The 2026 AFL season gets underway in early March, and futures markets are buzzing with plenty of value for bettors. Brisbane is aiming for a historic three-peat following their successes in 2024 and 2025, yet the competition feels tighter than ever. Contenders like Gold Coast, Sydney, Fremantle, Hawthorn, and Geelong are all in the mix, with ladder positions likely to hinge on the finest of margins.
Check out our top futures picks for the premiership, top four, top six, and wooden spoon below. And as always, Before You Bet will have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for every single game of the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to check out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free AFL content!
2026 AFL Team Futures Betting Tips
AFL Premiership Best Bet
It's hard to look beyond the Lions at this stage. With back-to-back premierships under their belt, they possess the league's deepest midfield and a battle-proven finals system led by coach Chris Fagan.
Heading into 2026, they've strengthened further by signing Oscar Allen as a free agent from West Coast, who has impressed in pre-season as their new primary forward. Adding Sam Draper from Essendon also bolsters their ruck division. Emerging talents like Darcy Wilmot and Jaspa Fletcher continue to grow alongside established stars such as Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft and Hugh McCluggage, while Charlie Cameron provides reliable firepower up front.
Overall, Brisbane offers the strongest blend of experience, depth across the field, and proven performance in high-stakes games. Until another side dethrones them in a crucial final, they're the team to back.
To Make the Top 4
Under Damien Hardwick, the Suns have accelerated their rebuild and now boast genuine balance with scoring threats all over the park.
Their star midfield duo of Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson received a significant upgrade through the off-season trade for Christian Petracca. Ben King remains the central figure in attack, complemented by their formidable home record at People First Stadium. By blending in experienced players without stifling their youthful energy, they've created a well-rounded squad.
Securing a top-four spot, which guarantees a double chance in finals, seems like a strong possibility. With their talent, coaching expertise, and home-ground dominance, the Suns are primed to feature in September and potentially advance even further.
Top 4 Dark Horse
Fremantle fields one of the AFL's most effective defensive setups, backed by an elite midfield group including Caleb Serong, Hayden Young, and Andrew Brayshaw.
Shai Bolton, acquired back in 2025, has seamlessly integrated and brings much-needed creativity and scoring ability, while Murphy Reid looks ready to explode in year 2. Recent additions like Judd McVee in defence and Mason Cox for ruck support enhance their resilience, while Luke Jackson's versatility adds another layer. Optus Stadium already serves as a formidable venue for opponents, and improvements in away form could propel them higher.
A top-four finish represents excellent potential here, as Fremantle has the capability to challenge and defeat any team when their intensity is at its peak.
To Make the Top 6
Sydney's list is tailored for ongoing success, featuring a dynamic midfield anchored by Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, and Isaac Heeney, who excel in applying pressure and generating run.
For 2026, the acquisition of Charlie Curnow from Carlton addresses their need for a dominant key forward, allowing Logan McDonald to thrive as a complementary option. This setup enables them to outscore most opponents on their day.
In what promises to be a fiercely contested top six, betting on Sydney to finish in the top six feels like a dependable choice. They've resolved key structural gaps to bounce back from what was a poor 2025 considering their impeccable list.
The Race for the Wooden Spoon
The Favourite: West Coast Eagles Eagles supporters could be in for yet another challenging year. While Harley Reid is emerging as a genuine star and additions like Brandon Starcevich alongside high draft selections such as Willem Duursma provide hope, the squad still lacks sufficient depth and seasoned leadership. Plagued by injuries and inconsistency in 2025, they're poised for a similar trajectory and stand as the frontrunners for last place.
The Value Play: If you're seeking a higher return in the Spoon market, Essendon presents an intriguing option. On paper, they have quality players, but persistent issues with consistency and defensive stability hold them back. The departure of Sam Draper to Brisbane further weakens their ruck stocks, and an early stumble or injury setbacks could amplify pressure in the Melbourne spotlight, leading to a rapid decline. Given their track record of difficult periods, they're a realistic contender for the bottom spot.
Also Consider: Essendon $6.00
Overall 2026 Outlook
More teams than usual appear capable of claiming the premiership this season. Brisbane continues to set the bar, but Gold Coast and Fremantle have narrowed the gap considerably. Sydney's enhanced forward line adds to their threat, while Hawthorn and Geelong loom as potential spoilers.
Good luck and enjoy the footy!
