‘Hard to see him staying’: Superstars primed for exits — Mega AFL trade state of play

Just a fortnight remains in the 2025 AFL season, but for those clubs not playing in September, their full attention turns to the October player movement period.

And with players across the league declaring their intentions, we’re getting an even better picture of which players are on their way out, and which will go around again at their current clubs.

Foxfooty.com.au dives into the trade and contract state of play at every AFL club.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Players that could leave

After a disappointing finish to what was otherwise an excellent year at West Lakes, all eyes will be on the futures of 301-game star Taylor Walker and Brodie Smith. The early indications suggest the former captain will go around again in 2026, but things are far less clear with his long-time teammate Smith. Beyond the potential retirees, the likes of Lachie Murphy, Chris Burgess and Harry Schoenberg could be let go by Adelaide; despite providing good list depth. Youngsters Hugh Bond and Zac Taylor are understood to be close to signing on, also without a contract. Foxfooty.com.au understands Jordon Butts has genuine interest from North Melbourne, after spending the back end of the 2025 season in the SANFL. Out-of-favour Crow Lachlan Sholl is contracted to West Lakes until the end of 2026, but could be one that rivals look to pursue after just five senior games this year.

Players that could arrive

While Reilly O’Brien is locked in for three more years as a Crow, the club is still optimistic Bombers free agent Sam Draper could change from his vision to join Brisbane. Draper is from South Australia and would be the perfect long-term ruck for the Crows in a period they’re primed to contend for flags; despite coach Matthew Nicks never playing two genuine rucks together under his tenure. Adelaide continues to be linked with out-of-contract Lions forward Callum Ah Chee, while the need for another genuine game-breaking midfielder has never been higher after a poor finals showing from their on-ball brigade. Brisbane star Zac Bailey is a pre-agent, so he doesn’t need to make a decision on his future just yet, but will undoubtedly have the Crows chasing him hard to lure him back to South Australia.

Who’s already gone

Matt Crouch (retired).

Draft picks (after Week 2 of finals)

18, 41, 48, 54, 66, 72

BRISBANE LIONS

Players that could leave

Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee are thought to be weighing up their rival options as list changes at Springfield loom. Starcevich, an unrestricted free agent and Western Australian, has significant interest from West Coast. The dependable stopper has a history with concussion, thus the Lions may be less willing to offer the 26-year-old a longer-term deal. Meanwhile, Ah Chee has been linked to Adelaide and West Coast and is likely seeking a raise after playing a versatile role in Chris Fagan’s side, including a huge 2024 finals series. The Lions will need to match a bid on potential top-five Academy prospect Daniel Annable, meaning they might be more willing to part ways if it means securing additional draft capital. Elsewhere, dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale was reportedly sounded out by West Coast, but the Western Australian is said to have replied with a firm ‘no’. The names which remain out of contract at Brisbane include: Conor McKenna, Darcy Craven, Darragh Joyce, Deven Robertson, James Tunstill, Lincoln McCarthy, Luke Beecken, Sam Day. Robertson has previously been linked to a return to his home state of Western Australia, while McCarthy will be coming off a long-term knee injury, and McKenna has been unable to hold down a spot in the senior side. Forward-midfield star Zac Bailey is a pre-agent, so he doesn’t need to make a decision on his future just yet, but he will undoubtedly have the Crows chasing him hard to lure him back to South Australia.

Players that could arrive

Incredibly, the Lions could yet defend their premiership this September and get stronger in the off-season. Oscar Allen is all but a certainty to join the club as a free agent to help fill the Joe Daniher void and be a long-term key pillar alongside Logan Morris. The Lions are also favourites to secure Bombers free agent Sam Draper, who has officially indicated his desire to leave Essendon. Draper would be the clear No. 1 ruck at Brisbane as a successor to Oscar McInerney, with Darcy Fort to serve as the second choice. Meanwhile, it was revealed that another Bomber, Jordan Ridley, is keen to move north due to Queensland links and frustration with how Essendon has handled his body, with the interceptor reportedly meeting with senior Lions figures recently.

Who’s already gone

TBC.

