Your club's end-of-year report card: Best players, biggest shocks and more
The AFL has released its end-of-year report card for the Essendon Bombers following a disappointing 2026 season. The team struggled with coaching instability and poor performance, resulting in a wooden spoon finish.
Why it matters
Provides a detailed performance analysis for sports fans and stakeholders interested in the professional Australian football landscape.
We give your club a rating out of 10 for the 2026 season, look at the best and worst moments and more
--> Harley Reid, Zach Merrett and Luke Davies-Uniacke. Pictures: AFL Photos AS THE home and away season draws to a close, it's time to put your club under the microscope.
From breakout stars and season-defining moments to trade targets and overall grades, we've assessed the highs, lows and lingering questions from your team's 2026 campaign.
Here's our report card on all the eight clubs that didn't reach the finals. The remaining teams will be added as they drop out of the premiership race.
--> --> Best-and-fairest favourite: Zach Merrett
Best moment of 2026: Gather Round. Essendon's win over Melbourne in Adelaide snapped an equal-record 17-game losing streak, stopping the Bombers from setting a new worst-ever run of 18 consecutive losses.
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