AFL 2026 List Changes: The Biggest Movers and Shakers at Every Club

Massive off-season. Done and dusted.

Thirty-four players traded. Sixty prospects drafted through the national intake. Another 16 via pre-season and rookie drafts. A star-studded retirement class on top of that. This was one of the most active trade and draft windows in recent AFL history.

The pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) runs through to February 20, so a handful of spots are still live. But the shape of 2026 is already clear.

Headline Moves

The Petracca deal is the headliner. Christian Petracca — gone from Melbourne to Gold Coast. The Demons secured a haul of draft capital in return. Sources confirm the move has completely reshaped expectations for both clubs heading into round one.

In free agency, James Worpel left Hawthorn for Geelong. Best value move of the window, per multiple club sources. Midfield power to the Cats, just like that.

Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni both departed Carlton for St Kilda — a massive injection of talent through the middle and up forward for the Saints. Liam Reidy’s trade from Fremantle to Carlton bolsters the Blues’ ruck stocks. Carlton needed depth there, and they got it.

Retirements

The 2025 retirement class hit hard. Geelong’s Mitch Duncan called time on an outstanding career. Several other decorated players across the league hung up the boots after long, distinguished stints. An era closing at multiple clubs.

Other Clubs Making Key Moves

The movement goes well beyond the headlines. Brisbane Lions added midfield depth post-grand-final. Essendon targeted key position talent to build around their developing core.

GWS Giants moved quickly to replace departures with national draft picks. North Melbourne continued their aggressive rebuild — multiple early selections. Richmond invested heavily in youth after a transitional campaign. West Coast Eagles bolstered their midfield through free agency. Western Bulldogs made targeted trades to fix depth issues across half-back.

Draft and Rookie Selections

Sixty young talents entered the system through the 2025 national draft. The pre-season and rookie drafts added another 16. Sources indicate several mature-age picks are expected to push for immediate senior opportunities. The youth pipeline is deep this year.

SSP Window Still Open

Clubs have until February 20 to lock in their lists through the SSP. A handful of spots remain. Stay across any late additions at the Australia Football news section before round one.

---

LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com