The AFL trade period might be over, but clubs still have the opportunity to bring in more players before next month’s national and rookie drafts.
Clubs can now sign any player who has recently been delisted and there are a host of decent options out there, including an All-Australian, top-10 draft picks and even a Norm Smith medallist.
7NEWS.com.au have picked out the best players (in no particular order) who can be signed as delisted free agents or recruited in the upcoming drafts.
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Bobby Hill
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist departed Collingwood in messy circumstances, but has since been training and keen to continue his AFL career at a third club. West Coast have expressed some interest in the Norm Smith medallist, but it remains to be seen whether that eventuates into a list spot. Hill looms as a good option for a train-on player with the potential to sign as SSP rookie. Hall can also be signed outside of the official list as a Category B rookie under the new Indigenous rookie rules.
Zac Williams
The veteran was let go by Carlton at the conclusion of his six-year contract. Only managed nine games this year, including just one under new coach Josh Fraser. Williams has just turned 32, but has already been linked to Sydney and also Essendon. Capable of playing at either end, he would likely be seen as a defender for the Swans given they lost Nick Blakey and will be without injured skipper Callum Mills for the majority of the season. Shapes as a shrewd recruit given he is a ready-made player, who can slot straight in.
Bailey Banfield
The much-loved veteran departed Fremantle after 119 games across nine seasons. Was a regular between 2022 and 2025, but managed just one senior game this year. Still only 28 and would be a handy addition for a rebuilding team in need of an experienced head. Essendon have been linked to the versatile player as a potential delisted free agent or rookie signing in the pre-season supplemental period. Banfield has been lauded for his professionalism and character, highlighted on Brownlow Medal night when he won the Jim Stynes Award for his charity work in the community.
Elijah Tsatas
Multiple clubs have already inquired about the delisted Bomber as revealed by 7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire. The 21-year-old, who was taken with pick No.5 in the 2022 draft, managed just 22 games in his four seasons at Essendon. Tsatas has the ability to find the football and shapes a good back-up midfielder with big upside for whoever takes the punt.
Jake Stringer
The veteran goalkicker is available to any Victorian club, but might be running out of suitors. Stringer was let go by the Giants at the end of the season despite kicking 48 goals, the most of any player at the club. The 32-year-old did meet with new Essendon coach Mark McVeigh, although a return to the Bombers is considered unlikely. Stringer is keen to continue his AFL career and could appeal to a club looking for an extra option up forward.
Wil Parker
The former cricketer was delisted by the Magpies after playing 14 games in three seasons, including five this year. While the 24-year-old is technically available to all clubs, he has already agreed to join Carlton as a delisted free agent. Parker will sign a two-year deal at the Blues.
Lewis Young
The versatile key position player was delisted by Carlton despite playing 14 senior games this year, including the wildcard and elimination finals. Capable of playing down back and also pinch-hit in the ruck, Young would be a good depth option for any club needing extra help in that department. North Melbourne immediately comes to mind as an option.
James Blanck
The somewhat forgotten defender was delisted by Hawthorn after five years at the club. Originally taken as a mid-season rookie, Blanck played 24 games in his first season and a half. But the 25-year-old didn’t manage a senior game in the past three seasons as he found himself stuck behind Tom Barrass, James Sicily and Josh Battle in the pecking order. Another ready-made option for a club needing extra help down back.
Isaac Keeler
The youngster was delisted by St Kilda after 13 games in four seasons. Still just 22 years of age, Keeler has plenty of potential. Has already been linked to both clubs in South Australia, which is where he was recruited from. The introduction of the new Category B rookie rules for Indigenous players means it won’t cost any club a list spot to recruit the young tall.
Samson Ryan
The big man was delisted by Richmond despite having a year to run on his contract as the Tigers brought in Kieren Briggs to help support Toby Nankervis in the ruck. The 25-year-old has played 31 AFL games since his debut in 2021, including six matches this year. Standing at 205cm, Ryan would appeal to clubs looking for extra depth in the ruck department. North Melbourne have reportedly shown interest given Taylor Goad is the only other recognised ruck after Tristan Xerri.
Max Ramsden
Another ruck on the market after being delisted by Hawthorn this week. Ramsden has played 11 senior games in four years, but would appeal given his size. Standing at 203cm, Ramsden is still just 23 and has shown enough at the top level to suggest he deserves a spot on a senior list. Will be one to watch through the pre-season as clubs take stock of the ruck department.
George Stevens
The big-bodied midfielder featured on this last year after he was delisted by Geelong and re-rookied. He played another two senior games this year to make it four for his career. Dominates at VFL level as evidenced by winning this year’s J.J. Liston Trophy as the league’s best and fairest. Seems too good not to be on an AFL list, but it remains to be seen whether another club will take the punt. Polled a Brownlow Medal vote in his AFL debut in 2025 when he racked up 21 disposals, eight clearances and a goal.
