We’re barely two weeks removed from the AFL trade period. But the spotlight quickly turns to the players due to come out of contract in 2027.
It’s a loaded crop with some big-name stars that Tasmania will be looking to swoop on ahead of the 19th club’s AFL entry.
Foxfooty.com.au runs through the players out of contract at every club in 2027.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Free Agents: Ben Keays, Lachlan McAndrew, Rory Laird
Out of Contract: Billy Dowling, Charlie Edwards, Finnbar Maley, Hugh Bond, Indy Cotton, Luke Nankervis, Mitchell Hinge, Oscar Ryan, Sam Berry, Sid Draper, Toby Murray
Breakout ruckman and best and fairest runner-up Lachlan McAndrew is due for a big pay upgrade after an impressive debut season at West Lakes where he overtook Reilly O’Brien as the No. 1 ruck mantle. Sam Berry is another name to monitor after the Victorian’s career-best season to add an extra midfield cog the Crows lacked, while Sid Draper will be hoping to establish himself at AFL level after an injury cruelled 2026. After missing on Zac Bailey’s signature and largely standing still over the trade period, the Crows appear to be loading up for a crack at South Australian stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Will Day next year.
BRISBANE LIONS
Free Agents: Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko, Lincoln McCarthy, Ryan Lester
Out of Contract: Ben Murphy, Darcy Fort, James Tunstill, Kai Lohmann, Koby Evans, Reece Torrent, Shadeau Brain, Tai Hayes, Tom Doedee
After locking away away star forward Logan Morris on a new extension, attention shifts to Victorian Kai Lohmann. The star forward has previously drawn interest from clubs from his home state, and that interest will only have intensified after Lohmann’s career-best 55-goal season for the triple premiers. Lohmann is a huge priority for Brisbane to retain and the only real urgent re-signing. Shadeau Brain is another that could generate interest from rivals, while Tom Doedee’s four-year deal is due to expire, which should free up some funds. The defender has played just one game for Brisbane since crossing from Adelaide at the end of 2023.
CARLTON
Free Agents: Marc Pittonet, Matt Carroll, Matt Cottrell, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman, Nick Haynes, Patrick Cripps
Out of Contract: Ashton Moir, Blake Acres, Brodie Kemp, Campbell Chesser, George Hewett, Harry O’Farrell, Jesse Motlop
Beloved skipper and Patrick Cripps can hit free agency, with the dual Brownlow medallist previously linked with a return to Perth. You sense the Blues would be keen to begin extension talks with Cripps, who you wouldn’t be shocked to see stand down as captain after eight years in the role. Cripps is one of several senior Blues due to come out of contract as the club transitions its list under Josh Fraser. Harry O’Farrell and Matt Carroll are two the club would want to tie down as the promising young duo recover from ACL injuries.
Dominoes to fall at Collingwood? | 07:39
COLLINGWOOD
Free Agents: Jack Crisp, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Jordan De Goey, Lachlan Schultz, Ned Long, Tim Membrey
Out of Contract: Angus Anderson, Beau McCreery, Harry Demattia, Harvey Harrison, Jack Buller, Oscar Steene, Patrick Lipinski, Reef McInnes, Roan Steele, Samuel Swadling, Tew Jiath, Tyan Prindable, Zac McCarthy
Jordan De Goey has been linked to trade talk the last two years and figures to be a target for Tasmania if the star free agent doesn’t reach an extension with Collingwood. Speaking of Tassie, the Devils have been linked to Beau McCreery with murmurs the 19th club is prepared to offer the 25-year old a long-term deal worth as much as $1 million per season. Quite a few more senior Pies are due to come off the books among 20 players without deals beyond 2027, with at least half the crop best 23. It includes Jeremy Howe, who too could be Devils bound if the 36-year old Tassie native’s body holds up. Youngsters Sam Swadling and Oscar Steene loom as important re-signings to shore up the future.
