Welcome to Off-Season Central.
Below you can track every move by every club leading into and during the 2025 off-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2026.
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KEY AFL OFF-SEASON DATES
Friday October 3 to 10 – Free Agency period
Monday October 6 to Wednesday October 15 – AFL Trade Period
Wednesday November 19 to Thursday November 20 – AFL Draft
OCTOBER 5 — ‘BIG O’ CALLS TIME IN ULTIMATE FAIRYTALE FINISH
Brisbane ruck Oscar McInerney has called time on his 165-game AFL career, just one week after his maiden premiership at the top level.
As first reported by Nine Chief Football Reporter Tom Morris, the 31-year-old has hung up the boots are battling a painful run with injury.
The 205cm tall missed out on last year’s Lions flag after dislocating his shoulder in the preliminary final, but managed to forge the ultimate redemption story to play a key role in Brisbane going back-to-back.
“While we are sad to see Oscar retire, we could not be happier to see him do so as a premiership player because it’s what he thoroughly deserves,” Brisbane General Manager Danny Daly said via a club statement.
“Despite missing out on playing in last year’s premiership due to injury – he still gave 100 per cent to the team off the field and was the happiest person to see his teammates win it,
“Big O is one of the most loved and respected people and players to have played for the Brisbane Lions are and our football club is a better place for having had him part of it.
“We wish Oscar, his wife Rachel and their families all the best for the future and they will always hold a special place at the Brisbane Lions.”
Brisbane has in recent days acquired Essendon ruck Sam Draper, who is set to instantly fill the void left by McInerney.
Oscar McInerney of the Lions hugs Logan Morris of the Lions after the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 (Photo by Daniel Pockett via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
OCTOBER 3 — HAWKS SWOOP ON BOMBERS’ GUN ASSISTANT COACH
Hawthorn has recruited a vital coach to their ranks for the 2026 season and beyond in Daniel Giansiracusa.
The Essendon assistant is widely considered one of, if not the best right-hand men across the competition, with the club’s General Manager Daniel McPherson thanking him for his half a decade of service in a club statement released early on Friday afternoon.
“We thank ‘Gia’ for his contribution over the past five years. He has been an important part of our coaching group, having overseen the midfield group in recent years,” McPherson said.
“We understand his desire to become a senior coach and that rounding out his CV with a different role in the development area was important to him and we respect that decision.
“We wish Gia and his family all the best for their next move.”
The Bombers assistant did not attend last night’s best and fairest, where captain Zach Merrett won an incredible sixth Crichton Medal.
Ironically, Merrett is also heavily considering requesting a trade to the Hawks, which could see the pair unite in 2026.
“To Gia, your personal guidance has been profound. I look forward to you one day being a senior coach, then I can say ‘I worked closely with him’. You’re a star,” Merrett said in his acceptance speech.
The 30-year-old went on to address his own future at Essendon in the second half of his speech.
Essendon assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa looks on during the warm up before before the Round 20 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium, on July 27, 2024 (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
OCTOBER 2 — CATS CUT DUO
Geelong has delisted two rookies after just one year on the club’s list.
The Cats on Thursday confirmed Xavier Ivisic and Patrick Retschko wouldn’t be offered contracts for 2026.
Ivisic and Retschko, who were both taken in the 2024 rookie draft, this year played 13 and 18 games respectively for Geelong’s VFL side.
“It is always a difficult time of year farewelling players, and both Xavier and Pat were great teammates and contributors to our program,” Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“We thank them for their hard work and dedication, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.”
Xavier Ivisic. Picture: Brad FleetSource: News Corp Australia
SEPTEMBER 30 – FIRST PLAYER SIGNED
Days before free agency opens, the Giants have confirmed the first signing of the AFL off-season, with Essendon defender Jayden Laverde committing to the club.
Laverde is set to sign with GWS after the draft in late November – either as a rookie or via the pre-season supplemental selection period.
The 29-year-old played 145 games at the Bombers but was delisted earlier this month as the club continues its youth movement.
Laverde will serve as defensive depth for the orange team with Leek Aleer set to depart for St Kilda next month.
“We’re delighted that Jayden has decided to join the club as he’ll add a host of experience as well as depth to our key defensive stocks,” Giants Executive General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said.
Jayden Laverde of the Bombers warms up ahead of the 2025 AFL Round 24 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Essendon Bombers at People First Stadium on August 27, 2025 in the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SEPTEMBER 24 – HAWKS DELIST PAIR INCLUDING 185-GAMER
After its preliminary final exit, Hawthorn has announced the delistings of Sam Frost and Jasper Scaife.
Key defender Frost played 94 games for the Hawks after being traded from Melbourne in the 2019 off-season, and could receive some interest this off-season as a delisted free agent.
The 32-year-old had been a regular senior team member for the Hawks since arriving — but after 24 matches last season, he played at AFL level just twice this year after becoming surplus to needs following the arrivals of big-name recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle last October.
