Every player linked to a move as Cats confirm Curnow interest — Mega 18-club trade state of play

The 2025 AFL season is officially over, which means all 18 clubs are now solely focused on nailing their playing list for next year — perhaps with the exception of the Brisbane Lions.

Their first chance to improve it begins on Friday, October 3 when the free agency period opens. Three days later, the trade period will open for nine days until the end of Wednesday, October 15.

This year’s trade period looms as the largest in quite some time, and is headlined by several in-contract stars seeking out of three high-profile Victorian clubs.

Foxfooty.com.au takes a fresh look at the trade and contract state of play at every AFL club.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Players that could leave

Only a couple of weeks on from their straight sets September exit, Adelaide has already made a number of changes to their list. Most notably, veteran Brodie Smith has retired after 273 games and 15 years at the top level, while 2017 All-Australian Matt Crouch was also forced into retirement due to ongoing hip issues. The club’s list management team has also let go of a quartet, with Lachie Murphy and Harry Schoenberg not offered contracts for 2025, despite a combined 182 AFL games between them. After being placed on Adelaide’s inactive list in February due to a foot injury, a selfless Kieran Strachan has also officially departed West Lakes, alongside Category B rookie Karl Gallagher. It means that only key forward duo Taylor Walker and Chris Burgess remain without a deal for next year. The latter looks likely to be cut in coming weeks, while foxfooty.com.au understands Adelaide and Walker are hopeful of making a deal work. In-contract defender Jordan Butts has been linked with a move back to Victoria, but at this stage there doesn’t seem to be genuine interest from the 25-year-old in leaving.

Players who could arrive

The trade target on the lips of every Adelaide fan right now is Christian Petracca. As exclusively revealed by foxfooty.com.au earlier this month, the Crows believe they are now in a position where the Demons star looks posied for a potential move to West Lakes. Admittedly, such a move is far from being that simple given the keen interest of Gold Coast and the Crows’ unwillingness to pay significantly over Petracca’s worth, but Adelaide believes they are right in the race. One player they can bank on getting this off-season however, is Callum Ah Chee. The two-time Brisbane premiership player will almost certainly request a trade to the club in due course, adding even more star power to the Crows’ forward half. Fringe Cats on-baller George Stevens has reportedly been identified as a potential target, after playing just two games in his first two seasons at the Cattery. Adelaide is also expected to make some sort of play for Ah Chee’s Lions teammate and pre-agent Zac Bailey, though it seems unlikely the club will be able to lure him out of Springfield this year. Their chase for Sam Draper is all but over, with the Essendon big man expected to join reigning premiers Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent.

Who’s already gone

Matt Crouch (retired), Brodie Smith (retired), Lachie Murphy, Harry Schoenberg, Kieran Strachan, Karl Gallagher

Draft picks

14, 41, 48, 50, 66, 68

BRISBANE LIONS

Players that could leave

Unsurprisingly, the Lions are one of the few clubs yet to announce delistings. Roughly 10 players remain without a contract for 2026, with restricted free agent Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee both headlining that list. Starcevich has been hotly tipped to join West Coast this season on a large deal, but it is understood that Saturday’s grand final win over Geelong may make things slightly more uncertain. Ah Chee, also now a two-time premiership player, is expected to fly south-west to Adelaide and continue his 169-game career at West Lakes. Deven Robertson remains out of contract, and has been linked to the Eagles in recent years as well. A deal is less certain for 2026 though, which means he could be taken as a delisted free agent by any rival club.

Players who could arrive

The Lions will be heading into their bid for a third straight flag with even more seasoned cavalry. West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen will join the club as a free agent to help fill the Joe Daniher void, looming as a long-term key pillar alongside Logan Morris. The Lions are also all but certain to secure Essendon unrestricted free agent Sam Draper, who is set to knock back interest from Adelaide. Intriguingly, his teammate Jordan Ridley will no longer pursue a trade to Springfield, with foxfooty.com.au understanding the star defender was told he wouldn’t be traded under any circumstances. Gold Coast utility Connor Budarick has also been linked to the Lions, but it’s unclear who leads the race for the Sun’s services.

