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.
St Kilda
Ben King
The Saints reportedly still have enough cap room to sign another big fish in the 2026 offseason, and why not try to pair the King brothers together?
Max King has missed plenty of time through injury over the last couple of seasons and has had to play without a key forward. Ben King, unlike his brother, has barely missed any time after his ACL injury in 2022.
When both fit, the King brothers would provide a formidable forward duo for the Saints and help them push back into finals contention.
