Verdict on every club’s off-contract players and names that could shake up the trade period
Every club is facing tough decisions on what to do with players coming out of contract. We’ve gone through every list to see who should stay and who should go. See the verdicts on 234 players.
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Time is ticking for 234 players about to enter the final month of the home-and-away season without a contract for next year.
Collingwood has the most named on the out-of-contract list with 19 and GWS Giants the least, on seven.
A number of players are pondering retirement, some have offers from rival teams and other players will be desperately hoping to avoid the axe.
This is the verdict on all 234 players plus 54 other names across all 18 clubs that could shake up the trade period.
ADELAIDE
KEEP
The fact crafty midfielder Zac Taylor is in the side right now suggests he is doing enough to earn a new deal. Veteran on-baller Matt Crouch is still in Adelaide’s best 23 when healthy, getting a strong start to the season derailed by a hip injury. Club great Taylor Walker has kicked at least two goals in each of the Crows’ past five games – all wins – in a sign he has more to give if he wants to play on. Hugh Bond is an intriguing one. The 20-year-old lockdown defender played the last seven games of 2024, but was yet to be sighted at AFL level this year.
AXE
Brodie Smith has been a terrific servant for Adelaide across 15 seasons and 268 games, but, at 33 and out of the best 23, it feels like it will be his last year. Former Sun Chris Burgess has been a prolific state-league goalkicker again this campaign, his issue has always been cementing himself at the next level. At 29, the Crows are probably best to move him on. Midfielder Harry Schoenberg is in his sixth year and stuck in the SANFL. Injuries curtailed his 2024 campaign but his spot could be in trouble. Lachie Murphy was an AFL regular until this season. Polarising with fans, but a favourite in recent seasons with the coaches, the 26-year-old’s future may come down to list spots.
TRADE
Adelaide’s best 23 is difficult to break into and it may become worse in 2026. So players looking for regular AFL games seem the likeliest to be traded. Will wingman Lachie Sholl – long linked with clubs in his home state of Victoria – seek a move for more opportunities? The 25-year-old has been limited to five AFL games this season (he has played 12 in the SANFL). What about Chayce Jones? He is in a similar boat, going from 20, 18 and 16 AFL matches the previous three years to just two in 2025.
BRISBANE
KEEP
Club champion Dayne Zorko will sign a one-year extension – if he wants to play on. Callum Ah Chee has become an important cog in Brisbane’s forward line and will get a deal, and Darcy Gardiner has come into the senior side in recent weeks and will be integral to the Lions’ back six. Ryan Lester will get a deal if he wants one; ‘Froggy’ will be 33 by the start of the finals series but is a leader down back. James Tunstill and Luke Beecken have shown plenty in the VFL this year and could get extensions.
AXE
Injured forward Lincoln McCarthy is trying to return from an ACL reconstruction in record-breaking time – with an eye towards a finals appearance. It would be a fairytale end for the forward, who will then consider his future. Conor McKenna will struggle to earn a deal, and Sam Day was brought in as depth but will be expendable if Oscar Allen arrives as a free agent. Darragh Joyce has been locked out of the senior side this year and Darcy Craven hasn’t played a senior match in almost two years on the list.
TRADE
West Coast tried to prise Deven Robertson from the Lions in previous years, but he stayed loyal with the hope of earning more senior games. That hasn’t come to fruition, so he might look outside this off-season. Brandon Starcevich is a restricted free agent and is reportedly a chance to look elsewhere for the next chapter of his career.
CARLTON
KEEP
Two bright spots for the Blues this year, defenders Jack Silvagni and Nick Haynes have done enough for new deals. But Collingwood’s four-year offer for free agent Silvagni will tempt the injury-prone defender. Mitch McGovern is also set to tick off a new deal. Jesse Motlop has not had a great season but he is still above some others in the small forward stakes, Brodie Kemp is a decent depth player, unless Carlton wants to tear down the list. Injured all year, Nic Newman should get a new contract. That leaves youngsters Will White, Flynn Young, Harry Charleson, Harry Lemmey and Billy Wilson sweating for new deals in the next couple of months. No progress yet on a deal for Wilson.