Who’s already gone

TBC

Draft picks

18, 37, 40, 46, 49, 61, 72

CARLTON

Players that could leave

After a sub-par 2025, it’s already been a rollercoaster off-season for Michael Voss’ club — headlined by the huge free agency exit of Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni to St Kilda. Their departure was, relatively speaking, not one they had a whole lot of control over. One future they can control, however, is that of Charlie Curnow. The dual Coleman Medallist has made it increasingly clear he doesn’t want to be at Ikon Park in 2026, with all of Geelong, Gold Coast and Sydney pondering they can get a deal done with the Blues. It’s very rare for a player of Curnow’s stature to be traded while in-contract, but depending on how Voss and the club see their next year panning out, they may be slowly forced to consider life without him. Mitch McGovern will be forced to wait to learn his future at Carlton, alongside a handful of others. Seven’s Mitch Cleary also reported in late August that Elijah Hollands had been told by the club to seek opportunities at a rival club, after a lack of continuity in 2025. Nine’s Tom Morris reported in late July that out-of-favour winger Blake Acres could in fact become a rare four-club AFL player, but there has been no significant update on any move since. On a positive note, small forward Jesse Motlop has recently re-signed, despite speculation he could move elsewhere.

Players who could arrive

There are a handful of players who could land at Carlton in October, and while none are out-and-out A-graders, they would all provide the club with handy depth. Sam Flanders is the most high-profile of the quintet linked, and at this stage, looks likeliest to land with either the Saints or Blues. Young Eagle Campbell Chesser wants in under Michael Voss, as does his former cross-town rival Liam Reidy from Fremantle. On a more local front, Western Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis has also informed his club of a desire to play in navy blue next season. Like Flanders though, the 25-year-old remains in-contract, so a suitable deal would need to be struck. The Age’s Sam McClure has also flagged Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath as a player who could become a Blue. The club was previously believed to be in the hunt for his teammate Ned Reeves, but the 210cm ruck is now expected to stay put.

Who’s already gone

Tom De Koning (free agency), Jack Silvagni (free agency), Sam Docherty (retired), Alex Cincotta, Orazio Fantasia, Harry Lemmey

Draft picks

36, 44, 62

COLLINGWOOD

Players that could leave

Even before their preliminary final exit, a lot has been going on behind the scenes with contracts at Collingwood. Veteran forward duo Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott are still yet to re-sign, and with every day that goes by, it feels increasingly likely they will join Melbourne and Gold Coast respectively. It’s understood each has been offered a three-year deal that would pry them out of Collingwood, and leave a noticeable void in their attacking half. Another veteran duo in Tom Mitchell and Mason Cox have also been told to explore their options outside of the Magpies, with no guarantee either will be kept on for the 2026 season. Their recommendation comes after a quartet of Pies were delisted in the wake of their season-ending loss to premiers Brisbane. Uncertainty surrounds the future of Bobby Hill, after a lack of continuity in the second half of the year saw him play just one of their last 11 matches. Beau McCreery and Ed Allan have previously been linked to interstate clubs, but both look set to go around again for the black and white.

Players who could arrive

Almost surprisingly, there really aren’t many links to Collingwood this off-season. Fringe Sydney forward Jack Buller would be a welcome recruit should a deal be struck between the Swans and Pies, but beyond that, it’s somewhat of a mystery. A ready-made key defender would be welcome given how deep into the premiership window they are, meaning a play for Steven May or Callum Wilkie shouldn’t be ruled out just yet. Beefing up their on-ball brigade also wouldn’t go astray to further support Nick Daicos, but given the established links Christian Petracca and Zach Merrett have with other clubs, there is no obvious answer. A Will Setterfield-type player may be worth a look, and wouldn’t cost much in trade capital given he remains out-of-contract.

