The 2026 AFL free agency period is set to be an exciting one with several star players up for grabs. In this video, we break down the key names to watch and their potential destinations.
Headliners:
– Zak Butters (Port Adelaide): A highly sought-after midfielder with strong links to Victorian clubs.
– Zac Bailey (Brisbane): Fresh off a premiership and an All-Australian selection, Bailey’s value is skyrocketing.
– Sam Walsh (Carlton): The young gun is already drawing interest from rival clubs.
– Ben King (Gold Coast): Victorian clubs are eyeing the talented forward.
Other Notable Free Agents:
– Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn), Patrick Voss (Fremantle), Joel Amartey (Sydney), Toby Greene (GWS), Toby Nankervis (Richmond), and many more.
Club-by-Club Breakdown:
– Adelaide: Jordon Butts, James Borlase, Mitch Hinge, Chayce Jones, Rory Laird, and more.
– Brisbane: Noah Answerth, Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester, Dayne Zorko, and others.
– Carlton: Nick Haynes, Nic Newman, Zac Williams.
– Collingwood: Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Tim Membrey, Scott Pendlebury.
– Essendon: Jade Gresham, Matt Guelfi, Liam McMahon.
– Fremantle: Bailey Banfield, Oscar McDonald, Sam Switkowski, Corey Wagner.
– Geelong: Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Martin.
– Gold Coast: Oscar Adams, Caleb Graham, Lachie Weller, Jarrod Witts.
– GWS: Kieren Briggs, Stephen Coniglio.
– Hawthorn: Jack Gunston, Jarman Impey, Harry Morrison.
– Melbourne: Tom Campbell, Kade Chandler, Bayley Fritsch, Steven May, Christian Salem.
– North Melbourne: Aidan Corr, Luke McDonald, Bailey Scott.
– Port Adelaide: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Ollie Wines.
– Richmond: Nathan Broad, Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia, Nick Vlastuin.
– St Kilda: Jack Carroll, Liam Stocker.
– Sydney: Harry Cunningham, Joel Hamling, Justin McInerney.
– West Coast: Tom Cole, Matt Flynn.
– Western Bulldogs: Lachie Bramble, Ryan Gardner, Buku Khamis, Tom Liberatore.
Stay tuned as we analyze the potential moves and impact of these free agents on the AFL landscape.
Get ready for an exciting chapter in AFL history as we dive into the world of free agency and the potential game-changing moves for the 2026 season. The battle for talent, unveiling the 2026 free agent market. With the trade period now a distant memory, AFL clubs are gearing up for another thrilling off season as they navigate the complex world of free agency. But who are the stars set to hit the open market and which clubs will be fighting tooth and nail to secure their services? The headliners, a star-studded cast. Port Adelaide’s Zack Butters, a true midfield maestro, tops the list of in- demand free agents. His future has been a hot topic with links to his home state of Victoria adding fuel to the fire. But with the power holding the power to match any offer, the question remains, what price tag would it take to pry Butters away? And here’s where it gets controversial. Brisbane’s Zack Bailey, a two-time Premiership hero and recent All Australian, has seen his stock sore. His performance in the grand final win over Gilong, earning him a third place finish in the Norm Smith medal voting has clubs lining up to make massive offers. But will Brisbane be able to keep their star player, or will he be lured away? The Lion’s Den, more free agent talent. Bailey isn’t the only Lion creating a buzz. Lucky Neil, a free agent for the first time after his trade from Fremantle, is also a hot commodity. And let’s not forget Sam Walsh of Carlton, a potential captain in 2026, who has already caught the eye of other clubs. The trade period at Carlton has been a whirlwind with Kerno’s move to Sydney adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Blues 2026 campaign. The goal kicking sensation, Ben King story. Gold Coast’s Ben King is another name generating buzz. Victorian clubs are rumored to be interested in luring the goal kicker back home. King, who signed a two-year extension with the Suns in 2024, has already been linked to Collingwood. With Gold Coast coming off their first finals campaign and securing Christian Petra, the future looks bright for the Suns, but will King be a part of it? Other key forwards on the move? Key forwards from various clubs are also set to hit the market including Mitch Lewis from Hawthorne, Patrick Voss from Fremantle and Joel Marte from Sydney. Giant skipper Toby Green, Richmond captain Toby Nankervvis and triple premiership winner Nick Blastuan are also potential free agents. The free agent hotspot Melbourne. Melbourne is poised to have the most free agents of any club with nine players eligible, including Christian Salem, Steven May, and Bailey Frri. This could create an intriguing dynamic within the club and present an opportunity for other teams to swoop in. The full list, every club’s 2026 free agents. Below is a comprehensive list of every club’s free agents for the 2026 season. From Adelaide’s Jordan Butts to Western Bulldogs Riley West, these players will be at the center of negotiations and potential transfers. And this is the part most people miss. Free agency is a complex and often controversial process. It sparks debates, divides opinions, and shapes the future of AFL clubs. So, what do you think? Who will make the biggest impact in the free agency market? Will any of these players stay put or will they be lured away by other clubs? The future of AFL is in your hands. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
