The Australian Football League is gearing up for the 2026 Premiership season, and clubs around the country have been busy finalising their squads. From AFL trade news to rookie picks and player movements, the period after the 2025 season has been full of activity as teams prepare for a new campaign.
As the finals wrapped and drafts finished in late 2025, clubs moved quickly to fill their lists with talent and potential! The AFL ins and outs period covered everything from retirement announcements and delistings to big trades and draft selections.
Here Are A Few Highlights That You Shouldn’t Miss!
Almost every AFL club made changes to their list before the 2026 season:
- Adelaide Crows brought in players like Callum Ah Chee and Indy Cotton while saying goodbye to experienced names such as Matt Crouch. Their mix of youth and mature recruits shows a focus on development and balance.
- Brisbane Lions added new draft prospects along with depth players who can cover multiple roles, aiming to strengthen their midfield rotation.
- Carlton made targeted list changes, welcoming new faces through trades and the draft while farewelling several senior players as part of a refresh strategy.
- Collingwood confirmed the departures of Mason Cox and Charlie Dean, reshaping their height and structure in attack and defence. Their new recruits are expected to bring more versatility.
- Fremantle continued to build a younger list, adding rookie picks and emerging talent who fit their long-term growth plan.
- Geelong Cats focused on strengthening contested areas, bringing in fresh young talent along with a couple of mature recruits for leadership.
- Other clubs across the league also worked through a combination of trades, national draft selections, rookie elevations, and supplemental signings to ensure depth across all lines for the long 2026 season.
Many clubs concentrated on increasing speed and endurance, while others prioritised experience to guide younger squads. The higher number of list changes this year shows how competitive the league has become, with every team searching for the right mix to maintain consistency across the season.
Also read : The Average AFL Salary: Players vs Coaches
When Does The AFL Season Start
The 2026 AFL season will kick off in early March, with pre-season competitions like the AAMI Community Series starting in late February. This pre-season action gives fans a first look at new recruits and team structures before the official home-and-away season gets underway.
Also read : AFL 2026 Betting Tips, Predictions & Expert Previews
In Conclusion
The AFL ins and outs period ahead of 2026 has brought excitement, fresh talent, and strategic moves for every club. As the new season approaches, staying informed with AFL trade news and list changes can also help you make smarter decisions if you follow betting markets or visit Sports Betting Tips for updates!
FAQ’s
Who are the free agents in AFL 2026?
There are four premium names who will become free agents at the end of 2026, with Butters, Sam Walsh, Zac Bailey and Ben King all coming out of contract. Beyond that, the depth of free agents probably isn’t as strong as it was in 2025, but those four will be big talking points all year
Which AFL player has ADHD?
Several AFL and AFLW players have openly discussed managing ADHD, often describing it as a factor that enhances their instinctive play, focus, and energy on the field, despite challenges with traditional structure. Prominent players include Heath Shaw, Jordan De Goey, Emma O’Driscoll, and Jason Akermanis.
Will Mason Cox play in 2026?
Yes, Mason Cox will play in the 2026 AFL season after signing a two-year deal with the Fremantle Dockers as a pre-season supplementary selection (SSP) player. Following his delisting by Collingwood at the end of 2025, the 34-year-old moves to Western Australia to provide ruck and forward support, with his new contract running until 2027.
Who is the $2 m AFL player?
Breakout star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will stay at St Kilda on a bumper two-year deal after rejecting huge interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide. Wanganeen-Milera has become the AFL’s first player to earn $2m per season in signing through to the end of 2027, in a huge boost to the Saints.
Which AFL club is the wealthiest?
Collingwood holds its position as the most valuable AFL club, with a 2025 brand value of approximately $127 million. Other financially powerful clubs with high revenue and large fan bases include West Coast, Richmond, Carlton, and Essendon, often driven by high membership numbers, strong sponsorship deals, and commercial gaming revenue.
Who is the oldest AFL player?
Vic Cumberland – 43 years, 50 days. Playing footy well into your forties currently sounds absurd!
Learn more about AFL betting tips.