Who’s already gone

Will Hoskin-Elliott (retired), Oleg Markov, Ash Johnson, Finlay Macrae, Charlie Dean

Draft picks

34, 52, 64, 70

ESSENDON

Players that could leave

The Bombers’ wretched season on-field has only gotten worse since their year came to a close. After 251 games and a dozen seasons, captain Zach Merrett has pulled the pin at Essendon as he desperately seeks a relocation to Hawthorn this trade period. Contracted until the end of 2027 at Tullamarine, a trade would need to be struck — and despite the club’s adamant stance he isn’t for sale, there is a ‘Godfather’ deal that could see them let him walk. Already out the door in front of him is unrestricted free agentSam Draper, who is set to inform Brisbane of his desire to join the two-time reigning premiers in the coming weeks. The one positive? Star defender Jordan Ridley has pledged his allegiance to Tullamarine for another season, after discussions with Brisbane around a potential move that would see him join Draper. Will Setterfield and Ben Hobbs headline the Bombers players still without contracts next season. Veteran key defender Jayden Laverde was delisted by Essendon alongside Todd Goldstein, however will join the Giants in season 2026 as a delisted free agent. And does Elijah Tsatas stay a Bomber for one more year? The top-end 2022 draft pick still has a year to run on his deal at Tullamarine, but after 16 games in just three years, a move seems in the best interests of both parties right now.

Players who could arrive

Brad Scott’s club is considered in the race for Gold Coast’s Brayden Fiorini, although they’ll be competing heavily with Port Adelaide to acquire the on-baller. His teammate Sam Flanders is also in their sights, but they aren’t leading the race for him either. A more likely recruit is second-year Kangaroo Zane Duursma, who has had constant noise around his future at Arden Street for some time now. A reunion between he and brother Xavier at this stage looks a decent chance of coming to fruition, although given how high a draft pick he was, expect North to hold firm as long as possible. Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, Hawthorn’s Henry Hustwaite remains a player who would fit in very well at the Bombers... Could he, Cam Mackenzie or Jai Serong be traded as part of a Zach Merrett exodus?

Who’s already gone

Sam Draper (free agency), Todd Goldstein, Dylan Shiel, Jayden Laverde, Jye Menzie, Alwyn Davey Jnr, Oskar Smartt

Draft picks

4, 5, 22, 25

FREMANTLE

Players that could leave

Two club legends in Nathan Fyfe and Michael Walters announced that 2025 would be their final season in the AFL, after decorated careers. Teammates James Aish and Quinton Narkle also called time with 245 senior games between them, meaning the club’s average player age continues to drop heading into next season. Forgotten on-baller Will Brodie has requested a trade to Port Adelaide and will land at Alberton with no problems despite being in-contract, given the 27-year-old hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 7, 2023. Third-string ruck Liam Reidy is the club’s only player left without a contract for next year, but he has requested a trade to Carlton — another move almost certain to go through in the coming weeks.

Players who could arrive

It’s set to be a quiet trade period for Justin Longmuir’s side, who many would argue already have the personnel for their first serious flag tilt since 2015. AFL Media’s Callum Twomey revealed on Sunday that Melbourne youngster Judd McVeewould like to move back home to Western Australia and play at Fremantle. Jai Serong, the brother of co-vice-captain Caleb, has long been looked at by the Dockers from afar, as first revealed by foxfooty.com.au in late May. The out-of-contract Hawk looks set for a move away from Hawthorn after zero AFL games in 2025, though a Victorian suitor now has been tipped as more of a possibility. Collingwood’s Ed Allan has been linked at times to the Dockers and his home state this season, but there is no update of note given he is still in-contract.

Who’s already gone

Nat Fyfe (retired), Michael Walters (retired), James Aish (retired), Quinton Narkle (retired), Jack Delean, Odin Jones

Draft picks

11, 29, 38, 47, 65

GEELONG CATS

Players that could leave

Beyond the expected retirement of club legend Mitch Duncan, the Cats don’t have many players they need to worry about leaving. Second-year Cat George Stevens has dominated at VFL level since arriving at the club, but has been deprived of opportunity at the top level; such is the strength of their list. Adelaide could make a play for the 20-year-old this off-season, but it would be very surprising if the club did not offer him another contract. More than half a dozen players alongside Stevens remain without a deal for 2026, including Cameron Guthrie, who hasn’t played senior football since Round 10 last year due to injury. The likes of grand final emergency Jed Bews and Category B rookie Ted Clohesy are also still waiting on new deals.