AXE
The entire football world expects Tom De Koning to leave this off-season. Sam Docherty has retired. Orazio Fantasia and Francis Evans haven’t worked out as recruits. Being left out of the team as the season spirals does not bode well for Alex Cincotta. The progress of Irishmen Matt Duffy and Rob Monahan is hard to track.
TRADE
Carlton’s interest in being a trade player will be a clear indication of how the Blues rate their list. They emphatically shut down talk of trading Charlie Curnow, so could they go to market on fellow contracted stars like Harry McKay or Sam Walsh? Walsh is a free agent at the end of next year. Any of those players would demand a good return.
But if the Blues believe in their stars, there isn’t a heap of value in the next tier down unless a team is keen on a player like Motlop. Free agent compo will clearly land in the first round for De Koning and could be strong for Silvagni if he left. Could the Blues get anything for Zac Williams and get his salary off the books in 2026? It’s unlikely any team would be that keen without a sweetener.
COLLINGWOOD
KEEP
Unless Collingwood is keen to speed up list rejuvenation – which hasn’t been the case under Craig McRae – the following veterans have clearly played well enough to go around again: Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott. Will Hoskin-Elliott has been good too. Not in the same age bracket, but Billy Frampton has become a first-team defender this year. Only a few months into his time at AFL level, Roan Steele has shown enough to win another deal, while Lachie Sullivan is a good squad member so seems fit to carry on. The Pies like young ruck Iliro Smit.
AXE
A couple of premiership players, both Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell want to play on. The pair are free agents so could go to other clubs later this year if the Pies decide they aren’t needed in 2026. Some veterans probably need to go, and those two appear to be at the bottom of the pecking order right now. Ash Johnson played with genuine X-factor in 2022 but it hasn’t really happened for him since. He hasn’t played an AFL game since round 12 last year so could be on the way out. Similar story for Fin Macrae, who also hasn’t played senior footy this year. Depending what happens with the veterans, the Pies may need to make some room. Harvey Harrison is returning from a knee injury so might be worth another year, while dashers Wil Parker and Oleg Markov, and mid-season draftee Noah Howes, will hope to prove themselves in the next two months. Charlie Dean also has a chance to stake his claim, with the Pies on the lookout for defensive recruits, having shown serious interest in Blue Jack Silvagni.
TRADE
Those out-of-contract names are either unproven or free agents, so there isn’t much trade value there for the Pies. A team like North Melbourne should take a serious look at Howe or someone else with leadership qualities to help their young side. Of those in contract, Darcy Cameron will be closely watched. The ruck has become a star and is due to come out of contract next year, and is deserving a big raise. Collingwood has baulked at paying rucks the big bucks since the Brodie Grundy deal went sour. If the Pies don’t give a raise to him, would he ask to move to someone who will? The West Australian could write a big cheque at West Coast. Then there are the youngsters stuck outside the team. Would Jakob Ryan, Tew Jiath or Harry Demattia be a smart, cheap pick up for a club looking for young talent? Ed Allan has been in-and-out of the Pies side but clearly has talent if a rival was hoping to poach talent.
ESSENDON
KEEP
Let’s go through the good news. Jaxon Prior has played every game and deserves a new deal. Will Setterfield also performed well enough before injury and should be retained, and Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini will be the future in the ruck, if Sam Draper departs. Things get a little murkier from there. Luamon Lual is still raw but has shown some signs on the wing. Mid-season pick-ups Lachlan Blakiston, Liam McMahon and Oskar Smartt have time to push their case in the next month. Rookie Jayden Nguyen is yet to play a game but has only been at the club for one year. The Bombers have put a contract in front of free agent Draper.
AXE
Dylan Shiel has been stuck in the reserves at times this year even during the injury crisis and a new deal feels unlikely. Todd Goldstein is still serviceable as a back-up if ruck plans fall through but could be fourth in line next year when everyone is fit. Alwyn Davey Jr hasn’t played this year and his VFL performances haven’t shone, while Jye Menzie had a strong performance in a win over Melbourne in round 5 but hasn’t featured much since. Jayden Laverde has been admirable when called upon to cover for injuries but doesn’t fit the Dons’ timeline and was looking around for a move last year but the interest wasn’t strong.
