Kane Cornes Reveals Top 50 AFL Players 2026: Ranks 50-31 Featuring Smith
Kane Cornes has unveiled the first part of his highly anticipated top 50 AFL players for the 2026 season. This countdown, presented on 7NEWS, features players ranked from 50 to 31. Among the notable names in this selection are Bailey Smith and Jason Horne-Francis, both of whom have sparked significant discussion regarding their positions.
Kane Cornes’ Top 50 AFL Players 2026: Ranks 50-31
Cornes shared his reasoning behind the rankings, explaining his choices during a segment on 7NEWS.com.au. Smith, the Geelong standout, ranked 42nd despite an impressive season where he finished third in the Brownlow Medal and earned his first All-Australian blazer. Cornes emphasized the need for variety in the rankings, stating, “You could make the case he should be higher, but I didn’t want the top 50 dominated by midfielders.”
Notable Rankings
Another player of interest is Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis, who experienced a significant drop in his ranking. Previously listed at 20th in 2025, he now finds himself at 39th. Cornes attributed this slide to inconsistent performance and injuries, complicating his role within the team.
Full Rankings from 50 to 31
- 50. Aaron Naughton
- 49. Sam Walsh
- 48. Tom Liberatore
- 47. Dayne Zorko
- 46. Mitch Georgiades
- 45. Will Ashcroft
- 44. Josh Treacy
- 43. Zac Bailey
- 42. Bailey Smith
- 41. Jordan Clark
- 40. Bailey Dale
- 39. Jason Horne-Francis
- 38. Jaspa Fletcher
- 37. Toby Greene
- 36. Charlie Curnow
- 35. Connor Rozee
- 34. Josh Dunkley
- 33. Tom Green
- 32. Andrew Brayshaw
- 31. Dylan Moore
The remaining rankings of Cornes’ top 50 players are expected to be revealed in the coming week. As the AFL season approaches, fans eagerly await the final list, highlighting the ongoing debate about player standings and performances.
