It’s off-season mode now for all 18 clubs as planning for 2026 and beyond begins.

Every team faces it’s own unique set of circumstances. From those in flag contention, to others trying to make noise or setting themselves on the right path. And some clubs have bigger-picture priorities.

Foxfooty.com.au runs through the burning question for every club this off-season.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Crows’ burning question: Who do they look to in their midfield for the spark?

Structurally and in terms of voids that need filling, Matthew Nicks’ side sits in a very similar boat to Hawthorn. Both clubs had a golden opportunity to bring in a superstar midfielder to fill their club’s biggest void, and both walked away empty-handed. Hawthorn has at least proven they’re a genuine finals team in back-to-back years, whereas a couple more questions remain over the Crows. Their sub-par September was no doubt amplified by the absence of Izak Rankine, who played as a genuine midfielder-forward and was in All-Australia before his suspension. His replacements in the nucleus though simply couldn’t match it with their opposition on the big stage, and with Rankine still remaining a key cog in the attacking half, another alternate option may need to help shoulder the load. Sid Draper and Dan Curtin loom as the two most likely options, but with both only one and two years into their AFL careers respectively, they can’t be relied upon just yet to be the difference Adelaide so desperately needs.

BRISBANE LIONS

Lions’ burning question: Has there been a team better placed for a dynasty?The reigning back-to-back premiers became the first club to reach five premierships this century. And there’s reason to be bullish there could yet be more to come, with a long runway ahead. In fact, there’s probably no team better placed for a dynasty in recent history, with a seriously promising future. Consider that this is a slightly younger group than the likes of Richmond, Hawthorn, Geelong and Brisbane during their dominant runs this century. Or at least, Fagan’s Lions have more young gun core pieces including the likes of Will Ashcroft, 21, already a two-time Norm Smith Medal winner, Levi Ashcroft, 19, Logan Morris, 20, Darcy Wilmot, 21, Jaspa Fletcher, 21, and Kai Lohmann, 22. Of course, keeping that core together might pose a challenge. Plus, from their 2025 Grand Final side, only Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester, Lachie Neale, Darcy Fort, Charlie Cameron and Darcy Gardiner are over 30. Bear in mind that Brisbane has played in three-straight grand finals after preliminary finals in two of the three years prior, so this has the potential to be decade-long run. When has that ever happened before? Throw in Oscar Allen and Sam Draper in next year’s side and the Lions will be more primed than ever before, with Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee the only notable departures.

‘They will have to swim back!’ | 01:35

CARLTON

Blues’ burning question: Was a bold trade period shake up needed?

Carlton’s busy trade period is as much about, and perhaps more important for, the future than 2026 specifically. For it’s hard to say the departures of Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni and the arrivals of Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, Ben Ainsworth, Liam Reidy and Cambell Chesser make the Blues a better side. We don’t even know how many of those recruits will be best 23, though they did secure them at little cost. So they basically bought low and sold high. And it’s more about whether a reset of sorts was needed for a list to set the club up long term. In a perfect world, the Blues would’ve kept Curnow, De Koning and Silvagni, but their departures might’ve given the club an opportunity to revamp a list that appeared to max out two years ago and was very top-end heavy. And thus a list that probably needed a shake up and injection of youth. Carlton now has six first-round picks over the next three drafts, with highly-rated father-son prospects Harry Dean (2025) and Andrew Walker (2026) set to join the club over the next 12-plus months. New Blues CEO Graham Wright helped oversee a similar rejig with Collingwood’s list at the start of the decade, minus adding the suite of picks Carlton has as its disposal. It could also be used as capital to go shopping for stars on the market in the coming years.

COLLINGWOOD

Magpies’ burning question: Is there a cliff coming?

Too old and too slow? Or too experienced and too good? The latter proved to be more true of Collingwood in 2025. What can’t be debated as that the oldest list in the competition is going to lose a key core of its veterans in the coming years, with the likes of Scott Pendlebury (37), Jeremy Howe (35), Steele Sidebottom (34), Jamie Elliott (33) and Jack Crisp (33) in the twilight of their careers. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Magpies will fall away in 2026, but you have to wonder what’s ahead when the torch bearers of this club’s sustained run of contention over the last decade or so are no longer there. And that means there probably needs to be some urgency to work out which players are going to replace them. For the cabinet of talented young players, aside from Nick Daicos, is relatively bare. Of course, that doesn’t have to necessarily come through some all-in reset. Clubs like Collingwood and Geelong have shown an ability to retool and find pieces on the run to retool their list. But still, the natural cycle of the AFL means there will be change in some form in terms of contenders and those at the other end of the ladder. And Collingwood’s current profile appears to be that of a team that’s arrow will eventually be pointing in the right direction, if the Pies can’t find pieces to help take them into a new era. Bottoming out now with Tassie’s looming entry in 2028 wouldn’t be ideal either, for the Devils are set to dominate the 2027 draft.