TRADE
Former first-round pick Ben Hobbs has played most games when fit for the Dons but can’t find midfield time. A trade return for him probably wouldn’t be crash hot but he may look around. Contracted for next year, Archie Perkins has hit a wall in his development this year and has stagnated. Similarly, Elijah Tsatas has spent much of this year out of the side. Both high draft picks, they may appeal to a rival and be after a fresh start. Injuries have cut down Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford this season. Both have plenty to offer when fit, so a team could swoop for a ready-made addition.
FREMANTLE
KEEP
Jeremy Sharp has come across and had an instant impact for Fremantle, and should earn an extension beyond 2025. Liam Reidy has played at times in his young career but will be given time to develop, but the path to consistent senior footy seems muddy. Karl Worner has been a reliable contributor to the senior side this season and has earned a new deal until the end of 2027. Oscar McDonald has been reliable depth this year and would be kept purely for that again.
AXE
Veteran Docker Michael Walters has already hung the boots up, and fellow club legend Nat Fyfe could follow him out at the end of the season. Second-year player Jack Delean is yet to debut, and looks far off after playing his last WAFL game in the reserves. Odin Jones will miss the whole season with a serious back injury, and Quinton Narkle can’t break into the senior side. James Aish has fallen out of favour at Fremantle, playing just three games in 2025 after 20-plus in his past four seasons. He’s been consistent in the WAFL but would be right on the edge as to whether he can secure an extension.
TRADE
Neil Erasmus has struggled to cement a spot inside the best 22 and, now the former-first rounder is out of contract, there will be teams coming for his services. Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy have both been linked to trades back to Victoria this off-season as they battle for the No.1 ruck role, but they are both more likely to remain in Perth.
GEELONG
KEEP
Irishman Oisin Mullin inked a new two-year deal this week, while Ted Clohesy has made enough progress to warrant another contract. If Rhys Stanley decided to retire, the Cats would need to find a mature back-up given injuries to other talls on the list, and he is enjoying a strong season. Mitch Knevitt started the year in the senior side but has since fallen out, and has the skills to make it in the AFL. George Stevens’ strong debut game and Oli Wiltshire’s form have impressed, as has Patrick Retschko.
The moments you dream of 🥹 pic.twitter.com/eEsC81lvOI
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) July 5, 2025
Interesting call looming on out-of-luck star Cam Guthrie, who just hasn’t been able to get on the park. If he wants to go again and his body continues to improve, he is worth another shot.
AXE
It would surprise if Mitch Duncan carries on, as he eyes a move to coaching. Jed Bews found his way into the senior side late last season so could win favour back but he hasn’t played since round 11. Ruck Joe Pike has shown some positive signs, while Xavier Ivisic is finding his feet in the twos.
TRADE
If they are lured by more game time elsewhere, Knevitt, Stevens and Wiltshire would intrigue clubs looking for young talent. Former No.8 pick Jhye Clark has played just six games in the seniors this year and appears stuck looking for opportunities. Defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been injured this season but if he was right, he would be a good option to provide experience to a defence.
GOLD COAST
KEEP
The Suns have moved early to ensure their star players are committed beyond this campaign, meaning there aren’t many must-keeps left to sign up. Nic Holman has fallen out of favour at different times this season but is a heart-and-soul type of player and could get a deal. Connor Budarick would be the next cab off the rank, having filled a small defensive role but he has struggled with injuries throughout his career so it might come late in the season. Oscar Adams made a quick debut after being a mid-season draftee and could earn a one-year extension. Ben Jepson recently made his senior debut, and Asher Eastham has shown patches of good form in the VFL but will need to be given time to develop. Caleb Lewis only landed at the Suns mid-year but has kicked 10 goals in five VFL games, including two bags of four against Collingwood and Port Melbourne. He’s a slow burn but should get an extra year to show his wares.
AXE
It seems like a retirement announcement could be coming for club legend David Swallow, having played seven games and mainly used as a substitute this year. Brayden Fiorini looked more out than in at the start of the season but he’s played 10 straight games in the back end of the year.
Alex Sexton, Malcolm Rosas, Sean Lemmens and Jy Farrar will all struggle to get a deal after falling out of favour under Damien Hardwick. Max Knobel was brought in for ruck depth but he’s spent most of the year in the rehab room, and Tom Berry has managed just three VFL games this year.
