AFL lists are starting to come together ahead of the 2026 season, following the trade period’s closure.
There were plenty of changes in a blockbuster exchange window, with several stars — including Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca — on the move, with lists to take further shape after November’s national draft.
Foxfooty.com.au has selected every club’s best 23 for next season following trade and free agency. (Italics = new player, * = likely to join).
Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women’s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
ADELAIDE CROWS
B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, R.Laird
HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, M.Hinge
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen
F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, D.Fogarty
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Peatling, I.Rankine
I/C: C.Ah Chee*, M.Michalanney, J.Soligo, L.Pedlar, S.Draper
EMG: Z.Taylor, J.Butts, S.Berry
Key ins: Callum Ah Chee?
Key outs: Brodie Smith, Matt Crouch
WE SAY: Callum Ah Chee surprisingly wasn’t traded to the Crows from the Lions in one of the trade period’s biggest eyebrow-raisers. But he’ll still expected to make his way to West Lakes — via the pre-season draft. He joins a powerful Adelaide forward line, which will welcome Taylor Walker back for a 19th AFL season in 2026. Adelaide’s injury list was kept incredibly slim this year, so their best available team doesn’t stray far away from their semi-final 23 against Hawthorn at all. Only Izak Rankine (suspended) at this stage is expected to miss Round 1, while dashing defender Brodie Smith announced his retirement alongside ball-winner Matt Crouch. Ah Chee’s arrival could force young forward Zac Taylor out of Matthew Nicks’ starting side, while Jordan Butts will be hoping he can force his way back in after a collapsed lung in the second half of 2025 halted his momentum in the senior side. A second full pre-season under the belt of Sid Draper could see him surge back into contention, perhaps at the expense of Sam Berry. The likes of Billy Dowling and Brayden Cook are other young players who will be around the mark. Finnbar Maley was also surprisingly traded to the Crows Nest, but is unlikely to start in the senior side.
BRISBANE LIONS
B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews (c), J.Fletcher
C: H.McCluggage, L.Neale, J.Berry
HF: C.Rayner, O.Allen, Z.Bailey
F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, E.Hipwood
FOLL: S.Draper, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft
I/C: K.Lohmann, L.Ashcroft, T.Gallop, S.Marshall, K.Coleman
EMG: N.Answerth, D.Gardiner, D.Annable
Key ins: Sam Draper, Oscar Allen
Key outs: Brandon Starcevich, Callum Ah Chee, Oscar McInerney
WE SAY: The back-to-back premiers have powered up with two key free agency additions, Oscar Allen and Sam Draper. That’s before they also snap up Academy star Daniel Annable in next month’s draft. But they have lost dual premiership players Cal Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich. Allen will partner with Logan Morris in the forward half, while first-year premiership player Ty Gallop is shaping as another tall weapon in attack. Brisbane went back-to-back this year despite all of Eric Hipwood, Lincoln McCarthy, Keidean Coleman, Noah Answerth and Jack Payne missing large portions of the season due to injury. The Lions will gradually regain that crop next year and look to make it to a fourth-straight grand final. The returns of those soldiers, however, might make it tough for the likes of Bruce Reville, Sam Marshall and Darcy Gardiner to keep their spots in Chris Fagan’s best side, despite being premiership players this year.
“It’s a big reset!” Curnow leaves Blues | 02:26
CARLTON
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, N.Haynes
HB: N.Newman, L.Young, O.Florent
C: J.Smith, P.Cripps (c), O.Hollands
HF: A.Moir, B.Kemp, W.Hayward
F: B.Ainsworth, H.McKay, J.Motlop
FOLL: M.Pittonet, G.Hewett, S.Walsh
I/C: L.Reidy, A.Cerra, B.Acres, Z.Williams, C.Lord
EMG: M.Cottrell, C.Chesser, L.Fogarty
Key ins: Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, Ben Ainsworth, Campbell Chesser, Liam Reidy
Key outs: Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Docherty, Corey Durdin
WE SAY: A lot of change at Ikon Park to make for a new-look side in 2026. After a busy trade period, we have four of those five recruits – Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, Ben Ainsworth and Liam Reidy – in their starting side. Fellow addition Campbell Chesser could easily be there too. Hard to say whether Reidy or Marc Pittonet will get first crack as No. 1 ruck and it could well be a shared job with five-man benches. Though not a new player per se, perhaps the most welcome fresh face is former No. 3 pick Jagga Smith, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury. Similarly, Nic Newman returns from a knee injury that wiped out his 2025. Already you see a more dynamic side with greater outside run and a versatile forward line. The departure of Jack Silvagni, a knee injury to Harry O’Farrell and uncertainty around Mitch McGovern’s future means the Blues don’t quite have an ideal second tall, with Nick Haynes and Lewis Young more suited to being interceptors/third talls. Father-son draftee Harry Dean could be in contention for one of those defensive roles but will likely need time to develop in the twos. Lachie Fogarty and Francis Evans also miss the team as casualties of a deeper forward line.
