Although the trade and draft periods have come to an end, clubs still have the opportunity to add to their lists via the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).
The mechanism was introduced ahead of the 2019 AFL season, giving overlooked footballers a chance to live out their lifelong dream.
Since then, 90 players have been scooped up over the summer months in a bid to carve out a top-flight career, and this year’s edition could see some new names emerge as the next big thing.
Adelaide, Carlton, Richmond, GWS, West Coast, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Hawthorn all have list spots they have taken over from the off-season, and could potentially look at bringing in some established talent.
The Blues, Power and Dockers have already flagged their intention to assess some familiar names throughout the summer months.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 06: Thomas Burton of Victoria Metro handballs during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Metro at The Good Grocer Park, on July 06, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Richmond has also confirmed that their decision to pass in the Rookie Draft was to leave a spot open for consideration during the SSP over the summer, or for the Mid-Season Draft next year.
The Tigers have invited overlooked Vic Metro captain Tom Burton as a train-on player after he went undrafted in both the National and Rookie Drafts, as well as Eastern Ranges ruckman Marcus Krasnadamskis.
St Kilda has welcomed Oskar Ainsworth after he slipped through the drafts last week, as well as former Bomber and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s cousin Tex Wanganeen.
Tom McGuane, since he was overlooked as a father-son prospect at Collingwood, has received a chance at Adelaide, competing for a list spot against former Sydney livewire Zac Foot at the Crows.
Premiership Pie Mason Cox has won a contract at Fremantle after he was delisted from Collingwood.
The Dockers are also set to assess the prospects of VFL small forward Chris Scerri and young ruckman Zac Harding.
Delisted Crows midfielder Harry Schoenberg is one of three former AFL midfielders to sign with West Coast, joining Deven Robertson and Finlay Macrae in heading to the Eagles, who were granted an additional four rookie list spots from the AFL’s assistance package.
Carlton farewelled Elijah Hollands and Will White, but confirmed the pair are expected to be given train-on opportunities.
Jaidyn Stephenson, the 2018 Rising Star winner, is also looking to make an AFL comeback after he retired following stints at Collingwood and North Melbourne.
Port Adelaide is believed to be giving him a chance as they look to add some firepower in the front half.
Joining Stephenson are Norwood defender Balyn O’Brien and East Fremantle forward Mitchell Zadow.
Axed Blues youngster Jaxon Binns has been training with the Essendon Bombers’ main group in the early stages of the club’s pre-season, despite being signed to their VFL side for 2026, indicating the 21-year-old may be considered as a potential Supplementary Selection Period option for the Dons.
In late October, it was also reported that the Bombers are considering opportunities for delisted midfielder Will Setterfield during the SSP period, opting not to select him via the National Draft or Rookie Draft.