Collingwood
Collingwood’s off-season plan centers on balancing established talent with a fresh draft hand. With draft picks 34, 52, 64 and 70 on the table, the Magpies are weighing how to keep their core while injecting youth and flexibility into their list. Key players such as Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox, Tom Mitchell and Bobby Hill remain central to the structure, but the club is not afraid to explore changes that could unlock a more dynamic forward line and midfield rotation.
Portents of a potential trade: forward Jack Buller from Sydney is reportedly Magpies-bound on a two-year deal, a move that should be manageable from a negotiating standpoint. At the same time, the club appears content to let several players explore options elsewhere, including Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell, while keeping a strong focus on Brody Mihocek’s long-term value, even as Melbourne is linked for a possible recruitment. Jamie Elliott’s contract decision also anchors the club’s senior leadership group, as he re-signed for two seasons instead of chasing a three-year offer elsewhere. The shifting landscape has not dampened Collingwood’s belief in a sustainable, balanced list, with the door left open for a mix of veteran leadership and young, high-potential picks.
Essendon
Essendon’s draft strategy prioritizes a high-impact intake, holding picks 4, 5, 22 and 25. The Bombers are juggling big decisions around captain Zach Merrett and star ruck Sam Draper, who has made his free-agent intentions clear by heading to Brisbane. The club is also chasing in-demand Suns midfielder Sam Flanders and is in a crowded market to add Brayden Fiorini, a mobile winger with AFL speed and craft. The Hawks, Demons and other suitors are circling as Essendon considers whether to push for a high-profile midfield upgrade or look to strengthen through the draft and free agency. Delisted defender Jayden Laverde’s move to GWS signals a broader retooling, while Jai Serong is a defensive target who could help stabilise the back half of the ground. How Essendon navigates its first half of the off-season will shape whether this period is viewed as a rebuilding phase or a window to climb back toward finals contention.
Fremantle
Fremantle’s draft haul features picks 11, 29, 38, 47 and 65, reflecting a plan to blend mature talent with developing players. The Dockers have seen Will Brodie depart to Port Adelaide and Liam Reidy head to Carlton, while Sean Darcy’s future remains a recurring talking point. A brighter note comes with the recruitment of Judd McVee, a mobile defender from Melbourne, who will pair with Jordan Clark to form a versatile backline. The club’s strategic challenge is to broker a deal with Melbourne over McVee while also opening the door to trades for its No. 1 pick to maximize the draft’s value in a year affected by academy and father-son selections. Expect Fremantle to weigh offers that could bring a veteran presence or a young, high-upside midfielder into the mix.
Geelong
The Cats are adding depth in the middle by signing James Worpel on a four-year deal, aiming to shore up midfield resilience after a Grand Final showing that underscored the need for more inside grunt. Although Worpel’s ceiling isn’t labeled as elite star class, his steady ball use should help Geelong’s structure. The club is keeping an eye on Charlie Curnow’s potential move, a deal that carries substantial complexity given Carlton’s resolve. Rowan Marshall’s trade request from St Kilda adds another layer of intrigue, and Geelong remains open to adventurous moves that could sustain premiership contention. The trade period promises to test Geelong’s willingness to push the envelope for a stronger, deeper midfield and forward-line balance.
Gold Coast
The Suns loom as one of the most active clubs with draft picks 6, 13, 16, 31, 56 and 67. They face a delicate balancing act: chasing marquee recruits like Christian Petracca’s potential to move to the Suns could redefine their window, while also managing ongoing player negotiations. Bailey Humphrey sits in the center of several interested clubs, including Melbourne, and Sam Flanders is a hot property in a crowded trade market. Gold Coast is negotiating with Melbourne over Petracca’s status and pursuing a multifaceted plan that could also include adding a dynamic winger. With Jamie Elliott’s free agency window closed, the Suns are still looking at a long horizon of possibilities, including trades for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s development and other contracted players who could fit their competitive timeline.