Scaife, meanwhile, was a mid-season draft pick last year but couldn’t manage a senior game during his time at the club.
“While these sorts of changes happen every year, we’d like to acknowledge Sam and Jasper’s maturity throughout the process,” list boss Mark McKenzie said in a statement.
“With 94 games across six seasons, Sam has been a terrific servant of our footy club, and we’d like to wish him, his fiancée Laura, and their daughter Charlotte all the best in their next chapter.
“We’d also like to thank Jasper for his contribution to Hawthorn, he showed great dedication and commitment during his time at the club.”
Hawthorn is expected to make additional list changes in the lead-up to October’s trade period.
SEPTEMBER 23 – TWO DOGS GONE AS DEFENDER TO SEEK THIRD CLUB
Liam Jones will try to find a third AFL home after being one of two players delisted by the Western Bulldogs.
Jones and Anthony Scott have both been axed by the club after their failure to make the finals despite winning 14 games, the most for a non-finalist in the top eight era.
Scott, a Footscray VFL star who was signed in the 2021 pre-season, played 59 games including the preliminary final in his debut season.
“Anthony has been with us for five seasons and showed great resilience to make it into the AFL at 26 years old,” Bulldogs Executive Manager Men’s Football Sam Power said.
“A very popular team member, his ability to play any role and put the team first has been a highlight of his time in the red, white and blue.
“We wish Liam and Anthony, as well as their families, all the best moving forward. They’re always welcome back at Mission Whitten Oval.”
Meanwhile Jones, who was part of a much-improved Dogs defence in 2024 before slipping in form in the final year of his contract, will try to find a new AFL home.
He returned to the Kennel after a stint at Carlton, and then a period away from the game due to vaccine hesitancy, signing a three-year deal heading into 2023.
Jones leaves having played 205 AFL games, including 95 at the Blues and 110 at the Bulldogs.
“We’ve been having open dialogue with Liam and his management during the back half of the season and while he won’t be offered a contract at the Club, he’ll explore his options in the AFL over the coming weeks,” Power said.
“Liam has been a consistent and courageous player for our Club over more than a decade, leading by example on and off the field.
“We understand his desire to play on at another club and wish him nothing but the best for the future.”
SEPTEMBER 23 – PREMIERSHIP HERO, STAR’S BROTHER AMONG FOUR MAGPIES AXED
Collingwood has made four delistings following its preliminary final exit, including 2023 premiership player Oleg Markov.
The much-loved running defender played 94 games across three clubs, including 23 at Richmond, 28 at Gold Coast and 43 at the Magpies.
Fin Macrae, the younger brother of ex-Bulldog and current Saint Jack, has been axed after the 2020 first-round pick failed to break into the Magpies’ midfield.
He managed 21 AFL games in his stint in black and white, none of them in 2025, primarily due to a shoulder injury.
Ash Johnson departs after a leg injury limited his opportunities in the 2025 campaign.
After debuting in 2022 he played a career-high 15 games in 2023, including 21 goals, but after a poor start to 2024 only took his career total to 27 matches.
Charlie Dean, a former VFL star who joined the Magpies through the 2022 rookie draft, has also been delisted after just 12 games at the top level.
“This time of year is always difficult, but we commend the group on the maturity and respect they’ve shown throughout this process,” Magpies GM of list and talent strategy Justin Leppitsch said.
“We thank Oleg for his contributions to our Club. He played a key role in the 2023 AFL Premiership and has had a profound impact on our AFL program.
“Ash, Charlie and Fin, thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Club throughout your time in the black and white. They’ve all shown great resilience and have all left a long-lasting impact on the playing group.