Players who could arrive

No player has been linked to the Cattery more publicly than dual Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow in recent weeks. It has been widely reported that Geelong would be his desired club to land at this off-season, but it remains a mystery how the Cats could get him given their draft hand and the unwillingness of Carlton to trade him. With Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale up forward, he isn’t a necessity yet for Chris Scott... so do they move heaven and earth to get him? Cats list boss Andrew Mackie confirmed on Sunday the club was interested, saying: “Ultimately Carlton have gotta be the ones that’ll determine that market, not us ... the other thing is we’ve got to work out if we can actually get a deal done. We don’t want to drag things out if it’s not possible.” It does however look highly likely that Scott’s side will acquire Hawthorn’s James Worpel as a restricted free agent. The 148-game Hawk was believed to be saving his announcement for post-Grand Final. Kardinia Park also looms as the most likely home for Rowan Marshall if he opts to depart Moorabbin, having reportedly met with Scott. The tall hybrid would be a significant ruck upgrade, given Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs are now in the twilight stage of their careers, but the Cats certainly cannot land both Marshall and Curnow.

Who’s already gone

Mitch Duncan (retired)

Draft picks

17, 35, 53, 71

GOLD COAST SUNS

Players that could leave

The two headline departures to monitor are Sam Flanders and Malcolm Rosas. Flanders is weighing up several offers from clubs in his home state of Victoria, after a season that saw his role change significantly. Despite having two years left to run on his deal, the club appear to be more open to a trade than what they once were. Carlton and St Kilda look to be leading the race for his services, while Rosas has narrowed his decision down to two clubs — Sydney and Richmond. Brayden Fiorini has had interest from Port Adelaide and Essendon bubbling away for weeks now, but as Nine’s Braden Ingram revealed just last week, that interest has become mutual after the out-of-contract 28-year-old toured Alberton. Jed Walter continues to be floated as trade bait for any trade that sees superstar Charlie Curnow join the Suns, which in theory, could also involve Flanders. Walter didn’t play AFL after Round 19, and clearly has a serious upside that will continue to shine through amid his development as a key forward. The club won’t want to part ways with him, but as Midweek Tackle’s Jon Ralph said on Fox Footy a couple of weeks ago: If you’ve got to make a ruthless decision (to win a flag) ... who cares?!” Connor Budarick also looks to be weighing up his future, as he considers rival interest.

Players who could arrive

This will be the first season since their inception that the Suns are truly being seen as a destination club. Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca are the two heavy-hitters that have been linked strongest to the club, however how either is done in a trade remains a fascinating watch. Gold Coast are competing hard with Adelaide for Petracca’s services, while with Curnow, they’ll likely have to give up an emerging product of their own to even have a sniff of getting him. Collingwood veteran Jamie Elliott has been linked heavily to the Suns, who look prepared to offer the 33-year-old a three-year deal for his services. The other genuine priority for the Suns though, who have two first-round picks, should be ensuring they have points to match draft bids on highly-rated Academy prospects Zeke Uwland, the likely No. 1 pick, and Dylan Patterson. Securing those bids may ultimately take precedence over chasing multiple big-name recruits. As per Nine’s Tom Morris, Damien Hardwick is also said to be doing his due diligence on a play for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, although any deal there remains a distant way from becoming genuine just yet.

Who’s already gone

David Swallow (retired), Sean Lemmens (retired), Alex Sexton, Tom Berry, Lloyd Johnston

Draft picks

6, 13, 16, 31, 56, 67

GWS GIANTS

Players that could leave

No one high-profile at the Giants is expected to depart Adam Kingsley’s ship this off-season, however, athletic defender Leek Aleer has looked likely to move to St Kilda all year long. With his impending exit, Lachie Keeffe’s retirement and Wade Derksen’s expected delisting and/or move to Melbourne, the Giants’ defensive depth has thinned rather fast. The dashing Jacob Wehr was delisted earlier in September alongside Josh Fahey, with the former set to join Port Adelaide as a delisted free agent. The Giants came into season 2025 with only a small number of players out of contract, giving them a welcome feeling of list stability.

