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Full Noise by SN
Running It Straight is back!Dwayne Russell's ladder predictor for 2026
SEN • March 4th, 2026 8:43 am
SEN's Dwayne Russell has provided his official AFL ladder predictor ahead of the 2026 season!
From first to 18th, Russell has listed who he believes will finish as minor premiers, who will miss the top 10 and who will claim the wooden spooners just days out from Opening Round.
Including the wins and losses in comparison to last season, Russell has a range of risers and fallers, with one team missing the Wildcard on percentage...
See Dwayne's ladder prediction below!
1. Brisbane (18-5)
"I've got Brisbane finishing the minor premiers with two more home and away wins this year than last year," Russell told SEN's Dwayne's World.
"They are the reigning premiers for good reason. I've got them the favourite to win this year and who knows, they might win four in a row. The depth of their list is phenomenal."
2. Sydney (17-6)
"Five more wins in the home and away this year than last year."
3. Fremantle (17-6)
"One more win, jumping to 17."
4. Western Bulldogs (17-6)
"Three more wins in the home and away this year at 17-6."
5. Geelong (17-6)
"Geelong the same. 17-6 last year, 17-6 this year."
6. Hawthorn (15-8)
"Same as last year."
7. Adelaide (13-10)
"Five less home and away wins, but still seventh on the ladder."
8. GWS Giants (12-11)
"Four less wins. They have been knocked around by injuries."
9. St Kilda (12-11)
"Three more wins in the home and away this year."
10. Collingwood (12-11)
"Four less home and away wins.
"One of these four teams will miss the 10 on percentage."
11. Gold Coast (12-11)
"I've got the Gold Coast with three less wins, but maybe that's been swayed a little because I didn't love what I saw in pre-season.
"I've maybe given that too much weight."
12. Port Adelaide (11-12)
"One more win this year than last year, Josh Carr coaching them up."
13. Carlton (9-14)
"Same as last year."
14. Melbourne (7-16)
"Same as last year."
15. North Melbourne (5-18)
"Same wins as last year."
16. Essendon (5-18)
"One less than last year."
17. Richmond (5-18)
"Same as last year."
18. West Coast (3-20)
"Two more wins than last year. I'm giving them three (wins), but maybe that's been generous. I'm not too scared by what I saw against Port Adelaide on the weekend."