TRADE
It’s unlikely that Gold Coast needs to move mountains in the off-season, especially after locking down significant talent like Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. Sam Flanders has fallen down the midfield pecking order and could potentially ask for a fresh start, while Ned Moyle is still sitting behind Jarrod Witts but is signed until 2028 so could easily be held to his deal.
GWS GIANTS
KEEP
Jacob Wehr is certainly worth persisting with, and the Giants are currently negotiating an extension with his management. It’ll be a similar boat with Nathan Wardius, who has had a sensational year in the VFL, and if not for some poorly-timed injuries, would have made his AFL debut already. The Giants obviously want to keep Leek Aleer and will do everything they can to try and make that happen, but the money on the table from St Kilda means that will be unlikely. Callan Ward still has a decision to make about his future, but retirement remains the most likely option.
AXE
Lachie Keeffe has been a brilliant role player for the Giants since moving to Sydney, and while he kicked the matchwinner earlier in the season against Melbourne, he has fallen down the pecking order after Nick Madden’s emergence. Still as motivated as ever, so it depends if he wants to play another 12 months, and what role the Giants need from him. Josh Fahey could be in a similar boat, despite picking up a lot of ball in VFL matches, he’s struggled to have the impact required and looks to be well down the list in terms of returning to the AFL any time soon.
TRADE
Wade Derksen angled for a move to Melbourne at the end of last season, and despite staying on at the Giants, has still failed to make his AFL debut despite his form as a key defender in the VFL. Funnily enough, Aleer’s looming departure could open up space for Derksen, but is he willing to risk another 12 months in the reserves if it doesn’t work out? Both Wehr and Wardius could attract interest elsewhere on bigger deals if a club wants to fill a hole in their list, but their future is still more than likely to remain at GWS.
HAWTHORN
KEEP
Jack Gunston is enjoying a career year in season 16 and should play on if he wants. Sam Butler showed enough before a leg injury to suggest he would be a best-22 player. The Hawks have been in talks with James Worpel and would like to keep him, but the free agent has only gone up the list of targets with rivals since Matt Rowell signed a new deal. Lloyd Meek signed a four-year extension this week. Project player Jaime Uhr-Henry will take time, while Bodie Ryan has put up solid VFL numbers.
AXE
Luke Breust hasn’t played AFL since round 9 but the champion could still have a say when it counts later this season. A mid-season draftee last year, Jasper Scaife hasn’t made his senior debut, and Seamus Mitchell will be desperate for another crack at the seniors before the end of the year.
TRADE
Plenty of options for the Hawks if they want to get busy in the trade period. Key defenders Sam Frost and Jai Serong would draw interest, as would contracted key back James Blanck. Contracted ruck Ned Reeves is one of the best backups in the game. Henry Hustwaite should look for other options, while the Hawks will keep Cam Mackenzie around despite a recent run in the twos. If Worpel left, a compensation pick would come Hawthorn’s way.
MELBOURNE
KEEP
The Dees will desperately want to keep Judd McVee, who has a contract offer in front of him but remains on hold. Jake Melksham has been a shining light and wants to play on. Free agent Charlie Spargo has had a spell in the twos this year but is young enough at 25 to warrant a spot on the list. Oliver Sestan enjoyed a productive VFL season before injury curtailed him. Summer signing Jack Henderson may have to force his way back into the mix after a groin injury to win a new deal. Andy Moniz-Wakefield showed talent in six games last year but an ACL injury ruined his 2025.
AXE
Hard to see Jack Billings or Marty Hore continuing on at the Dees. Tom Fullarton hasn’t kicked on since joining from Brisbane. Tom McDonald has been a great servant but his spot has been taken in defence by Daniel Turner, so it might be time to move on. Tom Campbell is an OK back-up option and is cheap, so it will depend on how well young ruck Will Verrall is developing as to who is retained on another one-year deal. Neither of Ricky Mentha or Kynan Brown have played a senior game this year, while Taj Woewodin has played just one. Jai Culley was injured swiftly after signing with the Dees but hasn’t played a senior match.