Dew won’t ask Butters to stay with Port | 01:01

ESSENDON

Bombers’ burning question: Will Zach Merrett’s return cause lingering tension?

Arguably the biggest story of the trade period was a non-trade – Essendon holding Zach Merrett. The Bombers and Hawks ultimately couldn’t reach a deal, setting up for a potentially awkward pre-season at Tullamarine – at least to begin – as their wantaway skipper returns to the club. So will it cause any sort of lingering tension for a club desperate to set itself on the right track after two decades of mediocrity? Potentially the bigger question is whether Merrett can continue as captain, which you’d think not. The star midfielder is a professional and you wouldn’t think there would be any sort of spite. But trading him could’ve allowed all parties to turn a page and erase the possibility of any sort of tension. Instead, there’s a potential dark cloud hanging over the club and possibility that the same saga plays out again next trade period. New president Andrew Welsh has been pretty bold in his vision for the club to get its swagger back and return to powerhouse status. So you could also look at Essendon holding Merrett as a strong line in the sand moment, even if maximising the 30-year old’s trade value now might’ve made more sense from a list management perspective.

FREMANTLE

Dockers’ burning question: Have they ever been better placed for silverware?

There’s been a lot of love for the likes of Brisbane and Gold Coast after busy trade periods as far as the premiership frontrunners go. But don’t underestimate the prospects of a team out west. Fremantle has all the tools to be a contender in 2026. It feels like we’ve been saying that for a few years now, but the reality is that this is still a young-ish side coming into its own. In fact, the Dockers’ 2026 list ranks in the bottom eight in terms of both average age and games played. Hard to recall a time in Fremantle’s history when the club has been better placed in general to win its first flag, despite those promising years under Ross Lyon in the mid 2010s. As disappointing as a home elimination final loss to Gold Coast was, there’s still so much upside for the Dockers – both with emerging talent as stars only really beginning their prime years. The question mark over whether Justin Longmuir is the man to lead the club to silverware is a valid one, for the club hasn’t yet won a final under the Freo coach. And surely there will be more of a sense of urgency moving forward and higher expectations. But all coaches are unproven until they’re not. What can’t be denied is they have all the pieces to succeed with one of the most talented lists in the competition primed to contend in the coming years.

Rampe and Lloyd to remain with Swans | 00:22

GEELONG CATS

Cats’ burning question: Will they be left ruing trade period misses?

There’s a saying that if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling back. Yes, the Cats added James Worpel in free agency and they still have one of the best lists in the competition. But they missed out on both Rowan Marshall and Charlie Curnow during the trade period … and other teams got better. You could argue they didn’t exactly need Charlie Curnow. But imagine pairing the two-time Coleman medallist with Jeremy Cameron and what else it could’ve unlocked for mastermind coach Chris Scott. Curnow undoubtably would’ve raised the grand finalists’ ceiling. They could clearly use an upgrade in the ruck more from a pure list need perspective, so perhaps missing Rowan Marshall is a bigger blow. And the Cats have had so much success in the exchange window as one of the big destination clubs including the addition of Bailey Smith 12 months ago. No one is going to be down on Geelong going into 2026. Their track record is simply too good to ignore. But you do wonder if we’ll be looking back and questioning what could’ve been.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Suns’ burning question: Will they be exposed by lack of depth after trade exodus?

Gold Coast acquired big fish this off-season in Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan — and will also welcome star Academy duo Dylan Patterson and Zeke Uwland at November’s draft — but conversely, it also lost quality depth. Sam Flanders, Ben Ainsworth, Connor Budarick, Brayden Fiorini and Malcolm Rosas Jnr. all requested and were granted moves in October’s trade period, meaning the club loses four senior bodies who played consistent AFL footy in last year’s finals run. If Petracca and Ugle-Hagan stay on the park next year and have the impact that most expect they will, that gap in lost quality will be covered without many qualms — but if a few key names go down with injury or suspension, there’ll be far less for Damien Hardwick and co. to call on as the Suns prepare to launch a second-straight finals campaign.

“People want to be there for history” | 02:11

GWS GIANTS

Giants’ burning question: Is the midfield fast enough after Oliver addition?

