As the AFL off-season progresses, excitement builds around both new recruits and returning players who missed significant time in 2025 due to injuries. These athletes are set to make a substantial impact in the upcoming 2026 season, offering their clubs a fresh start and renewed potential.
Injuries sidelined numerous key players last year, leaving fans and teams wondering what could have been. As these players prepare to return, they bring with them the promise of rejuvenated line-ups and enhanced team dynamics.
Key Players Ready for a Resurgence
Josh Rachele: Adelaide Crows
Josh Rachele’s 2025 season was cut short after just 14 games due to rib and knee injuries. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score 27 goals, marking his third consecutive season with over 20 goals. Rachele’s potential for surpassing his 2024 tally of 30 goals was evident, and his return to fitness could spell a significant boost for the Crows in 2026.
Keidean Coleman: Brisbane Lions
Keidean Coleman has faced a challenging couple of years, appearing in only two games over the last two seasons. His return in 2025 was brief, as he suffered a quad strain after just one game. The Lions are hopeful that Coleman will regain his form from 2023, where he was a standout in the Grand Final against Collingwood.
Nic Newman: Carlton Blues
Nic Newman’s absence was felt keenly by Carlton in 2025. The seasoned defender missed the entire season due to a ruptured patella tendon. As he approaches the 2026 season at age 33, his experience and defensive prowess will be invaluable to the Blues, who are also focusing on the development of young talent like Jagga Smith.
Jordan De Goey: Collingwood Magpies
Jordan De Goey’s return in 2025 was strategically planned, yet ultimately fell short in the preliminary final against Brisbane. Despite an Achilles injury limiting him to 11 games, De Goey showcased his potential with standout performances in the finals. A fully fit De Goey could be transformative for the Magpies in 2026.
Darcy Parish: Essendon Bombers
Darcy Parish endured a difficult 2025, playing only three games amidst ongoing injury struggles. An All-Australian in 2021, Parish’s experience is crucial for Essendon’s young squad. After a rehabilitation stint in the United States, Parish aims to overcome his injury woes and contribute significantly in 2026.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Hayden Young: Fremantle Dockers
Hayden Young’s 2025 was marred by hamstring injuries, limiting him to nine games. Despite these setbacks, Young’s potential as a midfielder remains high, and his role will be pivotal for the Dockers as they aim for a stronger 2026 campaign.
Toby Conway: Geelong Cats
Selected as the No.24 pick in the 2021 draft, Toby Conway has struggled with injuries, playing only six AFL games so far. With veteran Rhys Stanley aging, Geelong hopes Conway can have an injury-free 2026, providing much-needed depth to their ruck options.
Charlie Ballard: Gold Coast Suns
Charlie Ballard’s ACL injury in the first round of 2025 was a significant blow to the Suns’ defense. As Gold Coast reached its first finals series, Ballard’s return in 2026 is anticipated to strengthen their backline and support their continued success under coach Damien Hardwick.
Brent Daniels: GWS Giants
Brent Daniels’ absence due to an abdominal injury was felt by the Giants throughout 2025. Known for his energy and goal-scoring ability, Daniels’ return is expected to reinvigorate GWS’s forward line, enhancing their offensive strategies.
Looking Forward to 2026
As these players prepare to return to the field, their potential impact on the 2026 AFL season is immense. Their comebacks not only promise to bolster their respective teams but also add an intriguing layer of competition across the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these athletes perform after their hiatus.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of renewed hope and fierce competition, with each returning player eager to prove their resilience and contribute to their team’s success. As the AFL community anticipates these comebacks, the narrative of redemption and perseverance is set to be a defining theme of the year.
