, reviewing their draft haul, the additions of Callum Ah Chee and Finnbar Maley, and the list changes following several departures.

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus turns to preseason standouts, the impact of Dan Curtin’s preseason injury on Adelaide’s plans, competition for spots and senior players under pressure. 

To close, we discuss what a pass mark looks like next season and the boys give us an early Adelaide-themed big call as the Crows look to build on their stellar season last year.

A must listen for all Crows fans!

It’s Ferrari central ahead of an optimistic year for Richmond fans. Despite finishing 17th with a 5–18 record, the Tigers’ 2025 season marked a clear step in the right direction.

A surprise Round 1 win over Carlton and an encouraging early run set the tone before injuries and inexperience caught up with the group, but the growth of a young list provided genuine excitement moving forward.

Chris from the Tigercast Podcast, a fan-driven Richmond podcast and channel covering everything inside the four walls of the club, joined The Footy Forecast to preview all things Tiges ahead of the 2026 season.

We cover expectations following the 2024 wooden spoon, Adem Yze’s progress in his first season as senior coach, Sam Lalor’s exciting promise, Sam Banks’ breakout year off half-back, and the continued rise of Seth Campbell.

We also break down Richmond’s thriving off-season, reviewing a strong draft haul headlined by Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj, along with the list changes following several departures ahead of the 2026 season.

To close, we turns to 2026 with discussion around preseason standouts, injury updates on key young players, potential positional changes, and senior players under pressure to respond.

Chris also shares what a pass mark looks like for the Tigers, breakout players to keep an eye on this season and a Richmond hot take for the 2026 season.

A must listen for all Tigers fans!

Hawthorn look to build on their exciting past two seasons, with 2025 delivering 15 wins in a tightly contested year and further cementing their contender status with a preliminary final appearance before falling to arch-rivals Geelong.

Nat from Hawks Insiders, a platform delivering inside insight and coverage of all things Hawthorn, joined The Footy Forecast to reflect on the season that was and preview what shapes as another massive year ahead.

We discuss expectations following the Hawks’ rapid rise, how the group handled the pressure of finals football, and standout performances across the list.

Key players in focus include Josh Weddle’s emergence as a genuine star, Jack Gunston’s remarkable career-best season, and the impact of recruits Josh Battle and Tom Barrass, alongside a look at some underrated contributors.

We also break down Hawthorn’s off-season, reviewing their draft haul, the failed pursuit of Zach Merrett, and notable list changes.

Looking ahead to 2026, we chat about the newly shared captaincy of James Sicily and Jai Newcombe, the impact of Will Day’s early-season absence and potential midfield opportunities up for grabs.

A must listen for all Hawks fans!

North Melbourne’s 2025 season showed gradual progress, but despite encouraging signs from a young list, inconsistency continued to hold the Roos back.

Bailey from The Shinboners Podcast returns to The Footy Forecast to preview what lies ahead in 2026 and discuss the current state of the club.

The conversation covers the pressure on Alastair Clarkson, concerns around North’s defensive structure, and the leadership shift that saw Nick Larkey take over the captaincy.

We also unpack key player performances from 2025 and review North Melbourne’s off-season, headlined by the draft addition of Lachy Dovaston, the arrival of Charlie Spargo, and notable list changes.

To close, the focus turns firmly to 2026, with discussion around the impact of new ruck rules on Tristan Xerri, potential positional changes for Harry Sheezel and others, and senior players under pressure to deliver.

Bails also shares what a pass mark looks like for the Roos this season, along with an early big call for the year ahead.

A must-listen for all Roos fans!

St Kilda’s 2025 season followed a familiar pattern, finishing 12th with a 9–14 record after an inconsistent campaign that showed flashes of competitiveness against top sides but frustration against teams below them on the ladder.

There were still memorable moments, highlighted by big wins over Geelong and Fremantle and the famous Round 20 comeback against Melbourne, led by a breakout performance from Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in a game where a star was born.

Jake from Saints TV, the number one Saints channel covering everything inside the four walls of St Kilda, joined The Footy Forecast to reflect on the season that was and look ahead to what shapes as the most exciting year for Saints fans in a very long time.

The discussion dives into key player performances, including Wanganeen-Milera’s All-Australian breakout, Jack Macrae’s first year at the club, Cal Wilkie’s leadership down back, and the underrated rise of Max Hall.