The Giants sat fifth-last in the competition for centre-clearance differential this season, and they added former Melbourne ball-winner Clayton Oliver to address that need. But while they got the 2021 flag-winner on the cheap, he still comes with an element of risk and simply mightn’t be an elite starting midfielder anymore. Further, he’ll be lining up next to Tom Green — not exactly the paciest pair running around — with Finn Callaghan adding the speed dimension to the unit. Will they struggle to keep up with some of the faster engine rooms next year? And there’s a question over whether the Giants lack a proper centre-forward player, with Brent Daniels — who played that role for a while — missing a lot of footy and slated to play more in the forward half next year with Darcy Jones sidelined by his knee reconstruction.

HAWTHORN

Hawks’ burning question: How much will they rue failed Merrett pursuit?

Hawthorn couldn’t manage to trade for Zach Merrett to hugely bolster a midfield that lost James Worpel — who attended the third-most centre bounces among midfielders for the club this year — and hadn’t got the best out of Will Day due to injury interruptions, and it remains to be seen just how costly the failed move will end up being. Until next year’s campaign kicks off, the question of whether the Hawks should’ve offered more to the Bombers in a trade will continue to be asked. If Day can stay healthy next season, and the Hawks get continued development out of Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie and the like, there’s no reason to think the engine room can’t help lead another deep Hawks finals run. But the club has clearly identified the midfield as an area where it needs another star, having also been in on Harley Reid and Zak Butters — and it won’t want to leave it all on the shoulders of Jai Newcombe, with Conor Nash sitting second among Hawthorn midfielders this year for CBAs. Crucially, this year, Hawthorn ranked third-last for clearance differential — better than only Richmond and West Coast — validating its desire to improve the unit while sitting in the premiership window.

Potential Ireland vs Australia rep sides | 04:21

MELBOURNE

Demons’ burning question: What does the preferred midfield mix look like?

Melbourne’s midfield combination will be a fascination throughout next season after the club offloaded premiership ball-winning duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Aside from ruck Max Gawn, Oliver recorded a team-high 446 centre-bounce attendances, while Petracca’s 430 were second-most. They’re big voids to fill in the guts. It’s little secret that the Demons have an eye to the future, so expect Harvey Langford — who posted a meagre 10 per cent CBA clip per game this year — set to see a major increase, along with more Kozzie Pickett, who sat third among Dees this year with 388 in total. Then there’s ex-St Kilda captain Jack Steele, who’ll clearly play a considerable role, even if his time as a full-time midfielder might be nearing an end. Trent Rivers is a name who should also get his fair share of engine room opportunities after ranking fifth at Melbourne this year with 129. Veteran hard nut Jack Viney, who attended 349 CBAs this year, will get his crack too but should see a minimised role in year 14.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Kangaroos’ burning question: Is Alastair Clarkson going to be the messiah?

Not to put the success of a club on one figure. But there was such a strong feeling of optimism when Alastair Clarkson first took the coaching reins at Arden Street at the end of 2022. That the four-time premiership coach was going to be the messiah to help drag the club out of its rut and back into finals for the first time since 2016 after several years of going to the draft and accruing high-end talent. But ahead of year four under the master coach, there’s yet to be any meaningful improvement. Clarkson himself has admitted the rebuild is taking longer than they would’ve hoped. The Roos actually have the pieces now, even though they’re still very young, with a promising core including Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, Finn O’Sullivan, Colby McKercher, Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis, Cam Zurhaar and Charlie Comben. That should provide North fans with more optimism than they’ve had in years, even if the backline is still a potential weak point. And last year’s pick swap with Richmond, that’s left North without a first-rounder in next month’s draft, suggests the Roos are ready to start making inroads up the ladder. There’s a world where they can do that in 2026, with the coach as best equipped as any leading the charge.

Dangerous conditions a ‘Safety Issue’ | 02:01

PORT ADELAIDE

Power’s burning question: How does Josh Carr make his mark?

It’d be fair to say Ken Hinkley’s final season as coach didn’t go exactly as planned. Injuries clearly played a part in that, but the club tumbled out of the finals after finishing top three in all but one other season this decade. And it felt like you could’ve put a line through them around mid-season. Beyond Hinkley’s departure, footy boss Chris Davies moved to Carlton along with the retired Travis Boak —three of the absolute core figures of the recent success at Alberton. So it’s a clear changing of the guard as the Power move into a new era under new coach Josh Carr’s lead alongside new head of footy Ben Rutten. With that creates a big layer of uncertainty on what’s ahead, but also a feeling of optimism for a refreshed club. You look at their best 23 on paper and it still stacks up with the best of them, but Hinkley, despite no premiership success, has been one the most winningest coaches of the modern era. So how does Carr, the only new AFL senior coach in 202, put his mark on the team and wider club? What tactics does he bring to the table? And does he make any bold magnet shifts? A fascinating 12 months ahead with the backdrop of Zak Butters eligible for free agency in 2026.