Draft picks (after Round 24)

16, 37, 40, 46, 50, 61, 70

CARLTON

Players that could leave

The close watch on Charlie Curnow will continue after the superstar forward requested a trade at his exit interview. Sydney and Geelong are seen as the most likely landing spots, but striking a deal would be complex, with Curnow under contract until 2029. Reports have stated the Blues would only do a deal for an absolute A-grader, but that seems highly unlikely. Foxfooty.com.au’s Ben Cotton reports Curnow’s name arose in talks last Tuesday during a pre-trade period gathering of clubs. Gold Coast has also been linked as a potential landing spot, with young forward Jed Walter one of the names floated as an attractive piece for the Blues. Mitch McGovern is still waiting on a new deal, but Brodie Kemp has signed a fresh two-year deal at the club, Nick Haynes has penned a one-year extension, while small forward Jesse Motlop is now likely to re-sign at Princes Park after attracting interest from Port Adelaide, per Nine’s Tom Morris. Carlton’s defence has lost soldiers, with Jack Silvagni’s departure and Harry O’Farrell’s ACL blow to leave a void, thus McGovern may still be required. Cotton also reports that contracted eight-gamer Jaxon Binns has emerged as a trade target for rival clubs.

Players that could arrive

Out-of-favour Fremantle ruck Liam Reidy has officially expressed his desire to be traded to the Blues, set to provide solid depth behind likely number-one option Marc Pittonet after Tom De Koning’s exit. It comes after Hawthorn’s Ned Reeves was reportedly of interest to Carlton to play a similar role. A non-free agent, Reidy will have to make his way to the Blues via trade or by walking to the drafts. West Coast youngster Campbell Chesser will also make his way to the Blues this off-season after expressing his desire to be traded. The 22-year-old midfielder is set to add pace and polish to a Carlton midfield in need of both. The Herald Sun’s Scott Gullan has linked Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis to Ikon Park in hopes of potentially filling the defensive void left by the outgoing Silvagni. The Blues have been among the clubs circling Suns small forward Malcolm Rosas, who looks certain to depart Gold Coast. However, he is reportedly set to choose between Richmond and Sydney. But it makes sense that Carlton is looking to upgrade its small forward stocks. The Blues are reportedly targeting another Sun, Sam Flanders, who’s likely to consider a move back to a Victorian club with Gold Coast’s finals campaign now at an end. Flanders could add a different element to Carlton’s relatively one-paced midfield or add polished ball use across half-back. Delisted Eagles speedster Jack Petruccelle is also believed to be on Carlton’s radar, potentially adding some necessary run to Voss’ side. Of course, arguably the Blues’ biggest priority is matching a bid on father-son defender Harry Dean, who could’ve a top 10 pick in the November draft.

Who’s already gone

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

Draft picks (after Round 24)

34, 44, 62

COLLINGWOOD

Players that could leave

Collingwood’s two leading goalkickers in 2025, Jamie Elliott, 33, and Brody Mihocek, 32, remain unsigned as talks continue to drag on. Elliott has had a two-year offer on the table after a career-best season that saw him make the All-Australian squad of 44. The small forward spent part of his childhood in Queensland and previously had interest from Brisbane. Meanwhile, Mihocek has been sitting on a one-year offer, with the key forward seen as gettable if a rival club tables a multi-year deal. While it’s more likely that both Elliott and Mihocek stay, the longer they remain unsigned, the more questions will be asked. There’s also a level of uncertainty around Bobby Hill’s future after personal issues have disrupted the second half of the small forward’s season, despite Hill signing a four-year extension earlier this year. Veteran midfielder Tom Mitchell and forward-ruck Mason Cox are also currently uncontracted for 2026. Mitchell’s future at the club looks cloudy, while Cox made an impressive finals return against Adelaide in the qualifying final to inspire hope that he still belongs at the level.

Players that could arrive

A year after missing out on bringing back Mark Keane, the Pies have also missed out on Jack Silvagni after the departing Blue indicated his desire to join St Kilda this off-season. Collingwood is clearly trying to replenish its defensive stocks with Jeremy Howe in the twilight of his career, with Nathan Murphy’s void never truly filled after his sudden medical retirement two years ago. Collingwood was also a keen suitor for bullocking Suns midfielder Matt Rowell prior to re-signing, so the club is clearly trying to add another ball-getting star next to Nick Daicos. However, the Pies don’t have their first-round pick, so they’d need to dip into their future first-rounders if they go big-fish hunting. Ben King is also reportedly on Collingwood’s radar, but a play for the star Suns forward appears more likely next year, when he’s slated to hit free agency. Should the Pies wish to bring in a forward before King goes out of contract, however — and at far less of a price — Sydney’s 2023 mid-season draftee Jack Buller is of interest, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.

