Every AFL club’s biggest trade targets and plans for out-of-contract stars — 18-club mega state of play

The AFL trade machine is already humming a month before the season’s halfway mark, with rival clubs circling stars, veterans weighing up their futures and several young guns still yet to commit beyond 2026.

It will surprise absolutely no one that given we are halfway through May, there is a profusion of players still out of contract. Subsequently, while we cover the vast majority of names below without a deal yet for 2027, there is a small sector of players not listed that will be fighting to sign on, or in some cases, may retire.

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Yes, it’s only May and there’s still more than four months until the trade period officially opens — trust me, we’re aware! But this is the AFL industry we now live in.

From the Zak Butters sweepstakes and the first wave of Tasmania-linked watches, to clubs quietly plotting rival raids and managing list squeezes of their own, there is already plenty happening behind the scenes.

This is where all 18 clubs stand at the trade and contract table heading into Round 10 of the 2026 season.

ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows have been very active in their pursuit of rival superstars in recent times, none more so than their hunt for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Christian Petracca last season. They ultimately weren’t successful in acquiring either of them, but it’s set to see them turn their attention promptly to one star and one up-and-comer. Zac Bailey is one of very few restricted free agents on the market this year, and sits only behind Zak Butters as the biggest name on the trade table. West Lakes is considered the early frontrunner for the Lion’s services should he depart Springfield at season’s end — though any acquisition will cost the Crows a rightful fortune. If not Bailey, keep an eye on Saints young gun Darcy Wilson this year, who foxfooty.com.au revealed the club are set to throw their hat in the ring for at some stage this season. The 20-year-old will halt contract talks until the second half of the year, and while he has no obvious links to Adelaide, expect Matthew Nicks’ club to give it their best shot when selling him the dream. Closer to home, Jordon Butts has made the most of his opportunities in the senior side during Mark Keane’s absence, and has reportedly been offered a four-year deal by the club according to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey. That being said, he’s obviously yet to commit and had interstate interest last year from the likes of the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne. Per multiple reports, Showdown 59 hero Brayden Cook is expected to begin discussions on a new contract at West Lakes, while Luke Pedlar has also proven himself a handy asset for Nicks and deserves a new multi-year deal. Similarly, Mitch Hinge has been a staple in the side for nearly four years heading into 2026, and at 27, still has a lot of good footy ahead of him. While opportunity has been limited in the Crows’ defensive half, Sturt product James Borlase has been excellent when called upon, and it wouldn’t surprise to see interstate clubs come calling. All indications suggest this will be Taylor Walker’s 19th and final season in the AFL system, but his first five weeks of the year proved he’s still well and truly capable. And just a watch on rival interest for out-of-favour ruck Reilly O’Brien, who despite signing a three-year deal in July last year, is now two back in the ruck pecking order. Essendon is one to keep tabs on in this space. The likes of Lachie Sholl and Tasmanian Chayce Jones are also among the other names out of contract. As reported by SEN’s Tom Morris, inside midfielder Sam Berry has triggered a one-year deal to see him stay at Adelaide until at least the end of next year.