COLLINGWOOD
B: I.Quaynor, D.Moore (c), B.Maynard
HB: H.Perryman, J.Howe, D.Houston
C: J.Daicos, J.De Goey, J.Crisp
HF: B.McCreery, T.Membrey, J.Elliott
F: B.Hill, D.McStay, L.Schultz
FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Daicos
I/C: N.Long, S.Sidebottom, P.Lipinski, B.Frampton, W.Parker
EMG: E.Allan, R.Steele, J.Buller
Key ins: Jack Buller
Key outs: Brody Mihocek, Will Hoskin-Elliott
WE SAY: It’s largely the same Collingwood side after a quiet trade period. Jack Buller is the only addition to replace Brody Mihocek. Though Buller could easily feature early next season, we don’t quite have him in the best 23 for now. Pies fans will be keen to see Bobby Hill back fit and firing in 2026 and expect Beau McCreery to get more midfield exposure. While this is effectively Craig McRae’s optimal line-up, don’t be surprised if there’s more of a sprinkling of youth. That could well come at the expense of some veterans who mightn’t be locks in the senior team anymore. Two of the above listed emergencies, Ed Allan and Roan Steele, should get more opportunities along with the likes of Reef McInnes, who will be returning from an ACL injury, Charlie West, Harvey Harrison and Harry DeMattia. Tom Mitchell and Mason Cox still remain without deals for 2026.
Merrett’s manager FUMING as trade fails | 00:32
ESSENDON
B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley
HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, A.Roberts
C: N.Martin, Z.Merrett (c?), B.Fiorini
HF: S.Durham, P.Wright, J.Gresham
F: K.Langford, N.Caddy, I.Kako
FOLL: N.Bryan, J.Caldwell, D.Parish
I/C: V.Visentini, X.Duursma, H.Jones. N.Cox, A.Clarke
EMG: A.Perkins, M.Guelfi, E.Tsatas
Key ins: Brayden Fiorini
Key outs: Sam Draper, Dylan Shiel, Jayden Laverde, Todd Goldstein
WE SAY: For all the pessimism that’s surrounded Essendon’s off-season, its best 23 is very solid on paper. In fact, it’s almost unrecognisable from the depleted line-up that finished last season. Zach Merrett will be back after failing to secure a trade to Hawthorn, but he may no longer have the captaincy. Brayden Fiorini is the sole recruit and he’ll make one of those wings his. So much is riding on getting all their soldiers on the park, unlike a crippled 2025 campaign. They’ll welcome healthier seasons from the likes of Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Darcy Parish, Ben McKay, Jordan Ridley, Zach Reid, Nik Cox and Harrison Jones. But unfortunately Nic Martin is likely to miss a key portion of 2026 after a brutal ACL blow in July. There’s still some uncertainty around the ruck situation after Sam Draper’s departure, with Nick Bryan expected to miss the start of next season while he rehabs his own ACL issue. They do have Lachie Blakiston as ruck support too. Five top 30 draft picks are set to join too — including two top six picks.