We also take a deep look into the league’s most active off-season movers, with St Kilda emerging as a destination club. The arrivals of Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Liam Ryan and Sam Flanders are unpacked, including how they could line up in 2026.

To close, the focus turns firmly to next season, with discussion around preseason standouts, players returning from injury, potential positional changes, how Ross Lyon’s game plan may evolve, and what success looks like in 2026.

A must listen for all Saints fans!

The Pies were set up brilliantly from a fast start to the 2025 season, spending the majority of the year inside the top two and even opening up a 10-point buffer on top of the ladder heading into Round 18. However, a late-season stumble saw the Pies lose five of their last six games, but held on to secure a top-four finish and a double chance in September.

After eventually being knocked out by the eventual premiers, the question looms if was 2025 a missed opportunity, and is 2026 the last real roll of the dice for this ageing Collingwood list?

Swoop Luke, the face of Collingwood’s number one fan channel with over 42,000 followers on Instagram, more than 13,000 subscribers on YouTube, and the 2024 AFL Fans Association Fan of the Year, returned to The Footy Forecast preview the upcoming season for the Pies.

The discussion dives into the key on-field talking points, assessing the underwhelming seasons of Dan Houston and Darcy Moore, the rapid rise of Ned Long and Darcy Cameron, plus Josh Daicos’ expanding influence through potential midfield minutes.

We break down Collingwood’s list strategy heading into 2026, reviewing their draft haul, the arrival of Jack Buller and as well as the departure of club stalwart Brody Mihocek.

To close, we head inside the Pies’ training track ahead of 2026, discussing whether Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom can once again perform above expectations, or if new opportunities are emerging within Collingwood’s playing group.

A must listen for all Pies fans!

2025 was a year defined by extremes for Port Adelaide, with the season starting with a heavy 91-point Round 1 loss to Collingwood, before closing it in emotional fashion with a thrilling Round 24 win at Adelaide Oval to farewell club great Travis Boak and long-time coach Ken Hinkley.

Anthony from Port Adelaide’s #1 fan channel, The Pear, with over 6,000 subscribers on YouTube and more than 3,000 followers on Instagram, returns to The Footy Forecast to preview how 2026 is shaping up for the Power.

The discussion turns to on-field performances, with a deep dive into captain Connor Rozee’s leadership and evolving role, Zak Butters’ standout season despite heavy attention from opposition teams as he heads into a contract year, and Miles Bergman’s ability to impact games through the midfield.

We also unpack Port Adelaide’s list management, including the club’s unprecedented decision to bypass the National Draft and the mixed reaction to the off-season additions brought in.

To close, the focus shifts to 2026, with discussion around life under new coach Josh Carr, potential tactical and positional changes, players under pressure to respond, breakout candidates, and what a pass mark looks like for the Power next season.

A must listen for all Port fans!

After a season built on hope around a young and exciting list, Essendon’s 2025 campaign ultimately unravelled, finishing 15th with just six wins.

A relentless injury toll to key players forced the Bombers to test their depth, resulting in a record 15 debutants and offering a glimpse of the club’s long-term future.

Fiona from Bomber Banter, one of the most passionate and insightful Essendon social pages covering everything happening inside the four walls of the Essendon Football Club, joined The Footy Forecast to unpack the season that was.

Zach Merrett headlined the episode after stepping down as captain and a failed trade attempt to Hawthorn. Fiona reflects on how it all played out, the impact it had on the playing group, and what Merrett’s future at the club may look like moving forward.

We also break down Essendon’s impressive draft haul, key list changes including the departure of Sam Draper, and what it all means heading into 2026.

To close, Fiona shares her expectations for next season, players under pressure, potential breakout stars, and an early big call for the year ahead

A must listen for all Dons fans!

Following a year of just scraping into the top eight, expectations were high for the Blues heading into the 2025 season.

Injuries to big names and a core group that failed to fire left plenty of uncertainty around the club’s future, as Carlton slipped to 11th with a 9–14 record.

Terry from Blue Abroad — the number one Carlton fan channel covering everything happening inside the four walls of the club returned to The Footy Forecast to break down an eventful year for the Blues on and off the field.

Terry gives his insight into the departures of Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, the talent brought in from other clubs, reflects on another difficult year for coach Michael Voss, and much more.

A must listen for all Blues fans!