BRISBANE LIONS

A lot of the noise at Springfield this season revolves around star midfielder-forward Zac Bailey, who is a restricted free agent and has clubs aplenty chasing him. The 26-year-old spent his latter years at school in Adelaide, which is where links to the Crows and Power have emerged. Given how much talent the Lions’ list is filled with, it’s hard for the club to match some of the reported figures being thrown Bailey’s way. All that said, it’s still too early to get a major read on what his AFL future may look like. Similarly, but for different reasons, two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale may also depart the club at season’s end. With his children residing in Perth, the 32-year-old has naturally been linked to West Coast, though his former club Fremantle appears far less likely. Clubs such as Collingwood and Adelaide have also been floated as potential suitors, but right now feel like they’re playing second fiddle to the Eagles. On a recruiting front, don’t be surprised if Essendon Jordan Ridley is sounded out by the Lions for a second year straight after strong interest at the back end of 2025. Defensive stalwarts Ryan Lester and Darragh Joyce have given no reason why they shouldn’t continue their string of one-year contracts, while former captain Dayne Zorko is clearly still playing some very handy football at 37 years young. After nearly two years sidelined, Lincoln McCarthy has returned nicely in the senior side this season and will be pushing for another one-year extension. You suspect two-time premiership ruck Darcy Fort will be given the same courtesy, also out of contract this year. Lions Academy graduate Sam Marshall played 11 matches in his debut season last year — including last year’s flag — but was subbed on or off for more than half of those fixtures, and is yet to feature at senior level in 2026. It makes him almost certainly a trade watch, given the sheer depth of midfielders at the club. And while he isn’t out of contract until the end of 2027, there will be some clubs beginning to inquire about Victorian Kai Lohmann and whether he has any desire to come home in 18 months’ time. Conor McKenna and James Tunstill are other players out of contract, while Brisbane will be hellbent on locking away young star Logan Morris as Tasmania looms as a potential suitor for his services.

CARLTON

Firstly on a recruiting front, Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph reported on Monday night that the Blues have a keen eye on Sydney free agent Joel Amartey, as he weighs up contract offers from his current club Sydney. Out of contract Suns young gun Jed Walter is another name who was floated last off-season in Carlton circles, and may also be one to watch. Western Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis will also continue to be linked to the navy blue for as long as he remains out of contract — unless Michael Voss and Nick Austin’s recent departure changes things. Beyond the trio though, the Blues have a monster number of players out of contract heading into Round 10 of this season, and you can expect that to remain the case for at least a little while longer. A lot of Ikon Park’s key pillars are locked away long-term, but ironically, they are the ones who have been flagged in the media as potential trade options. With the exception of their new recruits, Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith, no name seems to be off the table in the eyes of some media figures and pundits — think Patrick Cripps, Jacob Weitering and Adam Cerra, among others. The former at this stage has been hinted at being the most likely of the trio to leave, but there is still so much to play out there. George Hewett quickly emerged as a player who was out of favour under Voss, and it will be fascinating to see whether things change for him in the last 15 rounds of this season. Otherwise, he may also want to depart. For now though, that idea remains purely hypothetical, and so attention should instead be turned to where next for a number of role-players. If a call on their futures had to be made tomorrow, you would re-sign Ollie Hollands, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman, Francis Evans and Nick Haynes. As we know though, the industry is not that simple, and the latter quartet may be forced to wait far longer before getting any confirmation on their short-term future. Defender Jordan Boyd has played just five games at senior level since the start of last year, and while his VFL form in 2026 has been strong, it would be fair to say he sits with a level of uncertainty similar to the likes of Lachie Fogarty and Blake Acres. Despite playing most AFL matches so far this year, Adam Saad, Lewis Young and Zac Williams will also be very keen to prove themselves as must-haves at Ikon Park in 2027. Separately, Michael Voss’ club will be looking forward to the acquisition of father-son prospect Cody Walker, who has started strong at state level for their VFL side.

COLLINGWOOD

Are the Magpies in the Zak Butters race? Yes, but nowhere near to the level of the Western Bulldogs or Geelong, which won’t surprise many. However, there has been a recent update in the club’s interest in fellow restricted free agent Ben King, with Seven’s Mitch Cleary reporting he is no longer being pursued by Collingwood as he edges towards a short-term extension at Gold Coast. It leaves Craig McRae’s club in a slightly awkward position on the trade market, given they also have moderate — but not overly strong — links to Gold Coast’s Bailey Humphrey, as well as Brisbane two-time premiership duo Zac Bailey and Lachie Neale. The young Sun would at this stage appear the likeliest of that trio to don black and white in 2027, but it’s still far too early in the season to gain a more advanced reading on Humphrey’s situation since October last year. Internally, the focus shifts towards which of their veterans play on for another year. Scott Pendlebury, right here and now, looks likely to, with more doubt hanging over Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe despite both showing they’re still more than capable. As SEN’s Tom Morris reported as far back as July last year, Jack Crisp has a games trigger that he will meet to extend his deal into 2027, while Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph revealed last week that Billy Frampton is likely to be handed a multi-year deal after a solid season so far in defence. Tim Membrey, 31, shouldn’t have any issues you would think in going around again next year, while it’s approaching crunch time for the likes of Lachie Sullivan, Wil Parker and Jakob Ryan, among a couple others. Western Australian Ed Allan has interest from his home state once more, but foxfooty.com.au can reveal Gold Coast is also a club that may be keen on his services moving forward. Dashing forward Beau McCreery has been reported to be of interest with Tasmania, but that isn’t an alarm bell just yet for the Pies.

