The 2026 trade and free agency period is done, but there is no rest for the wicked in the AFL.
List managers and recruiters will already be doing the groundwork on next year's uncontracted stars, trying to lure them to their respective clubs.
And 2027's list of uncontracted players and free agents is eye-catching.
Here at Zero Hanger, we have listed the 14 biggest names that head into next season with only one year remaining on their deals, and the clubs that will be eyeing them off like a lion with a gazelle.
Max Gawn
The Melbourne and AFL legend is out of contract at the end of 2027, but the watch on Gawn won't be on rival clubs.
Instead, the focus will be on whether he wants to continue his career, and if so, for how long?
Gawn will turn 36 at the end of 2027, and he plays arguably the most physically demanding spot on the ground and has done so for nearly 300 games.
His performances and impact have not dropped a centimetre, so there is no cause for concern for Demons fans. But in 12 months' time there is no certain way of knowing how Gawn will feel physically and mentally about his AFL future.
Fingers crossed for Dees and football fans that the game's greatest ever ruck continues on beyond next season.
Potential suitors: N/A
