Clubs are competitive, too – to the point of pushing the start time of their trials back at short notice, to force kids to make an early call.
Wil Malady is one of the most exciting players up for grabs in this year’s AFL draft, but he had to beg for a private school scholarship.
We asked 12 of this year’s top draft prospects who they thought were the best young players on offer to AFL clubs in 2026. Two had themselves at the top of the list.
The Demons are the sole club to have picked at least twice in the first round of the AFL draft in each of the past three years, and will take picks four and 14 into next month’s draft.
We rate every club’s player movement window – and rank the teams from best to worst – as the draft picture takes shape.
There were plenty of big-name deals done before deadline day, but there were some eyebrow-raising deals struck as the clock hit 7.30pm. Follow all the news and reaction.
The penultimate day of the AFL’s trade period is here. Follow along for all the news and analysis from our experts.
Nick Blakey is not a gun midfielder or a Coleman Medal-winning spearhead, but he is a legitimate All-Australian star with two grand final appearances on his resume.
The Bombers have offered Brisbane pick 27 for contracted defender Keidean Coleman, but the Lions insist they want Essendon’s pick 17 to be tempted to trade him.
Most of the big names fell last week, but the final three days of this year’s trade period will still provide some twists and turns.
