A shift in AFL rules, designed to encourage more traditional ruck contests, was on display during a series of pre-season match simulations across the league this week, alongside glimpses of emerging talent and returning stars preparing for the 2026 season. The scrapping of the sub rule, allowing teams to name five players on the bench, is already prompting tactical adjustments, particularly regarding the use of multiple ruckmen.
Hawthorn, for example, trialled a forward-ruck combination of Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves against Geelong, a pairing not seen in a competitive match since 2023. Hawks assistant coach David Hale indicated the team is exploring various options for the fifth bench role, including additional ruck support. “Both of those guys have had a good summer,” Hale told reporters. “The centre bounce rule obviously helps ‘Noodle’ (Reeves) in terms of his height… Meeky’s had a good couple of years as well.”
The modern rule dictates that rucks are now prohibited from crossing the centre line before engaging with their opponent, a change intended to revitalize jumping contests. Melbourne captain Max Gawn acknowledged the adjustment required for veteran ruckmen. “I think some of the guys who can jump are really going to excel and some of the older guys, like me, are potentially going to have to reach up a different way,” Gawn said to Fox Footy.
Other teams are also experimenting with dual-ruck strategies. Gold Coast deployed Jarrod Witts and Ned Moyle together against St Kilda, while Greater Western Sydney showcased Kieren Briggs and Nick Madden, with both players contributing significantly to the scoreboard – Briggs with four goals and Madden with three. Carlton and Adelaide also trialled combinations of their ruckmen in pre-season matches.
Adelaide appears particularly keen on utilizing Toby Murray as a second ruck option, potentially freeing up Riley Thilthorpe to focus on a more forward role. According to dual premiership Crows captain Mark Bickley, speaking on Kayo Sports, “It’s captivating Riley Thilthorpe did a lot of the ruck function last year as a second ruck… Got a feeling they don’t really want him in the ruck – they want him dominating in the front half of the ground.”
St Kilda’s acquisition of Tom De Koning has also prompted a shift in their ruck strategy, with the Saints pairing him with Rowan Marshall. Despite Marshall previously expressing interest in a move to Geelong, the Saints are confident in the potential of the duo. Saints football boss Lenny Hayes said post-match, “I thought it was a really good step for him (De Koning) to build some chemistry with his midfielders.”
Beyond the ruck adjustments, the pre-season matches offered a first appear at several key players returning from injury and the potential impact of new recruits. Notably, Melbourne’s Latrelle Pickett and Kysaiah Pickett showcased a dynamic combination that has generated significant excitement. Demons assistant coach Troy Chaplin described the pairing as “pretty good viewing for our supporters,” highlighting Latrelle’s maturity and willingness to contribute to the team. Kysaiah Pickett finished with five goals in the match against North Melbourne.
Yet, North Melbourne’s performance against Melbourne was described as “unflattering and disappointing” by assistant coach Michael Barlow, despite the match being a pre-season simulation. Barlow noted the team’s struggles with workrate and inability to match Melbourne’s intensity. Tristan Xerri, North Melbourne’s primary ruckman, also appeared below his best.
Sydney’s pre-season preparations appear more advanced than in 2025, with a greater number of key players available for training. Swans assistant coach Ben Matthews stated the team is “significantly better prepared” this year, citing improved player availability and chemistry. The Swans are also looking to implement a faster ball movement style, potentially dubbed a “Swans Surge,” with Charlie Curnow and Logan McDonald both contributing four goals in a match simulation against the Western Bulldogs.
Carlton’s Jagga Smith, after missing the entirety of his first season due to an ACL rupture, impressed in a match simulation against Brisbane, demonstrating his potential as a dynamic midfielder. Richmond’s Sam Lalor, also returning from injury, showcased promising signs against Essendon, drawing comparisons to Dustin Martin in his early career. Essendon assistant Ben Jacobs indicated that Elijah Tsatas, another young player recovering from injury, played a full game in the VFL to build his match fitness.
