AFL List Management Enters Limbo as Uncontracted Players Wait for Draft Window
Zero Hanger reported that clubs gain a much clearer understanding of their list spots once the player movement window closes, though further contract calls and list cuts will occur in the coming month before the national draft.
Fifteen of the 18 AFL clubs carry at least one uncontracted player heading toward the summer. Meanwhile, Adelaide and Melbourne have already finalized their primary lists ahead of the November draft.
Fremantle and Essendon Weigh Rookie Decisions for Returning Train-Ons
Fremantle confirmed its desire to retain Jaren Carr for the 2027 season, though the club must still determine whether he occupies a rookie spot or the primary playing list. A similar administrative puzzle faces Essendon with its trio of Nik Cox, Tom Edwards, and Kayle Gerreyn, who will attempt to secure list spots over the pre-season training period.
Across the competition, clubs are balancing incoming talent from the recent trade window with lingering list management decisions.
Club-by-Club Breakdown of Remaining Uncontracted Players
The distribution of uncontracted players varies widely across the league following October’s trade activity:
- Adelaide: 0 uncontracted players remaining.
- Brisbane: Conor McKenna, Darragh Joyce, Luke Beecken, Luke Lloyd.
- Carlton: Rob Monahan.
- Collingwood: Harrison Coe, Jai Saxena, Noah Howes.
- Essendon: Kayle Gerreyn, Nik Cox, Tom Edwards.
- Fremantle: Jaren Carr.
- Geelong: 0 uncontracted players remaining.
- Gold Coast: Ben Jepson, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and Zak Evans are among the players currently without a contract for the 2027 season.
- GWS Giants: Conor Stone.
- Hawthorn: 0 uncontracted players remaining.
- Melbourne: List finalized.
- North Melbourne: Cooper Harvey, Luke Urquhart, River Stevens, Toby Pink.
- Port Adelaide: Xavier Bamert.
- Richmond: Hugo Ralphsmith, Judson Clarke, Tom Burton.
- St Kilda: Jack Carroll.
- Sydney: Dane Rampe.
- West Coast: Malakai Champion.
- Western Bulldogs: Will Lewis.
Trade Period Fallout and Off-Season Shuffles Across the Competition
The recent trade period reshaped rosters across multiple clubs, with several teams experiencing starkly contrasting fortunes. Fremantle and Brisbane faced quiet periods after featuring in recent grand finals, with the Dockers experiencing a dead quiet trade window. Richmond’s list management team executed a strong trade period, highlighted by acquiring Kieren Briggs via free agency and Nathan O’Driscoll through a trade. Meanwhile, Melbourne also added Dominic Bedendo as a free agent on a two-year deal following a VFL campaign with Port Melbourne.
West Coast held discussions surrounding pick 23, though it ultimately did not feature in their final trades. Adelaide encountered difficulties during the deadline period, losing Jordon Butts to free agency and playing hard ball over Nick Murray, leaving the club unable to secure alternative targets in the same manner as rival teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFL List Lodgements
When do clubs have to finalize their lists for the upcoming season?
Clubs must finalize their playing lists and make remaining contract decisions in the month leading up to the AFL Draft in November.
What does a train-on arrangement mean for delisted players?
Players designated to return and train over the pre-season are given an opportunity to prove their fitness and form in front of club coaching staff before final rookie or primary list vacancies are filled.
Which clubs enter the pre-season drafting period with completely settled lists?
Adelaide and Melbourne have finalized their respective playing lists ahead of the November draft, leaving them with zero uncontracted players on their current rosters.
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