ESSENDON

Perhaps unlike previous years, the Bombers have a decent number of players locked away until the end of 2027, but there are still 14 out-of-contract names worth keeping an eye on this season. Before dissecting them though, the elephant in the room remains Zach Merrett, after his trade request to Hawthorn last October fell through. It remains to be seen whether the Hawks’ interest will be the same 12 months on, and there haven’t been any meaningful developments this season as he focuses on playing his best football. AFL Media’s Callum Twomey has on Wednesday also flagged Gold Coast as a potential watch moving forward for Merrett, who turns 31 this October. Another senior player worth monitoring is Jordan Ridley, who had interest in joining Brisbane last off-season. Twomey has flagged this space as one to watch — an understanding foxfooty.com.au shares. The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark has effectively ruled out the NEC Hangar as a home for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters this trade period, with the club said to be more invested in a pointed pitch to Brisbane restricted free agent Zac Bailey. In the ruck department, Bombers fans should keep an eye on out-of-favour Crow Reilly O’Brien as a potential recruiting option; despite signing a three-year deal at West Lakes only last year. Closer to home, Elijah Tsatas and Archie Perkins are among the more intriguing players to observe when it comes to trade links. The pair are currently out of favour in the senior side under Brad Scott, with the former particularly struggling for regular game time at AFL level since joining the club via the 2022 national draft. Forward Jade Gresham, who has been in and out of the senior side in recent weeks, has a games-based trigger in his contract according to Twomey, which could potentially dictate his future at Tullamarine. The likes of Nik Cox, Matt Guelfi, Jaxon Prior and Will Setterfield are also out of contract, but at this stage will back themselves in to fight their way towards another deal — as will Tom Edwards and Saad El-Hawli. In positive news, Zak Johnson and Archer Day-Wicks signed two and one-year deals respectively last week.

FREMANTLE

As is well-documented, Fremantle entered the 2026 trade period with their premiership-contending core firmly locked away for years to come, but still face decisions on more than a dozen out-of-contract players, many of whom are veterans and add notable depth. The biggest external story to monitor is the potential homecoming of three-time Richmond triple-premiership defender Nathan Broad. According to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey, the Western Australian has made it clear 2026 will be his last season at Punt Road, making both Fremantle and West Coast suitors for the unrestricted free agent. After perennially sitting behind senior figures in Collingwood’s team, foxfooty.com.au can reveal there will be yet another watch on local product Ed Allan, who is also out of contract. Closer to home, The West Australian’s Mitchell Woodcock revealed late last month that gun small forward Sam Switkowski has begun talks on an extension at the club, having been an important part of their forward line for many years now. Fellow senior figures Jaeger O’Meara and Bailey Banfield, who like Switkowski are also unrestricted free agents, will be made to wait a little longer before getting a clearer read on their future in the ‘Purple Haze’. 23-year-old midfielder Matt Johnson is expected to stay put, while it would surprise to not see Justin Longmuir’s club do the same with Corey Wagner. Having only played 31 senior games after more than eight years at the club, expect some clubs to do their due diligence on medium-sized forward Sam Sturt this season, who hails from Victoria. Small forward Isaiah Dudley has ticked off a contract trigger that will extend his deal into season 2027, having played all nine games so far this year. Nathan O’Driscoll and utility Oscar McDonald are among the other names with no deal yet for 2027. There are no formal links as of yet, but Bulldogs key defender and Western Australian Jedd Busslinger could attract interest in the back half of this season.