FREMANTLE
B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce (c), J.McVee
HB: H.Chapman, B.Cox, J.Clark
C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, N.Erasmus
HF: S.Bolton, P.Voss, M.Reid
F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, M.Frederick
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: S.Darcy, K.Worner, N.O’Driscoll, S.Switkowski, B.Banfield
EMG: M.Johnson, C.Wagner, O.McDonald
Key ins: Judd McVee
Key outs: Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters, James Aish, Liam Reidy, Will Brodie
WE SAY: It wasn’t a busy trade window for the Dockers in terms of additions, but Judd McVee is every chance of being an acquisition we look back on in 12 months’ time as one of the underrated best recruits of this off-season. He slots in next to Jordan Clark in a strong Dockers defence, replacing retired champion Nat Fyfe. Sam Switkowski’s inclusion is the other change from Justin Longmuir’s elimination final side, replacing Isaiah Dudley. A full season of Hayden Young should mean this side is well-placed for a deep September run, provided it can play an exciting brand that was seen inconsistently this year — but adding in McVee, the Dockers have the kickers to be brave on counter-punch next year. A very settled line-up that can go far in 2026.
Buckley reveals why he joined Cats | 03:22
GEELONG
B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, J.Henry
HB: T.Stewart, C.O’Sullivan, L.Humphries
C: G.Miers, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: B.Close, S.Neale, T.Stengle
F: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, P.Dangerfield (c)
FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins
I/C: J.Worpel, J.Bowes, O.Mullin, M.Blicavs, J.Martin
EMG: M.O’Connor, J.Clark, O.Henry
Key ins: James Worpel
Key outs: Mitch Duncan
WE SAY: Missed out on Charlie Curnow and Rowan Marshall, but they got their midfield addition in James Worpel, who’ll add another hard-nosed element of ball-winning to complement the electric nature of Bailey Smith and Max Holmes. Worpel coming into Chris Scott’s side figures to push Jhye Clark, who was a fringe player for most of last season and was sub on multiple occasions, further down the mid pecking order. Rhys Stanley, who’s going around yet again, remains the club’s top ruck option with Marshall staying at St Kilda, unless Toby Conway can get his body right and force his way in. While losing out on Curnow hurts, it’s still a stacked forward line and Shannon Neale should only get better and better. And can Ollie Henry bounce back from a disappointing 2025?
Petracca traded to Suns for three picks | 02:01
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: W.Powell, S.Collins, B.Uwland
HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli
C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, W.Graham
HF: T.Miller, J.Ugle-Hagan, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, B.King, E.Read
FOLL: J.Witts, C.Petracca, N.Anderson (c)
I/C: A.Davies, C.Ballard, J.Rogers, J.Jeffrey, S.Clohesy
EMG: N.Moyle, J.Farrar, J.Walter
Key ins: Christian Petracca, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Key outs: Sam Flanders, Ben Ainsworth, Connor Budarick, Brayden Fiorini, Malcolm Rosas Jnr, David Swallow, Alex Sexton
WE SAY: Lost some valuable depth this off-season, but importantly, they brought two stars, Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, to the club to aid their likely premiership tilt next year. Ugle-Hagan comes with significant more risk, but he figures to take Jy Farrar’s role as the second tall up forward. They should get a healthy Charlie Ballard back in defence after he missed almost the entire season. Jake Rogers should start to stamp his imprint in his third season at the level, while the Suns will also get a healthy Will Graham and Sam Clohesy back. Leo Lombard should also push for more senior chances in 2026. The progression of Jed Walter will be an intriguing watch next year after he fell out of Damien Hardwick’s favour and had his name thrown up in trade speculation.
Leek Aleer extends Giants stay | 00:26
GWS GIANTS
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: J.Kelly, C.Oliver, R.Angwin
HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, D.Jones
F: T.Greene (c), J.Hogan, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green
I/C: J.Riccardi, S.Coniglio, T.Bedford, C.Brown, J.Fonti
EMG: M.Gruzewski, X.O’Halloran, L.Aleer
Key ins: Clayton Oliver, Jayden Laverde?