Players who could arrive

As mentioned above, defensive reinforcements will be the number one focus of GWS this trade period. It’s experience they are targeting, with Jayden Laverde expected to join the club as a delisted free agent in the coming weeks. There’s every chance Sydney veteran Robbie Fox will do the exact same after being delisted by his club of nine years. Beyond the delisted dup, the Giants haven’t been heavily linked to other rivals players. There hasn’t been any notable links for a full-circle move just yet, but could former Giant Sam Frost finish his AFL career where it began all the way back in 2012? The 32-year-old didn’t play after Round 1 this season at Hawthorn, after two games as the starting sub. The likes of Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs may be worth considering, should they believe either midfielder could add depth behind Tom Green and Finn Callaghan in the on-ball brigade.

Who’s already gone

Callan Ward (retired), Lachlan Keeffe (retired), Josh Fahey, Jacob Wehr

Draft picks

12, 30, 32

HAWTHORN

Players that could leave

Inside midfielder James Worpel has been weighing up a four-year deal from Geelong for months now, and while he didn’t explicitly request a trade in his exit meeting, it’s still expected he seeks a move to the Cats now that their season is over. Hawthorn has made its first two delistings of the off-season, saying goodbye to six-year Hawk Sam Frost and 2024 mid-season draftee Jasper Scaife. Still though, a tonne of talent remains unsigned at the club heading into October, with all of Jai Serong, Seamus Mitchell and Sam Butler yet to put pen to paper. The latter has a two-year deal on the table from the Hawks, but Butler is still weighing up a potential move out west to join the Eagles on a larger contract. As revealed by foxfooty.com.au in May, rival interest has been brewing in Serong for a while now after a long run of strong form in the VFL, while Mitchell would be brutally unlucky to be delisted like the others. An exit for contracted giant Ned Reeves now looks highly unlikely, while rivals continue to inquire about a trade involving one of Cam Mackenzie or Henry Hustwaite — each contracted for next year, but unable to break into the senior side long-term. And while no links currently exist for a Max Ramsden departure, his ruck-forward strong finish to the VFL season will no doubt have rival clubs considering a move.

Players who could arrive

Expect all of Hawthorn’s eggs this trade period to be in the basket of Zach Merrett. The Essendon captain’s desire to move out of Tullamarine and into brown and gold is beyond well-documented, but only a monster offer will see him leave his club of 12 years. Should there be a breakdown between parties for that move, the Hawks may still try and insert themselves amid Adelaide and Gold Coast for Christian Petracca. While the 29-year-old has had his openness to moving interstate reported, that’s not to say he also wouldn’t stay in Victoria for a club as promising as the Hawks. Successfully landing one of those two stars would likely hamper their bid to recruit Zak Butters in 12 months’ time, but that’s an issue for another trade period.

Who’s already gone

Luke Breust (retired), Sam Frost, Jasper Scaife

Draft picks

8, 26, 55, 69

MELBOURNE

Players that could leave

There’s a lot who could depart the Demons before new head coach Steven King even gets a genuine chance to make an impression. Christian Petracca is the most high-profile of them all, with Adelaide and Gold Coast now the two frontrunners for his services. Behind the scenes, noise on his potential departure is only getting louder. Fellow premiership Dee Charlie Spargo earlier this month informed the club he will be exercising his free agency rights and is expected to join North Melbourne on a likely three-year deal. As for young gun Judd McVee, the out-of-contract defender now looks set to depart for Fremantle, as revealed by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey on Sunday. Flag Dee Steven May has intriguingly been told to look elsewhere with a year to go on his contract, although no suitor has popped up showing desperate to recruit him jut yet. Melbourne made six cuts to their list before King’s eventual appointment, including 172-gamer Jack Billings.

