WELCOME back to The 25.

AFL.com.au's rolling list of the top players in the AFL is back, where our team of experts rank the best of the best every month throughout the year.

The criteria is simple – if every player in the competition was fully fit and lined up against a wall right now, who would you pick first?

THE 25 See all of our previous rankings
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This month saw plenty of movement, with opinions again split as to who the No.1 player in the competition is right now. You can have your say on that question with our poll at the bottom of the page.

In line with the AFL's decision to make the five suspended Sydney players ineligible for All Australian selection, those five were not considered in this month's edition of The 25.

Read on for the seventh edition of The 25 for 2026, where some familiar names dominate the top rungs of the list.

The former No.1 draft pick has never had trouble finding the ball but he's now getting his hands on it at crucial times and using it better than ever before. Walsh is enjoying a career-high disposal efficiency of just over 75 per cent, and his 39 disposals in the wildcard win over Melbourne was his most prolific return since late 2022. He's also logging his best centre clearance numbers, with his drive out of the middle late against the Demons pivotal to the result. Opponents need to put a lot of work into stopping Walsh if they're to halt the Blues' rampage.

There's never been any doubt about Horne-Francis' potential, but only now is he starting to fully realise it. The Port bull finished his fifth season with career-highs across the board – disposals, marks, tackles and scoring – and is one of only four players in the league to average over 23 disposals and 1.3 goals a game. Injury and suspension saw Horne-Francis miss two of the Power’s last six games, but the backend of his season was strong and he'll be ready to step up in Zak Butters' absence next year.

It's almost unbelievable that this is just Morris' third season: 67 games, 140 goals, two premierships (at the time of writing) and this year's Coleman Medal runner up. And it seems his trajectory is only inclining further every week. The last three rounds of the home and away season saw the 21-year-old slot four goals against Hawthorn, four against the Suns and then eight against Collingwood. That return against the Pies is a career high, but you get the feeling it won't be for long. The past two years, Morris has been solid in September, and something suggests he might stamp his name on this one.

If there were any doubts about whether Curnow would fit in at the Swans, they have been well and truly cast out by now. After a comparatively slow start to the season, he finished it on fire, averaging just a tick under four goals through Sydney's last 12 games. Curnow only played in three finals in his nine years at Carlton, all in 2023 and each returning just one goal. Now, with the recent disruption to the Swans' September preparation, there's going to be a bit of extra weight on his shoulders and eyes in his direction.

Newcombe remains steady in The 25 after another outstanding campaign in his first season as Hawthorn co-captain. Despite narrowly missing All-Australian selection after earning a spot in the squad, the hard-nosed midfielder produced career-best averages for disposals (26) and clearances (7.6), continuing to set the standard week after week. A powerful contested ball-winner and the heartbeat of the Hawks' engine room, Newcombe has been instrumental in their top-four finish.

A now two-time All Australian, Bolton has added another dimension to his game in 2026. The dynamic Docker has spent more time on the ball, lifting his numbers to career-high averages of 22.7 disposals and 4.1 clearances per game, while still hitting the scoreboard with a goal a game across the final month of the season. With his speed, agility and elite goal sense, Bolton remains one of the competition's most damaging forward-mids and a constant threat around stoppages and inside 50.

Serong has once again been the driving force in Freo's engine room, producing another elite season while leading one of the competition's most reliable midfield combinations. The three-time Doig Medal winner averaged 24.7 disposals, 6.5 clearances and five tackles a game in 2026, setting the tone with his relentless work rate and contested ball-winning ability. Built for September, Serong shapes as a crucial figure in the Dockers' premiership ambitions, and expect him to raise the bar even further as finals football arrives.

Neale has played every game this season and continues to elevate his performances despite the constant speculation surrounding his future. The 33-year-old looks well placed to claim a fifth Lions best and fairest after another outstanding campaign, averaging 30 disposals and 7.2 clearances per game while leading the AFL for centre clearances. As Brisbane chases a historic three-peat, expect the two-time Brownlow medallist to be right at the heart of the Lions' premiership push.