GEELONG CATS

Who aren’t Geelong in the race for? Very few, it seems. The Cats have been linked to star names including Zak Butters, Ben King and, more recently, GWS captain Toby Greene. The former looks destined to join either the Cats or Western Bulldogs, and while the Dogs will rightly be considered favourites indefinitely, Chris Scott’s side are well and truly in the hunt for the Port Adelaide superstar. King looks more likely at this stage to remain at Gold Coast for another two years, while there’s still plenty to play out with Victorian Greene, having been a staple at the Giants since their inception in the AFL. Foxfooty.com.au can reveal Rowan Marshall too is a watch as a trade target for a second straight year, after being held to his contract last off-season. It’s important to note the star Saints ruckman is contracted at Moorabbin until the end of 2027, but he could well attempt to move down the western highway once more. As they always do, the Cats have a number of veteran stars and role players out of contract who will either hang up the boots or go around again in 2027. Captain Patrick Dangerfield headlines that list as an unrestricted free agent, alongside the likes of Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Martin and Rhys Stanley. Of the aforementioned group, Martin is the most likely to sign on first, with AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reporting in early April that the former Sun and Blue should hit a contract trigger. While a loyal clubman since arriving at the Cattery from Gold Coast a few years back, it’s evident Jack Bowes is far too good for VFL level, despite being forced out of the side to begin season 2026. Would he entertain offers elsewhere if presented? The quartet of Mark O’Connor, Jed Bews, Mitch Knevitt and Jhye Clark all provide Chris Scott’s side with excellent depth, but in the case of the latter duo, is it in their best interests to finally look elsewhere? George Stevens, who was loosely linked to Adelaide last off-season, may feel similarly as he comes out of contract. AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reported late last month that forward Oli Wiltshire had added another year onto his deal, locking him away until the end of 2027. Late last month, key forward Shannon Neale signed a two-year extension that will see him remain in the navy blue hoops until at least the end of 2030. As reported by foxfooty.com.au last month, the Cats are hopeful of locking away star Max Holmes beyond his 2027 deal sooner rather than later in a similar fashion to Neale.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Understandably, Ben King is the free agent name on the lips of all Suns supporters right now. A report earlier this week from Seven’s Mitch Cleary revealed that Collingwood has essentially withdrawn its interest in the key forward, and only further points towards the belief he will sign a short-term extension — likely two years in length. His likely decision to stay, though, could have a big flow-on effect for fellow out-of-contract key forward Jed Walter, who has reportedly attracted interest from West Coast and Carlton among other clubs. SEN’s Sam Edmund reports a two-year extension at the Suns is yet to appeal to the 20-year-old, having played only four of Gold Coast’s first nine matches this year. Keeping Bailey Humphrey satisfied up on the Coast will also continue to be a major priority for Damien Hardwick’s club this year and beyond, after the midfielder-forward aggressively tried to move back home to Victoria last October despite being contracted until the end of 2028. Surprisingly, former Essendon captain has on Wednesday been linked to the Suns by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey — an intriguing concept given their already-unbelievable midfield depth. In great news, former club co-captain Touk Miller is expected to begin talks to extend his time at Gold Coast beyond 2027, foxfooty.com.au understands. We can reveal Collingwood’s Ed Allan is a player of interest up north, while uncapped fourth-year Kangaroo Brayden George would also fit the Suns’ mould if he can continue to stay fit. Much like GWS, it’s no surprise to hear Gold Coast’s salary cap is on the fuller side, which could lead list management into a position where tough calls need to be made. The loyal, role-playing types in Nick Holman, Jy Farrar and Caleb Graham have all been serviceable, but without contracts beyond next year, are no certainty to continue into 2027 at the Suns. Seven’s Xander McGuire reported in October last year that Jake Rogers’ management was gauging interest 12 months before his contract was due to expire, and either side of a concussion, he has played only five of nine senior matches so far this season. Foxfooty.com.au understands fringe midfielder Alex Davies is once more open to the idea of a move away from Carrara at season’s end, and you’d expect there to be notable interest from rival clubs. Turning 34 at season’s end, there is still no certainty surrounding the future of former captain Jarrod Witts, though you’d expect the club to give him every chance to do as he pleases. At the other end of the age spectrum, Academy product Leo Lombard has extended his deal at the Suns until at least the end of 2030, adding three years on top of his initial draft contract. And a very preliminary watch on South Australian Charlie Ballard, who could attract interest from rivals despite being contracted until the end of 2029.