ESSENDON
Free Agents: Harrison Jones, Jaxon Prior, Kyle Langford, Nick Bryan, Peter Wright, Will Setterfield
Out of Contract: Archer Day-Wicks, Archie Perkins, Cillian Bourke, Hussien El Achkar, Jaxon Artemis, Jayden Nguyen, Lewis Hayes, Max Kondogiannis, Rhys Unwin, Vigo Visentini, Xavier Duursma
Importantly struck an extension with Nate Caddy, who was originally out of contract next year and set to be a big Tassie target. It leaves young ruck duo Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini as signatures the club will look to lock away as the pair prepare to jostle for the No. 1 ruck spot in 2027. The departures of Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridley continue a list transition at Tullamarine, with Essendon among the most chased up clubs in the competition.
FREMANTLE DOCKERS
Free Agents: Alex Pearce, Jeremy Sharp, Luke Ryan, Mason Cox, Oscar McDonald
Out of Contract: Brandon Walker, Charlie Nicholls, Cooper Simpson, Heath Chapman, Jaeger O’Meara, Josh Draper, Karl Worner, Leon Kickett, Tobyn Murray
We know that the Devils are going to come hard for Freo skipper and Tassie native Alex Pearce, who you feared might’ve played his last game in purple when he hurt his Achilles in the Grand Final. Sam Switkowski’s departure should open the door for ex-Geelong product Tobyn Murray to get more opportunities at AFL level in 2027. Another Victorian, Karl Worner, should receive an improved deal after establishing himself in Justin Longmuir’s back six. Though Freo has impressively locked away most of its core stars on long-term deals in a sign of where the grand finalists are at.
Pies under pressure after Port defeat | 00:49
GEELONG CATS
Free Agents: Jack Martin, Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield, Sam De Koning, Tom Stewart, Tom Atkins
Out of Contract: Cillian Burke, Harley Barker, Hunter Holmes, Jacob Molier, Jay Polkinghorne, Jesse Mellor, Joe Pike, Lennox Hoffman, Nick Driscoll, Oisin Mullin, Oliver Henry, Oliver Wiltshire, Tanner Bruhn, Toby Conway
Sam De Koning was a name bandied around this trade period and Tasmania is also expected to be suitor for the Cats utility after he ultimately stayed at Geelong. Tom Stewart and Tom Atkins would be ideal targets for the Devils as senior players to help drive their culture. Rising Cats Ollie Henry, Oisin Mullin, Ollie Wiltshire and Tanner Bruhn should be priorities to lock away as players that will make up the long-term core.
GOLD COAST SUNS
Free Agents: Jy Farrar, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson
Out of Contract: Alex Davies, Elliott Himmelberg, Max Knobel, Will Graham
Remember how much we were talking about Zak Butters’ future this year? The same speculation will surround Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson until, or if, they sign extensions with the Suns as Victorian clubs try and lure the pair back home. And you could bet that just about every Victorian club will be looking to do just that in a crunch year for Damien Hardwick’s side. There’s murmurs that Alex Davies could be Tasmania bound after he only penned a one-year extension, while Gold Coast would also be keen for Will Graham to recommit.
GWS GIANTS
Free Agents: Lachie Ash, Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green
Out of Contract: Finnegan Davis, Harrison Oliver, Joseph Fonti, Leek Aleer, Nathan Wardius, Oliver Hannaford, Riley Hamilton
Speaking of clubs going into a crunch year, the Giants also have two of of their best players, Tom Green and Lachie Ash, out of contract in 2027 after losing a plethora of experience this off-season. The Devils are circling Green, who could be the ideal inaugural captain for the 19th club. Though the star midfielder is also in line to take over the role from Toby Greene after his departure to Geelong. Joe Fonti, 21, who’s originally from Western Australia, is another name to monitor after a career-best 2026.
Egan settles into life at Crows | 02:45
HAWTHORN
Free Agents: Harry Morrison, Jack Gunston, Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Mabior Chol, Will Day
Out of Contract: Jack Dalton, Jack Ginnivan, Josh Goater, Karl Amon, Matthew LeRay, Max Beattie, Ollie Greeves, William McCabe.
