With the trade period out of the way, the delisted free agency mechanism will open to further aid the list builds of clubs keen to bring in experienced AFL assets.

A range of talented players have been shown the door since the cessation of their respective seasons, with many of those cut from lists good enough for another chance.

Clubs across the competition have areas of their squad to fill away from the draft, with key position players who can have an immediate impact among those list needs.

Young clubs that can afford to take a punt on a delisted free agent and contending sides that can secure some depth at a bargain price will also be shopping.

Here we've listed 10 promising delisted free agents and a club that could suit their services.

10Sam Frost

Hawthorn Hawks Training Session
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Sam Frost of the Hawks in action during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Waverley Park on September 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs

From a departed Bulldogs defender to his potential replacement, there's no doubting the Dogs still need to boost their key defensive options even after Jones' delisting.

Do they go for an untried or lesser-known asset, or a more bankable veteran who, while likely to still spend most of the year in the VFL, can come into the senior side and be accountable when called on.

What Frost brings is 184 games of experience that can work with Rory Lobb and James O'Donnell in defence, while alleviating the pressure on Jedd Busslinger, who would need to take on some of the game's best key forwards if one of the other two were sidelined.

Frost had a strong 2024 campaign before falling out of favour this year, given the Hawks' recruitment of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.

He was a solid piece at VFL level for Box Hill, helping mentor young gun Jai Serong, who would go on to claim best and fairest honours for the second year in a row for Box Hill, as well as VFL Team of the Year selection.

Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Hanger 2026 AFL Season Guide! Packed with 150+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 AFL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.

Next

JOIN THE DISCUSSION