AFL Draft: The amount of open list spots each team has - AFL News

The 2025 AFL Draft is set to unveil the next generation of stars, and with that, it will cause more change at clubland.

Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed ahead of the 2023 season and running to the 2027 campaign – before Tasmania join the competition – the AFL confirmed a total of up to 44 players allocated across three categories: Primary list (36-38), Category A Rookie (no more than 6) and Category B Rookie (no more than 2).

Clubs must make three changes to their primary list through the draft; however, these can be achieved by upgrading rookies or through a re-drafting mechanism.

To free up list spots, clubs have opted to delist players and re-rookie them. In 2025, there are 10 players who have been committed to by the club despite delisting them.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Dane Rampe of the Swans handballs during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 27, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 27: Dane Rampe of the Swans handballs during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 27, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Gold Coast and Essendon are poised to be the most active on draft night, given their heavy links to Academy prospects or their strong draft hands.

The Suns will welcome Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson, who are tipped to be bid on within the first round. It will consume a large portion of the Queensland club’s picks, which begin at 15. Fellow Academy products Beau Addinsall, Jai Murray and Koby Coulson are also in the mix to be drafted.

The Bombers hold five picks inside the top 30 (5, 6, 21, 27, 30), and will likely utilise their bevy of high-end selections to secure talented prospects to continue accelerating the regeneration period under Brad Scott.

West Coast will also be just as active as they boast Picks 1,2, and 13, as well as a collection of second and third-round picks.

Brisbane are also likely to land some academy prospects, headed by Daniel Annable. Young duo Tyan Prindable and ruckman Isaac Waller are also linked to the club.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy celebrates kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos) MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy celebrates kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

On the contrary, Port Adelaide holds one usable selection (Pick 49) following their decision to upgrade a host of rookies (Josh Lai, Tom Cochrane and Harrison Ramm) to the primary list.

Improving players such as Seth Campbell (Richmond), Sam Clohesy (Gold Coast), James Blanck (Hawthorn), Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle), Josh Draper (Fremantle), Vigo Visentini (Essendon) and Jaxon Prior (Essendon) are understood to be facing promotions from the rookie list.

It should also be noted that category B rookie signings have emerged that will alter the club’s total list. St Kilda (Kobe McDonald), Melbourne (Oscar Berry), Brisbane (Ben Murphy) and Adelaide (Indy Cotton) have all added non-football talents to their club.

Clubs will also have the chance to add players to their list – if there are vacancies – via the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) that runs over the summer months.

2026 AFL List Sizes (Current)

Primary List
Category A Rookie
Category B Rookie
Total

Adelaide
33
5
0
38

Brisbane
33
6
1
40

Carlton
32
6
2
40

Collingwood
32
5
1
38

Essendon
29
8
1
38

Fremantle
32
4
1
37

Geelong
35
2
2
39

Gold Coast
31
4
2
37

GWS
35
1
2
38

Hawthorn
33
2
2
39