Key outs: Callan Ward, Jacob Wehr
WE SAY: Didn’t go into the exchange period with much expectation, but they’ve come away with a valuable midfield option in Clayton Oliver to add to what’s already a threatening mix of ball-winners. It might come at the expense of Xavier O’Halloran. Jacob Wehr’s free agency exit opens the door for a young talent to push his way into Adam Kingsley’s unit. A healthy Jack Buckley and Brent Daniels come return to the side, with Buckley straightening up arguably the most stout defence in the competition. That probably comes at the expense of Leek Aleer, who surprisingly remains at the club after his move to St Kilda controversially fell through. They Giants have plenty of defensive support, with the club set to scoop up Jayden Laverde as a delisted free agent. Darcy Jones should miss a fair portion of 2026 after suffering an ACL injury in the elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
Merrett’s bid to join Hawks fails | 01:28
HAWTHORN
B: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, J.Battle
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Weddle
C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, K.Amon
HF: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, D.Moore
F: N.Watson, M.Lewis, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, W.Day
I/C: C. Macdonald, J. Scrimshaw, C.Nash, C.Dear, C.Mackenzie
EMG: H.Morrison, S.Butler, F.Maginness
Key ins: Nil
Key outs: James Worpel, Changkuoth Jiath, Jai Serong
WE SAY: No ins — only outs — during the trade period. But Sam Mitchell’s side remains settled. Just three changes to the side that lost to Geelong in a preliminary final. Unfortunately for the Hawthorn faithful, Zach Merrett isn’t one of them. Will Day will be a welcome return from injury and Cam Mackenzie will look to follow Josh Ward’s 2025 season and have a breakout season as a permanent midfielder. We’ve opted for all four key forwards in this team, but there’s a high chance Sam Butler, who impressed when given opportunities late in 2025, slots back into the team at the expense of one of them.
“An exciting player!” CJ set for Demons | 01:27
MELBOURNE
B: D.Turner, S.May, C.Salem
HB: T.Rivers, J.Lever, J.Bowey
C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, X.Lindsay
HF: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Chandler
F: J.Melksham, H.Petty, J.van Rooyen
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, K.Pickett
I/C: C.Windsor, H.Langford, T.Sparrow, K.Tholstrup, C.Jiath
EMG: B.Howes, J.Culley, M.Jefferson
Key ins: Jack Steele, Brody Mihocek, Changkuoth Jiath, Max Heath
Key outs: Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Judd McVee Jack Billings, Charlie Spargo
WE SAY: A world of list change at the Demons during trade and free agency to kickstart a new era under Steven King. The addition of Jack Steele helps fill the midfield void left by premiership pair Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Plenty of others options to roll through there including Trent Rivers, Caleb Windsor and Harvey Langford all set for more on-ball time. Brody Mihocek brings his own flag-winning pedigree in the forward half and Changkuoth Jiath provides handy dash off half-back. The loss of Judd McVee leaves a void in defence. Steven May returns after he wasn’t able to find a new home during the trade window. But it wouldn’t be a shock if King begins to look past the veteran defender, with the potential for Harrison Petty to return to the backline. Max Heath also joined the club as ruck cover for Max Gawn and we expect Heath to be just that. Two top 10 draft picks to come in as well.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: J.Archer, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: C.Daniel, C.Comben, F.O’Sullivan
C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher
HF: Z.Duursma, J.Darling, J.Simpkin (c?)
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, P.Curtis
FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel
I/C: L.Parker, T.Powell, R.Hardeman, C.Spargo, J.Konstanty
EMG: C.Trembath, W.Phillips, W.Dawson
Key ins: Charlie Spargo
Key outs: Nil
WE SAY: Is this team capable of making genuine strides up the ladder in 2026? Charlie Spargo is the only new face in what was otherwise a very quiet exchange window. That included the retention of skipper Jy Simpkin despite the Roos entertaining trade offers. Simpkin might lose the captaincy and is likely to play more as a half-forward/wing under Alastair Clarkson in 2026. North has backed in the likes of Charlie Comben, Toby Pink and Griffin Logue again to hold down its defensive posts. Wil Dawson should get more opportunities at the expense of Aidan Corr, while stalwart Luke McDonald might find it hard to hold down a consistent spot next year. And can Zane Duursma cement his spot in the AFL team after playing a total 23 games across his first two seasons? Up forward, youngsters Cooper Trembath and Jack Whitlock should be in the mix for a key position role.
