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Full Noise by SN
Captain’s Call: The youngsters set for senior footy in 2026
SEN • February 23rd, 2026 5:50 pm
Which youngsters will step up and play regular senior footy in 2026?
The 18 AFL captains have answered the call, putting forward their recommendations when asked by SEN.com.au.
See which young guns could become senior regulars this year.
“He’s not that young but Luke Pedlar is probably primed for a big year,” said Crows captain Jordan Dawson.
“He’s had a lot of injuries, been in and out the last few years, but I think he’ll be a regular this year.”
“I reckon Ty Gallop,” Lions co-captain Harris Andrews said.
“A young key forward who played a couple of games last year, was fortunate enough to play in the Grand Final.
“He is someone who has had a great summer and I can’t wait to see him rip in.”
“Jagga Smith,” Blues captain Patrick Cripps without any hesitation whatsoever.
“There’s a few,” said Pies skipper Darcy Moore.
“Harvey Harrison is coming back from an ACL. He is very powerful, very skilful.
“Expect to see him.”
“I’ll say Jacob Farrow,” said new Dons skipper Andy McGrath.
“He’s my new locker buddy, he wears No.2. A really impressive kid, beautiful left and right foot (kick).
“He’s got a lot of footy ahead of him.”
“Murphy Reid is a cop-out because everyone knows that,” said Freo skipper Alex Pearce.
“I think our new draftee Adam Sweid will get a game and play some good footy for us.”
”Not that he’s a youngster, but for us having Tanner Bruhn back is going to make an enormous difference to our team,” said veteran Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield.
“We’re pumped with what he’s going to bring to the team whether it’s in the midfield, at half-back or around the wings.
“Beautiful mover, great kick of the footy, someone we’ve missed.”
“I’ll go with Ethan Read,” said Suns skipper Noah Anderson.
“You’ll see a couple I reckon,” said Giants captain Toby Greene.
“In Opening Round you might see Joey Delana or Joe Fonti.”
“There’s a few to choose from,” said new Hawks co-captain Jai Newcombe.
“I think we’ll see Noah Mraz feature this year.”
“They’re all young. Harvey Langford played every game last year,” said Demons captain Max Gawn.
“It’s a tough question, but let’s go with Latrelle Pickett.”
“Probably ‘Dova’, Lachy Dovaston,” said new Roos skipper Nick Larkey.
“He’s been great already. He’s a little livewire forward with natural goal nous.
“Looking forward to seeing how he goes in the forward line.”
“He played a few games last year, but Jack Whitlock, our big key forward,” said Port captain Connor Rozee.
“He played the other night (against the Crows) and was pretty good.
“He’s got a big future and he’s put on a bit of size.”
“Sam Cumming. He’s been awesome this pre-season,” said Tigers captain Toby Nankervis.
“Hopefully we’ll see him a bit (in the seniors).”
“Hugh Boxshall was awesome on the weekend, he’ll be great,” said new Saints joint captain Cal Wilkie.
“Charlie Banfield, an 18-year-old from WA, has been very impressive so far so he might get a few games.”
“I reckon Riley Bice,” said Swans skipper Callum Mills.
“Definitely Willem Duursma. He had a really good practice match, he’s going to play a lot of footy,” said Eagles leader Reuben Ginbey.
“As well as big ‘CDT’ (Cooper Duff-Tytler) who was pretty good on the weekend and Josh Lindsay as well.
“All three will get a good gig this year.”
“There’s a couple,” said Dogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
“There’s a young kid who is in his second season but missed a bit last year. He’ll definitely play early - Lachie Jaques. He’ll feature in our backline.
“From a first-year perspective, Louis Emmett is a guy who is built for the modern game. Covers the ground extremely well, he’s the perfect modern day prototype of a guy who can play anywhere and just runs like the wind.
“He’s another guy who will get a nod pretty early in the season.”