The young Docker has slipped slightly in the rankings mainly due to missing the last two home and away games of the season, but what a season it's been for the only-just-turned-20-year-old. Averaging over 23 disposals punctuated by some of the deadliest handballs in the game, plus a level of creativity and confidence that belies his age and experience, it's no surprise Reid earned his first AllAustralian blazer – the youngest to do so in 32 years. Could he be the youngest ever to win a Norm Smith?

The Bulldogs flyer has put together a blistering past six weeks, averaging 28.7 disposals, seven clearances and more than a goal a game as the Bulldogs muscled their way into September via a wildcard win over Collingwood. Richards is now ranked third on the AFL Player Ratings system, narrowly sneaking ahead of fourth-ranked Nick Daicos. With a rare blend of power, athleticism and skill that often translates into scoreboard damage, Richards is set to have a massive say in the Dogs' finals fortunes. 

After missing finals last year, Rankine's start to 2026 was hampered by a pre-season hamstring issue and then a calf injury in round 11. Since his return, though, he's been one of the best players in the competition and thoroughly deserves his entry back into The 25 this month - with a bullet. The Crows star has gone into overdrive in the past two months and was the highest rated player in the game in the final eight weeks of the home and away season, averaging almost 31 disposals a game to go with 12 goals. His last start should be a warning to the competition ahead of finals; 35 disposals, four goals, three goal assists, 12 clearances, 845m gained and 10 score involvements.

The best key defender in the game with a fourth All Australian blazer in his keeping, Harris Andrews could become a all-time legend of the Brisbane Lions by the end of the month - if he wasn't there already. Captaining a third premiership would secure a Lions legacy and Andrews has guided his side into another finals campaign by brilliantly holding up a defensive unit that has been re-shaped slightly this year in the absence of Jack Payne. Andrews ranks third in the league for intercept marks, second in the league for contested marks and he's lost just eight one-on-one contests all year. A star of the game, with a huge month ahead.

He's the reigning Gary Ayres Award winner as the coaches' best player in the finals and the Lions' 'Mr September' is again coming good at the right time of year. Ashcroft endured a rare quiet patch – for him, at least – in the middle of the season but he has returned to his damaging best. Since round 15, he has averaged 32.2 disposals, 6.4 clearances, 5.8 inside 50s and more than a goal per game. If the Lions get their shot at a third successive flag, you can bet Ashcroft will be at the heart of their charge. 

His first year at Geelong surprised many, but Smith's 2026 has been something else again. Second in the league for disposals and averaging more than 37 a game through the final three rounds of the season, the long-haired Cat is in red-hot form heading into finals. And if there's anyone that lifts on a big stage, it's Smith. Expect him to throw everything into September, especially with Max Holmes' potential return lifting a bit of the load.

The Swans ball-magnet has hit top form on his return from injury in the second half of the season. Gulden has recorded 40-plus disposals in his past two games and in three of his past five and he makes a huge impact at the Swans with his slick ball movement. Gulden is averaging 31.4 disposals, seven inside 50s, five tackles and 4.3 clearances, while he had more than 1000 metres gained in back-to-back games to finish the home and away season. With the Swans shorn of some of their very best this September, look out for the left-footer to lead the way for Sydney in September.

One of the biggest risers of 2026, Treacy has become arguably the best key forward in the game and earned himself an All Australian blazer last week. In addition to his 54 goals (his accuracy in front of goal can, at times, be the only real knock on his game), Treacy's marking ability is what stands out the most. He has been the leading contested mark winner in the AFL this season, while he has ranked second for marks inside 50 and fifth for marks on the lead. The best hands in the business, Treacy looks capable of taking a final by the scruff of the neck this month.

