STRAP yourselves in, footy fans - Damian Barrett's Sliding Doors is back in full swing for 2026.

With the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season approaching a dramatic conclusion, Damo's got plenty of thoughts about all 18 clubs - and the AFL.

So what is he saying about your team? What's he saying about the AFL? You can't say that, Damo, can you? Check it out below.

>> ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION FROM DAMIAN BARRETT

IF ...

it was a 12-goal defeat of the dreadful Bombers last week ...

THEN ...

it should be at least a 12-goal defeat of the woeful Tigers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. They'll stay top four after round 22, the Crows. The almighty Freo next up.

IF ..

I've never wavered on this team this year ...

THEN ...

I had reason to be very worried in round 21, when Carlton tore apart all aspects of operations. And I'm even more worried about what the Hawks may do to it under Friday night lights at the Gabba. He's delivered in a heap of massive moments for the Lions, has Fages. We'll know by 10 o'clock Friday night if the threepeat is a chance.

IF ...

the Blues beat the Saints on Sunday night ...

THEN ...

big Josh won't need to go through the rigmarole of formally applying. Actions always trump words, and should Fraser make it 10-2 at Marvel Stadium there may just be a snap media conference on Monday morning.

IF ...

the AFL doesn't want the big-name players missing in round 24 ...

THEN ...

it must be OK in round 22. Pendles and Jordy left out of the team to play the Eagles on Sunday with injuries, on top of Howe, Perryman and Lipinski also not playing. As I've said all week, let the teams which dare to attempt to qualify for finals do what they want.

IF ...

Welshy's Plan A has been torn up, that being 'Solly' to become Bombers coach ...

THEN ...

Plans B and C are still alive, those involving McVeigh and Hirdy. Then there's D (Graham) and E (Davis). Another very big week for Welshy, the biggest of his already tumultuous Essendon presidency.

IF ...

I'm not normally into declaring "certainties" in this tipping caper ...

THEN ...

I'm venturing into that space here. Dockers to fly in and fly out of Melbourne with a commanding victory. Their game is built for the 'G. Next time they'll be there will be September 26.

IF ...

the Cats late Thursday night said they were "not attempting to vary the terms of the AFL standard playing contract, or attempting to avoid its responsibilities under health and safety laws" ...

THEN ...

my question is: why have you now chosen to officially remove the clause, which appeared to vary the terms of the AFL standard playing contract, and also gave the appearance of attempting to avoid responsibilities under health and safety laws? 

IF ...

there is any resolve, fight or even pride left at the Suns ...

THEN ...

they will challenge the Giants on Sunday. But this looks like a pathetically defeatist club at the moment, from the supposedly messiah coach down. 

IF ...

Toby is yet to determine where he plays beyond this year ...

THEN ...

he still has the power to shape the Giants' 2026 season. Back after injury for Sunday's game against the Suns. GWS still a sneaky chance to make wildcard weekend.

IF ...

Lewis, Amon and Reeves are back in the team for a massive Friday night lights match against the Lions ...

THEN ...

only Conor Nash is now missing from their best 23. Tipping the Hawks to be making a very big statement in this match, and to be keeping alive their hopes of finishing the home and away season in second place.

IF ...

Steven King may fall short in the race for coach of the year status ...

THEN ...

he's going to be in the photo finish for story of the year. And might be two lengths in front should the Demons take down the Dockers at the 'G on Saturday.

IF ...

LDU was exceptional (and should now be guaranteed to win a second B&F), Sheezel brilliant and Curtis outstanding in the Roos' four-quarter performance against the Dogs on Thursday night ...

THEN ...

the point of difference was Wardlaw. He's the key to this club. Please let him stop pinging hamstrings and getting knocked out. 

IF ...

my man Mitch Georgiades has cost himself a genuine crack at a Coleman Medal with some very wayward kicking ...

THEN ...

he's still going to like his chances on Saturday against a Swans team without Rampe and Edwards. 42.46 and a few other non-scoring sprays for big Mitch. A brilliant player but he needs to sort out his kicking.

IF ...

my favourite AFL stories are the ones that focus on perseverance ...

THEN ...

Judson Clarke's 867 days between games is right up there. Two knee recos have wrecked this guy's progress.

IF ...

Ross The Boss is adamant the Saints have improved in 2026 ...

THEN ...

I remain doubtful. Said at the start of the season that this club simply had to make a wildcard final at the very least to be in contention for a pass mark. Three matches remain. Sunday night versus Carlton is a very big moment for Ross.

IF ...

big Charlie is leading the Coleman after round 21 ...

THEN ...

with the remaining matches being against Port, Essendon and North, he surely jags enough goals from here to secure a third Coleman. I'm old school, and the Coleman winner should be guaranteed to be All-Australian, too.

IF ...

Georgiades has been really bad in front of goal ...

THEN ...

Waterman has been deplorable. 43.50 for him, along with 10 other "official" misses at the big sticks. Have pumped him up big-time since early in the 2024 season, where he secured an All-Australian gong. So it's only fair that I criticise him for costing his team at least three wins in 2026, maybe more.

IF ...

the Dogs looked safe for finals a fortnight ago ...

THEN ...

they still shouldn't miss. But they looked like a bottom four team on Thursday night against the Roos. Carlton and Melbourne to come. Hmmm.

AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL

IF ...

Swanny was still in his previous life as CEO at Brisbane, Carlton or Collingwood, and he received the type of email that he sent this week to all clubs as AFL footy ops boss, warning everyone not to unnecessarily rest players in round 24 ...

THEN ...

he would have understood and respected why that email was sent. But he wouldn't have cared for it.