Simpson's top four AFL players ahead of Round 10, 2026

Adam Simpson has listed his top four players in the AFL through nine rounds in 2026.

Basing his rankings on a combination of ability and form, Simpson’s rolling top four operates as a power ranking system, continuing to adjust over the course of the season.

The rankings were presented on SEN’s Whateley, and will be updated across the year.

See Simpson’s list ahead of Round 10 below!

1: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

“The Bont is number one.”

2: Luke Jackson (Fremantle)

“Jackson is my second.”

3: Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

“Heeney – he just played an average game last week, kicked three and had 28 touches.”

4: Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

“I think Lachie Neale is in my top four.”

The Obvious Omissions

“Nick Daicos is going average, isn’t he,” Simpson said

Gerard Whateley added: “He’s not in the best four at the moment. Not on current form.”

Simpson: “No. Zak Butters is also around the mark. I just think Lachie Neale’s body of work is so consistent.”

Whateley also provided a soft ranking, naming a top three as well as contenders for the fourth spot.

“I have Bontempelli clearly at one,” he said.

“I still think I would have Kozzy Pickett in my four. Luke Jackson, I do agree with you. He is forging his way in.

“Lachie Neale, Christian Petracca having such great seasons, and Zak Butters.

“The Coaches Association votes – Bontempelli, Daicos and Butters are tied for first now – it’s a three-way tie. Luke Jackson, Max Holmes, Lachie Neale, Christian Petracca (follow).”

Simpson: “We do set the bar pretty high for Daicos. He had 28 touches this week.”

Whateley: “They are high-end measures when you are the number one player in the comp!”