Pairing 10 delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2026

As more clubs make list culls, there are more options for players to receive an AFL lifeline. The trade period is well and truly in the rearview mirror, but the delisted free agency mechanism is arguably as exciting, with a host of prospects gunning for a second chance. Seen as a bargain-based option, the DFAs carry little risk but huge upside, and are generally acquired for a club's specific need. Whether it be depth, a role, or merely too good to not be on an AFL list, here's another 10 delisted free agents, and a potential suitor, that could suit their services... Pairing 10 delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2026- PART I Ben Hobbs Collingwood The delisted Bomber was incredibly unlucky not to continue his career at Tullamarine after spending four years out of position. Hobbs is an inside midfielder, but was forced to play on the half-forward flank and, at times, wing, but spent large chunks in the VFL. Collingwood and Richmond were into him throughout 2024 when he was under contract. The Tigers have weaponised their club with a host of draftees and youngsters they would prioritise, while the Pies looked at Clayton Oliver and Jy Simpkin in a bid to bolster their midfield stocks. Hobbs could help bridge the gap between the old and the young at Collingwood. Alex Sexton West Coast The former Sun says he still has more to give at AFL level, and revealed the Eagles have already come into contact. West Coast have an extra four rookie list spots at its disposal due to the AFL assistance package, which will likely be used on experienced prospects. The 31-year-old played 184 games in 14 seasons. "West Coast have list spots and they're looking at older guys and younger guys, so they've reached out, and there are clubs who have been speaking about things and there's going to be train-on opportunities," he said, speaking to AFL Media. "You see guys in my position where their bodies make their decision for them, and I'm not in that boat. I've still got plenty to offer an AFL club at the highest level, and that comes from that feeling with my body that it's not over. "You see guys come and go and call retirement and call an end due to their body and their mind, but I'm as sharp as I've ever been, and that's where that drive comes. I still feel like there's plenty more I have to offer at that level, and that's where that ambition to keep looking for an opportunity in the AFL is coming from. "You take it as it comes, but my thing was straight away getting onto my manager Tim Batty (Vivid Sport) and saying 'This isn't over and let's hunt for something else' and that's where we're at." Mason Cox North Melbourne The big American is keen to continue his AFL career beyond his time at Collingwood, which ended with a heap of experience and a premiership medallion. North Melbourne could benefit from Cox on multiple fronts. Firstly, they need to bolster their tall forward stocks to assist Nick Larkey, who has been lone-wolfing the front half for some time. Secondly, as a back-up ruckman, and following the eradication of the sub rule (five on the bench) and the centre bounce, the 34-year-old is more suited to the 2026 game. Cox can pinch-hit for Tristan Xerri, but also act as a stopgap for Taylor Goad. Jed McEntee Richmond The Tigers are in the market for speedy small forwards, reflected by their heavy interest in Malcolm Rosas Jr, who joined Sydney via a trade. McEntee played 52 games across five seasons following his MSD selection in 2021, including a career-high 22 matches in 2023. The 24-year-old could slot into the Tigers' lineup to help bridge the gap between the youth development. McEntee could apply pressure on the current small fleet to compete at a high level, or be included in the senior side, crumbing the likes of Tom Lynch, Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull. Alex Cincotta Hawthorn A left-field option, but clearly the Hawks need another body in the midfield, especially after missing out on Zach Merrett and losing James Worpel to Geelong. Cincotta can play in multiple positions, most of which are defensively minded, which could be of benefit to Sam Mitchell. The 28-year-old has speed to burn, and can run with most onballers or half-backs in the competition. Hawthorn has no trouble scoring, but at times, and especially in their losses, their offensive flair was the determining factor in the result. Cincotta could help with that. He played 40 games across three seasons for Carlton, and has more to offer. Wade Derksen Carlton Despite heavy interest from Melbourne that waned over the past 18 months, Derksen could come into the Blues as a low-budget but high-reward option. Carlton farewelled Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, and will rely heavily on Harry McKay in the front half. Derkson dominated the VFL as a Giant but never got an AFL opportunity due to the strength of the club's forward stocks. The Blues are clearly in rebuild mode, and could benefit from the 24-year-old. Harry Schoenberg West Coast The former Crow has already been linked with the Eagles, and for good reason. Despite falling out of favour at Adelaide, Schoenberg is more than capable of playing at the top level, and could be an asset for West Coast. The 24-year-old is in the right age bracket and has enough experience in the AFL, helping guide the next wave of talented youngsters through the system. Veterans Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly are soon to be opening up vacancies in the midfield, and only Harley Reid and Jack Graham are poised to lock in a position. And the extra rookie list spots give the Eagles a free hit, but one they'd like to get right. Luamon Lual Melbourne The Demons would benefit from a genuine winger, and Luamon Lual fits the bill. A young prospect who finally got his chance at Essendon in 2025, Lual was delisted after a dozen games, but showed plenty of promise in the top flight. The 20-year-old could work in tandem with Caleb Windsor, Xavier Lindsay and Ed Langdon, allowing Harvey Langford to play a more prominent inside-midfield game. The departure of Jack Billings opened up a depth wing option, and Lual, given his age and skill set, would fit neatly. Kamdyn McIntosh North Melbourne An experienced campaigner, the two-time premiership Tiger would slot into the Kangaroos' ranks perfectly. McIntosh was delisted as Richmond heads towards youth, but at 31, he can still contribute at the highest level. The Peel product developed multiple roles throughout his 13 seasons at Punt Road, but is known for his aerobic prowess and selflessness. McIntosh can add to the much-needed leadership aspect at Arden Street, similarly to Luke Parker and Jack Darling, whilst also contributing on the field. Ted Clohesy Essendon The local midfielder has played 12 games in three years at Kardinia Park, nine of which came in the recent season, but found himself lacking senior opportunity. Six of those games were as the starting sub, with Clohesy spending most of his third season with the Cats in the VFL, where he averaged 27.8 disposals and 6.5 marks per game. Clohesy's status as a ball winner at AFL level is understood to have garnered the interest of Essendon, as well as Gold Coast and West Coast. The Bombers made wholesale changes to their list, including Ben Hobbs and Luamon Lual, opening positions through the midfield group.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Pairing 10 delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2026 – Part II

A look at 10 further names who could suit another club.

6Wade Derksen

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