Will Day headlines a crop of Hawks star going into contract years after the club’s big trade splash saw it land Zach Merrett and Ben King. So, is there enough cash leftover to keep everyone? Day will undoubtedly be courted by the South Australian clubs in a bid to lure him back to his home state. Though it’s hard to see Day leaving the Hawks. Mabior Chol and how Hawthorn’s deeper forward line functions as a whole will be interesting after bringing in King. Though 35-year old Jack Gunston is also out of contract.
MELBOURNE
Free Agents: Bodie Ryan, Christian Salem, Harrison Petty, Max Gawn
Out of Contract: Bailey Laurie, Blake Howes, Brody Mihocek, Jed Adams, Joel Fitzgerald, Lukas Cooke, Luker Kentfield, Max Mapley, Oscar Berry, Paddy Cross, Ricky Mentha, Thomas Matthew, Xavier Lindsay, Zane Duursma.
An extension for skipper Max Gawn shouldn’t take long. The evergreen champ, who turns 35 in December, is coming off a record ninth All-Australian blazer. Harrison Petty is from South Australia and has previously been linked to a return to his home state. Former first-round pick Xavier Lindsay is coming off an injury hampered season but stands as a key part of the future they’d want to tie down with the rest of their budding young core.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Free Agents: Jack Darling, Luke McDonald, Luke Parker.
Out of Contract: Aidan Corr, Blake Thredgold, Dylan Stephens, Griffin Logue, Hugo Mikunda, Matt Whitlock, Oliver Griffin, Tom Blamires, Zac Banch
No huge names coming out of contract but some promising young players in Matt Whitlock and Blake Thredgold as priorities for list boss Brady Rawlings to sort new contracts for. Jack Darling and Luke Parker impressed in their first season in Arden Street but the veteran duo will be playing for their futures in a year there will be greater expectations on Jaymie Graham’s Roos with the addition of Nick Blakey.
Stringer set for fourth AFL club | 00:30
PORT ADELAIDE
Free Agents: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Miles Bergman, Oliver Wines.
Out of Contract: Alex Van Wyk, Aliir Aliir, Balyn O’Brien, Christian Moraes, Corey Durdin, Dante Visentini, Harrison Ramm, Jack Watkins, Joe Berry, Joe Richards, Josh Lai, Josh Sinn, Mitch Zadow, Tom Cochrane, Will Brodie, Xavier Bamert.
A Victorian looking to return home? Port has lived this narrative before. Miles Bergman is sure to be targeted by Victorian clubs again two years on from striking his last extension. You sense ex-Port coach Ken Hinkley would be all over trying to recruit Bergman to the Devils, along with Aliir Aliir as two of his former players. Joe Richards and Corey Durdin are in line for a new, improved deals after impressive first season at Alberton, while former first-round pick Joe Berry also comes out of conract. They importantly locked down Mitch Georgiades until 2029, with the West Australian originally due to hit the market next year.
RICHMOND
Free Agents: Nick Vlastuin, Rhyan Mansell, Toby Nankervis, Tom Lynch
Out of Contract: Campbell Gray, Jasper Alger, Josh Smillie, Kane McAuliffe, Kye Annand, Luke Trainor, Maurice Rioli, Noah Roberts-Thomson, Patrick Carr, Sam Banks, Thomas Sims, Tom Brown, Zane Peucker
A few experienced Tigers, which there aren’t many of, come out of contract in 2027 in what looms as a crucial year in Adem Yze’s fourth at the helm. That includes Tasmanian trio Toby Nankervis, Sam Banks and Rhyan Mansell, who some believe his Devils papers are already stamped after only penning a one-year extension. Of their young crop, former Pick 7 Josh Smillie’s signature is most pressing, despite a wretched run of injury including just four VFL games — and no AFL appearances — since being drafted in 2024. Fellow 2024 first-round draftees Luke Trainor and Thomas Sims, who’s also been marred by injury, are also going into contract years.
