Prediction Breakout player for 2026

[kanga kanga kanga]

Who will break out for us in 2026

I haven’t put in first year players, old guys or guys I already consider elite.

 

[guapo]

Good that you left out all the elite players, the list would have been very long if you didn’t

 

[DuckYeah]

Banshee and Zane.

 

[DuckYeah]

FOS and some others have already broken out in patches

 

[Its a Process]

Kerch will hopefully become elite and push all-australian.
Hardeman hopefully becomes one of the first picked defenders.

 

[kanga kanga kanga]

Kerch will hopefully become elite and push all-australian.
Hardeman hopefully becomes one of the first picked defenders.

Didn’t put Kerch in as his back half of last year was elite.

 

[pupstar]

Probably not a popular choice but Powell for me will have a really good year and improve out of sight.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

Breakout: Kerch on the wing/guts
Dark horse: Hansen/Stevens
Quietly exceed expectations: Daniel (working up the ground)
Establish themselves in 22: Goater
Lazarus award: Archer
Fall off a (figurative) cliff: Powell
AA:Curtis (45 goals) FP, Sheezel Bench

 

[DuckYeah]

Quietly exceed expectations: Daniel (working up the ground)

 

[the big lebowski]

Surely Trembath

 

[The Nostradamus]

its time for big game zane to play every game and have a season that justifies us taking him ahead of watto and caddy

Goater once injury free to dominate also

 

[Val Keating]

Surely Trembath

I voted Bath, but an argument that kicking 3 in all 3 games is pretty close already. Only fear is that he pulls an Aaron Black.

 

[Val Keating]

its time for big game zane to play every game and have a season that justifies us taking him ahead of watto and caddy

Goater once injury free to dominate also

It’s not about what he does next year to justify his drafting, it’s what he does from around 24 onwards

 

[the big lebowski]

I voted Bath, but an argument that kicking 3 in all 3 games is pretty close already. Only fear is that he pulls an Aaron Black.

Agree, but most people don’t know who Trembath is at present. 35 goals in 2026 will change that.

I’ve been burnt so many times with hopes for these key forwards such as black, wood and comben.

But Trembath’s hands look too good to desert him

 

[discodaddy]

Hopefully we’re spoiled for choice by the end of the year as to which player had the biggest breakout.

If forced to pick, it’s the skilful, calm, and composed Stiffy.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Banch to replicate his quality VFL performances on the bigger stage.

 

[ferball]

If Wardlaw improves slightly on where he was and has plays 20 games he'll be one of the elite players in the comp.

 

[Ichiro #51]

If Wardlaw improves slightly on where he was and has plays 20 games he'll be one of the elite players in the comp.

Was going to post the same. I think we’ve only scratched the surface of what Wardlaw can be. But I reckon they’ll still be pretty conservative with him body-wise.

Also voted for the other George who if he can stay on the park will shock many with how good he is. VFL watchers will know.

The other I’m hopeful about for the first time in his career is Powell. That apparent body shape change will do wonders for him I reckon.

 

[Arden]

I think Jy will get his wish and break out of Arden St at the end of 2026.

 

[Ball Dont Lie]

Funnily the first person I thought of was Threadgold. I just think he will be elite straight up. Zane is the other one. He will hate the hype around the brother. He will cone good

 

[ansonholt]

Funnily the first person I thought of was Threadgold. I just think he will be elite straight up. Zane is the other one. He will hate the hype around the brother. He will cone good

I know what you meant to say but I don't want any drug scandals at North Melbourne, just in case you DID mean the other thing

 

[DuckYeah]

If Wardlaw improves slightly on where he was and has plays 20 games he'll be one of the elite players in the comp.

Needs a big improvement on his tank and needs to be involved more than 50-60% game time

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

If Wardlaw improves slightly on where he was and has plays 20 games he'll be one of the elite players in the comp.

He needs to be getting 20+ a game which is close to 25% more than his career average.

Elite guys have closer to 30. He’s a ways off that.

 

[pupstar]

He needs to be getting 20+ a game which is close to 25% more than his career average.

Elite guys have closer to 30. He’s a ways off that.

I don't think he is ever going to be a 30 plus player but can be elite in many other ways for the team.

 

[Val Keating]

If Wardlaw improves slightly on where he was and has plays 20 games he'll be one of the elite players in the comp.

Needs higher TOG% too