Who’s already gone

Will Hoskin-Elliott (retired).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

33, 51, 64, 69

ESSENDON

Players that could leave

In what has rapidly developed into the biggest trade storyline of the season, Essendon captain Zach Merrett will “push ahead with plans” to join Hawthorn, per the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark. Merrett, who is carefully considering his options after little team success in his 12 years at the Bombers, met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell and football boss Rob McCartney, with it now looking increasingly likely the star midfielder won’t be at the club next season despite being contracted through 2027. “It’s hard to see him staying now,” Seven’s Mitch Cleary told 3AW radio. Essendon already holds two top-five draft selections, and it could add even more to that total if Merrett does ultimately force his way out. Meanwhile, despite early-season optimism that he’d recommit at Tullamarine, ruck Sam Draper has officially indicated his desire to leave the Bombers — likely for Brisbane, with Adelaide also in the running. The departure of the gun ruckman, who played just five games in 2025 due to an Achilles injury, will at least net Essendon another first-round pick. Draper’s decision to leave could influence whether veteran ruck Todd Goldstein is afforded another deal after Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini previously signed on. After it emerged that Jordan Ridley was keen to join Brisbane due to Queensland links and frustration with how the club has handled his body, it has since been revealed that the reliable interceptor recently met with senior Lions figures. So, while the Bombers have publicly said no, and while he’s contracted through 2029, it’s clear Ridley is serious about making the move. Ben Hobbs, Jayden Laverde and Will Setterfield are also uncontracted for 2026 and have uncertain futures at the club, while Elijah Tsatas is expected to assess his options after limited senior opportunities in his third season.

Players that could arrive

The Bombers have missed out on veteran Eagles high-flyer Liam Ryan, who’s set to join St Kilda, while emerging Saints on-baller Marcus Windhager was also in the Bombers’ sights, but St Kilda also looks a certainty to retain Windhager after increasing its offer amid interest from multiple clubs. Given the Bombers should have three first-round picks at the very least, the club will no doubt assess the trade market and see if it can add more A-grade talent. North Melbourne’s former Pick 4 Zane Duursmahas also been touted as as a potential option for the Bombers, given the link to older brother Xavier and his purported frustration with playing time at the Roos.

Who’s already gone

Sam Draper (free agency), Dylan Shiel (delisted), Jye Menzie (delisted), Alwyn Davey Jnr (delisted).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

4, 5, 22, 25

FREMANTLE

Players that could leave

Out-of-favour pair Will Brodie and Liam Reidy have officially requesting trades away from the Dockers, with Brodie seeking a move to Port Adelaide and Reidy to Carlton. Brodie is contracted at Cockburn for another season, so the club will aim to secure some handy draft capital in return. There has been trade speculation surrounding contracted rucking duo Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy all year, though Jackson had his exit meeting and told the club he isn’t going anywhere. Out-of-contract youngster Neil Erasmus drew interest from the Western Bulldogs and rival West Coast Eagles but has since put pen to paper on a new three-year Fremantle contract.

Players that could arrive

The Dockers could make a play for Jai Serong, younger brother of Caleb, after the Hawks defender struggled for senior opportunities following the arrivals of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass. Collingwood’s Ed Allan could be another option if the former Pick 19 was keen to explore a move back to his home state, despite a career-best 13 senior games in 2025. Melbourne’s Judd McVee is intriguingly still yet to sign at Melbourne, and has been linked to a move back west all season.

