Under-the-radar players primed for a big 2026

Which under-the-radar player will have a big year at your club in 2026?

SEN.com.au asked every AFL captain for an underrated name that's had a huge pre-season and is ready to step into a big role this year.

See your captain's nomination below!

“I think Luke Pedlar, or Wayne Milera,” said Jordan Dawson.

“Milera is a bit older now, but he’s really going well.

“He’s done two patella tendons in the last five or six years but I’m really confident he’s going to have a big year.”

Bruce Reville

“He’s been playing on a wing over the summer. Another one that was fortunate enough to get a run late in the year last year,” said Harris Andrews.

“He’s been sensational, really excited to see what he can do on the wing.”

“Matt Carroll,” said Patrick Cripps.

“There's a few,” said Pies skipper Darcy Moore.

“I'm going to say Wil Parker, medium to small defender - he's going to have a good year.”

"I'll say Darcy Parish," said new captain Andy McGrath.

“Heath Chapman off half-back,” said Alex Pearce.

“He’s had a great pre-season and is ready to take the next step.”

"Jhye Clark," said Patrick Dangerfield.

“Bodhi Uwland,” said Suns skipper Noah Anderson.

Connor Idun

“He could be All-Australian for the first time. A lot of people know him, but they don’t know how good he is,” said Toby Greene.

"Josh Ward," said the newly appointed Jai Newcombe.

"Very much looking forward to what he can produce this year."

“Daniel Turner and Jake Melksham – he’ll go again,” said Max Gawn.

“I think Paul Curtis is the most underrated player in the league,” Nick Larkey said.

“I’m obviously biased but he is a very, very special player.

“The more that we hopefully climb the ladder or build as a side the more recognition he will get.

“He’s as good as any small forward in the game. Powerful, strong, explosive, a natural goal kicker, but he’s also just a really good team player - the ultimate teammate.”

“Maybe Jack Lukosius,” said Connor Rozee.

“He missed most of last year but he’s had a fair run at pre-season now and he looks pretty good.

“We got him obviously for a reason and we didn’t see much of him last year so hopefully he can have a big year.”

“Ben Miller, I reckon,” said Toby Nankervis.

“He's had a great summer and I love the way he goes about it.”

“Mitch Owens. He’s not that under-the-radar because he’s in the leadership group and this is his fifth year,” said new co-captain Cal Wilkie.

“I think he’s going to go for a breakout year.”

"I'll go Riley Bice," said Callum Mills.

"I think he'll have a good year."

“I reckon Brandon Starcevich. He’s come from Brissie, a super-experienced player who has a couple of flags under his belt,” said Eagles leader Reuben Ginbey.

“He’s going to be massive for us.

“And Schoey (Harry Schoenberg).”

"Connor Budarick," said Marcus Bontempelli.

"I knew of him and the type of player he was, but now being a bit up close, the role he will play for us I think will be very important.

"Looking forward to him playing."