Kane’s Countdown: 11 potential first-time All-Australians in 2026

Kane Cornes has named his 10 players who could be in line for their first All-Australian blazer in 2026.

The 2025 All-Australian team saw 11 players named for the first time, with the likes of Hugh McCluggage, Bailey Smith and Gold Coast duo Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell among those receiving their first blazer.

“I’m putting it on a group of players who don’t yet have a blazer, but are good enough and should be in their off-season goals writing down, ‘I want to make the All-Australian team in 2026’,” Cornes said on SEN Sportsday.

“That’s the level that they’re at and if they can just get their game going, they’re good enough to be All-Australians next year.”

Kane’s Countdown – “The 11 players who could be first-time All-Australians in 2026”

Luke Jackson

AA 44-man squad selections: 2 (2023, 2025)

“I don’t think he can make the All-Australian team when he’s a part-ruckman.”

“If they hand him the keys and give him the full-time ruck job, he will be an All-Australian. I don’t think he can get there unless that happens.”

Hayden Young

AA 44-man squad selections: 1 (2024)

“He’s only 24 years of age. He’s a gun.”

“If he stays sound, I think he’s good enough to be an All-Australian clearly and that can happen next year.”

Luke Davies-Uniacke

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“He’s good enough to be an All-Australian. There is zero doubt in my mind about that, but this is all up to Luke and how good he wants to be.”

“He’s just got to work harder. He’s got to get fitter. He’s got to be sound with the football.

“But at his best, he’s a devastating and destructive player and he’s good enough to be a top ten player and a top five midfielder."

Cam Rayner

AA 44-man squad selections: 1 (2024)

“Give me one reason why Cam Rayner’s not good enough to do what Zac Bailey did this year and become an All-Australian.”

“He’s clearly going to always be an impact, probably a lower possession player, but nothing to say that he can’t kick 40 goals next year and average close to 20 touches like ‘Kozzie’ Pickett did this year.”

Nick Watson

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“Maybe one year early, but I reckon he can kick 50 (goals).”

“That will get you in if he does that, so Nick Watson I think should be targeting that next year.”

Will Ashcroft

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“He’s building. His big game performance and his finals reputation at his age is something to behold already.”

Jason Horne-Francis

AA 44-man squad selections: 1 (2024)

“It’s up to you Jason.”

“Been in the squad already. (He’s) good enough and can do that next year if he wants to.”

Sam Darcy

AA 44-man squad selections: 1 (2025)

“Without giving too much away, (he) would’ve made it if he’d played the full season.”

“I’ll think he’s a very, very good chance of being there next year and (is) unstoppable.”

Josh Weddle

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“It will be a bit difficult for him because if you’re one of those flexible players that play everywhere, it’s hard to bed down a spot.”

“But, if he’s wing all year, … I think he’s in the mix.”

Jaspa Fletcher

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“Jaspa Fletcher will be an All-Australian at some point. Whether that’s next year or the year after, he is a phenomenon. There is zero doubt about that.”

Wil Powell

AA 44-man squad selections: 0

“A player that I love that’s starting to get the recognition.”

“Across half-back is absolutely good enough.

“He is certainly building a nice career.”