The 2026 AFL free agency period is set to be a blockbuster with some of the league’s biggest stars up for grabs. In this video, we break down the key players who are eligible for free agency next year and their potential impact on the market.
Zak Butters (Port Adelaide): The highly sought-after midfielder could command a massive trade, especially with Victorian clubs showing interest.
Zac Bailey (Brisbane): After a stellar season and a Grand Final appearance, Bailey’s value has skyrocketed, and he’s sure to attract big offers.
Sam Walsh (Carlton): The young gun on-baller is already on the radar of rival clubs, and his leadership qualities make him a valuable asset.
Ben King (Gold Coast): Victorian clubs are rumored to be targeting the talented forward, who could be a game-changer for any team.
These are just a few of the standout names, but there’s a long list of players from every club who will be free agents in 2026. We take a comprehensive look at each team’s free agents, including:
Adelaide: Jordon Butts, Chayce Jones, Rory Laird
Brisbane: Noah Answerth, Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko
Carlton: Nick Haynes, Zac Williams
Collingwood: Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Scott Pendlebury
Essendon: Jade Gresham, Jaxon Prior
Fremantle: Bailey Banfield, Sam Switkowski, Patrick Voss
Geelong: Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Martin
Gold Coast: Oscar Adams, Lachie Weller
GWS: Kieren Briggs, Stephen Coniglio
Hawthorn: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis
Melbourne: Tom Campbell, Bayley Fritsch, Steven May
North Melbourne: Aidan Corr, Luke McDonald
Port Adelaide: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Ollie Wines
Richmond: Nathan Broad, Toby Nankervis, Nick Vlastuin
St Kilda: Jack Carroll
Sydney: Joel Amartey, Joel Hamling
West Coast: Tom Cole, Matt Flynn
Western Bulldogs: Lachie Bramble, Tom Liberatore
With so many talented players available, the 2026 free agency period promises to be a fascinating time for AFL fans and clubs alike. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach this significant period in the AFL calendar.
The AFL landscape is about to shift dramatically. The 2026 season promises high stakes as a quartet of star players become free agents, potentially reshaping the entire league. This article dives deep into which players are up for grabs and what it means for each club. Leading the charge of potential free agents are some of the biggest names in the game. Zack Butters from Port Adelaide, Zack Bailey of Brisbane, Sam Walsh from Carlton, and Ben King of the Gold Coast. Zack Butters already a hot topic. Butter’s future is a major talking point. Rumors link him to a move back to his home state of Victoria. The big question is, what would it take to pry him away from Port Adelaide? Given the high price of players in the trade market, it could be a hefty sum. Zack Bailey, fresh off a stellar performance in Brisbane’s grand final win, Bailey stock has never been higher. He’s expected to attract massive offers and Brisbane will be eager to lock him down with a new contract. Sam Walsh, could the Colton captain be on the move? Clubs are already circling, eyeing this talented onballer. Colton has been busy in the trade market and the new look Blues could be one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2026. Ben King, the Gold Coast spearhead, is another player drawing attention with Victorian clubs keen to bring him back home. King, who recently signed a 2-year extension, has already been linked to Collingwood. But it doesn’t stop there. Other key forwards like Mitch Lewis, Hon, Patrick Voss, Freemantel and Joe Amate, Sini will also be hitting the market. Giants keeper Toby Green, Richmond captain Toby Nankovis and triple Premiership tiger Nick Blastin are also eligible. Melbourne is set to have the most free agents with a whopping nine players including Christian Salem, Steven May, and Billy Fridge. Here’s a clubbycloud breakdown of the 2026 free agents. Adelaide, Jordan Bats, James Bolace, Mitch Hinch, Chos Jones, Rory Le, Locky Shaw, Taylor Walker, Brisbane, Noah Anith, Zack Bailey, Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Leester, Lock Neil, Dame Zoro, Colton, Nick Haynes, Nick Newman, Sam Walsh, Zack Williams, Collingwood, Jack Crisp, Jeremy How, team member Bri, Scott Pendlebury, Still Sai Bottom, Essendon, Jade Gresham, Matt Gelfie, Liam McMahon, Jackson Prior, Freemantle, Bailey Banfield, Oscar Macdonald, Sam Stam Sitkosski, Patrick Voss, Cory Wagner, Gilong, Mark Blefs, Patrick Dangerfield, Jade Kashnich, Jack Martin, Mark Okconor, Reese Stanley, Gold Coast Oscar Adams, Caleb Graham, Ben King, Locki Weller, Jared Witz, GWS, Kieran Briggs, Steven Kiglio, Toby Green, Hawthorne, Jack Gunston, German Impe, Mitch Lewis, Harry Morrison, Ned Reeves, Melbourne, Tom Campbell, Kate Chandler, Jai Kali, Bailey Fridge, Steven May, Tom Macdonald, Jake Melsham, Christian Salem, Tom Sparrow. North Melbourne, Aiden Co, Luke Macdonald, Toby Pink, Bailey Scott, Port Adelaide, Zack Butters, Darcy Bun Jones, Ollie Wines, Richmond, Nathan Brought, Tom Lynch, Ben Miller, Toby Nankovis, Dion Preier, Jack Ross, Nick Blastin, St. Cuda, Jack Carroll, Liam Stalker, Sini, Joe Emate, Harry Cunningham, Joel Hemling, Justin Mechani, West Coast, Tom Cole, Met Flynn, Bailey Williams. Western Bulldogs, Locky Bremble, Ryan Gardner, Buku Commis, Tom Liberator, Locky McNeel, Riley West. This is where it gets interesting. Could a team like Gilong, who went all in on a trade, be at a disadvantage when chasing these top free agents? And this is the part most people miss. The impact of these free agency moves will be felt for years to come. What do you think? Which player’s potential move will have the biggest impact? Let’s discuss in the comments.