TRADE
This is where things get interesting. Melbourne baulked at trading either Christian Petracca or Clayton Oliver last year, and may wish they had at least entertained an Oliver deal. A trade return for him would be well diminished this year and there aren’t suitors out there right now. Jack Viney re-signed at the Dees after interest from the Roos, would it make sense to rekindle that discussion? Jake Lever was recently dropped and would be a value pick-up for a host of teams across the league, and should be targeted by North Melbourne.
Would a team needing defensive support like the Western Bulldogs give up a pick for Steven May? If McVee left, he would require a trade to do so, and his worth would be a second-rounder. The Dees have said they want to keep Bayley Fritsch, but he would be an intriguing prospect for a team looking for extra firepower in a forward line, like Fremantle, Sydney or Carlton. Jacob van Rooyen is still seen as a big part of Melbourne’s future, but has stalled this year. He would be an interesting trade prospect. The Demons must move on multiple of these players this off-season to accelerate any bounce-back but it will be a balancing act on who to move on. And they are still searching for a key forward.
NORTH MELBOURNE
KEEP
Traded in from Sydney, Jacob Konstanty has played 19 games so far this year and should trigger a new deal. Defender Toby Pink will stay, tall Finnbar Maley has done enough for a new deal. Cooper Harvey hasn’t made any great steps towards a new deal yet, but has shown a genuine spark up forward in three recent games so should be persisted with.
Zac Banch has won his way into the senior side and similarly has some skills up forward. Fellow mid-season draftee Cooper Trembath is more of a project. The Roos have holes to fill in defence but Aidan Corr’s leadership is worth keeping as they search for upgrades. Darcy Tucker was dropped before getting injured but the Roos rate his outside work.
AXE
Injured again, it hasn’t worked out for Callum Coleman-Jones at his second club. Kallan Dawson will likely go as a 27-year-old who has played only three matches this year. Brynn Teakle is fighting for his career right now as he fills in for Tristan Xerridue to the ruck’s suspension. Tasmanian Geordie Payne will be on the edge, while Eddie Ford has been frozen out of the senior side this year. Out with a knee injury, Miller Bergman will be hoping for another chance but wasn’t in the AFL team before his injury.
TRADE
Former No.3 draft pick Will Phillips will test the trade waters this off-season, having failed to find a role at the Roos. The return for him won’t add too much draft capital for North. Contracted winger Bailey Scott has played seven of his last nine games in the VFL and may also look at his options. Zac Fisher is also contracted but has fallen down the queue, could he find a third home? The Roos should be searching for defensive help in the trade period.
PORT ADELAIDE
KEEP
Hardworking forward Tom Cochrane is the most obvious player to re-sign after a promising run of performances before his season ended in April due to a foot injury. Half-back/wingman Will Lorenz has not been able to cement an AFL spot this year, but has had some nice moments, while mid-season draftee Mani Liddy deserves to extend his six-month deal after four games at the top level. The fact midfielder Hugh Jackson has played the past five matches gives optimism he will stay into a fifth season. Second-year livewire Tom Anastasopoulos and Next Generation Academy product Benny Barrett are considered likely to re-sign. Power champion Travis Boak and the club will need to discuss his future in coming weeks because a farewell game is a must if he is pulling the pin. Boak’s form had been solid before a sluggish fortnight. Seems likelier to retire than not, but his experience will be very valuable to a Power side in transition if he continues in 2026 with the 400 milestone on the horizon.
Pressure forward Jed McEntee’s list spot looks to be in trouble but his no-frills, know-what-you’re-getting approach is valuable. Kicking two of Port’s five goals in Saturday night’s Showdown is a testament to that. Former amateur league speedster Josh Lai is one to persist with after arriving as a pre-season recruit.
AXE
Defender Ryan Burton’s bad luck with injuries has resurfaced this year. He will be 28 before the start of next season, has spent time in the SANFL and you wonder if the Power opts to move on from him. Jeremy Finlayson has not taken his opportunities with Todd Marshall and Jack Lukosius sidelined, and at 29, turning 30 before next campaign, seems a likely axing. Ex-Crow and Sun Rory Atkins announced on Tuesday he would be retiring. Swingman Dylan Williams has booted bags of six and seven goals in the SANFL in his past two state-league games, but his running capacity has held him back and perhaps needs a fresh start elsewhere. Second-year goalsneak Lachie Charleson is an untried player who may be headed for the exit.
