The AFL's 2025 trade and free agency period was one of the more star-studded in recent memory, with a Coleman medallist and Norm Smith Medal winner among those to seek a fresh start.
The captain of the bottom-placed side also sought a switch to the premiers, while some of the game's biggest names requested trades while being under contract.
The headline trade plays of the off-season have brought new benchmarks for the clubs that lured quality talent through their doors, lifting the pressure on their premiership prospects and the recruits to perform.
With that in mind, we look at the five recruits under the most pressure heading into the 2026 season...
2Oscar Allen
Any captain who seeks a move from the wooden spooners to the reigning premiers will have their naysayers.
What will work in Allen's favour is the Lions' success in reaching the summit without a Joe Daniher replacement last year, and they now have one on hand as they seek a third straight premiership.
Brisbane's aggressive off-season has only strengthened its standing as flag favourites, and Allen will be a big reason in how their next premiership defence pans out.
Arriving on a big-money deal and with just 32 goals from 23 games over two injury-impacted seasons, the former West Coast captain will be hoping he can see out a full campaign in his first year in Queensland.
If that is to happen, the Lions will also be hoping his role in the front third doesn't stunt the growth of third-year attacker Logan Morris, who is shaping as one of the key forwards of the future.
