Several Australian Football League (AFL) clubs are actively engaged in a complex period of player movement and list management ahead of the upcoming trade and draft seasons, with teams balancing acquisitions, departures, and contract negotiations.
Hawthorn is maneuvering to finalize the acquisitions of key players Ben King and Zach Merrett. King, a restricted free agent, has attracted interest from the Gold Coast Suns, who may match Hawthorn’s seven-year contract offer, potentially complicating trade discussions. The Suns are also reportedly interested in Hawthorn’s young forward Aidan Schubert, who recently signed a two-year extension but is reconsidering his future amid overtures from Gold Coast. Meanwhile, the Bombers have rebuffed Hawthorn’s initial offer for Merrett, which included draft picks 15 and 25 plus a future second- or third-rounder. Additionally, the Bulldogs are pursuing fringe midfielder Finn Maginness. Hawthorn has retained Calsher Dear, who declined strong interest from Melbourne to commit for two more years.
Adelaide faces increasing pressure to enhance its list during a pivotal season under coach Matthew Nicks. The club has lost depth defender Jordon Butts to Western Bulldogs through free agency and is reluctant to release defender Nick Murray, who desires a move to North Melbourne mid-contract. Forward Luke Pedlar is also expected to depart for Port Adelaide via trade. As rivals such as Geelong and Hawthorn strengthen their rosters, Adelaide may place greater focus on developing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera but risks entering next season without a marquee recruit. Adelaide holds draft picks 13, 32, 33, 41, and 54 heading into the period.
Brisbane Lions, after active recruitment ahead of their recent premiership win, appear set to adopt a more conservative approach during this free agency window. Their priorities include matching a contending bid for Academy prospect Caylen Murray, expected to come within the top 10 picks. The Lions recently lost Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale to Collingwood in free agency, receiving an end-of-second-round pick in compensation. Additional potential departures include Sam Marshall to St Kilda and players Will McLachlan and Keidean Coleman exploring opportunities elsewhere. Brisbane holds draft selections 18, 39, 40, 51, 57, and 77.
Collingwood has bolstered its list by signing Lachie Neale and is poised to acquire key forward Jesse Hogan from GWS in a trade involving a late draft pick. The club is also pursuing Jayden Short of Richmond and managing a trade request from Carlton ruckman Flynn Riley. Collingwood intends to utilize its first-round pick at the draft and remains open to trading Jordan De Goey and Dan Houston if suitable offers arise. The club is working through a separate trade to send veteran Scott Pendlebury to Gold Coast, which is linked to compensation picks related to Ben King’s free agency. Former first-round pick Harry DeMattia has indicated he may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Geelong has secured Toby Greene from GWS and continues to negotiate for St Kilda ruck-forward Rowan Marshall and Essendon defender Jordan Ridley, though progress has been slow as both rival clubs seek maximum trade value. Geelong’s initial bid for Ridley, including a 2027 first-round pick, was rejected. Club stalwart Gryan Miers has chosen to remain after reportedly undertaking a medical at West Coast. Geelong holds picks 14, 34, 55, and 73.
The GWS Giants, following the departure of Toby Greene to Geelong and Kieren Briggs to Richmond, are expected to trade Jesse Hogan to Collingwood, likely for a late pick, and are negotiating the transfer of Lachie Whitfield to Carlton, potentially for a first-round pick. The club aims to be competitive at the draft, particularly to secure Academy talent Ethan Matthews. Though they retained Jake Riccardi on an extension, GWS has shown some interest in strengthening their ruck stocks following Briggs’ departure and may target Tim English. The Giants hold picks 7, 26, 29, and 48.
As the trade period unfolds, AFL clubs are navigating a highly active and strategic phase, attempting to balance roster stability and addressing key positional needs ahead of the 2026 season.