PORT ADELAIDE
B: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, La. Jones
HB: C.Rozee (c), E.Ratugolea, J.Burgoyne
C: J.Wehr, M.Bergman, W.Drew
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, J.Richards
F: J.Lukosius, M.Georgiades, S.Powell-Pepper
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, J.Horne-Francis
I/C: O.Wines, W.Brodie, J.Berry, J.Sinn, J.Whitlock
EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, C.Moraes, O.Lord
Key ins: Jacob Wehr, Corey Durdin, Will Brodie
Key outs: Travis Boak, Ryan Burton, Jeremy Finlayson, Willie Rioli, Rory Atkins
WE SAY: Vastly different looking side under new coach Josh Carr compared to Port’s banged up unit that finished 2025. They brought in periphery pieces in Will Brodie, Jacob Wehr and Corey Durdin during the trade period. Hard to know where they’ll fit into calculations alongside several young players such as Christian Moraes and Jack Whitlock, who will be hoping to get more regular senior opportunities. And all under the eyes of a new senior coach. Sam Powell-Pepper won’t be there to start the season after suffering an ACL injury in July. But Mitch Georgiades will be salivating at the prospect of having both Todd Marshall, who missed all of las season, and Jack Lukosius, who played only seven games, to help him spearhead the attack. Basically every line didn’t get proper reps together in 2025 including a midfield still as potent as any. Will Carr keep Rozee across half back, or will he return that on-ball group with running partners Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis?
RICHMOND
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin
HB: S.Banks, J.Gibcus, J.Short
C: L.Trainor, D.Prestia, H.Ralphsmith
HF: S.Campbell, N.Balta, S.Lalor
F: R.Mansell, T.Lynch, J.Faull
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: J.Ross, T.Hotton, T.Brown, S.Green, H.Armstrong
EMG: T.Sims, J.Smillie, T.Dow
Key ins: Nil
Key outs: Tylar Young, Kamdyn McIntosh
WE SAY: Richmond will be banking on a healthy Josh Gibcus, with the club still holding out hope the former first-round pick can be a long-term key defensive answer. Sam Lalor slots back onto half-forward after another hamstring ended his debut season, while the Tigers will plan for a Josh Smillie second-year leap after a redshirt rookie year. Noah Balta could start the year forward again in a combination with Tom Lynch and emerging tall Jonty Faull, with fellow second-year keys Tom Sims and Harry Armstrong chomping at the bit for senior spots. Versatile youngster Luke Trainor could fill the wing void left by Kamdyn McIntosh, while a healthy Hugo Ralphsmith returns to the opposite wing. Jack Ross keeps Thomson Dow out of the side. Also hold picks 3 and 4.
Ross Lyon coy on Aleer backflip | 03:06
ST KILDA
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie (c?), L.Stocker
HB: B.Hill, J.Silvagni, J.Sinclair
C: D.Wilson, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Wood
HF: M.Hall, R.Marshall, L.Ryan
F: J.Higgins, M.King, M.Owens
FOLL: T.De Koning, M.Windhager, S.Fl-anders
I/C: M.Phillipou, H.Garcia, H.Boxshall, J.Macrae, T.Travaglia
EMG: L.Henry, A.Caminiti, C.Sharman,
Key ins: Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders, Liam Ryan
Key outs: Jack Steele, Jimmy Webster, Zak Jones , Max Heath
WE SAY: The Saints’ trade haul is a sign of changing times at Moorabbin, with plenty of changes to their best team from the end of this season. Tom De Koning assumes the number-one ruck role in a pairing with Rowan Marshall, who figures to play more time forward to straighten up Ross Lyon’s forward line along with the returning Max King. And with Jack Silvagni bolstering the defence alongside likely new skipper Cal Wilkie, Anthony Caminiti and Cooper Sharman get squeezed out. Sam Flanders should straight into the midfield, which could go in a number of different directions. You sense Flanders and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera are the only on-ball locks, with Marcus Windhager, Mattes Phillipou, Hugo Garcia, Hugh Boxshall and Jack Macrae other options. Plenty of depth, with the likes of Dan Butler and Hunter Clark outside senior calculations.