TRADE
Port is typically busy during the trade market and is hopeful of luring St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera back to South Australia. You suspect they will take what they can get for third-choice ruckman Ivan Soldo, a year since his desire to be traded. Would another club come for key forward Ollie Lord, given Todd Marshall is returning in 2026 and Jack Whitlock is emerging in the SANFL? Superstar Zak Butters will be a talking point with one year remaining on his contract. But they cannot trade him – even for a mega offer – because it will leave Carr starting with one hand tied behind his back in his debut season. Port needs to back itself to keep him.
RICHMOND
KEEP
Tom Lynch has begun talks on a new deal and is needed at the Tigers, and Dion Prestia has reeled together eight games on the trot now so should get another deal. Tyler Sonsie has shown enough, Tylar Young has returned to the team in recent weeks and deserves a new deal. Jacob Blight is one game short of a contract trigger and will be desperate to tick that off. Kaleb Smith has shown some signs in eight games this year. Thomson Dow finally got a strong run at it before a knee injury, so should earn a one-year extension. Kamdyn McIntosh had to wait late into the year last year for a contract and has played every game this season so is clearly valued.
AXE
Both Campbell Gray and Jacob Bauer are sidelined with knee injuries and are hopeful of good news coming forward. Project ruck Mate Colina has had no luck with his body but is still without an AFL debut after nearly five years on the list. Fellow ruck Oliver Hayes-Brown has seen an uptick in his VFL numbers recently so will hope to present a case at the end of the year.
TRADE
The Tigers were trade happy last year and won a host of deals to launch a rebuild. Lynch and Prestia are probably most interesting to rivals of the out-of-contract players, but both are free agents. Would a team looking for defensive support throw a big contract at Nick Vlastuin? Jayden Short has been out of favour at times this year and teams are always looking for defensive rebounders. Ruck Samson Ryan has only played two AFL games as he remains stuck behind Toby Nankervis and could be a cheap ruck option for a club in need.
ST KILDA
KEEP
Breakout forward Max Hall has a well-deserved extension finalised that will soon take him off this list. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is still weighing up his future, but the Saints should be throwing everything they can at the prodigious talent to keep him in Moorabbin. Marcus Windhager is keen to stay and is discussing an extension, and Liam Stocker is a steady contributor in this side and will get a deal. Isaac Keeler and Arie Schoenmaker are developing talls that should be afforded the time. Liam O’Connell has shown glimpses in his first season and will get a chance to go again.
AXE
If St Kilda gets its way and lands Tom De Koning, one of Harry Boyd and Max Heath may be moved on. Questions will be asked of veterans Zak Jones, Zaine Cordy, Dougal Howard and Jimmy Webster and whether they’re holding back the rebuild. Angus McLennan, Jack Carroll and Ryan Byrnes have not given enough to be certain of their futures.
TRADE
Rowan Marshall will be the centre of trade scenarios until Tom De Koning signs an extension at Carlton. The Saints ruck will have plenty of suitors if he looks elsewhere, and it seems unlikely the two talls play alongside each other.
SYDNEY
KEEP
Jack Buller has probably shown enough in his run of games in the AFL to warrant a new deal, particularly if the Swans are trying to find their key forward options. He plays a role, works hard, and with consistent service across a season, could be what they need. Joel Hamling has also been more than serviceable when playing as the third key defender, and is a handy squad option with plenty of experience. The big calls will be around both Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd, but as two figureheads of the club, the ball is probably in their court. They both remain in the best 23 and should attract new deals.
Robbie Fox has had a horrible season with injury, but has plenty of footy ahead of him. Ben Paton is a more than serviceable back-up option after being picked from the Saints through the rookie list and would be good squad depth.
AXE
Caleb Mitchell has struggled to make an impact in his handful of years at the Swans, and despite getting a few games this year, he couldn’t keep his place in the team. It would mean all of the club’s 2022 draftees have left the Swans in a bitter blow for their depth. Aaron Francis is another key position player who is a handy squad player, but if the club is looking to attract a big-name forward or defender, he is an obvious player to make way. Blake Leidler has, unfortunately, had a few injuries and hasn’t been able to make the most of his opportunities on the rookie list. Now three years into his over-age career, Indhi Kirk has been stuck in the VFL and struggled to push any sort of first-team case. While he’s the son of club legend and current coaching staff member Brett, he may struggle to get a contract beyond 2025 with an average of 17 disposals a game in 16 reserves matches this season.