Who’s already gone

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

Draft picks (after Round 24)

11, 29, 38, 47, 65

GEELONG CATS

Players that could leave

The Cats don’t lose many, and they don’t appear to have any big names on the way out. Rival clubs are reportedly eyeing fringe forward Ted Clohesy as one of 10 Cats out of contract. That list includes Rhys Stanley, who keeps on keeping on at age 34, and his future could be tied to whether or not the Cats acquire an established ruckman on the trade market. The veteran did suffer a fresh hamstring injury on the eve of finals, however, which may cast some doubt over his ability to go around again. Cam Guthrie, who’s been marred by injuries in recent years, Mitch Knevitt — who could find a new home amid continued struggles keeping his place in the side — and Jed Bews are also waiting on new deals.

Players that could arrive

It looks likely that Chris Scott’s side will acquire Hawthorn’s James Worpel as a free agent to help beef up its midfield. And it’d be a big win considering Worpel would cost nothing in a trade sense. The Cats, along with Sydney, are in the mix for Charlie Curnow in a move that could blow up the trade period. But getting a deal done for Curnow would clearly be problematic, particularly given Geelong’s first-rounders are naturally less valuable when the club is consistently competing at the top of the ladder. The Cats loom as the most likely home for Rowan Marshall if he opts to depart Moorabbin, and he has reportedly met with coach Chris Scott in a sign that both parties are serious about a potential marriage. The tall hybrid would be a significant ruck upgrade. Geelong would be cautious about dealing future picks, though, if they want to keep their powder dry for Zak Butters, who appears a live trade option next year.

Who’s already gone

Mitch Duncan (retired).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

17, 35, 53, 71

GOLD COAST SUNS

Players that could leave

The two to watch are Sam Flanders and Malcolm Rosas. Flanders is weighing up his options and a return to Victoria for a bigger role elsewhere after being forced to play more across half-forward this year under Damien Hardwick. Flanders, 24, still has two years to run on his deal and has interest from numerous clubs, with St Kilda and Carlton among them. Meanwhile, Rosas is all but certain to depart amid interest from several teams, including Sydney and Richmond. He has attracted interest from more clubs but will reportedly choose between the Swans and Tigers, per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Jed Walter, who was dropped in Round 19 and didn’t appear again at senior level after that, has been floated as the potential key to unlocking a trade for Charlie Curnow — though he’s contracted through next season and the club won’t want to part ways with him.

Players that could arrive

Charlie Curnow, who’s flagged his preference to be traded from the Blues, has been linked to the Suns, but they might have to part with one of their burgeoning young guns to get any sort of deal done. Gold Coast is reportedly in the market for a small forward in a role Damien Hardwick was well represented in during his glory years at the Tigers, but there aren’t a heap of high-class options out there. It’s believed they have interest in Collingwood duo Beau McCreery — who is contracted — and Jamie Elliott. Elliott might be the more realistic target after the veteran’s contract talks have stalled after a career-best season, while the premiership goalkicker has family links to Queensland. If not, the development of Jake Rogers and Leo Lombard as small forwards might be the answer over spending draft capital on players that might not even help them. The priority for the Suns, 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.

Who’s already gone

David Swallow (retired), Sean Lemmens (retired).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

6, 14, 15, 32, 56, 68

GWS GIANTS

Players that could leave

The Giants won’t farewell any of their stars this off-season, but former no.15 pick Leek Aleer looks all but gone for a bigger deal and more senior opportunities at St Kilda and will be a significant depth loss. Though Aleer has gotten more opportunities this year, he’s not a best-23 lock anyway and remains stuck behind Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley and Connor Idun in Adam Kingsley’s star-studded defence. Meanwhile, out-of-contract fringe Giants Wade Derksen (Melbourne), Jacob Wehr (Port Adelaide) will seek moves to rival clubs. The potential loss of Derksen, who tried to get to the Demons last year, would be less than ideal, given the forward-turned-defender is good insurance for Aleer’s departure.

Players that could arrive

The Giants have never really been big players on the trade table, and it seems this off-season their priority will likely be bolstering their defensive stocks with low-cost options, given Aleer and Derksen are expected to depart. Essendon’s Jayden Laverde, Sydney’s Joel Hamling, Hawthorn’s Sam Frost and delisted Richmond swingman Jacob Koschitzke are names reportedly on GWS’ whiteboard to potentially bring into the fold. Kingsley’s side would love more midfield depth, so the likes of Bombers duoElijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs could make some sense. But finding additional on-ball options is more likely to come from within, particularly given the Giants don’t have much wiggle room in their salary cap.

