Overview: A Busy AFL Off-Season for Draft and Player Moves
The AFL off-season is buzzing with strategic trade talks and draft negotiations as clubs balance risk, youth development, and premiership ambition. Below is a club-by-club snapshot of draft picks, notable players, and the direction each camp is taking, based on current reporting and internal strategies. Expect a mix of established talent retention and fresh draft hand-shaping moves as teams chase finals and flags in the coming seasons.
Collingwood
Draft picks: 34, 52, 64, 70
Key players: Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox, Tom Mitchell, Bobby Hill
Coach Craig McRae emphasized a balance between securing proven performers and maintaining a strong draft hand. The Magpies look to bolster their forward and midfield stocks while preserving flexibility. In significant movement, Collingwood is set to part ways with Brody Mihocek, who is headed to Melbourne in a three-year consideration set by the new regime. The club has already enabled Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell to explore opportunities elsewhere, a clear signal toward reshaping the ruck/wing and forward lines in the near term. Bobby Hill, who recently signed an extension, remains a trade focal point due to external interest ahead of the draft. In terms of acquisitions, Sydney forward Jack Buller is positioned to join the Magpies on a two-year deal, echoing a broader strategy to secure reliable talent while keeping draft options open. Jamie Elliott is confirmed to stay, having rejected a larger offer from the Suns. The balance appears to tilt toward a rebuild with a robust list while keeping a scratch pad of potential unsigned moves for future seasons.
Essendon
Draft picks: 4, 5, 22, 25
Key players: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett
The Bombers face a pivotal window with captain Zach Merrett under consideration by Hawthorn and Sam Draper set to depart in free agency for Brisbane. Essendon are actively pursuing high-demand Suns players Sam Flanders and Brayden Fiorini, while also grappling with potential trades that could reforge their midfield and forward lines. Hawthorn remains keen on Merrett, and St Kilda’s Leek Aleer or Fremantle’s James Rowbottom are among the names in play as Essendon navigates the balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term development. Delisted defender Jayden Laverde is expected to sign with GWS post-draft, marking another step in the club’s reshaping phase. The draft capital at picks 4, 5, 22, and 25 positions Essendon to target immediate impact and young players who can grow into core roles over the next few seasons.
Fremantle
Draft picks: 11, 29, 38, 47, 65
Key players: Will Brodie, Liam Reidy
Fremantle are recalibrating their list, with Will Brodie and Liam Reidy seeking opportunities elsewhere. Sean Darcy’s future remains a yearly talking point; he stays, for now. The Dockers have secured Judd McVee to reinforce defense and run from the backline, while remaining open to trading their first pick, especially as academy and father-son selections reshape the draft order. The club is also parsing trade options that honor a competitive window while managing salary and development curves for a younger brigade that can grow into a strong core midfield and backline.
Geelong
Draft picks: 17, 35, 53, 71
Key players: Rhys Stanley
Geelong are reinforcing their midfield with ex-Hawk James Worpel on a four-year deal, targeting additional depth after a grand-final exposure. They are also exploring a potential Charlie Curnow trade, which would be complex, given Carlton’s contract situation. Rowan Marshall’s trade interest from St Kilda adds another layer of intrigue, though the Saints have not signaled a clearance. The Cats are determined to stay in premiership contention, leveraging mid-season form and strong development to keep a competitive edge. Expect a mix of veteran acquisitions and stock-building through the draft as they navigate a high-stakes period.
Gold Coast
Draft picks: 6, 13, 16, 31, 56, 67
Key players: Connor Budarick, Sam Flanders, Bailey Humphrey, Malcolm Rosas jnr
Christian Petracca’s potential move to the Suns looms large, and Gold Coast are maneuvering to land him alongside other targets. They are resisting moving Bailey Humphrey and are in the mix for Sam Flanders and Fiorini, while trades for Connor Budarick and Malcolm Rosas jnr have created a web of negotiations across the league. The Suns are exploring four-way moves, including a potential James Rowbottom landing, and continue to balance development with immediate list upgrades as they chase a sustained premiership window.
GWS Giants
Draft picks: 12, 30, 32
Key players: Jacob Wehr, Leek Aleer, Wade Derksen
GWS are pursuing a first-round offer for Leek Aleer as they consider defensive versatility. Wade Derksen remains in limbo as the Demons showed tempered interest previously, and Jacob Wehr is bound for Port Adelaide as a free agent. The Giants have added Essendon’s Jayden Laverde and continue to ponder Clayton Oliver’s situation with Melbourne’s list management dynamics. The Giants’ approach blends cap flexibility with forward to mid-range midfield talent, aiming to push back into finals contention in the coming seasons.
