AFL Finals Lineups
Sydney makes the only lineup changes ahead of the AFL preliminary finals.
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Key Points
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Adelaide’s Izak Rankine has surged late in the season, ranking among Champion Data’s top five players since Round 17 and averaging 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals over his final four home-and-away matches. His 37-disposal performance against Richmond produced 223 ranking points, the highest ever recorded by an Adelaide player.
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James Hird said he was upset that details of a private meeting were leaked shortly after he received a text about it. He also said he remains in contact with incoming Essendon coach Mark McVeigh, describing him as a friend with whom he discusses football and players.
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David King specifically suggested Fremantle captain Alex Pearce could hand over the role because of his age, with Andrew Brayshaw or Caleb Serong viewed as possible successors. At Geelong, King raised Tom Stewart as a short-term option or Max Holmes as another candidate.
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The captaincy discussion also included a possible succession at Carlton, where Kane Cornes’ panelist suggested it could be the right time for Patrick Cripps to make way for Sam Walsh, who was described as ready for the responsibility.
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In the other Brownlow club-vote markets, Clayton Oliver is favored at GWS after averaging a competition-best 14.9 contested possessions in his first season there, while Sam Walsh is favored at Carlton after playing every game and recording fewer than 25 disposals only once in his final 10 matches.
Sydney will be the only team making changes for the 2026 AFL preliminary finals, replacing injured captain Callum Mills and Harry Cunningham with Justin McInerney and Lewis Melican for their match against Fremantle Herald Sun. Hawthorn, Fremantle, and Brisbane will keep their lineups unchanged as the four finalists prepare for the next round.
Hird Upset Over Leaked Meeting Details
James Hird said a planned meeting about a potential role at Essendon did not happen, and no formal offer was made Herald Sun. The AFL legend expressed frustration that details of a private conversation were leaked shortly after he received a text about the opportunity. Hird confirmed he remains in contact with incoming coach Mark McVeigh, calling him a friend they discuss football with regularly.
King Predicts Captaincy Shifts Across Six Clubs
AFL analyst David King has forecast possible captaincy changes at six clubs in 2027 Herald Sun. At Fremantle, King suggested captain Alex Pearce could step down due to age, with Andrew Brayshaw or Caleb Serong as potential replacements. For Geelong, Tom Stewart or Max Holmes could succeed the current captain.
Carlton and Sydney are also on King's radar for captaincy transitions Herald Sun. Kane Cornes' panelist suggested Patrick Cripps might make way for Sam Walsh, who is viewed as ready for the responsibility. Collingwood and West Coast round out the list of clubs King expects to make changes.
Rankine Emerges as Brownlow Challenger
Adelaide's Izak Rankine has surged late in the season, ranking in Champion Data's top five since Round 17 Herald Sun. Over his final four home-and-away matches, Rankine averaged 36 disposals, 10 clearances, and two goals. His 37-disposal performance against Richmond produced 223 ranking points—the highest ever recorded by an Adelaide player.
In other Brownlow club-vote markets, Clayton Oliver leads at GWS after averaging 14.9 contested possessions per game Herald Sun. Sam Walsh is favored at Carlton after playing every game and recording fewer than 25 disposals only once in his final ten matches. Shaun Mannagh ranks among other favored challengers.
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