SSP state of play: The AFL clubs set to make list calls and the train-on prospects in the mix

Although the trade and draft periods have come to an end, clubs still have the opportunity to add to their lists via the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).

The mechanism was introduced ahead of the 2019 AFL season, giving overlooked footballers a chance to live out their lifelong dream.

Since then, 90 players have been scooped up over the summer months in a bid to carve out a top-flight career, and this year's edition could see some new names emerge as the next big thing.

Adelaide, Carlton, Richmond, GWS, West Coast, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Hawthorn all have list spots they have taken over from the off-season, and could potentially look at bringing in some established talent.

The Blues, Power and Dockers have already flagged their intention to assess some familiar names throughout the summer months.

Richmond has also confirmed that their decision to pass in the Rookie Draft was to leave a spot open for consideration during the SSP over the summer, or for the Mid-Season Draft next year.

The Tigers have invited overlooked Vic Metro captain Tom Burton as a train-on player after he went undrafted in both the National and Rookie Drafts, as well as Eastern Ranges ruckman Marcus Krasnadamskis.

St Kilda has welcomed Oskar Ainsworth after he slipped through the drafts last week, as well as former Bomber and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's cousin Tex Wanganeen.

Tom McGuane, since he was overlooked as a father-son prospect at Collingwood, has received a chance at Adelaide, competing for a list spot against former Sydney livewire Zac Foot at the Crows.

Premiership Pie Mason Cox has won a contract at Fremantle after he was delisted from Collingwood.

The Dockers are also set to assess the prospects of VFL small forward Chris Scerri and young ruckman Zac Harding.

Delisted Crows midfielder Harry Schoenberg is one of three former AFL midfielders to sign with West Coast, joining Deven Robertson and Finlay Macrae in heading to the Eagles, who were granted an additional four rookie list spots from the AFL's assistance package.

Carlton farewelled Elijah Hollands and Will White, but have been given train-on opportunities.

Jaidyn Stephenson, the 2018 Rising Star winner, is also looking to make an AFL comeback after he retired following stints at Collingwood and North Melbourne.

Port Adelaide is believed to be giving him a chance as they look to add some firepower in the front half.

Joining Stephenson are Norwood defender Balyn O'Brien and East Fremantle forward Mitchell Zadow.

The Hawks will also get a closer look at Jim 'Frosty' Miller Medal (VFL Coleman) Brodie McLaughlin.

Three train on players down at Hawthorn training today, with Brodie McLaughlin joined by @BoxHillHawks players Kye Declasse & Ethan Stanley.

2 spots still left for the Hawks on their rookie list 🤎💛@zerohanger @talking_hawks#gohawthorn #hawks

📸 @HanskyutMedina pic.twitter.com/MR9Uq2ZZOn

— Tim (@newmo03) November 27, 2025

McLaughlin was signed by Gold Coast for the 2023 season, and has since dominated for the Williamstown Seagulls, earning a chance to prove himself for a second shot at the AFL.

Hawthorn welcomed VFL players Kye Declase and Ethan Stanley to training as well.

Declase was previously listed by Melbourne but has since spent time at Werribee and joined the Hawks' VFL side in 2025.

Stanley was a mid-season pick-up for Fremantle in 2023, and played two senior games before he was let go.

Axed Blues youngster Jaxon Binns has been training with the Essendon Bombers' main group in the early stages of the club's pre-season, despite being signed to their VFL side for 2026, indicating the 21-year-old may be considered as a potential Supplementary Selection Period option for the Dons.

In late October, it was also reported that the Bombers are considering opportunities for delisted midfielder Will Setterfield during the SSP period, opting not to select him via the National Draft or Rookie Draft.