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.
6. Xavier O'Halloran
Xavier O'Halloran is a big-bodied and powerful midfielder who has the capacity to inflict damage despite his frequent low possession counts.
This is best exemplified by his 15-disposal, six-tackle and four-goal performance against a red-hot Hawthorn team last season. The 24-year-old has also proven to be a hardworking and elite runner, with his two-way ability showcased by his even spread of rebounding from the back half (rebound 50s) and delivery into the forward line (inside 50s) so far this season.
Unfortunately for O'Halloran, due to the elite midfield talent of the Giants, he is often left on the periphery of the team's best 22, featuring in the subs vest 17 times in just 75 career games. Due to a lack of minutes, the former first-round pick may therefore find it compelling to follow in the footsteps of former midfield teammates James Peatling and Jye Caldwell.
