Sam McClure’s 2026 AFL A-Graders: How He Picked Them

Sports journalist Sam McClure has released his list of the top 31 players in the Australian Football League (AFL) for the 2026 season, a selection process he detailed in a recently published video.

The release of McClure’s “A-Graders” list comes amid player management shifts within the league. Essendon’s Zach Merrett recently terminated his agreement with his manager, according to reports and has engaged Tom Petroro, a move that signals potential changes for the prominent player as the 2026 season approaches.

The timing of these developments coincides with scrutiny surrounding off-field conduct within AFL teams. A recent training incident involving the Carlton Football Club went viral, prompting discussion about team culture and discipline, though the incident itself appears to be largely a matter of public perception, according to reports.

Industry analyst Jon Anderson has expressed concern about a broader trend within the AFL, though the specific nature of that concern remains undisclosed.

McClure’s selection process, as outlined in the video, involved a comprehensive evaluation of player performance and potential. The specific criteria used and the rationale behind each selection were detailed in the video, though the content is currently unavailable.

The release of the A-Graders list is expected to fuel debate among fans and analysts as the 2026 AFL season draws closer. The league has not yet commented on McClure’s selections or the concurrent player management changes.