The 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with several teams and players emerging as key players in their respective strategies. Here's a deep dive into some of the most intriguing insights from Round 13, with a focus on tactics, individual brilliance, and the potential for future dominance.
Antagonizing the Hawks: A Tactic to Success
The Hawthorn Hawks, a team known for their consistency and high-level performances, were recently bested by the Western Bulldogs, with a key insight being the effectiveness of antagonizing James Sicily. Will Lewis, in particular, proved to be a master of distraction, wearing down the Hawk and creating opportunities for his side. This strategy could be a game-changer for other teams, as Sicily at 80% focus is a far less threatening prospect than when he's at his peak. The role of Michael Sellwood in negating Nick Watson's dominance in the first half further highlights the importance of tactical adjustments in AFL.
Logan Morris: The Rising Star
Logan Morris, a young key forward for the Brisbane Lions, is already making waves in the AFL. With just 57 career games under his belt, Morris has achieved remarkable success, including two premierships. His career-best seven-goal haul against the Gold Coast on Saturday night showcased his talent and potential. Morris' ability to turn 21 goals for the season, despite double-teaming, is impressive. He never runs under the ball, reads the flight of the ball better than most, and can kick goals from various positions. With a contract extension looming, Morris is a player to watch, and his signature will be a top priority for the Lions.
Dan Curtin: The Key to Adelaide's Rise
Adelaide's recent success can be attributed to the resurgence of Dan Curtin, a third-year utility player. Curtin's performance in Adelaide's one-point victory over Geelong was arguably his best, leading the team in contested possessions, disposals, marks, clearances, and meters gained. His clean overhead and assured ball-handling skills make him a valuable asset to Matthew Nicks' side. Curtin's ability to play in various positions and his impact on the team's performance cannot be overstated, making him a key player for Adelaide's future success.
Jake Waterman: A Dominant Season Awaits
Jake Waterman, a key forward for the Eagles, is on the cusp of a dominant season. His immense efforts inside 50 have been overshadowed by his wayward goalkicking, but his overall performance is elite. Waterman leads the competition in marks on the lead and ranks equal first in total score involvements and shots at goal. His performance against Port Adelaide, with 11 marks and a game-high eight score involvements, was a testament to his skills. If Waterman can get his goalkicking back on track, he has the potential for a dominant second half of the season, given his overall excellence.
North Melbourne's Defensive Woes
North Melbourne's inability to find answers when things go against them has become a significant issue. The team has conceded huge scores in single quarters too frequently this season, with a recent example being their thrashing by Fremantle. The Roos have conceded seven or more goals in a single term seven times this season, highlighting a defensive weakness that needs addressing. This issue will be a major challenge for the team as they strive for progress.
The Unsung Swans: Resilience and Versatility
Sydney's victory over St Kilda showcased the resilience and versatility of the Swans' depth players, with Jai Serong emerging as a match hero. Serong's experience as a key defender allowed him to seamlessly shift into the backline when Tom McCartin left the field, and then shift forward to secure the win with a memorable goal. The Swans' ability to adapt and find solutions, even with key players sidelined, is a testament to their depth and determination.
