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.
5Ryley Sanders
Even before the Western Bulldogs used their sixth overall pick on Sanders in the 2023 National Draft, speculation was rife that the midfielder would one day be the poster boy for the incoming Tasmanian AFL team as one of the Apple Isle's most promising prospects.
Having played 35 games for Luke Beveridge, his potential is obvious, but the emergence of Joel Freijah, whose contract also expires next season, means Sam Power will have his hands full trying to secure the long-term futures of both prospects.
The intriguing game of cat and mouse that is to play out between the Dogs and Sanders presents as must-watch byplay in the coming years. Does Sanders just ask for one year at 2026's conclusion to join the Devils for their first season? Will the Dogs honour that, or force Sanders to find another club for that bridging season? Would another club be interested in hiring Sanders as a one-season mercenary, and would such a decision affect their culture?
One thing is certain - Sanders' ceiling is still very high, and wherever it is he plies his trade after next season, he'll be a reason to turn on the goggle box.
Potential Suitors: Adelaide