GWS Giants
At the Giants, the draft picks 12, 30 and 32 sit alongside a list of intriguing assets. Leek Aleer’s first-round price is high, as the club would seek a top-tier selection in exchange, while Wade Derksen remains in limbo in a market that has cooled for some players. Jacob Wehr’s exit to Port Adelaide as a free agent shifts defensive expectations, and Aaron Laverde’s move to the Giants adds a defensive-forward dimension. Essendon’s Jayden Laverde is also on their radar, highlighting how trades can interlock across clubs as teams attempt to balance structure with upside. The Giants continue to explore Clayton Oliver’s uncertain position and potential reconfiguration that could bring fresh energy to their engine room.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn’s draft loadout includes picks 8, 26, 55 and 69 as they navigate a period of personnel shifts. The departure of James Worpel to Geelong will test their midfield depth, while Sam Butler’s decision to re-sign secures a veteran presence. Jai Serong is linked with several clubs, with North Melbourne, Essendon and Sydney among suitors, reflecting Hawthorn’s role as a trade hub this off-season. Cam Mackenzie’s growing impact and Henry Hustwaite’s development will be crucial pieces as the Hawks pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term talent to rebuild toward relevance.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s draft considerations sit at picks 23, 53 and 59 as a transformational, if controversial, off-season unfolds. The club is navigating a landmark period that includes losing star players and seeking a new identity under interim leadership. Speculation around Steven May and Clayton Oliver’s future has dominated headlines, while Charlie Spargo’s move to North Melbourne broadens their list dynamics. The club has moved to secure Brody Mihocek from Collingwood on a three-year deal, shaping a forward line that could redefine Melbourne’s attacking structure. The broader plan involves trading for Max Heath and potentially reshaping the spine to compete again under a refreshed coaching setup.
North Melbourne
North Melbourne holds picks 20, 21, 39 and 57, with Jy Simpkin seeking more midfield time likely to shape negotiations. The addition of Charlie Spargo as a free agent after an injury-plagued season gives the Kangaroos a reliable, low-cost option with elite finishing. The club is targeting a key defender such as Jai Serong or others as they rebuild a backline in tandem with a midfield that could benefit from more ball use and run. North Melbourne’s strategists are weighing how to balance immediate improvement with the long-term trajectory of a list that is still climbing toward respectability in a crowded AFL landscape.
Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide’s draft list includes picks 24, 42 and 60, and Josh Carr’s first full off-season at the helm will be telling. Will Brodie’s request for a trade to Alberton signals a push for a stronger engine room, while the arrival of Jacob Wehr from the Giants introduces wing-and-defensive versatility. The club is actively pursuing Brayden Fiorini as a free agent to strengthen their outside game, and Zak Butters remains a high-priority restricted free agent whose next contract could influence the club’s future roster shape. The Power faces a pivotal period where list balance and player development will determine whether they can translate potential into sustained success.
Richmond
The Tigers hold picks 2 and 3 but face a smaller footprint in the trade market as they rebuild behind a improving group. Tylar Young’s request for a trade to West Coast would be a blow, but Richmond remains open to targeting cheap, high-impact players with solid kicking and defensive instincts. The club’s strategy emphasizes leveraging draft capital into young, ready-made contributors who can help the backline and midfield defend a broader challenge in a season where progress is the target.
St Kilda
St Kilda has picks 7 and 43, 58 and is navigating a dynamic period that includes the retention of Callum Wilkie, who weighed a potential Bulldogs lure but opted to stay. The Saints have landed Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni in the free-agent market and are pursuing Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan to strengthen the forward and wing lines. With the Suns’ Sam Flanders among the targets, St Kilda aims to return to premiership contention by combining their established core with fresh talent. Rowan Marshall’s potential move to Geelong remains uncertain, and the trade period could hinge on a willingness to back their young core with a bold strategic move.
Sydney
The Swans hold picks 9, 27, 45 and 63 with James Rowbottom’s contract extending three more seasons. Malcolm Rosas jnr has chosen Sydney as his preferred destination, while the club’s pursuit of Charlie Curnow continues to be a defining narrative. Delistings of Aaron Francis and Robbie Fox create room for fresh talent, and James Rowbottom’s role becomes increasingly pivotal as the club contends with a mix of veterans and up-and-coming players. The trade picture remains fluid as Sydney weighs high-value moves against the risk of over-committing in a tight market.
West Coast
West Coast’s draft assets include picks 1, 15, 19, 33 and 51, reflecting a deliberate rebuilding phase. Oscar Allen and Liam Ryan anchor a forward unit that could be reshaped by offers tied to Luke-by-committee decisions. Tylar Young’s request to move west adds drama to a list adjusting to new leadership. The club is weighing a strategic combination of draftees, academy picks and targeted trades to rebuild a competitive spine with balance and speed, while managing compensation and list restrictions that come with a rebuilding cycle.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs’ draft burden sits at picks 10 and 28 as they pursue defensive reinforcement and a long-term answer at forward. Buku Khamis is keen on a trade back to Carlton, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s status remains a talking point as he potentially returns from a spell away. Connor Budarick’s interest in joining the Dogs adds another piece to a defense-forward blend the club hopes to deploy in a season of recalibration. Deven Robertson’s move to West Coast creates further list movement, underscoring a busy period of list management for a club intent on maintaining their premiership window.