ST KILDA
Free Agents: Bradley Hill, Daniel Butler, Hunter Clark, Jack Sinclair, Jackson Macrae, Liam Stocker, Mason Wood
Out of Contract: Alix Tauru, Angus Hastie, Anthony Caminiti, Campbell Lake, Charlie Banfield, Eamonn Armstrong, Jake Stringer, James Barrat, Kobe McDonald, Kye Fincher, Lance Collard, Liam Henry, Liam O’Connell, Max Hall, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Ryan Byrnes, Sam Marshall, Tobie Travaglia
Another name you’re going to be hearing plenty about over the next 12 months is Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. That’s presuming the Saints superstar doesn’t sign an extension with the club amid the potential lure of a return to South Australia. He’s not the only key Saint without a deal beyond 2027, with Max Hall and Jack Sinclair other important signatures. In fact, St Kilda has the most players out of contract in a crunch year under Ross Lyon, who also doesn’t have a deal beyond next season. Alix Tauru will be a curious name to monitor after speculation of a potential move last trade period in what turned into a bit of a circus, while fellow 2024 first-round draftee Tobie Travaglia is also due to come out of contract.
‘This is not my burden to bear’ | 06:25
SYDNEY SWANS
Free Agents: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, Hayden McLean, Jake Lloyd, Joel Hamling, Tom McCartin
Out of Contract: Angus Sheldrick, Billy Cootee, Caiden Cleary, Corey Warner, James Jordon, Jesse Dattoli, Jevan Phillipou, Liam Hetherton, Matthew Roberts, Max King, Ned Bowman, Noah Chamberlain, Patrick Snell, Peter Ladhams, Riak Andrew, Tom Hanily, Will Green
Expect plenty of speculation of a possible Chad Warner return to Western Australia. Warner stayed at the Swans after the Pullman scandal but has long been linked with a move back to a Perth, with the two WA clubs are set to come hard for the All-Australian. Tom McCartin is another Swans star that rival clubs are already circling ahead of the ex-Geelong Falcon’s free agency year. The departure of Joel Amartey pushes Hayden McLean up the forward pecking order and a more important player to lock away, while Brodie Grundy’s seven-year deal, originally signed with Collingwood, is set to expire.
WEST COAST EAGLES
Free Agents: Deven Robertson, Elliot Yeo, Finlay Macrae, Harry Edwards, Sandy Brock, Tim Kelly, Tom Cole
Out of Contract: Fred Rodriguez, Hamish Davis, Jacob Newton, Lucca Grego, Matthew Flynn, Noah Long, Oliver Francou, Tom Gross, Tylah Williams
A couple of veterans in Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly are coming towards the end of their deals. Where the duo stand and how Andrew McQualter’s side shakes out with the additions of Jack Viney and Trent Rivers is a bit of an unknown for 2027. Deven Robertson seemed to carve out a midfield role prior to his ACL injury in an all-timed blow at his second club. The greater priority for the Eagles is to keep their young star core tied down including Harley Reid, Willem Duursma and Jobe Shanahan, who are all contracted until the end of 2028.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Free Agents: Bailey Williams, Cody Weightman, Matthew Kennedy, Riley Garcia
Out of Contract: Caleb May, Finn Maginness, Lachlan Carmichael, Louis Emmett, Luke Cleary, Luke Kennedy, Rory Lobb, Will Darcy
As well placed as any side after a trade period splash with the additions of Zak Butters and Jordon Butts. Of their players out of contract in 2027, Cody Weightmann is the only one that sticks out as a priority re-signing, even after a couple of injury-ruined years as the small forward looks to get back to his best. Free agent Bailey Williams is underrated and coming off a year where he averaged a career-best 20.2 disposals, while Matt Kennedy has a been a very solid, value addition to the midfield since joining Whitten Oval.