Who’s already gone

Callan Ward (retired), Lachlan Keeffe (retired), Josh Fahey (delisted), Jacob Wehr (delisted free agency).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

12, 30, 36

HAWTHORN

Players that could leave

Inside midfielder James Worpel has been weighing up a four-year deal from Geelong for a while now, and it looks more and more likely he’ll jump ship at season’s end in favour of the Cats. The young trio of Sam Butler, Jai Serong and Seamus Mitchell all remained unsigned, and given their limited time in the senior side this year, are far from a certainty to be retained — though Butler has impressively carved out a finals role for himself and has a two-year deal on the table, per AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich. As first reported by foxfooty.com.au back in May, Fremantle has been linked to Serong and could swoop on the brother of their co-vice-captain, should the Hawks opt to part ways with him. The talents of Butler and Mitchell are also similarly strong, so expect rival clubs to also enquire about their services in due course. Having only featured twice this season in Opening Round and Round 1 — both times as the sub — Sam Frost looks increasingly likely to be allowed to explore his options. Names such as Ned Reeves, Henry Hustwaite and Cam Mackenzie — all contracted but have been starved of senior opportunities — could also be floated as trade bait this off-season. The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle days ago that Hustwaite was “desperate” for a chance elsewhere.

Players that could arrive

Shockingly, Zach Merrett. And in what’s being described as a “nasty” potential Essendon divorce, the Bombers’ skipper is looking increasingly likely to defect to Hawthorn after recently meeting with coach Sam Mitchell and football boss Rob McCartney. Reports had suggested that the Hawks’ war chest was at the ready to use on a rival superstar, and while most would’ve thought that might be utilised next off-season when the likes of Christian Petracca and Zak Butters come out of contract, it now seems Merrett is the big fish the club has been fantasising about adding to its engine room.

Who’s already gone

Luke Breust (retiring at season’s end).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

8, 26, 55, 67

MELBOURNE

Players that could leave

Eyes will be on veteran defender Steven May this trade period, who is understood to be a real chance of departing Melbourne this off-season. His star teammate Christian Petracca is also expected to be heavily pursued by rival clubs such as Hawthorn — though he remains contracted through 2029, and the Hawks might end up landing Essendon captain Zach Merrett instead. The Demons have wasted little time with their list turnover — along with the appointment of Steven King as their new senior coach — already making six delistings, with premiership-winning small forward Charlie Spargo also set to depart to North Melbourne as a free agent. Young duo Judd McVee and Taj Woewodin remain unsigned, as interest from Western Australia remains live. Veteran back-up ruck Tom Campbell didn’t play at all this season but has penned another deal off the back of some excellent VFL form; continuing to serve as Max Gawn insurance.

Players that could arrive

The Demons have been said to be in the race for unsigned Saint Marcus Windhager, although the likes of North Melbourne and GWS have also had strong interest — but it mightn’t matter, with St Kilda thought to be likely to retain the improved ball-getter. Another without a deal at St Kilda beyond 2025 is four-game ruck Max Heath, who Melbourne are thought to also be in the running for as longer-term Gawn coverage.

Who’s already gone

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

Draft picks (after Round 24)

23, 52, 59

NORTH MELBOURNE

Players that could leave

Just over half a dozen Roos remain out of contract at Arden Street, after a quartet of young players were delisted in the week after their season came to a close. There are arguments in favour of almost all as to why they should be retained, with Cooper Harvey and Finnbar Maley at the top of that list. Ruck Callum Coleman-Jones has had a wretched run with injury and could be in danger of losing his list spot. Meanwhile, trade interest has previously floated around Will Phillips, but rival clubs may wait and see whether he is delisted first.

Players that could arrive

Melbourne premiership forward Charlie Spargo has flagged his intention to join the club his father, Paul, played 81 games for. He’s set to cement his Arden Street move as an unrestricted free agent. A five-year deal was on the table for uncontracted Saint Marcus Windhager, but the emerging ball-winner is expected to remain at Moorabbin after St Kilda upped its offer. The Roos must improve their key defensive stocks this off-season, and Foxfooty.com.au understands they will pursue out-of-favour Adelaide key stopper Jordon Butts this off-season. They’re also reportedly one of the clubs eyeing out-of-contract Richmond key defender Tylar Young. North Melbourne had interest in Connor Budarick last season and could renew that interest after Gold Coast’s season came to an end on Saturday night. 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’d be expected to look to lure a key position player at either end of the ground.

