THERE were four new entries in AFL.com.au's most recent edition of The 25, but plenty of other stars are just outside the list.

On Wednesday, we released our panel of journalists and experts' latest monthly assessment of the best 25 players in the league, based on current form as well as their body of work across previous years.

But by default you can only fit so many players on the list and there is always plenty of debate around those that missed out, so who are the five unlucky players considered next in line?

Sydney ruck Brodie Grundy's stellar season has gone under the radar given fellow rucks Max Gawn and Luke Jackson have dominated at their clubs, but he remains a popular choice amongst the game's best players, while Greater Western Sydney runner Lachie Ash, an All Australian last week, also got some votes from our panel.

A couple of Carlton players have risen along with their team in the back half of the season, with Patrick Cripps and Jagga Smith both falling just short of a spot in The 25, while Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron could push into the top echelon if his good recent form continues into finals.

Take a look at the latest rankings below and be sure to return next month for the next edition of The 25.

The 25, September 2026

1) Nick Daicos
2) Marcus Bontempelli
3) Luke Jackson
4) Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
5) Jordan Dawson
6) Zak Butters
7) Max Gawn
8) Kysaiah Pickett
9) Nick Watson
10) Josh Treacy
11) Errol Gulden
12) Bailey Smith
13) Will Ashcroft
14) Harris Andrews
15) Izak Rankine
16) Ed Richards
17) Murphy Reid
18) Lachie Neale
19) Caleb Serong
20) Shai Bolton
21) Jai Newcombe
22) Charlie Curnow
23) Logan Morris
24) Jason Horne-Francis
25) Sam Walsh