“All four individuals are quality people, and we do sincerely wish each of them the best with their next chapter, on and off the field.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Oleg Markov of the Magpies celebrates after the 2023 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
EVERY AFL CLUB’S 2025 OFF-SEASON MOVES AND ASSETS
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who has left: Matt Crouch (retired), Lachie Murphy (delisted), Karl Gallagher (delisted), Harry Schoenberg (delisted), Kieran Strachan (delisted), Brodie Smith (retired)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 14, 42, 49, 51, 67, 69
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS
Who has left: Sam Day (retired), Brandon Ryan (delisted), Darcy Craven (delisted), Oscar McInerney (retired), Brandon Starcevich (trade, West Coast Eagles)
Who has arrived: Sam Draper (free agent, Essendon), Oscar Allen (free agency, West Coast)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 18, 38, 41, 47, 50, 62, 73
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
CARLTON
Who has left: Sam Docherty (retired), Tom De Koning (free agent, St Kilda), Jack Silvagni (free agent, St Kilda), Orazio Fantasia (delisted), Harry Lemmey (delisted), Alex Cincotta (delisted), Corey Durdin (trade, Port Adelaide)
Who has arrived: Liam Reidy (trade, Fremantle), Campbell Chesser (trade, West Coast), Ben Ainsworth (trade, Gold Coast)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 36, 45, 63
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
COLLINGWOOD
Who has left: Will Hoskin-Elliott (retired), Charlie Dean (delisted), Ash Johnson (delisted), Fin Macrae (delisted), Oleg Markov (delisted), Brody Mihocek (trade, Melbourne)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 35, 53, 65, 71
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ESSENDON
Who has left: Sam Draper (free agent, Brisbane), Dylan Shiel (delisted), Jye Menzie (delisted), Alwyn Davey Jnr (delisted), Jayden Laverde (delisted, GWS Giants), Todd Goldstein (delisted), Oskar Smartt (delisted)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 4, 5, 23, 26
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
FREMANTLE
Who has left: Michael Walters (retired), Nat Fyfe (retired), Quinton Narkle (retired), Jack Delean (delisted), Odin Jones (delisted), James Aish (retired), Liam Reidy (trade, Carlton)
Who has arrived: Judd McVee (trade, Melbourne)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 11, 30, 39, 48, 66
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GEELONG
Who has left: Mitch Duncan (retired), Xavier Ivisic (delisted), Patrick Retschko (delisted)
Who has arrived: James Worpel (free agent, Hawthorn)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 17, 36, 54, 72
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who has left: David Swallow (retired), Sean Lemmens (retired), Tom Berry (delisted), Lloyd Johnston (delisted), Alex Sexton (delisted), Malcolm Rosas Jnr (trade, Sydney), Sam Flanders (trade, St Kilda), Ben Ainsworth (trade, Carlton)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 6, 13, 16, 32, 57, 68
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GWS GIANTS
Who has left: Callan Ward (retired), Lachlan Keeffe (retired), Josh Fahey (delisted), Jacob Wehr (free agent, Port Adelaide)
Who has arrived: Jayden Laverde (will sign post-draft, delisted by Essendon)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 12, 31, 33
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
HAWTHORN
Who has left: Luke Breust (retired), Sam Frost (delisted), Jasper Scaife (delisted), James Worpel (free agent, Geelong)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 8, 27, 56, 70
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
MELBOURNE
Who has left: Marty Hore (delisted), Tom Fullarton (delisted), Oliver Sestan (delisted), Will Verrall (delisted), Kynan Brown (delisted), Jack Billings (delisted), Charlie Spargo (free agent, North Melbourne), Judd McVee (trade, Fremantle)
Who has arrived: Max Heath (trade, St Kilda), Brody Mihocek (trade, Collingwood)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 24, 54, 60
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who has left: Eddie Ford (delisted), Kallan Dawson (delisted), Miller Bergman (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted)
Who has arrived: Charlie Spargo (free agent, Melbourne)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 21, 22, 40, 58
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Who has left: Rory Atkins (retired), Travis Boak (retired), Ryan Burton (delisted), Jeremy Finlayson (delisted), Dylan Williams (delisted), Hugh Jackson (delisted), Lachie Charleson (delisted), Willie Rioli (retired), Jed McEntee (delisted)
Who has arrived: Jacob Wehr (free agent, GWS Giants), Corey Durdin (trade, Carlton)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 25, 43, 61
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
RICHMOND
Who has left: Jacob Bauer (delisted), Mate Colina (delisted), Jacob Koschitzke (delisted), Jacob Blight (delisted)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 2, 3
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ST KILDA
Who has left: Jimmy Webster (retired), Zaine Cordy (delisted), Angus McLennan (delisted), Harry Boyd (delisted), Max Heath (trade, Melbourne)
Who has arrived: Tom De Koning (free agent, Carlton), Jack Silvagni (free agent, Carlton), Sam Flanders (trade, Gold Coast), Liam Ryan (trade, West Coast)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 7, 44, 59
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
SYDNEY SWANS
Who has left: Robbie Fox (delisted), Caleb Mitchell (delisted), Ben Paton (delisted), Indhi Kirk (delisted), Blake Leidler (delisted), Aaron Francis (delisted)
Who has arrived: Malcolm Rosas Jnr (trade, Gold Coast)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 9, 28, 46, 64
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who has left: Jeremy McGovern (medically retired), Dom Sheed (retired), Jayden Hunt (retired), Callum Jamieson (delisted), Jack Petruccelle (delisted), Loch Rawlinson (delisted), Oscar Allen (free agency, Brisbane), Liam Ryan (trade, St Kilda), Campbell Chesser (trade, Carlton)
Who has arrived: Brandon Starcevich (trade, Brisbane Lions)
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 1, 15, 19, 20, 34, 52
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who has left: Taylor Duryea (retired), Liam Jones (delisted), Anthony Scott (delisted)
Who has arrived: TBC
Draft picks (after 2025 season): 10, 29
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC