Trade Range: Your club's 2027 expectations after trade period

The 2026 AFL Trade Period has come to an end, with some of the biggest names in the competition finding new homes and several clubs making bold moves in their pursuit of premiership success.

From blockbuster free agency moves and some of the biggest signings in club history to teams loading up on draft capital for the future, the player movement period has provided plenty of intrigue.

Some clubs have gone all-in on winning now, others have continued to build for the future, while a few have been content to back in the development of their existing lists.

So, who emerged from the trade period in a stronger position, and which clubs still have work to do?

We take a club-by-club look at the moves made across the competition, how they fit into each team's broader list strategy, and what the minimum expectations should be in 2027.

Arrivals: Harry Cunningham (Free Agency - Sydney)

Departures: Jordon Butts (Free Agency - Western Bulldogs), Luke Pedlar (Traded – Port Adelaide), Chayce Jones, Lachie Sholl, Tyler Welsh (all Delisted), Taylor Walker (Retired)

Draft Picks: 15, 32, 35, 43, 56, 92, 110

What they did: That’s two quiet off-seasons in a row for Adelaide. After finishing on top of the ladder but exiting in straight sets and then going out in a Semi Final in 2026, the Crows might have been expected to have plans B, C and D ready after missing out on primary target Zac Bailey. Instead, they lost defensive depth with Jordon Butts departing, although they held firm on Nick Murray, and eventually dealt Luke Pedlar to cross-town rivals Port Adelaide. The arrival of experienced half-back Harry Cunningham could free up Max Michalanney to play further up the ground.

Trade Range: Adelaide will back its organic growth, led by their leaders Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine, to drive further improvement. They want the likes of Dan Curtin and Sid Draper to help force improvement from within. With coach Matthew Nicks entering the final year of his contract, expectations remain high. If the Crows are banking on a pursuit of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in 12 months, they cannot afford to stand still in the meantime. A top-six finish is the minimum expectation.

Arrivals: N/A

Departures: Lachie Neale (Free Agency - Collingwood), Sam Marshall (Traded - St Kilda), Will McLachlan (Traded – Melbourne), Keidean Coleman (Traded – Essendon)

Draft Picks: 21, 27, 28, 45, 79, 97, 115

What they did: Imagine winning three consecutive premierships and having a list so strong that you can afford to farewell a two-time Brownlow medallist and former captain - Lachie Neale - who is chasing one final challenge, while allowing several valuable depth players to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Brisbane’s priority was securing enough draft points to match a bid for highly rated Academy prospect Caylen Murray, explaining their involvement in a flurry of late pick swaps.

Trade Range: The Lions boast extraordinary depth, with several multiple-premiership players still approaching their prime. Four consecutive Grand Final campaigns could eventually take their toll, but Brisbane has mastered the art of timing its run and producing its best football when it matters most. We expect the Lions to be right in premiership contention again.

Arrivals: Joel Amartey (Free Agency - Sydney), Lachie Whitfield (Traded - GWS Giants), Wil Parker* (Delisted Free Agency - Collingwood)

Departures: Hudson O'Keeffe (Traded - Western Bulldogs), Flynn Riley (Traded - Collingwood), Jordan Boyd, Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale, Harry Charleson, Matt Duffy, Lachie Fogarty, Elijah Hollands, Zac Williams, Flynn Young, Lewis Young (all Delisted)

Draft Picks: 13, 18, 31, 50, 61, 72, 90, 108

What they did: Carlton’s powerbrokers spent much of the season declaring their list needed improvement, and the Blues backed up those words with action. They delisted 11 players, identified their targets and secured them, while retaining a strong draft hand to bring in highly rated father-son prospect Cody Walker in November. Joel Amartey is a clever free agency acquisition who upgrades the scoring scope in the forward line, while Lachie Whitfield brings experience and class to the Blues’ bold ball movement under Josh Fraser.

Trade Range: After winning a wildcard final this year, Carlton will back itself to return to September and potentially go further. The Blues have strengthened both ends of their list, adding proven experience while preparing to welcome Walker through the draft. With an experienced core and renewed attacking flair, they should be pushing towards the pointy end of the ladder. Finals is a must.

Arrivals: Lachie Neale (Free Agency - Brisbane), Jesse Hogan (Traded - GWS Giants), Flynn Riley (Traded - Carlton)

Departures: Scott Pendlebury (Traded - Gold Coast), Joel Cochran, Bobby Hill, Wil Parker, Mitch Podhajski, Jakob Ryan, Iliro Smit, Lachie Sullivan Steele Sidebottom (Retired)

Draft Picks: 11, 30, 67, 68, 70, 88, 106

What they did: Load up and go again. That appears to be Collingwood’s approach as the Magpies continue to top up with experience. The arrivals of Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan address significant deficiencies in the midfield and forward line, while Flynn Riley provides inexpensive ruck depth behind Darcy Cameron and emerging youngster Oscar Steene. With a first-round draft pick for the first time since 2023, the Pies had limited flexibility at the trade table but still managed to add some valuable pieces.

Trade Range: How far can the Magpies realistically go? Their list has improved, with Neale and Hogan expected to be automatic selections in 2027 if fit. But they’re only short-term options considering their respective ages. Nick Daicos remains capable of dragging his side across the line almost single-handedly, but Collingwood needs more from its emerging players. If that next generation cannot establish itself under Craig McRae, the Pies risk remaining around the wildcard zone rather than returning to genuine premiership contention. With the experience they've added, however, anything short of a top six finish would be disappointing.

Arrivals: Jack Bowes (Traded - Geelong), Keidean Coleman (Traded – Brisbane)

Departures: Zach Merrett (Traded - Hawthorn), Jordan Ridley (Traded - Geelong), Saad El-Hawli, Jade Gresham, Matt Guelfi, Liam McMahon, Elijah Tsatas (all Delisted)

Draft Picks: 1, 17, 25, 80, 98

What they did: The climb starts now for Essendon. They traded Zach Merrett because they had too many, and they let Jordan Ridley go too because, well, they had to start their next era with zero discontent and disharmony in the locker room. At 29, Jack Bowes arrives at his third club as an experienced professional capable of setting standards for an extremely young group. Keidean Coleman is another excellent addition if he can stay fit. While Essendon has plenty of half-back options, Coleman’s elite kicking sets him apart and adds much-needed quality to the side.

Trade Range: It was an excellent trade period for Essendon, and not just because of its on-field additions. The appointment of John Longmire is arguably one of the most significant moves of the entire off-season. For Bombers supporters, surely things cannot get much worse than 2026. The only way is up, but how far can they climb? External expectations will understandably be modest, although escaping the bottom four would represent an exceptional result in the first year under Mark McVeigh.

Arrivals: Dom Bedendo (Delisted Free Agency - Port Melbourne)

Departures: Nathan O'Driscoll (Traded - Richmond), Bailey Banfield, Sam Sturt, Ollie Murphy, Ryda Luke (all Delisted), Sam Switkowski (Retired)

Draft Picks: 19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96, 114

What they did: Still reeling from the heartbreak of Grand Final day, the Dockers could be forgiven for forgetting the trade period was even on. The work done at the trade table over the past two or three off-seasons has put Fremantle at the beginning of a genuine premiership window, with further improvement now expected to come from within. They added former Bulldog Dom Bedendo from Port Melbourne, backing their strong record of bargain-basement recruits, while wingman Nathan O’Driscoll departed for Richmond in search of greater opportunity.

Trade Range: Fremantle boasts one of the most well-rounded and deepest lists in the competition, with another year of development and experience only likely to strengthen it. After falling at the final hurdle in 2026, the Dockers should be firmly in premiership contention again. Finishing in the top fourand another appearance in the final fortnight of September should be the minimum expectation.

Arrivals: Toby Greene (Free Agency - GWS Giants), Jordan Ridley (Traded - Essendon), Rowan Marshall (Traded - St Kilda)

Departures: Jack Bowes (Traded - Essendon), Jed Bews, Keighton Matofi-Forbes, George Stevens, Tyson Stengle (all Delisted), Jake Kolodjashnij, Rhys Stanley (Retired)

Draft Picks: 36, 57, 62, 75, 93, 111

What they did: They just keep on doing it. They had a swing and almost landed Zak Butters, but still emerged from the trade period with three big names who all slot into their best 23 and make them better in 2027. Rowan Marshall arrives 12 months after the Cats first pursued him, allowing promising young ruckman Mitch Edwards to continue to develop at his own pace. Toby Greene gets to play out the final chapter of his career alongside his best mate Jeremy Cameron again, while Jordan Ridley, if fit, could form a formidable intercepting combination with Tom Stewart. Good luck getting through that defence.

Trade Range: The Cats just keep finding ways to remain in premiership contention. After last year's semi-final exit, Geelong has emerged from the player movement period with a stronger list and three experienced additions capable of making an immediate impact. A top-four finish and another serious premiership push should be the expectation in 2027.

Arrivals: Scott Pendlebury (Traded - Collingwood), Sam Butler, Aiden Schubert (both Traded - Hawthorn)

Departures: Ben King (Free Agency - Hawthorn), Cooper Bell, Asher Eastham, Caleb Graham (all Delisted), Nick Holman (Retired)

Draft Picks: 8, 81, 85, 103

What they did: A difficult trade period to assess for the Suns. They lost leading goalkicker Ben King but secured a promising young replacement in Aiden Schubert. Sam Butler arrives seeking greater senior opportunities and should find them on the Gold Coast, while the addition of Scott Pendlebury as a playing coach, before transitioning into a full-time coaching role, could prove invaluable for the developing group.

Trade Range: It's an intriguing 12 months that await the Suns. After a busy 2025 off-season, this was always likely to be a quieter period. But next year looms as a defining one, with Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell and captain Noah Anderson coming out of contract and certain to attract significant rival interest. Gold Coast must show enough improvement to convince its stars the club is heading in the right direction. After last year's disappointment, they need to win a final.

Arrivals: Alex Mirkov *(Delisted Free Agency - Williamstown)

Departures: Toby Greene (Free Agency - Geelong), Jesse Hogan (Traded - Collingwood), Kieran Briggs (Free Agency - Richmond), Lachie Whitfield (Traded - Carlton), Jake Stringer (Delisted)

Draft Picks: 9, 20, 26, 59, 77, 86, 104

What they did: A difficult season on the field for the Giants continued off it. Significant list upheaval saw the departures of favourite sons Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield, while the decisions to part ways with Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer signal a changing of the guard in attack. Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski will now have the opportunity to take ownership of the forward line. The Giants have also been linked with former Blue Alex Mirkov as a delisted free agent or SSP signing to provide ruck support behind emerging youngster Nick Madden.

Trade Range: The returns of Tom Green and Darcy Jones will provide a significant boost, while the Giants will be hoping for an injury-free season from Sam Taylor and another leap forward from Cadman. There is plenty of emerging talent ready for greater opportunities, including James Leake, Phoenix Gothard, Oskar Taylor, Jack Ough and Cody Angove. With a strong recent draft record and more young talent to come, the foundations of GWS's next era are taking shape. Finals appear a stretch in 2027, but meaningful development and a push towards the edge of the eight would represent progress.

Arrivals: Ben King (Free Agency - Gold Coast), Zach Merrett (Traded - Essendon), Ollie Purcell (Category B Rookie)

Departures: Finn Maginness (Traded - Western Bulldogs), Sam Butler, Aiden Schubert (both Traded - Gold Coast), James Blanck, Henry Hustwaite, Cody Anderson, Jamie Uhr-Henry (all Delisted), Bodie Ryan (Traded – Melbourne),

Draft Picks: 29, 37, 71, 94, 107, 112

What they did: Could the off-season have gone any more perfectly for the Hawks? They secured Zach Merrett on the opening day of the trade period after last year's failed pursuit, before adding one of the competition's purest goalkickers, Ben King, to an already potent forward line. Fitting all that attacking talent into one side presents Sam Mitchell with an enviable selection headache. Josh Goater was a late, low-cost addition to bolster defensive depth, while Sam Butler, Aiden Schubert and Finn Maginness departed for greater opportunities. In a late surprise, the Hawks also traded delisted defender Bodie Ryan to Melbourne, capping off an extraordinary period of list movement.

Trade Range: The Hawks are firmly in win-now mode. After consecutive preliminary final exits, they have added a seven-time best and fairest winner in Merrett and one of the competition's most dangerous key forwards in King. Sam Mitchell has established himself as an innovative coach in a hurry, and two years of preliminary final heartbreak will only sharpen his side's hunger. Hawthorn isn't simply building towards one premiership, but potentially an era of sustained success. The Hawks should enter 2027 as premiership favourites, and rightfully so. Anything short of a Grand Final appearance would be a disappointment.

Arrivals: Zane Duursma (Traded - North Melbourne), Will McLachlan (Traded – Brisbane), Bodie Ryan (Traded – Hawthorn)

Departures: Tom Campbell, Steven May, Shane McAdam, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham (all Retired), Jack Henderson, Aidan Johnson, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Riley Onley and Kalani White (all Delisted)

Draft Picks: 4, 14, 48, 52

What they did: Fun and dangerous became Melbourne's calling card in 2026 as the Demons exceeded expectations under new coach Steven King. Armed with pick No.4 from the mega-deal and another first-round selection, they'll continue adding to an exciting young list. Taking a low-risk punt on the athletic Zane Duursma brings enormous upside, while Will McLachlan could develop into a natural replacement for Bayley Fritsch with a more team-oriented approach. Bodie Ryan is another bargain addition who could slot straight into defence. The departures of premiership players Jack Viney and Trent Rivers might tug at the heartstrings, particularly in Viney's case, but neither should derail the club's evolving game style.

Trade Range: Melbourne added some promising pieces without losing anyone who leaves a glaring hole in its best side. There is a strong argument the Demons could have progressed beyond the wildcard round in 2026 had injuries and untimely suspensions not intervened. Replicating that unexpected success, while taking another step forward with their emerging talent, should be the ambition in King's second season. With Max Gawn still performing at an elite level at the twilight of his decorated career, Melbourne cannot afford to waste its remaining opportunities with the champion ruckman. Another finals appearance, with the potential to push beyond the wildcard stage, should be the expectation in 2027.

Arrivals: Nick Blakey (Traded - Sydney)

Departures: Zane Duursma (Traded - Melbourne), Callum Coleman-Jones, Brayden George, Robert Hansen jr, Bailey Scott (all Delisted)

Draft Picks: 33, 49, 66, 74, 84, 102

What they did: How do you judge this one for North Melbourne? A massive tick for landing Nick Blakey, one of the competition's most dynamic players, who can fundamentally change the way the Kangaroos move the ball and attack the opposition. But failing to secure Nick Murray, without an obvious fallback option, leaves a significant hole in their defence. It's both a blessing and a curse for new coach Jaymie Graham, who inherits an exciting young list with enormous upside but still lacks the key defensive piece needed to take the next step. Blakey makes North considerably more dangerous, but has the club addressed its greatest weakness?

Trade Range: Securing a genuine star in Blakey, while showing a willingness to part with a future first-round pick in pursuit of Murray, signals North believes its rebuild is nearing an end. That places significant expectations on Graham in his first season, but Kangaroos supporters have waited long enough for meaningful progress. The Roos showed encouraging growth in 2026 and, despite losing emerging talents Zane Duursma and Josh Goater, have assembled a young group committed to bringing success back to Arden Street. That starts with breaking their finals drought and making September in 2027.

Arrivals: Luke Pedlar (Traded – Adelaide)

Departures: Zak Butters (Free Agency - Western Bulldogs), Benny Barrett, Mani Liddy, Will Lorenz, Jackson Mead, Jacob Moss, Xavier Walsh (all Delisted), Ivan Soldo (Retired)

Draft Picks: 7, 12, 22, 24, 34, 46, 65, 101

What they did: They lost their best player, and the best player who changed clubs this year, in Zak Butters, but used his departure to position themselves for the future. The Power strengthened their draft hand, putting themselves in a position to secure Dougie Cochrane this year and match bids for highly rated prospects Zemes Pilot and Louis Salopek in 2027. A late deal for Luke Pedlar from cross-town rivals Adelaide adds another midfield option as the club continues a significant reset heading into Josh Carr's second season.

Trade Range: Port Adelaide was more competitive in 2026 than its bottom-four finish suggested, with injuries preventing the Power from building any real momentum. But replacing a player of Butters' calibre is an enormous challenge, and significant improvement in 2027 appears unlikely. Captain Connor Rozee's return from a lengthy injury absence will provide a welcome boost, although expecting him to immediately recapture his brilliant best would be a big ask. The Power should remain competitive and show plenty of spirit, but another bottom-six finish appears more likely than a push towards the wildcard positions.

Arrivals: Kieren Briggs (Free Agency - GWS Giants), Nathan O'Driscoll (Traded - Fremantle)

Departures: Liam Fawcett, Samson Ryan, Tyler Sonsie, Kaleb Smith, James Trezise (all Delisted), Nathan Broad, Dion Prestia (Both Retired)

Draft Picks: 2, 5, 44, 99

What they did: The only way is up for Richmond. The Tigers continued their aggressive rebuild, stockpiling young talent through the draft as they reshape the list at Punt Road. Acquiring pick No.5 from Port Adelaide came at the expense of several future selections but gives Richmond a remarkable 10 picks inside the top 25 across three drafts. It's a deliberate strategy to secure as much elite young talent as possible before Tasmania enters the competition and compromises the draft.

Trade Range: The additions of Kieren Briggs and Nathan O'Driscoll bring valuable experience to a young group, with both set to embrace greater responsibility at Punt Road. Retaining veteran Jayden Short also provides important leadership and stability in defence. The Tigers have assembled an exciting foundation, but patience will be required as their young players develop. The pressure is now on Adem Yze to lift Richmond out of the bottom four and deliver consistent improvement in 2027. That will be difficult with a very young and inexperienced list, but wins need to start coming soon.

Arrivals: Sam Marshall (Traded - Brisbane)

Departures: Rowan Marshall (Traded - Geelong), Paddy Dow, Isaac Keeler, Patrick Said (all Delisted), Dougal Howard (Retired)

Draft Picks: 10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87, 105

What they did: A Marshall in and a Marshall out. After last year's extraordinary spending spree, St Kilda enjoyed a comparatively quiet trade period, finally completing the Rowan Marshall deal with Geelong that arguably should have happened 12 months earlier. In comes young Brisbane midfielder Sam Marshall, who adds another promising piece to the Saints' midfield and should enjoy greater senior opportunities at Moorabbin.

Trade Range: St Kilda is on the clock. In more ways than one. After investing heavily in its list last year, the Saints enter 2027 with coach Ross Lyon out of contract and stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Max Hall approaching crucial contract decisions. The pressure to deliver is enormous. Simply making the finals won't be enough to vindicate the club's aggressive recruiting strategy or convince its biggest names that success is within reach. St Kilda needs to win finals in 2027 and establish itself as a genuine premiership contender. Anything less would raise serious questions about the direction of the club.

