Trade talk: The two big men tipped to launch ruck merry-go-round

The ruck merry-go-round has become one of the more prominent features of trade period in recent years, and Champion Data has its eyes on two in-form, out-of-contract big men playing some elite football leading into their negotiations.

Approaching the conclusion of the 2026 season, two ruckmen – both of which are facing contract expiration – have lifted their form tremendously, catching the eyes of the statistical database ahead of their all-important free agency decisions.

One enters the off-season as one of just four restricted free agents on the market and has certainly turned heads in recent weeks, with Champion Data’s Corey Mobilio outlining the numbers behind his rise over the last seven games.

“There are two names I want to put up who are out of contract,” Mobilio told SEN Breakfast.

“Bailey Williams at West Coast – since Round 10 he is a top 50 rated player in the competition.

“If you look at hm from a ruck point of view, he is one of the ruckmen that is not really driven through his ruck work; it’s driven through his contest work.

“He has averaged 11 contested possessions in this period of time. He has averaged six clearances.

“Is there a strong market for him?”

SEN’s lead journalist Sam Edmund provided an update on his status in the market.

“There is from back here in Victoria, absolutely,” he said.

“Williams is one of only four restricted free agents – Zac Bailey, Zak Butters, Ben King and him.

“There are a number of clubs looking for a ruckman – clubs are always looking for ruckmen. As you say, he is playing some good footy as well.

“It’ll be a long-term deal; they are in talks, wouldn’t pretend to know whether he stays or not, but West Coast are desperate for him to stay.”

Mobilio went on to name a second ruckman in superb touch, approaching unrestricted free agency and potentially on the move given a contract extension signed by his club’s highly touted number one ruck.

“The other one is Kieren Briggs,” he said.

“Obviously, Nick Madden signs on which poses the question, what does it look like for 2027 and beyond?

“If you look at Briggs since Round 9, he is a top five ruckman in the competition based on the ratings, which might come as a bit of a surprise. He started the year in slow form.

“He is one who will get you with his tap work. He has averaged 10 hit outs to advantage in this period of time and eight contested possessions.

“He is one who struggled to start the year, he has come back and is actually playing pretty good football.

“Obviously, aided by the likes of Finn Callaghan and Clayton Oliver in that midfield mix, but he is one that poses the question, with Madden signing on, what does it really look like for him?”

SEN’s Tom Morris answered: “He signed a four-year deal, Madden, so that’s a fair question with Briggs and where his future goes.”

The AFL Trade Period in 2026 kicks off on Monday, October 5th, following the conclusion of this year’s finals series across September.