Hawthorn
Draft picks: 8, 26, 55, 69
Key players: James Worpel, Jai Serong, Henry Hustwaite, Cam Mackenzie
Hawthorn face a period of transition, with restricted free agent James Worpel departing for Geelong. Sam Butler re-signed to bolster midfield depth, while Jai Serong’s name circles multiple clubs as suitors consider a move away from Josh Battle and Tom Barrass’s era. Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite are among the rising talents in Hawthorn’s list, with the club seeking to build a sustainable pipeline that supports a return to finals contention in the medium term.
Melbourne
Draft picks: 23, 53, 59
Key players: Steven May, Judd McVee, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Charlie Spargo
Melbourne’s recent upheaval includes a sacking of coach Simon Goodwin and significant list churn, with Petracca seeking a move and Steven May looking at options elsewhere. Charlie Spargo has joined North Melbourne, and Judd McVee is seeking a trade back to Fremantle. Yet, Melbourne have secured Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek on a three-year deal and are exploring a Max Heath trade with St Kilda. Steven King’s new coaching tenure has him engaging with Suns players Bailey Humphrey and Sam Flanders, while Wade Derksen’s status remains uncertain as the club navigates a fresh era post-Goodwin.
North Melbourne
Draft picks: 20, 21, 39, 57
Key players: Jy Simpkin
Jy Simpkin seeks more midfield opportunity, potentially triggering a hard bargain if he requests a trade. North Melbourne have added Charlie Spargo as a free agent after an injury-plagued season and are pursuing key defender Jai Serong, having missed out on Marcus Windhager and Connor Budarick in previous windows. The Roos are focused on rebuilding with a mix of youth and veteran leadership as they chase a stable, competitive list in the near term.
Port Adelaide
Draft picks: 24, 42, 60
Key players: Zak Butters
Under Josh Carr’s new leadership, Port Adelaide are weighing a calibration of their list. Will Brodie’s trade request from Fremantle adds a marquee option, while Jacob Wehr’s unrestricted move provides a running defender and wing option. They are probing Brayden Fiorini as a free agent, with Zak Butters a potential restricted free agent next year who could tempt Victorian suitors. The Power’s strategy blends veteran impact with a strong draft hand to stay competitive while managing contract dynamics and long-term development.
Richmond
Draft picks: 2, 3
Key players: Tylar Young
Richmond are in a rebuilding phase, with Tylar Young requesting a trade to West Coast as they scope talent that fits a younger core. They are likely to offload high picks to fast-track their list rebuild, targeting cheaper, reliable players who can contribute immediately. The Tigers are cautious about over-extending given their current window and will seek value through the draft and trade market to maintain competitiveness while developing a future-ready lineup.
St Kilda
Draft picks: 7, 43, 58
Key players: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Callum Wilkie
St Kilda are building a robust list with notable moves including Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni as free agents. They’re pursuing Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan, plus the Suns’ Sam Flanders, to add depth across defense and midfield. Wilkie resisted a marked trade, while Rowan Marshall’s potential move to Geelong looms as a major decision. This period marks a pivotal attempt by the Saints to return to premiership contention through a combination of established talent and fresh draftees, as they open the pursestrings to unlock a more competitive era.
Sydney
Draft picks: 9, 27, 45, 63
Key players: James Rowbottom
Sydney are navigating the pursuit of Charlie Curnow and the fate of Malcolm Rosas jnr, with the Blues star’s future at Carlton creating significant bargaining pressure. They have delisted Aaron Francis and Robbie Fox, who may be attractive to other clubs. James Rowbottom remains a core, contracted asset as the Swans balance mid-season trade leverage with the need for added forward thrust and defensive balance as they aim to return to finals contention.
West Coast
Draft picks: 1, 15, 19, 33, 51
Key players: Oscar Allen, Tyler Brockman, Campbell Chesser, Liam Ryan
West Coast have endured a dramatic off-season, with Tylar Young seeking a trade and Brandon Starcevich’s arrival signaling a tangible rebuild path. They plan to trade for Starcevich via targeted moves while compensating for Allen’s departure to Brisbane. Campbell Chesser and Liam Ryan have moved away from the club as the Eagles pursue a refreshed core through a combination of draft selections and strategic trades. The club’s end-of-first-round allocation may prove pivotal in acquiring the players needed to mount a late climb back to finals contention.
Western Bulldogs
Draft picks: 10, 28
Key players: Buku Khamis, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Despite significant activity, the Bulldogs remain in the market to strengthen their defense with Callum Wilkie as a long-shot but ongoing target. Buku Khamis seeks a trade to the Blues, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s future looks uncertain after massive shifts. Connor Budarick’s addition signals a push for improved outside speed and defensive resilience. The Dogs are navigating a complex window balancing improved structure with the risk of losing key youth assets, plotting a sustainable path back to the upper echelons of the AFL.