TRADE
The Swans continue to be linked with big names like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Charlie Curnow and others, but to do that, they’re likely going to have to make some big moves. Two of the names that loom largest among their contracted players are Ollie Florent and Logan McDonald. Florent has been stuck in the VFL for a month after being dropped, and hasn’t set the world alight since playing in the reserves. He would probably give them the most capital if they shopped him around, and is on a long-term deal until 2029, which would give them more flexibility in the market. McDonald is a highly-rated prospect with a clear future in Sydney, but there is still talk that the WA clubs believe he could be available for a return to Perth. Could the Swans expedite that to make way for the big fish their forward line demands? Other players of potential value include Peter Ladhams, who probably deserves more AFL opportunities but is behind Brodie Grundy and maybe even Will Green in the long-term ruck stocks. Taylor Adams is another experienced player who is clearly out of the club’s best 23 at the moment, with 12 months to go on his deal since moving from the Pies.
WEST COAST
KEEP
Despite a battle with injuries, there is plenty to like out of Rhett Bazzo. He is a good chance to earn another deal. Jacob Newton is a recent arrival at the Eagles but he’s kicked at least a goal in all four WAFL games and is getting better each week. Jamie Cripps isn’t at the peak of his powers anymore but he’s a good leader for a young group and will get the chance to go again if he wants it. Jayden Hunt is an honest worker but isn’t a matchwinner, however the veteran will likely be kept on for experienced depth. Tom Cole will get an extension put to him.
AXE
Campbell Chesser has plenty of talent but has failed to overcome injuries during his short career and likely needs a fresh start elsewhere. Dom Sheed has already announced his retirement, as has Jeremy McGovern. Forward Jack Petruccelle has fallen out of favour under Andrew McQualter and likely gets moved on. Callum Jamieson, Loch Rawlinson and Coen Livingstone are running out of time to make an impact at senior level.
TRADE
Oscar Allen is set to walk to free agency, with Brisbane heavily linked to the key forward. If a rival contract earns West Coast the No.2 pick in the draft as compensation, the Eagle will happily let him walk. There will be constant speculation surrounding Harley Reid until he either signs an extension or asks to leave, but he is contracted for next season.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
KEEP
Tom Liberatore has been signing one-year extensions for a while now, and that won’t change heading into 2026. Adam Treloar has struggled to get his body right this year but a one-year extension seems likely. Jason Johannisen says he doesn’t want to play anywhere else, but he would be touch and go for a new deal. Michael Sellwood and Zac Walker have shown plenty in the VFL and should hang around for 2026. Caleb Poulter has played the past four games in the senior side but hasn’t set the world on fire. Despite only playing 12 games in the past two seasons, his VFL form warrants another go round – he’s booted 22 goals in 10 games while averaging 17.6 touches as an outside midfielder.
AXE
He’s just broken back into the senior side, but questions will be asked whether Liam Jones is signed on for 2026. He’d be great depth if kept. Anthony Scott, Arthur Jones and Oskar Baker haven’t been regular senior players this year, so questions will be asked. Taylor Duryea is 34 and could hang them up after just five senior games. Nick Coffield has endured a wretched run with injury.
TRADE
Marcus Bontempelli was never going anywhere, but he’s signed a four-year deal in recent weeks. Jedd Busslinger made his debut this season but has played just two games and is coming out of contract in 2026, so teams will inquire. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan seems destined to be at another club next season – Sydney has been heavily linked to the former No.1 pick.
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Originally published as Verdict on every club’s off-contract players and names that could shake up the trade period
‘Best coin spent’: Ginnivan stoked with fine
Hawthorn young gun Jack Ginnivan is the latest AFL player set to be sanctioned for giving the bird to Adelaide supporters.
AFLW star named local footy men’s coach
In a historic moment, a current AFLW captain has been named as the coach of a men’s local footy team in Melbourne’s north for the rest of the season.