It seems like a yearly conversation that the term 'ruck merry-go-round' is sprawled across the AFL landscape as clubs look to arm themselves with some of the game's best big men.
Last year, seven ruckmen through means such as trade, free agency, mid-season and rookie drafts and the pre-season supplemental selection period found new homes, albeit not the biggest names in the competition.
But this year is different.
Carlton's Tom De Koning and Essendon's Sam Draper are all but certain to join St Kilda and Brisbane, which, as it stands, could have a ripple effect on the rest of the league.
The Saints have been after a big fish for some time, and the price tag attached to De Koning's move will place him among the best earners in the AFL.
And yet, the acquisition could push club stalwart and gun Rowan Marshall to the outer, with the belief that the pair would struggle to work in tandem as both are No.1 ruck options.
MORE: Marshall breaks silence on De Koning's looming arrival
Isaac Keeler is also an intriguing watch as he comes out of contract at season's end. The athletic youngster has impressed in 2025, and due to his versatility, can play multiple positions, which could interest some rival clubs.
Whilst the De Koning switch is expected, Geelong, as they do, are working in the background at potentially luring Marshall down the highway, as they look for a stop-gap tall between Rhys Stanley and project rucks Toby Conway and Mitch Edwards.
Adelaide's re-signing of Reilly O'Brien to a new three-year deal showed the intention of the club and its pursuit of free agent Draper.
The Lions, who are seemingly poised to land the Bombers tall, and West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen, are looking at ways to fill the void left by Joe Daniher, while ruckman Oscar McInerney has battled injury in 2025 at the age of 31.
Hawthorn's recommitment to Lloyd Meek on a four-year extension has seen clubs express interest in depth option Ned Reeves, who has fallen behind the likes of Mabior Chol, Max Ramsden, Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis.
Reeves has been linked to Carlton, given De Koning's predicted departure, and Collingwood.
The Pies ruck conversation is an intriguing one, as Darcy Cameron, albeit contracted for 2026, has been linked to a move west, and is yet to sign an extension amid 18 months of career-best form, placing him in the race for All-Australian.
Craig McRae has relied upon Dan McStay as the second ruck, while Mason Cox has been used sporadically in 2025 after securing a premiership two years ago.
Developing options Oscar Steene and Iliro Smit have been given more time to impress Collingwood with recent extensions, but Cox, who is without a contract for next year, could be on the way out.
And there's no ruck chat without Fremantle duo Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy, who, despite initial criticism of their pairing on monster deals and large sums of money, have quickly become the dynamic duo Justin Longmuir envisioned.
Murmurs began circulating regarding Victorian clubs coming for both Jackson and Darcy, with Melbourne believed to be interested in a reunion with the 2021 Rising Star, while Geelong has always been linked to Darcy.
Both were assured by the Dockers that they weren't going anywhere.
Then come those who are without contracts beyond 2025.
Essendon duo Todd Goldstein and Vigo Visentini are yet to put pen to paper for next year, although the latter is expected to stay after showing glimpses of his potential in his two outings.
Emerging Fremantle ruckman Liam Reidy has been forced to bide his time in the WAFL due to Jackson and Darcy, but could be of interest to a rival given the lack of opportunities at AFL level.
Geelong's Rhys Stanley is expected to go around again, but the club will be looking to add some assistance.
The Demons have Tom Fullarton and Will Verrall out of contract, as well as veteran journeyman Tom Campbell.
Gold Coast's Max Knobel and North Melbourne's Brynn Teakle will also hope for new deals after short stays at their respective clubs.
Sydney's Peter Ladhams has been starved of opportunities since Brodie Grundy joined the club, spending large amounts of time in the VFL.
So, yes, the ruck merry-go-round is set to embark on a new chapter, but could this be the best one yet?
