Who are the players you just love watching? You know, not necessarily favourites from the team you support, but the players from across the league who stop you in your tracks and make you tune in anytime, anywhere.
Welcome to ESPN's eighth annual top 20 must-watch players list.
This isn't just a countdown of the competition's biggest names, but a ranking of the players we simply can't wait to watch in action in 2026. It's a mix of the game's superstars, big names who have switched clubs, young guns who look ready to explode, those returning from injury, top draftees -- anyone we will be watching with interest this year.
Last week, we revealed players ranked 20-11. Today we have the top 10.
10. Jagga Smith
Sadly, the footy world was robbed of watching Smith last year, after the highly touted Blues prospect ruptured his ACL in his maiden preseason and was forced to sit out the entire year. Smith, who was selected by the Blues with pick No. 3 in the 2024 draft, has now fully recovered from the injury and has been demonstrating some incredibly impressive signs in Carlton's preseason practise matches. The 20-year-old is expected to slot straight into the Blues' midfield and partner the likes of skipper Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh. Here's hoping he has a clean bill of health throughout 2026!
9. Isaac Heeney
Few players in the league have enjoyed a more dominant two-year run than Heeney. The dynamic Swan has flourished as a fulltime midfielder, proving to be just as impactful when deployed in the guts as he is when stationed forward. Heeney has the ability to produce both the spectacular mark and goal -- shall we remind you of Sydney's 2024 qualifying final against GWS -- and has silky skills with ball in hand. In fact, he doesn't really have a weakness in his game. With Sydney tipped to rise back up the ladder in 2026, expect Heeney to be leading the charge as he targets a third successive All-Australian blazer.
8. Marcus Bontempelli
Is Bontempelli the best player in the game? ESPN's Jake Michaels thinks so, ranking the Bulldogs captain No. 1 in his list of the 50 best players in the league heading into season 2026. And that in itself should be reason enough to watch him every time he steps onto a footy field. Bontempelli can do it all; dominate in the midfield or produce a spectacular spell in the forward line that rips a game apart. He is a three-time AFL MVP and seven-time All-Australian, but that Brownlow Medal continues to elude him. Perhaps this is the year he finally adds the league's most prestigious individual honour to his trophy cabinet?
7. Tom De Koning
Tom De Koning has always had the tools to become one of the best rucks in the competition. At his best, he's an eye-catching tall who can win a centre bounce, follow up with clearance, take big marks around the ground, and of course drift forward to hit the scoreboard. Injuries and inconsistency halted his rise at the Blues, but the talent has never been in doubt. This year he gets a fresh start at St Kilda on a huge long-term deal. The new centre circle rules should only enhance his leap and athleticism, too, and his partnership with Rowan Marshall adds another layer of intrigue. If fit and firing, De Koning will be a crucial player for the Saints, and easily one of the most watchable in 2026.
6. Sam Darcy
There are players who take a good contested mark. And then there's Sam Darcy. The reach and mobility he possesses at 208cm is scary, and for many defenders, almost unstoppable. Last season was a breakout for the 22-year-old, but it's a case of what could have been after he suffered a knee injury in Round 6 and spent significant time on the sidelines. Darcy still kicked 48 goals from just 17 games and slotted three or more on nine occasions, underlining how quickly and easily he can dominate a contest. The opportunities will keep on coming his way in 2026 with a midfield group led by Marcus Bontempelli and Co., so if he stays fit, this could be the year he explodes. With Darcy only 45 games into his career, the best is yet to come.
5. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera went from a young, exciting half-back to genuine midfield superstar in the space of a season last year, and had the footy world talking for many reasons. The 23-year-old averaged 29.9 disposals and led the league with 4.3 bounces per game in 2025 to earn All-Australian honours. Wanganeen-Milera is an electric, flashy player who is always willing to take the game on. He can slice teams apart with both his run and foot skills, and who could possibly forget his match-winning heroics against Melbourne last year? Knocking back a move home to South Australia to sign a monster contract extension with the Saints now makes him Ross Lyon's main man, and a player you've got to tune in to see.
4. Christian Petracca
Christian Petracca has been one of the most explosive players in the game for years, building his reputation at Melbourne as a premiership player, Norm Smith Medal winner, and four-time All-Australian who can burst from stoppages, hit the scoreboard, and overpower his opponents in one-on-one situations. Few players in the league possess such a full package like Petracca. Since his horror injury in 2024, and the ensuing fallout at the Dees, Petracca hasn't consistently hit those same heights, but he now gets a fresh start with a Gold Coast team that is widely tipped to contend for this year's premiership. Let's see if a change of scenery unlocks his absolute best once again.
3. Charlie Curnow
He may have been out of form for the past 18 months, but when fit, firing, and on song, Curnow is an undoubted top 10 player in the league. This year, the two-time Coleman Medal winner begins his journey at the Swans, attempting to fill the key forward hole that was left by Lance Franklin three years ago. Could Curnow be the missing piece to help Sydney back to the Grand Final, and perhaps go one better than it managed in 2024? Maybe. Who knows. What we do know is that he's a player with freakish athleticism, crafty skills around goal, and someone you simply cannot take your eyes off when the ball is in his vicinity.
2. Nick Daicos
No matter you're feelings about Collingwood, how can you not love watching Daicos play? The superstar Magpie is one of the most talented players the game has ever seen, consistently dazzling with his elite, quick hands at the contest and pin-point foot skills when given time and space. He wins clearances. He sets up play. He kicks goals. He pretty much does everything! The craziest part is that Daicos is still just 23 years of age and, in reality, not yet close to his ceiling as a footballer. And while that may be an incredibly daunting prospect for 17 teams in the league, it's enough of a reason to be glued to your screen every time he's in action.
1. Zak Butters
Could it really be anyone else?! There are two major reasons to watch Butters in 2026. Firstly, he is one of the bona fide superstars of the competition; a player who has an incredibly unique skillset and game. Butters doesn't have the size to match many in the midfield, but his heart and endeavour is never lacking, often throwing himself at contests with no regard for his safety. But the other reason to watch Butters this year is that we still have no idea where he will be playing his football in 2027. Butters will become a restricted free agent at season's end and will face a major decision regarding his football future. Does he stay at the Power or will a move back to Victoria be facilitated? Either way, it's sure to be a fascinating watch!