FIRST FLAG OR THREE-PEAT? HERALD SUN REVEALS 2026 PREMIERSHIP POSTERS BY MARK KNIGHT (Copy)
Mark Knight unveils the 2026 Herald Sun Premiership Posters ahead of the Fremantle Dockers v Brisbane Lions Grand Final
Fremantle are chasing their first AFL premiership, while Brisbane are aiming for a historic three-peat
The Lions are playing in their fourth consecutive Grand Final; Fremantle are appearing in just the second Grand Final in club history
This is Mark Knight’s 18th year creating the AFL’s only officially endorsed Premiership Poster
More than $8.2 million has been raised for the Good Friday Appeal since 1954
More than $5.7 million has been raised during Knight’s tenure since 2009
Celebrated cartoonist Mark Knight has unveiled the two Herald Sun Premiership Posters for 2026, capturing two very different Grand Final stories ahead of Saturday’s historic clash between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.
For Fremantle, Saturday represents a chance to secure the first premiership in the club’s history. The Dockers have reached only their second Grand Final, following their 2013 appearance, after producing one of the most dramatic comebacks of the finals series against Sydney in the preliminary final.
For Brisbane, the stakes are equally historic. The reigning premiers are appearing in their fourth consecutive Grand Final and are chasing a third straight premiership, a feat that has not been achieved since Hawthorn’s three-peat from 2013 to 2015.
It is also the first time Fremantle and Brisbane have ever met in a final, let alone an AFL Grand Final.
Knight’s two posters capture the contrasting journeys of the Grand Finalists, bringing the Dockers and Lions to life with his trademark wit, caricature and attention to detail.
The 2026 designs add another chapter to one of Australian sport’s most enduring traditions.
News Corp Australia has published an official Premiership Poster of the victorious AFL/VFL premiers for over 70 years, with the tradition beginning in 1954 under legendary cartoonist William Ellis Green, better known as WEG.
WEG began his career at The Herald in 1946 and retired 40 years later. Following his death in 2008, the tradition continued when the Herald Sun unveiled Knight as its new Premiership Poster cartoonist in 2009.
An award-winning political cartoonist and the Herald Sun’s resident cartoonist since 1987, Knight has continued the legacy established by WEG and now creates the only Premiership Poster officially endorsed by the AFL.
With Fremantle chasing a first flag and Brisbane attempting to make history with three consecutive premierships, Knight said this year’s Grand Final provided two very different stories to bring to the page.
“Usually when I’m drawing the Grand Final posters, I’m looking for what makes each team unique, but this year the stories couldn’t be more different,” Knight said.
“Fremantle is chasing something they’ve never had before… their first premiership. Brisbane’s trying to do something only a handful of teams have ever achieved and win three in a row.
“And after the way Fremantle came from 27 points down against Sydney to make the Grand Final, they certainly gave me plenty to work with.
“That’s what makes the poster such a great tradition. You’re capturing a moment in football history, and whichever team wins on Saturday, one of these posters will become part of that history.”
All proceeds from the sale of the Herald Sun Premiership Poster are donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
More than $8.2 million has been raised for the Appeal through the iconic poster tradition since 1954.
More than 100 volunteers will sell the posters for $5 outside the MCG immediately after the final siren on
Grand Final day, Saturday, September 26.
Posters will also be available online at goodfridayappeal.com.au.
Poster pricing:
Paper Poster - $5 -65 x 45cm
Laminated Poster – $22 - 65.5 x 46cm
Limited Edition – $40 - 1,000 printed
