The trade period is often a market where clubs can secure big fish or cheap bargains.
With a lot of noise centred around the futures of the bigger names in the league (Bontempelli, Rowell, Allen, De Koning, Wanganeen-Milera, Maynard, etc) we thought we'd take a look at some of the more under the radar out of contract players that may be sought after this offseason.
Here are nine underrated players who find themselves without contracts for 2026 that could fetch interest on the open market.
5. Eddie Ford
Although not the most prolific of players, Eddie Ford is an energetic and hard-working medium forward who has shown solid progress throughout his four seasons in the league.
Despite only appearing eight times across his first two campaigns, Ford has featured 32 times since, averaging 12.7 disposals, 4.4 marks and kicking 27 goals during this period.
The 22-year-old frequently finds himself further up the ground, using his elite work rate and strong aerial ability to impact North's ball movement chain. His combative nature also lends itself well in the contest and is a feature that has helped the former Western Jet accrue multiple 20-plus disposal performances over recent years, an impressive feat that fellow medium forwards Will Hayward, Bayley Fritsch and Ollie Henry were not able to accomplish last season.
The out-of-contract Roo has endured a frustrating start to the 2025 season, with coach Alastair Clarkson favouring the experienced Jack Darling to partner alongside Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar. If Ford continues to be overlooked for team selection, it would not be surprising to see the high flyer seek opportunities elsewhere come season's end.