GWS GIANTS

The Giants’ list is one of, if not the most settled in the competition when it comes to players out of contract this season. Captain Toby Greene, as flagged by Fox Footy’s Jay Clark in recent days, will clearly be a talking point during the second half of this year as he weighs up whether he wants to finish his career in his home state of Victoria. The 270-gamer will attract interest from a number of clubs, including Geelong, with Clark reporting he currently has a three-year offer on the table from his club of 15 years. Another veteran in Jesse Hogan is adamant he wants to stay put in Blacktown, The Herald Sun’s Lauren Wood reported last month on Midweek Tackle, but remuneration is understood to be the main reason he’s yet to sign beyond 2026 as also flagged by SEN’s Tom Morris. As revealed exclusively by foxfooty.com.au earlier this month, the Giants will need to combat strong interest in young ruck Nick Madden, who the club appeared to have earmarked as its number one ruck before he was sidelined with a PCL injury. His partner-in-crime Kieran Briggs is also out of contract and, as an unrestricted free agent, has been linked to Victoria, as per AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge. Key forward duo Max Gruzewski and Jake Riccardi are also sure to attract rival interest as they battle with several other talls for a regular spot in Adam Kingsley’s side. Inaugural Giant Stephen Coniglio and utility Conor Stone are also out of contract. In positive news, delisted free agent Jayden Laverde signed a two-year extension at the club, locking him away until the end of 2028.

HAWTHORN

Have the Hawks moved on from interest in Zak Butters? SEN’s Tom Morris seems to think so, having reported late last month that while the club would formally say it hasn’t dropped out, it is targeting other players this year. Those other players in question are Bailey Humphrey and, to a lesser extent, Ben King. The former made his intentions for a preferred move back to Victoria very well known last October, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him do so again this off-season with the Hawks hot for his services. King doesn’t fit the obvious mould of star Sam Mitchell’s side — particularly given its plethora of key forwards already. But, good clubs chase better players. And as for Zach Merrett? Hawthorn could have a second crack in as many seasons at luring the 30-year-old out of Essendon, but as we know, it’s going to cost a monster price. Closer to home, AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reported at the start of April that restricted free agent Jarmen Impey won’t be going anywhere and will sign a two-year deal after a stellar past few seasons. The future of key forward Mitchell Lewis is far less clear though. Seven’s Mitch Cleary reports Collingwood’s interest in Lewis could rise as its pursuit of Gold Coast’s King wanes. AFL Media’s Callum Twomey reported in March that the Hawks were working away on a two-year deal for Cam Mackenzie, who was linked to Essendon as part of a potential Merrett trade last year. So too was Henry Hustwaite, though there has been no update on a new deal there yet. Gabelich also reported last month that rival clubs are interested in Bailey Macdonald, who is out of contract and has played only eight games across three and a half seasons at Hawthorn. It’s hard to imagine Calsher Dear in any club colours other than Hawthorn’s, but his lack of time in the senior side lately has been a byproduct of Jack Gunston playing some incredible football in the twilight years of his career. The latter simply has to sign on if he wishes, and if Lewis stays too, it may — just may — force Dear to at least listen to offers from rival clubs. Winger Harry Morrison, ruck Max Ramsden, key defender James Blanck and SSP signing Flynn Perez are among the other names also out of contract.