Curnow opens up on nerve racking trade | 10:47
SYDNEY SWANS
B: D.Rampe, L.Melican, T.McCartin
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks
C: J.McInerney, Ch. Warner, E.Gulden
HF: B.Campbell, J.Amartey, J.Jordon
F: M.Rosas Jnr, C.Curnow, T.Papley
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom
I/C: L.McDonald, H.McLean, A.Sheldrick, J.Lloyd, H.Cunningham
EMG: P.Ladhams, M.Roberts, C.Cleary
Key ins: Charlie Curnow, Malcolm Rosas Jnr, Jai Serong
Key outs: Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, Robbie Fox, Aaron Francis, Jack Buller
WE SAY: A handy name slots straight in at full forward. Marquee trade addition Charlie Curnow will spearhead Dean Cox’s new-look attack in Sydney’s most talented forward since Buddy Franklin. It’ll be fascinating what the addition of Curnow does to the Swans’ other key talls, with the potential for one to swing back. We left fellow recruit Jai Serong out, but he could easily feature in that defence. As important as anything, Sydney looks set to go into 2026 with a clean bill of after its 2025 season was cruelled by injuries, with Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Logan McDonald among those to miss considerable time. Cox will have more optionality that ever before in his second season. But that star-studded midfield led by Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Gulden is set in stone. Looks like a side capable of going deep.
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: B.Starcevich, S.Brock, B.Hough
HB: R.Ginbey, T.Young, L.Baker (c?)
C: L.Duggan, H.Reid, T.McCarthy
HF: E.Hewett, J.Shanahan, M.Owies
F: T.Brockman, J.Waterman, J.Cripps
FOLL: M.Flynn, J.Graham, E.Yeo
I/C: N.Long, R.Maric, T.Kelly, D.Robertson* B.Allan
EMG: B.Williams, A.Reid, C.Hall
Key ins: Brandon Starcevich, Tylar Young, Deven Robertson?
Key outs: Oscar Allen, Jeremy McGovern Dom Sheed, Oscar Allen, Liam Ryan, Jayden Hunt, Campbell Chesser
WE SAY: The number of injuries at West Coast to finish last season make it a tricky task to work out which of their young guns get preference come Round 1 next year. That’s before evening making mention the half a dozen departures from the club, although admittedly only some played more than a few matches in 2025. The inclusion of Brandon Starcevich and Tylar Young now make the Eagles defence more solid — despite Jeremy McGovern’s retirement. After an interrupted first season at Lathlain, Bo Allan will be hopeful of a strong pre-season under his belt that will catapult him back into the best 23. Potential first two overall draft picks, Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tyler, could well could well slot straight into Andrew McQualter’s side too. Players perhaps on the fringe (but could also very well be named Round 1) include premiership Eagle Tom Cole, Archer Reid, Tom Gross, Jack Williams and Harry Edwards. Delisted Lion Deven Robertson is also all but certain to land at the Eagles as a delisted free agent and would seem likely to play Round 1.
“Staggered!” Dogs fail to sign defender | 01:28
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, J.Busslinger
HB: C.Budarick, R.Lobb, B.Dale
C: J.Freijah, M.Bontempelli (c), A.Treloar
HF: C.Weightman, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, T.Liberatore, E.Richards
I/C: J.Croft, R.Sanders, B.Williams, S.Davidson, L.McNeil
EMG: B.Khamis, L.Cleary, L.Vandermeer
Key ins: Connor Budarick
Key outs: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Taylor Duryea, Liam Jones
WE SAY: The Dogs are basically running it back. They didn’t make any notable key defensive acquisitions despite a bold bid for Cal Wilkie, while they also pushed for Mark Keane and had interest in Jordon Butts. Instead the Dogs came away with small backman Connor Budarick. It means Luke Beveridge’s side figures to go into the new season with Rory Lobb, James O’Donnell and possibly Jedd Busslinger as its main key backs, with Buku Khamis retained as depth after a trade with Carlton fell through. Jordan Croft flashed promise right at the end of the year and should be in a spot to take a sizeable step next year, with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan officially departing the club. Croft could even be used in defence. They’ll very much welcome the return of Cody Weightman to further boost an already potent forward line, while Adam Treloar will hope to get a good run on the injury front after earning a one-year extension.