“Fairy tales happen”: Hinkley's three-word summary for all 18 AFL teams

Ken Hinkley and Sam Edmund have provided three words for each AFL team as the end of the 2026 season approaches.

Whether summing up a season, pumping up for finals or labelling missteps, Tasmnaia's newest addition and SEN's Chief Sports Reporter left nothing on the table throughout the exercise.

Kicking off with the Crows and working in alphabetical order, the Sportsday co-hosts went through all 18 AFL teams, providing a three word summary they believe best suits the respective outfit.

See all 18 summaries below:

“Enjoy the Texan,” Ken Hinkley told SEN Sportsday.

“Just enjoy the Texan.”

Edmund: “Win for Tex? Victory in September? Win a final.”

Hinkley: “You always go for the negatives. Look for the positives!”

Edmund: “We go again.”

Hinkley: “Will it be?”

Edmund: “They are going to take some beating aren’t they. Someone is going to have to play bloody well to beat them in a big final.”

Hinkley: “I think it’s more about Brisbane than what the oppo can do. If Brisbane turn up at their best, they will beat everyone.”

Edmund: “We want Fraser!”

Hinkley: “Fairy tales happen.”

“I reckon it could go further than you think. Prelim, from 1-8 down.”

Hinkley: “Nick or done.”

“Nick plays well, Pies play well. He has played some crazy good games when they have lost.

“If he doesn’t play well…”

Hinkley: “It will turn.”

“I was trying to be positive. I’m going to give them some hope. I’ve seen some youthful players that are coming through. There’s a bit to play out.”

Edmund: “Hird or McVeigh?”

“There’s another option: save our souls!”

Hinkley: “Now or never.”

Edmund: Now or never? They’re never going to win it if they don’t win it this year?”

Hinkley: “You know what I mean. Get it done when you get the chance.”

Edmund: “I was a bit more blunt: We can’t choke. Or, Let’s make history. It would be special to see them win their inaugural premiership.

“The obvious one was, it’s Wharfie Time.”

Edmund: “Watch your step.”

“There might be a sizable donation into the AFL piggybank that might need to be made.”

Hinkley: “End it now.”

“Just this year. They got a win. End on a win.”

Edmund: “The Darwin Curse.”

Edmund: “Please stay, Toby.”

Hinkley: “No injuries please.”

Edmund: “Beat the best.”

Hinkley: “Step up time.”

Edmund: “Fast forward footy.”

“They get it in their mitts and they are off. They are great to watch.”

Hinkley: “The shootout champs.”

“Just keep doing it.”

Edmund: “Green sprouts showing.”

Hinkley: “Steps being taken.”

“I actually think they’ve been okay. Kangaroos fans would like a bit more, clearly.”

Edmund: “Get maximum return.”

“Just get a king’s ransom for Zak Butters. Wherever he goes.”

Hinkley: “Dodged a bullet.”

“When Hornet didn’t do his knee… it just makes you feel sick when you see that, for any player. When you’ve been around them, it makes you feel even worse.”

Edmund: “Is Yze it?”

Hinkley: “The big unknown.”

“They’ve had all these injuries. I think they’ve got an unbelievably talented young list.”

Hinkley: “Spend or save?”

“They’ve got to save some money now. They can’t spend again. Save your draft picks.”

Edmund: “Grand Final demons.”

Hinkley: “Crash the car.”

“If you play run and gun footy and it gets you to second on the ladder, be prepared to crash the car. Just go for it!”

Edmund: “On right track.”

Hinkley: “Ride with Harley.”

“Make him captain. Step him up even further. Give him everything and let them ride with Harley. He will carry them a long, long way.”

Hinkley: “Need Sam back.”

“Imagine bringing Buddy Franklin back into a team, at his best. No, (he’s not quite that yet), but I believe he has all the weapons to become that type of influencer in the AFL competition.

“Whatever the Dogs need, they just need Sam Darcy back.

Listen to the full discussion below!