MELBOURNE

After a nifty 2025 off-season that saw Steven King’s side welcome several recruits at the expense of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, there aren’t a huge number of names linked to the Demons just yet. Untried Kangaroo Brayden George could be one to keep an eye on later in the year, but that’s not a major focus right now in May. On the contrary, the club will be desperate to retain out-of-contract South Australian duo Tommy Sparrow and Kade Chandler. The latter told foxfooty.com.au in April that contract negotiations of any form understandably aren’t a priority for him right now, so expect further links regarding his future until that changes. As for Sparrow, The Herald Sun’s Ed Bourke has revealed Port Adelaide is a potential suitor for his services should he not remain at Melbourne. 2021 premiership player Bayley Fritsch is a more high-profile name who is now expected to stay put in the red and blue, with contract negotiations having started some time ago. SEN’s Tom Morris understands Fritsch’s new deal would fit somewhere between two and four years. Defender Christian Salem is yet to sign on for next year, with no major updates surrounding his future plans. Having failed to lock down a spot in the senior side for some time now, the likes of Bailey Laurie, Matthew Jefferson, Jack Henderson and Andy Moniz-Wakefield are among the many names fighting to stay on for 2027. Veterans Jake Melksham and Tom McDonald look a decent chance of calling time on their valiant careers at year’s end — particularly the former — while Tom Campbell’s epic 15-year run could finish as early as the next couple of weeks. Shane McAdam, Luker Kentfield and Jed Adams are among the remaining players out of contract, while Melbourne parted ways with Steven May before the start of the home-and-away season.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Sign. George. Wardlaw. If there is just one out-of-contract player the Kangaroos could retain right now, it’s the 21-year-old. AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reported last week that contract talks between Wardlaw and the club will begin imminently, and while he hasn’t given any indication of wanting to move, Roos fans will hold their breath until he’s locked away. Wardlaw is one of many players without a deal for next year, but right now, young gun Finn O’Sullivan should also be a high priority to re-sign. Both foxfooty.com.au and AFL Media’s Callum Twomey understand the Oakleigh product is at the forefront of Tasmania’s want come 2028 alongside Richmond’s Sam Lalor, so consider this officially a watch as the pair begin extension talks. On the contrary, North Melbourne are doing every bit of due diligence on young Saint Darcy Wilson, who will have absolutely zero shortage of interest from clubs across the country. Back home, intrigue surrounding Zane Duursma will continue to bubble away. Keep an eager eye on Essendon’s push to trade for the forward in an attempt to unite him with brother Xavier. It may feel like an outdated storyline on the surface, but it wouldn’t totally surprise if Jy Simpkin came knocking on the door for another trade request in October. The futures of Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr and Bailey Scott also remain in the balance, though it’s still very early days given their seniority. Mature-age SSP signing Tom Blamires has been solid since entering the AFL system earlier this year, and surely earns a new deal soon. Younger types in Zac Banch, Wil Dawson and Cooper Harvey should at this stage also feel confident about earning extensions, while there could also be rival interest in Riley Hardeman, who has a two-year deal in front of him according to Twomey. There is preliminary level for uncapped fourth-year player Brayden George, foxfooty.com.au can reveal. In an opinion widely shared by experts, the Kangaroos would benefit from another respected key defender. Do they go harder at Adelaide’s Jordon Butts this trade period, or even get bold with a pitch to contracted Sun Charlie Ballard?

