The AFL Wildcard Round and finals series are officially upon us for 2026, with the eight teams missing out now turning their attention to free agency, contracts, the draft and selection calls ahead of next year.
Their home and away responsibilities have come to an end, but the disappointed decision-makers at the eight clubs condemned to watching September from the sidelines are about to earn their keep.
Whether priority 1A is transitioning to a new coach, deciding how best to spend Pick 1 at the upcoming National Draft (or both, if you're Essendon), or attempting to land a big free agency fish, months of planning for the upcoming free agency, trade and drafting periods are about to bear fruit.
So just what is on the agenda for your club?
Richmond
The Tigers are knee-deep in the race for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, and will be hoping Pick 2 will be part of a package that satisfies Port Adelaide power brokers at the trade table.
Their list is in shambles, leading pundits to argue that the win-now nature of a potential Butters acquisition is not the right play, and instead, bringing in yet another elite young talent with that pick should be the focus.
However, if the vaunted crops of the last two years can find some consistency with their bodies, Adem Yze's rebuild could be fast-tracked, and a play for Butters makes much more sense, so priority 1A simply must be the health of Sam Lalor, Harry Armstrong, Josh Smillie, Luke Trainor, Jonty Faull, Jasper Alger et al.
Tom Lynch has re-signed, retaining a presence as veteran as he is maligned, while decisions are imminent regarding the futures of Toby Nankervis, among others.
