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?

Port Adelaide

There are a few needs at Alberton, but the most pressing is also the most obvious.

Three-time John Cahill Medallist, 2023 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, two-time (and potentially, soon to be three-time) All-Australian and two-time Robert Rose Medallist as the league's most courageous player in the eyes of his peers, Zak Butters, officially declared his intent to leave the club as a free agent on Monday.

Their superstar is weighing up the pitches of three Victorian clubs at the time of writing, and given his 'restricted' free agency status, the club's biggest priority simply must be maximising the return garnered for their heart and soul rover.

With Butters out the door, does that necessitate another year for tough former Brownlow Medallist, veteran Ollie Wines?

The health of club captain Connor Rozee, talismanic midfielder Jason Horne-Francis, and backmen Aliir Aliir and Esava Ratugolea is also of the utmost importance, with Rozee's long-term injury crippling the club from the early stages of its 2026 campaign.

Josh Carr appears to be no slouch in the box, keeping the side he once played for at the very least competitive in most of its matches in his first year in charge, despite being outmatched on paper.

He just needs healthy cavalry and a few high-end draft picks to support his good work.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Josh Carr, Senior Coach of the Power and Connor Rozee speak after the 2026 AFL Round 01 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Josh Carr, Senior Coach of the Power and Connor Rozee speak after the 2026 AFL Round 01 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on March 15, 20,26 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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