Who would pick up a coveted AFL All-Australian blazer if our three footy writers, Jake Michaels, Matt Walsh, and Jarryd Barca had their way? The trio will update the below team after each round of the 2026 season.
ESPN's mid-year All-Australian team for 2026 (post Round 17)
FB: Wayne Milera (ADE), Harris Andrew (BRIS), James Sicily (HAW)
HB: Max Holmes (GEE), Callum Wilkie (STK), Nick Blakey (SYD)
C: Bailey Smith (GEE), Marcus Bontempelli (WB), Jordan Dawson (ADE)
HF: Isaac Heeney (SYD), Josh Treacy (FRE), Kysaiah Pickett (MEL)
FF: Charlie Curnow (SYD), Ben King (GC), Nick Watson (HAW)
R: Luke Jackson (FRE), Nick Daicos (COL), Zak Butters (PA)
I/C: Charlie Cameron (BRIS), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK), Shai Bolton (FRE), Jai Newcombe (HAW), Harry Sheezel (NM)
Coach: Justin Longmuir (FRE)
Mid-year All-Australian summary:
He was in the team earlier in the year, dropped, and now makes a return. Welcome back, Callum Wilkie. The reliable St Kilda defender leads the league in both marks and intercept possessions, and fully deserves to be recalled to the team. Wilkie takes the place of Sydney's Tom McCartin in our back six.
Speaking of the Saints, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera also gets the nod after a red-hot five weeks that's seen him re-enter Brownlow Medal discussions. Last week, Nas absolutely torched the Bombers with 46 disposals, 897 metres gained, 10 score involvements, and a goal.
The other change we've made this week is bringing in Charlie Curnow, who has jumped to second spot in the race for the Coleman Medal after a bag of six goals against the Bulldogs. It may be a tad controversial, but Curnow takes Jeremy Cameron's spot following an incredibly lean run of form from the Cats champion.
IN THE MIX:
Tom Barrass
Aliir Aliir
Tom McCartin
Sam Collins
Lachie Ash
Bailey Dale
Patrick Cripps
Clayton Oliver
Harley Reid
Jason Horne-Francis
Christian Petracca
Luke Davies-Uniacke
Lachie Neale
Mitch Georgiades
Murphy Reid
Jack Gunston
Jeremy Cameron
Logan Morris
Brodie Grundy
Max Gawn