Arrivals: N/A

Departures: Joel Amartey (Free Agency - Carlton), Nick Blakey (Traded - North Melbourne), Harry Cunningham (Free Agency - Adelaide), Taylor Adams (Retired)

Draft Picks: 6, 38, 39, 47, 54, 76, 95, 113

What they did: A significant structural shift at both ends of the ground for Sydney, headlined by the high-profile departure of Nick Blakey. Putting the off-field drama aside, losing such an influential player will fundamentally change how the Swans move the ball. Coupled with the free agency departures of experienced defender Harry Cunningham and key forward Joel Amartey, coach Dean Cox faces a considerable challenge reshaping his side. But Sydney has secured significant draft capital, including pick No.6, pick No.47 and valuable future selections from North Melbourne. It gives the Swans access to elite young talent and an opportunity to replenish their draft stocks after last year's aggressive pursuit of Charlie Curnow.

Trade Range: Despite losing a player of Blakey's calibre, Sydney remains firmly in win-now mode. You don't invest what the Swans did to secure Curnow without expecting to challenge for premierships. Their finals campaign demonstrated they still possess the depth and elite talent to make deep runs, even allowing for the emotion that fuelled their performance against Brisbane. There will be adjustments under Cox, but the expectations haven't changed. Sydney should be pushing for a top four finish again, and another serious premiership tilt in 2027. Because that's simply what the Swans do.

Arrivals: Jack Viney, Trent Rivers (both Traded - Melbourne)

Departures: Harry Barnett, Harvey Johnston (both Delisted), Jamie Cripps (Retired)

Draft Picks: 3, 23, 58, 64, 73, 82, 100

What they did: West Coast added some desperately needed experience with the acquisitions of Melbourne premiership pair Jack Viney and Trent Rivers. Viney arrives to provide leadership, toughness and a hardened presence in the midfield alongside emerging stars Harley Reid and Willem Duursma. Rivers returns home to Western Australia as a versatile addition capable of providing drive off half-back or through the midfield. Both bring premiership experience and valuable on-field leadership to a young Eagles side still finding its feet. Rather than chasing a quick fix, West Coast has targeted established players who can help accelerate the development of its next generation.

Trade Range: The Eagles simply have to get better. With coach Andrew McQualter entering the final year of his contract, tangible improvement across the list and game plan is essential. After years in the doldrums, West Coast now has a significant collection of young talent beginning to establish itself at senior level. The arrival of Viney and Rivers should help ease the burden on that emerging group, but the time has come for development to translate into results. A genuine push towards the wildcard positions should be the expectation in 2027. Anything less will only intensify questions about the direction of the rebuild and the progress being made under McQualter.

Arrivals: Zak Butters (Free Agency - Port Adelaide), Jordon Butts (Free Agency - Adelaide), Hudson O'Keefe (Traded - Carlton), Finn Maginness (Traded - Hawthorn)

Departures: Oskar Baker, Harvey Gallagher, Lachlan Smith, Zac Walker (all Delisted) James Harmes, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar (all Retired)

Draft Picks: 42, 53, 55, 83, 89, 91, 109

What they did: The biggest signing of the off-season, and arguably the biggest in club history. Zak Butters arrives at Whitten Oval with enormous expectations that he can elevate the Bulldogs into the competition's top echelon. Not only did the Dogs land their No.1 target, but they also addressed their need for another key defender by securing Jordon Butts from Adelaide. Hudson O'Keeffe provides much-needed ruck depth, while Finn Maginness offers another potential defensive midfield option. The Bulldogs sacrificed significant draft capital to complete their recruiting haul but should retain enough points to match a bid for NGA prospect Khaled El Souki.

Trade Range: This is it for the Bulldogs. Their extraordinary off-season signals an unmistakable intention to transform themselves from an elimination final side into a genuine premiership contender. They've added Butters, one of the competition's top five players, to a midfield already boasting Marcus Bontempelli, arguably the game's best, and Ed Richards. Throw in the enormous potential of Sam Darcy, even as he returns from a serious knee injury, and the talent is undeniable. With coach Luke Beveridge also entering a contract year, the pressure to deliver has never been greater. The Bulldogs have rightly celebrated one of the most significant recruiting periods in their history, but now comes the hard part. A first top-four finish under Beveridge must be the minimum expectation, followed by a genuine push towards Grand Final day. