Some trade and free agency deals can often be finalised in the final moments on deadline day, but the first initial steps can be in swing before the AFL home and away season is even underway.
Last year's trade window saw 34 players find new homes ahead of the 2026 season, with some deals being completed within hours and others being completed after months in the works.
Between both contracted players and free agents, AFL clubs and their list managers will often be scouting targets right from their first games of the season, or enter the new year with signings in mind.
With the 2026 season almost underway, each club is sure to have its list of targets coming together, as they plan to scout players across the season.
With this list, we name one player your club should be keeping a close eye on in 2026.
Melbourne
Mitch Knevitt
Knevitt has been starved of midfield minutes at the Cats, and only given a real opportunity when the Cats have seen injuries to their midfield group, but when given the role, he has shown his ability as an AFL quality Midfielder.
He is expected to take on a role this year in the forward line, when in the Cats side, and will unlikely spend much time in the midfield again in 2026.
The Demons had a drastic change to their list, trading out star midfielders Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, and will be looking to add more young talent alongside their draftees.
