Overview
- Free agency opened on Friday and produced two confirmed unrestricted moves with Lachie Neale signing to Collingwood and Toby Greene to Geelong, creating immediate list shifts for both clubs.
- Two key restricted free agents remain unresolved: Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs but Port Adelaide can match any offer, and Gold Coast has signalled it may match rival bids for Ben King if approached.
- Trade negotiations are expected to be heavy with up to about 40 trades involving roughly 30 players forecast, and clubs are already pressing for creative deals to satisfy matching rights and compensation demands.
- A recent AFL rule change that favours father–son and Next Generation Academy tied players makes Dougie Cochrane the likely target for a top bid, and Tasmania’s list concessions mean this draft’s picks are now especially prized.
- The combined effect is that clubs will prioritise this year’s draft and use present picks, future picks, and player swaps more aggressively, a shift that will reshape list strategies and players’ careers in the coming months.