Players who could arrive

Interest in Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek has become apparent in recent weeks, with the key forward said to be offered a three-year deal by the 2021 premiers. The Demons are considered an outside chance for Sam Flanders, with St Kilda and Carlton ahead in that race. What can be said with more certainty is that St Kilda ruck Max Heath will land at Melbourne this off-season, reports AFL Media’s Callum Twomey. Untried GWS utility Wade Derksen is also set to join the Demons, after the club had heavy interest in him this time 12 months ago.

Who’s already gone

Charlie Spargo (free agency), Jack Billings, Marty Hore, Tom Fullarton, Oliver Sestan, Will Verrall, Kynan Brown

Draft picks

23, 54, 59

NORTH MELBOURNE

Players that could leave

In a shock revelation first reported by Seven journalist Mitch Cleary and Xander McGuire, club captain Jy Simpkin is assessing his options outside of North Melbourne. That said, any departure looks highly unlikely due to factors including his salary and a contract at the Roos until the end of 2029. After making several delistings early into their off-season, just over half a dozen Roos still remain out of contract at Arden Street. Cooper Harvey and Finnbar Maley should be at the top of the list for retention, while ruck Callum Coleman-Jones has had a wretched run with injury but should secure a one-year deal. Trade interest has previously lingered around Will Phillips, but rival clubs may wait and see whether he is delisted first. Several reports throughout the second half of 2025 have suggested Zane Duursma could attempt to weave his way out of Arden Street, with an obvious link to Essendon where brother Xavier plays.

Players who could arrive

North Melbourne’s main coup this off-season looks likely to be Charlie Spargo, with the premiership player expected to land at Arden Street on a three-year deal as an unrestricted free agent, according to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey. Out-of-contract Tiger Tylar Young is also on their radar, although the Roos would need to offer a very compelling case to outdo the likes of the Western Bulldogs for his services. Foxfooty.com.au understands North will also pursue Crow Jordan Butts, at the very least behind closed doors, however the 25-year-old is contracted until the end of next season at West Lakes. The Roos should still have a considerable amount of money to splash on rival players, and given the plethora of midfielders on their list, they could still make a play for a key position player at either end of the ground.

Who’s already gone

Eddie Ford, Kallan Dawson, Brynn Teakle, Miller Bergman

Draft picks

20, 21, 39, 57

PORT ADELAIDE

Players that could leave

Port Adelaide’s list changes have been public for over a month now, with six delistings to go alongside their three retirements. There has been a strong level of certainty from the club, as well as Zak Butters himself, that the superstar midfielder won’t leave Alberton this season, although rumours of an improbable move in October continue to circulate. Either way, there’ll certainly be a big watch late in October’s trade period if a rival club is desperate to make an earlier move with an offer neither he nor the Power can refuse.

Players who could arrive

Josh Carr’s club has been linked to forgotten Fremantle on-baller Will Brodie — who astonishingly hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 7, 2023 — and he has since officially flagged his desire to be traded to the Power. Out-of-contract Giant Jacob Wehr has also officially indicated his desire to become a Port Adelaide player, after being delisted by his club of five years. The Power have been getting aggressive behind closed doors for a small forward, but more recently, for out-of-contract Sun Brayden Fiorini. Nine’s Braden Ingram revealed the inside bull toured Alberton in grand final week, as he weighs up his future. Don’t be surprised, either, if Port takes a liking to delisted Blue Harry Lemmey, who hails from South Australia and showed serious promise at VFL level this season before being cut by Carlton.