RICHMOND

Tigers’ burning question: Which top 2024 recruit(s) take the biggest leap?

The development of Richmond’s top picks in last year’s draft varied greatly. Of the eight draftees, only two played more than half the season in Luke Trainor (21 games) and Jonty Faull (16). Trainor was consistent and exhibited his versatility playing a handful of different positional roles, but the Sandringham product needs to improve the competitive side of his game. Faull, meanwhile, inspired hope that he’s the future of Richmond’s key attack in the post-Tom Lynch era, displaying his competitiveness, agility and aerial ability. No.1 pick Sam Lalor’s promising debut campaign was cruelled by a serious hamstring injury, and if the club can manage that situation more delicately throughout next year, he should pop most as the tantalising midfield-forward weapon he flashed signs of becoming during his 11 games this year. Taj Hotton is the wildcard and could easily be the one who leaps highest in year two. The livewire shapes as the Tigers’ long-term answer to their Shai Bolton void as a lightly-built sparkplug who can damage forward of the ball but also go into the midfield in more than just a few stints and swing games. Arguably the biggest question mark is over Josh Smillie’s conditioning after last year’s no.7 pick wasn’t able to make his senior debut and managed just four VFL appearances.

North wins 23rd conescutive AFLW match | 00:57

ST KILDA

Saints’ burning question: Will all-in trade splurge work? And how quickly can they gain chemistry?

St Kilda sure was bold this off-season, spending more money in trade and free agency market than any club with the acquisitions of Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan. Firstly, there’s some question marks on if it’s the right time for the club to be going for it. And if they’ve spent big on the right players. Beyond that, the recruiting of several players into the club’s best 23 will naturally take time for all involved to get on the same page and given how hard they’ve swung during the trade period, there won’t be a whole lot of time to warm into the season given the sky-high expectations. How they make the combination of De Koning and Rowan Marshall work remains to be seen and is probably the biggest question mark hanging over their side structurally. Reports of disillusioned players at Moorabbin came about at the back end of the 2025 home-and-away season amid reports of large pay cheques for incoming players. Is that an issue that will be put to bed if strong team performances come, or could it rear its ugly head if mediocrity continues?

SYDNEY SWANS

Swans’ burning question: How do they make Charlie Curnow’s arrival work perfectly?

The biggest signing of any player this off-season was that of Charlie Curnow landing at Sydney after a decade at Ikon Park. While the Swans had several capable key forwards on their list in 2025, none of them really threatened to fire when they weren’t injured. Now with the dual Coleman Medallist in their ranks though, one of Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey or Hayden McLean looks almost certain to be omitted with a squad at full health. Truth be told, there isn’t an obvious standout in the trio who will be Curnow’s right-hand man — perhaps Amartey, but it’s arguably a spot up for grabs. Given their best 23 next year is very similar to the same side that dominated in 2024, the addition of Curnow and a clean run with injuries suggests the Swans should very much be contending for another flag.

Demons recruit eyeing defensive role | 00:59

WEST COAST EAGLES

Eagles’ burning question: Could a rejuvenated defence help get rebuild moving the right direction?

Amid all the turnover and list changes the Eagles have had to deal with this year, one-third of their best 18 now looks to be relatively settled. The recruitment of two-time flag hero Brandon Starcevich is close to as good as they get as a defender, while the club rate mature-age key defender Tylar Young highly coming across from Punt Road. Add the duo alongside the likes of Brady Hough, Liam Baker and Reuben Ginbey, and Andrew McQualter’s back half looks strong enough to hold down the fort well. Their midfield and forward lines still remain a major work in progress, but if they can hold their own in defence, surely they’ll be well-placed to win more than just one game next year!

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Bulldogs’ burning question: Do they need to alter their entire playing profile?

It was said countless times across 2025, but the Western Bulldogs were a key defender short most weeks. The now-delisted Liam Jones played just five times this year, while the developing Jedd Busslinger was subbed out twice and the starting sub once across his seven AFL appearances. So, while the void was there for the filling, coach Luke Beveridge was reluctant to play the extra tall down in defence unless it was 100 necessary — and even then, they didn’t always play. The trade period was their golden chance to rectify the qualm, and while it can’t be said that they didn’t try, the window ultimately proved unsuccessful for them. The signing of a delisted free agent is now the only real way the Bulldogs can find a ready-made recruit, with several viable options on the market. If not, a severe change in their playing profile might be required after playing with all-out attack this season.