PORT ADELAIDE

Sorry, Power fans. There aren’t any positive updates in the Zak Butters space to pass on right now, despite the club’s pleasantly surprising start to 2026. As things stand, the pecking order for the superstar’s services next year is: the Western Bulldogs, then Geelong, then daylight, and then Port — and even then, there may be a Victorian club or two ahead of them. He is expected to receive offers around the $2 million-per-year mark, with deals potentially stretching to nearly 10 years in length. There may be a casual correlation here, but with The Herald Sun’s Ed Bourke reporting the Power’s interest in Tom Sparrow, do they go all-in on the South Australian as one of the better available replacements for Butters’ services? There have also naturally been links between the club and Brisbane superstar Zac Bailey, given his connections to South Australia. Josh Carr’s side has by no means been ruled out of acquiring his services, but cross-town rivals Adelaide are currently viewed as the more likely destination. Port will be desperate to re-sign star pre-agent Mitch Georgiades before the start of 2027 too, as West Coast continue to circle. SEN’s Tom Morris has revealed that it wouldn’t surprise if the key forward looked at a potential move 12 months in advance though, given his closeness with the potentially departing Butters. Beyond the stars, there is an overabundance of Port players also without deals beyond this year. 2020 All-Australian Darcy Byrne-Jones is an unrestricted free agent, as is Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines, at ages 30 and 31 respectively. The latter has attracted rival interest previously, though none has been reported in more recent times. Foxfooty.com.au can reveal the Power has tabled young key forward Jack Whitlock a two-year offer to stay until the end of 2028, as well as a longer-term deal that would lock him away at Alberton into the next decade. The likes of Lachie Jones, Jordan Sweet, Jackson Mead and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher have all played notable roles at senior level over the last couple of years, and would no doubt love to sign on — with Sweet appearing the most likely of the quartet at this stage. 2025 SSP signing Josh Lai and mid-season draftee Ewan Mackinlay will back themselves in to earn new deals in due course, as will mature-age rookie Jack Watkins. Two-club ruck Ivan Soldo retired late last month, opening up a list spot for the club to use in the mid-season draft.

RICHMOND

The Tigers have been vocal in their desire to stay in the race for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, but right now they still remain a long shot for the midfielder’s services. That being said, they could well be the rival club capable of throwing the most money at him to play in a midfield alongside their emerging young guns. AFL Media’s Callum Twomey revealed earlier this month that three-time premiership defender Nathan Broad is all but certain to head home to Western Australia at year’s end, after 11 loyal seasons at Punt Road. They will, however, chase young GWS ruck Nick Madden intently, as exclusively revealed by foxfooty.com.au last week. And despite not being out of contract until the end of 2029, Seven’s Tom Morris has revealed there is a significant watch on midfielder Jacob Hopper, who he says is “absolutely gettable”. Morris has additionally flagged Rhyan Mansell as a potential watch as Tasmania looks to lure both him and star AFLW partner Monique Conti to the ‘Apple Isle’. AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge has reported that 19-year-old Jasper Alger will agree to a one-year extension on his current deal. From there, it leaves a number of younger players still yet to re-sign in the spotlight, but the most important is Sam Lalor, whose current deal expires in 2027. Foxfooty.com.au and AFL Media understand the Tasmania Devils will look to come hard for both Lalor and close mate Finn O’Sullivan as part of their recruiting plans ahead of entering the competition in 2028. Tyler Sonsie, Liam Fawcett and Judson Clarke are among the younger faces looking for extensions, while there’s also club captain Toby Nankervis, who at 31, still has some good football ahead of him — much like long-time servant Nick Vlastuin, who deserves at least another year. Category B ruck Ollie Hayes-Brown has featured at senior level in recent weeks, and you would think deserves a short-term extension given his solid development since joining the club.