Who’s already gone

Travis Boak (retired), Willie Rioli (retired), Rory Atkins (retired), Ryan Burton, Jeremy Finlayson, Jed McEntee, Hugh Jackson, Dylan Williams, Lachie Charleson

Draft picks

24, 42, 60

RICHMOND

Players that could leave

The Tigers still have five players still without a contract for next year, as they have done for several weeks now — Kaleb Smith, Ollie Hayes-Brown, Thomson Dow, Tylar Young and Tyler Sonsie. Smith played eight games in the seniors as a distributing backman but wasn’t able to keep his spot in the side, while Hayes-Brown is yet to debut at the level but was thought to have been on the cusp late in the year. As for Dow, Young and Sonsie, each have shown enough to warrant new short-term deals. Dow was having a career-best year as a member of Richmond’s core midfield rotation before a kneecap injury ended his season. Young flashed signs of improvement as an intercepting key defender and has reportedly attracted interest from West Coast, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. As for Sonsie, the forward-midfielder — while he still has flaws in the contested aspect of the game — improved as the year went on and should earn a new deal but might have to wait.

Players who could arrive

Richmond won’t be a major player in October, but it’s been consistently linked to out-of-favour Gold Coast livewire Malcolm Rosas Jnr. The small forward was linked to a departure last year while still contracted, but now without a deal for 2026, he seems destined for a fresh start elsewhere, with the Tigers now said to be competing solely with Sydney for his services. With Steely Green and Maurice Rioli Jnr both unable to hold down a consistent senior spot this year, and draftee Jasper Alger plying his trade in the reserves, the club is in the market for more depth and speed in the forward half alongside Rhyan Mansell, Seth Campbell and highly-touted X-factor Taj Hotton. While the Tigers will likely hold off making other notable moves, don’t be surprised if they take a couple of swings at rival fringe players or delisted talent in the off-season.

Who’s already gone

Kamdyn McIntosh, Jacob Koschitzke, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Blight, Mate Colina

Draft picks

2, 3

— Jack Jovanovski

ST KILDA

Players that could leave

For all the players keen on joining Ross Lyon’s side, there were always bound to be some looming departures. Rowan Marshall is still weighing up his future, with the arrival of Tom De Koning forcing him to seriously consider greater options elsewhere. Stalwart Callum Wilkie has stated publicly that he isn’t moving clubs this off-season, but with so many recruits joining on much greater money, the key defender would be well within his rights to move elsewhere to a club like the Western Bulldogs. Out-of-contract ruck Max Heath will depart Moorabbin and join Melbourne, as per AFL Media’s Callum Twomey. The future of uncontracted players Arie Schoenmaker, Jack Carroll, Ryan Byrnes and Zak Jones continues to hang in the balance, with more clarity likely to be given during or after the trade period.

Players who could arrive

Star ruck Tom De Koning will sign a lucrative eight-year deal at the Saints, worth around $1.75m a season. His long-time teammate Jack Silvagni will join forces with him at Moorabbin, after the Saints swooped in to edge out both Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs for his services.. Meanwhile, premiership Eagles forward Liam Ryan also declared his desire to switch allegiances to St Kilda a few weeks ago, with out-of-contract Giants defender Leek Aleer also set to move the way of Moorabbin, having long been linked to the club. After foxfooty.com.au first reported in June that Victorian clubs were monitoring Sam Flanders, the Saints now loom as the favourite alongside Carlton to snag the Suns utility.. The Saints have also been linked to a potential pursuit of out-of-favour Hawthorn midfielder Cam Mackenzie, who is contracted at the Hawks until the end of next season.

Who’s already gone

Jimmy Webster (retired), Zaine Cordy, Harry Boyd, Angus McLennan

Draft picks

7, 43, 58

SYDNEY SWANS

Players that could leave

Despite their home-and-away season ending over a month ago, a number of higher-profile Swans remain without a deal for 2026. Veteran defensive duo Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe haven’t yet signed on, however the former is understood to be close to a one-year extension. Swingman Joel Hamling has signed on though, penning a one-year deal last week after playing a defensive forward role in Dean Cox’s side throughout 2025. Collingwood looks set to poach the out-of-contract Jack Buller this off-season, after a strong finish to his campaign this year. Intrigue continues to surround reserve ruck Peter Ladhams, who was offered a two-year deal at the back end of July but is yet to sign. While no clubs have been named, it is believed the former Power tall has rival interest.

