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 ...
the big Texan is calling it quits at the end of the year ...
THEN ...
what a ride. Has always done it his way, too. Without doubt, in my eyes anyway, the greatest kicker of a drop punt during his time in the game. That pass to Charlie Cameron to seal a 2015 elimination final against Western Bulldogs was kicking perfection.
IF ..
there's one thing Fages loathes ...
THEN ...
it's a positive spotlight beamed on him. But he can't escape that light this week. The full focus on him as he coaches the Lions for the 238th time, a club record and one more than the great Leigh Matthews. Presentations, speeches, guards of honour at training sessions. It is not Fagan's go, and he's hated it. But there will be more to come at the Gabba on Saturday, when his Lions play the Suns. Can't imagine his players allowing themselves to walk off the Gabba with anything other than a W.
IF ...
the Frase Phase has been the wildest storyline of the 2026 season ...
THEN ...
hope there's not a party-poop finish. Probably going to need to win one of the Bulldogs and Dockers matches to come to secure a wildcard berth.
IF ...
Steele Sidebottom has kicked a Sherrin on 4879 occasions in 373 matches over 18 AFL seasons ...
THEN ...
one kick will always be remembered more than the 4878 others. THAT goal in the 2023 Grand Final was the stuff of legend. What a career, which will now end this year. Two flags, two Copelands, All-Australian and a second place in a Brownlow. And there's still plenty of gas in the tank for the remainder of the journey.
IF ...
Solly has likened some reporting on the Bombers to "a bit of an episode of Home and Away" ...
THEN ...
strewth! And stone the flamin' Crows. He's finally onto something, Solly. But not even Summer Bay has seen this much backstabbing, fake smiles, fake relationships and incompetence. When asked for comment on the Essendon Football Club, Alf Stewart said: "Don't come the raw prawn with me." And followed it up with: "Flamin' galahs."
IF ...
Murphy Reid is going to miss a match for the first time since being drafted ...
THEN ...
I'm not going to be as excited for this round 23 Friday night lights match against Adelaide as I normally would have been! Smart decision, though, to rest him before finals. And he's already done enough to be given an All-Australian jacket.
IF ...
it was merely a "misstep" according to Hock ...
THEN ...
seemingly no one outside this club is buying that. Even before the AFL hits the Cats with a sanction for the secret Jake Kolodjashnij contract, there is zero industry sympathy.
IF ...
Matt Rowell finally hit peak form in round 22 with 40 disposals in a big win against GWS ...
THEN ...
good luck in round 23 when Josh Dunkley wanders over.
IF ...
Sam Taylor politely declined the full-back slot in next year's WA State Of Origin team to play SA in late February ...
THEN ...
I'd fully understand, and respect, that decision. Serious injury from the 2026 rep game against Victoria ruined both his and his team's hopes this year. Wasn't seen again until round 12. And the Giants just never properly got going.
IF ...
Ned Reeves was recalled for round 22 after a four-week absence ...
THEN ...
Mitch is clearly second-guessing the two-ruck plan. Reeves axed for round 23 against Collingwood, after failing to have impact alongside Meek against the Lions.
IF ...
there are at least 18 of Harry Sharp's Demons teammates who boast bigger profiles ...
THEN ...
he is an equal to all when it comes to playing his role each weekend. A career-high three goals last weekend in the Dees' massive win against the Dockers, hasn't missed a game this year, and is averaging more than a goal a match.
IF ...
Clarko hasn't competed in a Grand Final since 2015, and if North hasn't been in one since 1999 ...
THEN ...
Saturday's match against Geelong should be treated like one by the Roos. Coming off a very impressive win against the Bulldogs, this match presents a sizeable opportunity to convince everyone – even the regularly doubting me!! – that there is genuine improvement.
IF ...
a lot has gone very wrong for the Power in 2026 ...
THEN ...
Aliir Aliir has been one of the few positives. An All-Australian in 2021. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets '2026' sewn into the breast pocket of that green jacket.
IF ...
Broad and now Prestia won't be playing for Richmond beyond this year ...
THEN ...
that will leave just five Tigers premiership players on the 2027 list – Short, Vlastuin, Lynch, Nankervis and Balta. Wouldn't be surprised if Broad was on the list of one of the Perth teams, and Prestia definitely wants to continue.
IF ...
the Saints had been prepared to back in their captain of the previous five seasons and not discard him as part of their brazen big-dollar recruiting spree last year ...
THEN ...
the 2026 season would have unfolded far better than it has. Meanwhile, Jack Steele has been playing a massive role in the extraordinary Melbourne story.
IF ...
I was Dean Cox ...
THEN ...
I wouldn't be bringing back Brodie Grundy for Sunday's match at Marvel Stadium. There's no need. It's only Essendon. And Brodie's body would benefit from another week off.
IF ...
Harley Reid doesn't find himself wrestling with Toby Greene at some stage of Sunday's game against GWS ...
THEN ...
I'll be very surprised. Reid and Greene are the only reasons I'll be watching this game.
IF ...
the Bont is being "managed" in round 23 ...
THEN ...
maybe that's Bevo's way of circumnavigating Swanny's email which warned clubs against resting stars in round 24. Smart management by the Dogs, who can't miss a wildcard final.
AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL
IF ...
the AFL's intent was to quickly wrap up the Geelong-Jake Kolodjashnij contract mess ...
THEN ...
I hope the KC appointed to oversee all findings is able to stick to that plan. This cannot be allowed to drag out.