The Block Mount Eliza delivered millions but Channel 9 must fix major flaws

The Block’s 2026 season delivered a spectacular finale, but controversies over judging, budgets and contestant behaviour divided viewers throughout the competition. OPINION Five auctions, five sales and millions in profit, for one glorious night, The Block let the houses do the talking. Now that the dust has settled on its Mount Eliza finale, Channel 9 has plenty to celebrate. It also has a few things to fix. I met this year’s contestants in July, before the first episode aired, and thought producers had assembled one of their strongest casts in years. RELATED: Bizarre Danny Wallis move mocks Block final Shock question mark over $4.72m Block auction win Inside Wendy’s new Seaford drive-thru Three months later, I still reckon they got it right. Courtney and Sev were confident, ambitious and unafraid to back their designs. Rick and Tayla’s father-daughter dynamic gave the season heart. Adam and Jolene brought a practical approach, Lisa and Rosco provided warmth and humour, and Chantel and Wyatt certainly kept people talking. Adam and Jolene brought their country renovation experience to Mount Eliza, eventually walking away with $455,000 after 12 weeks of competition. Picture: Nine No...