7 to watch: Lyon and Watson's breakout players for 2026

Which players are poised to breakout in season 2026?

While it’s fun to predict the future stars of our game, Tim Watson and Garry Lyon haven’t just returned with projections.

Utilising their sources from within clubland, both Watson and Lyon listed off a range of talented players that have taken their game to a new level over the offseason.

Tim Watson kicked things off with an under-the-radar recruit that’s lighting up pre-season at the Swans.

“I can’t reveal the source because it was a private conversation, but this person is associated with the Sydney Swans, and they quoted a player as a part of the conversation,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“I was asking him about the team and who has been impressing, and they said that they could not be more impressed with Jai Serong.

“He is Caleb Serong’s younger brother, he was at Hawthorn and this particular player – I haven’t heard it from his mouth so I won’t say who he is – this guy said he cannot believe that this guy was recruited as he was and when he was, because of the quality of the way that he plays.

“Let’s keep our minds open and our eyes wide open as well.”

Garry Lyon chipped in with two former No.1’s that are on the verge of stardom.

“I ran into Tom Lynch at the fruit and veg shop – he said next year if (Origin) is on, Sam Lalor will be your first pick,” he said.

“Tom McCarthy, the boy just burst onto the scene in the back half of last year over in West Coast. They say that he is special, Tom McCarthy.

“I don’t know an awful lot about him, but he played some great footy in the back half of the year.

“Melbourne, Jai Culley – the pre-season, they said he has been the one for them who has stood out. Broke his arm, but it won’t be a long termer, they hope he won’t be too far away.

“A couple of favourites – Finn O’Sullivan, I think he’s going to explode. Cooper Hynes for the Western Bulldogs, I think he’s got some real talent. I think he’s got a bit of Bailey Humphrey style talent.”

“Max Hall – I spoke to Ross Lyon, he talked about the fact that Max Hall tagged Marcus Windhager in the pre-season.

“Chopped weight off, got super fit, ran an unbelievable 3km time trial – expect him to be very very strong through the middle of the ground.”