Players who could arrive

Charlie Curnow’s preference for a new club is said to lie with one of Geelong or Gold Coast, but the Swans are third side of the trio who need the dual Coleman Medallist the most. Multiple reports have suggested that Carlton would only entertain a deal if one of Sydney’s superstars were involved in return, but that doesn’t seem likely at all. Speaking of forwards they want and could acquire, Gold Coast’s Malcolm Rosas Jnr is weighing up a move to one of Richmond or Sydney after 49 games for the Suns. Beyond the pair, there aren’t many other links to Dean Cox’s club. That being said, it wouldn’t hurt to follow the plan of cross-town rivals GWS in their bid to secure experienced key defenders like Steven May, as well as delisted duo Liam Jones and Sam Frost. As flagged by this masthead earlier this month, out-of-contract Hawk Jai Serong should also be one the Swans’ radar.

Who’s already gone

Robbie Fox, Aaron Francis, Caleb Mitchell, Ben Paton, Indhi Kirk, Blake Leidler

Draft picks

9, 27, 45, 63

WEST COAST EAGLES

Players that could leave

Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen will join Brisbane once the free agency period starts, after eight years at Lathlain. It should net the Eagles pick No.2 in this year’s draft. Not far behind him is expected to be Liam Ryan, who while not yet out of contract, has requested a move to St Kilda alongside several other rival players. And just after finding his way back into West Coast’s senior side, Campbell Chesser has requested a move to Carlton in his home state of Victoria. The club has endured three retirements this season, and has delisted three more with calls on several more players still yet to be made.

Players who could arrive

West Coast’s number one trade target in Brandon Starcevich just became a two-time premiership hero at Brisbane, and it might make them slightly nervous he could stay put at Springfield. The Eagles are believed to have offered the 26-year-old as many as six years to move, despite concerns over the star’s previous concussions. After missing out on Callum Ah Chee, the club’s list management may ramp up their bid for Hawthorn’s Sam Butler. Noise on a move for St Kilda skipper Jack Steele continues to simmer, but he remains the exact type of midfield acquisition Andrew McQualter’s side could benefit from. Western Australian Lions midfielder Deven Robertson has long been linked to the Eagles, and now looks likely to be available as a delisted free agent in the coming weeks. Tylar Young is also said to be a player the Eagles are interested in, as he awaits any potential extension at Richmond. AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reports that delisted Sun Tom Berry is also on the radar of West Coast

Who’s already gone

Jeremy McGovern (medically retired), Dom Sheed (retired), Jayden Hunt (retired), Jack Petruccelle, Loch Rawlinson, Callum Jamieson

Draft picks

1, 15, 19, 33, 51

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Players that could leave

In the days after Footscray’s VFL flag, the club made its first two delistings of the off-season — saying goodbye to long-time contributors Liam Jones and Anthony Scott. The news comes after Taylor Duryea’s retirement from the top level after 219 AFL games. Troubled Dog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will either be at a rival club in 2026, or without an AFL home as per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. 2016 Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and winger Oskar Baker are no guarantee to go around again next year, although the latter you would think has done enough to earn a one-year deal. 2024 All-Australian Adam Treloar recently signed a one-year deal, after growing speculation the club would shockingly let him go after an injury-riddled season. Buku Khamis has requested a trade to Carlton with a year to run on his contract at Whitten Oval.

Players who could arrive

Intriguingly, despite the desperate need for a key defender, the Bulldogs reportedly aren’t into the idea of recruiting premiership Dee Steven May, who has been told to look elsewhere. Subsequently, could they go all-in on St Kilda stalwart Callum Wilkie? Noise around a potential move hasn’t died down entirely, which suggests it can’t be categorically ruled out despite his words that he will be a Saint in 2026. Adelaide’s Jordan Butts has been linked to the Kennel also, however these links remain uncertain. Further up the ground, the Dogs are becoming more and more interested in Gold Coast’s Connor Budarick, as he weighs up a move away from his club of six years. Expect any serious tilt for Power superstar Zak Butters to come next season, and not in October.

Who’s already gone

Taylor Duryea (retired), Liam Jones, Anthony Scott

Draft picks

10, 28

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