Who’s already gone

Eddie Ford (delisted), Kallan Dawson (delisted), Miller Bergman (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

20, 21, 39, 57

PORT ADELAIDE

Players that could leave

The Power have already made six delistings to go with three retirements. It now means only two players remain out of contract, with both Ewan Mackinlay and Harrison Ramm yet to sign into 2026. The duo have impressed since being picked up in May’s mid-season draft, and look likely to go around again — it would be a shock if they didn’t. In terms of contracted players who could leave, it’s all eyes on Zak Butters. While the 24-year-old superstar isn’t likely to exit until potentially next season, when he comes out of contract, there’ll certainly be a big watch late in October’s trade period if a rival club is desperate to make an earlier move.

Players that 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 6, 2023 — and he’s since officially flagged his desire to be traded to the Power. Out-of-contract Giant Jacob Wehr had also been linked and has, too, officially indicated his desire to become a Port Adelaide player. Given the retirement of Willie Rioli and delisting of a number of small forwards, the Power are getting aggressive behind closed doors for a small forward — reflected in their interest in Collingwood gun Beau McCreery. 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 (delisted), Jeremy Finlayson (delisted), Jed McEntee (delisted), Hugh Jackson (delisted), Dylan Williams (delisted), Lachie Charleson (delisted).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

24, 42, 60

RICHMOND

Players that could leave

The Tigers have six players still without a contract for next year: midseason draftee Campbell Gray, Kaleb Smith, Ollie Hayes-Brown, Thomson Dow, Tylar Young and Tyler Sonsie. Gray showed promise as a swingman but had his year cruelled by a knee injury. He’d be unlucky to get cut, particularly given key-position swingmen Jacob Blight and Jacob Koschitzke have already been delisted. 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 that 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 one of multiple reported suitors. The Herald Sun reports Rosas is set to choose between Richmond and Sydney but will only do so once the Suns’ finals campaign comes to a conclusion. 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 (delisted), Jacob Bauer (delisted), Mate Colina (delisted), Jacob Koschitzke (delisted), Jacob Blight (delisted).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

2, 3

ST KILDA

Players that could leave

Ruck Rowan Marshall has reportedly met with Geelong as the possibility of a move for the contracted 29-year-old remains a strong possibility amid the arrival of Tom De Koning. After Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera recommitted, all eyes are on Marcus Windhager, who has attracted genuine interest from clubs such as North Melbourne, Essendon, Melbourne and GWS — the latter of which was exclusively revealed by foxfooty.com.au. A four-year deal is now on the table for him to sign, and it’s now increasingly likely he’ll remain a Saint until the end of 2029. Four-game ruck Max Heath also remains out of contract amid interest from Melbourne. The futures of Arie Schoenmaker, Jack Carroll, Ryan Byrnes and Zak Jones continue to hang in the balance, with that group likely to be made to wait a while longer before learning of their fates. Otherwise, murmurs around a potential Jack Steele departure have quietened down in recent weeks, though a surprise move in the trade period can’t be completely ruled out.

Players that 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, as reported by foxfooty.com.au. Meanwhile, premiership Eagles forward Liam Ryan has also informed of his desire to switch allegiances to St Kilda, and out-of-contract Giants defender Leek Aleer will also make a Moorabbin move, having long been linked to the club. After foxfooty.com.au first reported in June that Victorian clubs were monitoring Sam Flanders, with noise around his future at Gold Coast only set to continue to bubble away with the Suns’ season now over. 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 2026.

Who’s already gone

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

Draft picks (after Round 24)

7, 43, 48

SYDNEY SWANS

Players that could leave

After delisting a quartet of players, including 105-gamer Robbie Fox, a number of Swans are still in the dark over their playing future. Reserve ruck Peter Ladhams has been offered a two-year deal at the club, but has yet to sign on. Veterans Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe and mid-season draftee Jack Buller look the likeliest of the other out-of-contract players to earn a new deal, but Buller has reportedly attracted interest from Collingwood, which is after some key-position depth. Meanwhile, journeyman Joel Hamling is likely to have played his last game as a Swan, with GWS thought to be lurking as a potential landing spot.

