The Gold Coast SUNS’ remarkable 2026 season has reached new heights with five players named in the 42-player 2026 All Australian squad.
Two-time All Australian Charlie Rowbottom and 2025 All Australian Niamh McLaughlin have both been included alongside three potential first-timers in Daisy D’Arcy, Havana Harris and first-year player Ava Usher.
Usher has made an immediate impact in her first season in the competition, averaging 13.9 disposals and a goal per game, forming a lethal partnership with close friend and second-year forward Harris.
Harris herself has taken her game to another level in her second season, kicking 19 goals and proving to be one of the AFLW’s most dangerous young forwards.
Another standout season has further cemented Rowbottom as one of the league’s premier midfielders and placed the 23-year-old in contention for her third All Australian blazer.
The vice-captain has averaged a career-high 32.5 disposals, including a league-high 17 contested possessions, to go with 7.5 clearances, helping drive the young SUNS to their third AFLW Finals berth and a club-record seven consecutive wins.
After more than 600 days recovering on the sidelines, D’Arcy has made a prolific impact on return with her damaging run and carry and relentless pressure. The 23-year-old has recorded a career-high average of 20 disposals, with her best performance coming in Round 4 when she amassed 34 disposals and 694 metres gained.
Co-captain McLaughlin is also in contention for back-to-back selections following another impressive season across half-back. Now closing in on 50 AFLW games, the Gaelic football and soccer convert has averaged a career-high 24.8 disposals in 2026 and once again leads the league for bounces.
The final team will be named at the 2026 W Awards on Monday, 23 November. The 2026 All Australian selection panel includes Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane, Gemma Bastiani, Kirby Bentley, Debbie Lee, Kate McCarthy, Meghan McDonald, Eliza Reilly and Michael Whiting.