Arguably the best small forward in the AFL (although Charlie Cameron might have something to say about that), Watson has elevated his game this year to become an even bigger star than he already was. His 55 goals speak for themselves while his work at centre bounces gives the Hawks a clearance x-factor when they need it. As Watson's profile has risen, so has his performances and he looks made for the big stage of finals.

Although his impact waned a little late in the season, Pickett still remains one of the best and most damaging players in the game. The electric Demon thrived after a permanent move into the midfield role this season and enjoyed career-best numbers in disposals (22.6), clearances (4.5) and tackles (4.6) while still kicking more than a goal a game. He had an 'almost' night in the wildcard final against Carlton, kicking 0.3, but a second All Australian blazer underlined another outstanding campaign for the 25-year-old.

Fresh off a record-breaking ninth All Australian blazer, the Demons captain is showing no signs of slowing down. Gawn's remarkable achievement means he now stands alone as the most decorated All Australian in history, while he's also firmly in the mix for a fourth club champion award. He was again Melbourne's best in its heartbreaking wildcard final defeat, finishing with 31 hitouts, six clearances and a goal, capping a season in which he averaged career-highs for disposals (21.5) and clearances (6.6). At 34, Gawn continues to set the benchmark for rucks across the competition.

Despite the constant speculation surrounding his future, Butters delivered another elite campaign in 2026. The star midfielder didn't play again after he went down with an ankle injury in round 18, and will now return to Victoria to continue his unbelievable career. Prior to that setback, Butters was once again among the competition's premier midfielders, averaging 29.8 disposals and 6.2 clearances per game. The 25-year-old remains one of the toughest and most influential players in the league.

The brilliant Adelaide captain was named an All Australian for the third time in four seasons after an inspirational season. Dawson had an outstanding campaign in difficult personal circumstances following the death of his brother in April, and he is averaging 26.3 disposals, 5.7 tackles and 4.3 clearances per game. He continues to do damage in the front half as well, kicking a career-high 22 goals. Dawson will get a chance to impact again as the Crows begin their finals campaign.

It wasn't the season St Kilda or Wanganeen-Milera wanted, but the Saints star did everything in his power to lift his side into September. Despite playing just 17 games due to injury, the 23-year-old did enough to earn another All Australian blazer, averaging 29 disposals (only marginally below his breakout 2025 campaign) and a goal a game, while he ranked eighth in the AFL for score involvements. He really got moving late in the season, racking up 40 or more disposals in three of five games between rounds 15 and 20, highlighted by a career-best game of 46 and four goals against North Melbourne, after also getting 46 against Essendon, falling just short of the club's all-time record.

The game's true 'unicorn', Jackson has enjoyed a stellar season to lead Fremantle into premiership favouritism. With his best campaign yet, Jackson earned All Australian honours for the first time in his career after averaging career-highs for disposals (18.3), tackles (5.3) and clearances (4.9), while also kicking 24 goals – the most he has managed in a single season. A 2021 premiership player with Melbourne, Jackson is set to have a huge impact in September.

There is still no slowing down the superstar Bulldog. Bontempelli was at his best with 32 disposals, eight clearances and a goal in the wildcard final win over Collingwood. The left-footer remains consistent, averaging 26.6 disposals, 5.7 clearances and 4.1 tackles this year, and he is remarkably closing in on a career-high goals tally. Bontempelli has booted 31 majors this year, a tally he has beaten just once before, with 32 in 2024. He was rewarded with an eighth All Australian blazer last week.

The Collingwood superstar has produced one of the finest individual seasons you will ever see. Daicos was crowned the AFL Coaches Association's Champion Player of the Year, won the Leigh Matthews Trophy and earned a fourth All Australian blazer, with a Brownlow Medal likely still to come. He averaged a career-high 34.6 disposals this season, along with 5.7 clearances, while he bettered his previous best of 20 goals in a campaign with 26 majors. The silky Pie continues to be one of the game's most damaging players.