ST KILDA

The contract hysteria at Moorabbin is nowhere near what it has been in recent years, in a sign the Saints’ list is relatively settled. That being said, there will still be a squeeze of sorts with at least a couple of players. As emphasised by foxfooty.com.au earlier this month, young gun Darcy Wilson is a player rival clubs have been blowing up the phone over, with easily more than half the league interested in acquiring his services. The 20-year-old isn’t expected to enter contract talks for a little while yet, but whether he looks at staying or going, watch this space as North Melbourne and Adelaide come particularly hard. We are also again putting a watch on Rowan Marshall, with the understanding that if the right deal came for him, St Kilda would be more accommodating with a trade for their star ruck than it was in October last year. And is Lachie Neale a realistic target? It doesn’t feel like it just yet, but given the uncertainty around his future, there’s certainly nothing stopping them from throwing their hat in the ring. Jack Carroll and Liam Stocker are two of the club’s three unrestricted free agents, and both will back themselves in right now to earn another deal. The clock is beginning to tick for the likes of Dan Butler, Isaac Keeler and Paddy Dow, while Dougal Howard and Liam O’Connell sit somewhere in the middle of the spectrum for a potential one or two-year extension. AFL Media’s Callum Twomey reports the club is keen on locking away Max Hall beyond his current deal’s expiry in 2027. The links aren’t there yet, but does Ross Lyon’s club throw its hat in the ring for Bailey Humphrey?

SYDNEY SWANS

Things are very quiet at Sydney right now on the trade front, with arguably the least noise to report across the competition. Internally, the club’s sole focus for the next little while will continue to revolve around unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey. Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph revealed on Monday night that Carlton is coming after his services, with other suitors expected to emerge publicly in the coming weeks as he and Sydney remain some way off striking a new deal. Speaking to foxfooty.com.au’s Ben Cotton last month, Amartey said he is very much “taking it one week at a time” with his football, suggesting he isn’t particularly close to re-signing with the Swans. There also remains uncertainty surrounding the future of a fellow unrestricted free agent quintet, with Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Harry Cunningham, Taylor Adams and Joel Hamling all in the twilight years of their careers as youth continues to push for selection. All five players can make a case as to why they should be retained for 2027, although we do expect some of them to retire at season’s end. Given how well organised their list is for the rest of this year, do the Swans begin laying the groundwork for pre-agents Chad Warner, Tom McCartin and Hayden McLean? It certainly wouldn’t do them any harm!

WEST COAST EAGLES

In a pleasant surprise, Andrew McQualter’s side could attract genuine talent to the club this off-season. As revealed by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey, three-time Richmond premiership defender Nathan Broad is set to return to his home state of Western Australia at season’s end, instantly placing the Eagles in a strong position to acquire his services. Additionally, Lathlain could also be a perfect fit for dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, as he navigates parts of his personal life that may see him choose Perth as his preferred city. His history at Fremantle is well documented, but logistically it appears far less likely he would join the Eagles’ cross-town rivals at this stage. While not out of contract until the end of next season, interest in a move for Port Adelaide’s Mitch Georgiades and Melbourne’s Trent Rivers could be sorted out prematurely, with both born-and-raised Sandgropers. The number of players out of contract at West Coast this season is amplified given the club was granted extra rookie list spots for 2026, but there still remains plenty of mystery surrounding the futures of several players. Surprisingly, Bailey Williams is one of just six restricted free agents on the market this year. The 26-year-old isn’t expected to move elsewhere, with both he and ruck partner-in-crime Matthew Flynn seemingly having decent chances of landing new deals. The West Australian’s Jakeb Waddell reports that Elijah Hewett, despite being dropped in recent weeks, has been tabled a five-year deal worth $700,000 per season. It will make for an interesting watch during the second half of the year, with Twomey reporting Victorian clubs are expected to target the Swan Districts product. SSP signings Milan Murdock and Harry Schoenberg are both out of contract, though there’s no world where the former isn’t on an AFL list next year. 2018 premiership defender Tom Cole has been on the fringes of the senior side for a while now, and would be within his rights to seek interest from other clubs on the eastern seaboard. A recent MCL injury to Jamie Cripps points towards 2026 almost certainly being his last year in the AFL, after what has so far been a decorated 277-game career. Question marks remain over fringe players Ryan Maric, Rhett Bazzo and Clay Hall, among others, while ruck Harry Barnett has played just two AFL games in three and a half seasons on the Eagles’ list. Jack Williams, Noah Long and Malaki Champion will all be “watch this space” names as they look to earn new deals. For one reason or another, Tyler Brockman is not expected at this stage to be on an AFL list beyond 2026.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

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