With another trade period now in the books, attention for list managers and fans alike turns to a loaded class of talent due to come out of contract at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
With a Brownlow Medal, two Gary Ayres Awards, AFLCA Champion Player of the Year honours and plenty of All-Australians and premiership players featuring in the off-contract crop for next year, clubs keen to add star power to their list will be salivating.
Here we've listed 10 players set to come out of contract in 2026, and rival clubs that could be suitors.
1Lachie Neale
The dual Brownlow medallist and two-time premiership captain will be 33 years old at the conclusion of the 2026 season. A blistering second half in the 2025 Grand Final, which came after a miraculous return from a calf injury, indicates age is yet to weary this champion, and should similar production populate his next campaign, Neale will likely be in a position to dictate terms at Dom Ambrosio's desk.
Before Brisbane tasted premiership glory, rumours circled that Neale's partner was interested in a move home to Western Australia. The state's two clubs asked the question of Brisbane regarding Neale's availability this season, but were swiftly cut down to size.
Given the legacy "Choccy" has built at the Den, it is hard to imagine a world where further throws at the stumps from rival clubs would not be treated with similar disdain.
Potential Suitors: West Coast, Fremantle
