The AFL trade period is heating up, with clubs circling stars and veterans weighing up their futures. With the season's halfway mark approaching, there's a profusion of players still out of contract, and the race is on to secure their services. Here's a breakdown of the key players and clubs involved in the 2026 trade period, with a focus on the Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, and their rivals.
Adelaide Crows
The Crows are actively pursuing rival superstars, with a keen interest in restricted free agents Zac Bailey and Darcy Wilson. Bailey, a restricted free agent, is a top name on the trade table, with West Lakes considered the early frontrunner for his services. However, any acquisition will come at a high cost. Wilson, a young gun, is also a target, with the club set to throw their hat in the ring. The Crows are also focused on re-signing key players like Jordon Butts, Brayden Cook, Luke Pedlar, and Mitch Hinge, while keeping an eye on out-of-favour ruck Reilly O'Brien.
Brisbane Lions
The Lions are in the hunt for star midfielder-forward Zac Bailey, a restricted free agent, with clubs aplenty chasing him. The club is also interested in re-signing Lachie Neale, a two-time Brownlow Medallist, who may depart at season's end. On the recruiting front, the Lions are keen on Essendon's Jordan Ridley. The club is also focused on re-signing defensive stalwarts Ryan Lester and Darragh Joyce, while former captain Dayne Zorko continues to play well at 37 years old.
Carlton
The Blues have a keen eye on Sydney free agent Joel Amartey, who is weighing up contract offers from his current club. The club is also interested in young gun Jed Walter, who was floated last off-season. Western Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis is also linked to the navy blue. With a monster number of players out of contract, the Blues are in a trade market squeeze, with key pillars like Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps flagged as potential trade options.
Collingwood
The Magpies are in the race for restricted free agent Ben King, but their interest is not as strong as the Western Bulldogs or Geelong. The club is also focused on re-signing veterans like Scott Pendlebury and Billy Frampton, while keeping an eye on the futures of Lachie Sullivan, Wil Parker, and Jakob Ryan.
Essendon
The Bombers have a decent number of players locked away until the end of 2027, but there are still 14 out-of-contract names to watch. The club is interested in re-signing Jordan Ridley, who had interest in joining Brisbane last off-season. The club is also focused on re-signing Zach Merrett, who requested a trade to Hawthorn last October.
Fremantle
The Dockers are in the hunt for unrestricted free agent Nathan Broad, who is set to return to his home state of Western Australia at season's end. The club is also interested in re-signing key players like Sam Switkowski, Jaeger O'Meara, and Bailey Banfield. The club is also focused on re-signing midfielder Matt Johnson and forward Sam Sturt.
Geelong Cats
The Cats are in the race for star names like Zak Butters, Ben King, and Toby Greene. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Martin, and Rhys Stanley.
Gold Coast Suns
The Suns are in the hunt for unrestricted free agent Ben King, who has reportedly attracted interest from West Coast and Carlton. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Bailey Humphrey and Touk Miller, while keeping an eye on the futures of Nick Holman, Jy Farrar, and Caleb Graham.
GWS Giants
The Giants' list is relatively settled, with a focus on re-signing key players like Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, and Nick Madden. The club is also interested in re-signing midfielder Kieran Briggs and key forward duo Max Gruzewski and Jake Riccardi.
Hawthorn
The Hawks are in the hunt for restricted free agent Ben King, who has reportedly attracted interest from West Coast and Carlton. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite, while keeping an eye on the futures of Bailey Macdonald and Calsher Dear.
Melbourne
The Demons are in the hunt for young gun Brayden George, but the club is also focused on re-signing key players like Tommy Sparrow and Kade Chandler. The club is also interested in re-signing midfielder Christian Salem and defender Christian Salem.
North Melbourne
The Kangaroos are in the hunt for young gun Darcy Wilson, who will have zero shortage of interest from clubs across the country. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like George Wardlaw and Finn O'Sullivan, while keeping an eye on the futures of Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr, and Bailey Scott.
Port Adelaide
The Power are in the hunt for star midfielder Zak Butters, who is expected to receive offers around $2 million per year. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Mitch Georgiades and Jack Whitlock, while keeping an eye on the futures of Lachie Jones, Jordan Sweet, and Jackson Mead.
Richmond
The Tigers are in the hunt for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, but they remain a long shot for his services. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Nathan Broad and Jacob Hopper, while keeping an eye on the futures of Rhyan Mansell and Sam Lalor.
St Kilda
The Saints' list is relatively settled, with a focus on re-signing key players like Darcy Wilson and Rowan Marshall. The club is also interested in re-signing Lachie Neale, who may depart at season's end.
Sydney Swans
The Swans are in the hunt for unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey, who is weighing up contract offers from his current club. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, and Harry Cunningham.
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles are in the hunt for three-time Richmond premiership defender Nathan Broad, who is set to return to his home state of Western Australia at season's end. The club is also focused on re-signing key players like Lachie Neale and Bailey Williams, while keeping an eye on the futures of Matthew Flynn and Elijah Hewett.