Players that could arrive

There are gaping holes still at either end of the ground, and particularly up forward. Charlie Curnow is by far the biggest fish linked to the Swans this season, but it’s difficult to envisage how a trade gets done, despite Curnow flagging his desire to depart at his exit meeting. The question is whether Sydney would commit to offloading one of its biggest stars to appease the Blues in a potential trade deal, as Carlton is thought to be seeking A-grade talent in return. And in other potential forward acquisitions, Gold Coast’s Malcolm Rosas is reportedly set to choose between Sydney and Richmond as his new home next year. Otherwise, could Dean Cox’s club nab a veteran key defender like Steven May, Liam Jones or Sam Frost? Unsigned Hawk Jai Serong should also be one the Swans are keeping an eye on for their back half.

Who’s already gone

Robbie Fox (delisted), Caleb Mitchell (delisted), Ben Paton (delisted), Indhi Kirk (delisted), Aaron Francis (delisted), Blake Leidler (delisted).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

9, 27, 45, 63

WEST COAST EAGLES

Players that could leave

Co-captain and restricted free agent Oscar Allen will leave to join Brisbane in the off-season, correspondingly netting the Eagles the no.2 pick at November’s draft as compensation. Premiership Eagle Liam Ryan has also indicated his desire to leave West Coast, with St Kilda in his sights. Having already delisted three players and with three more retiring, there shouldn’t be too many more list changes at the Eagles, but former top draft pick Campbell Chesser — who showed promise at the back end of the season — will be among the departures after the Victorian formally indicated his desire to be traded to Carlton.

Players that could arrive

Still number one on West Coast’s list is premiership Lion Brandon Starcevich, who is yet to re-sign at Brisbane while in the midst of a finals campaign. The Eagles, alongside Adelaide, are thought to be interested in luring another premiership Lion in Callum Ah Chee, who hails from Western Australia. Additionally, West Coast is keen on Hawthorn’s Sam Butler, who’s carved out a key finals role this September but is said to be assessing his options, per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Noise on a move for St Kilda skipper Jack Steele has simmered in recent times, but he remains absolutely the kind of midfield acquisition Andrew McQualter’s side could benefit from. A look at fringe midfielders such as North Melbourne’s Will Phillips or Essendon duo Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs could also be worthwhile, while Western Australian Lions midfielder Deven Robertson has long been linked to the Eagles.

Who’s already gone

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

Draft picks (after Round 24)

1, 13, 19, 31, 49

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Players that could leave

The Bulldogs are yet to make any delistings as their VFL side at the weekend progressed to a grand final. A number of long-time Dogs remain out of contract for 2026 — most notably Adam Treloar, who only 12 months ago was an All-Australian. His soft tissue injuries have cruelled him this year, but he’s stood up and played a massive role in Footscray’s finals campaign thus far, inspiring hope he’s still capable of impacting at the top level. Veterans Jason Johannisen and Liam Jones are no guarantee to go around again, nor are Oskar Baker and Anthony Scott, though Baker sparked at times this year. There aren’t too many Dogs in contract that look likely to be lured out of the Kennel, but Jamarra Ugle-Hagan looks incredibly unlikely to be listed with the club next year, given his ongoing personal issues and links to a fresh start elsewhere.

Players that could arrive

The Western Bulldogs have been linked to a number of players this off-season, predominantly in the form of key defenders. Steven May and Jake Lever are among the names floated who could help fill a void for Luke Beveridge’s leaky outfit, though it remains to be seen whether either will press for a Demons exit. Adelaide’s Jordon Butts is a name that has been put out there as potentially gettable for rivals, having fallen out of favour at the Crows in September, while the Dogs have been said to be one of the clubs eyeing Richmond’s Tylar Young, who is currently without a contract for 2026. A serious tilt for Power superstar Zak Butters might have to wait until next off-season.

Who’s already gone

Taylor Duryea (retired).

Draft picks (after Round 24)

10, 28

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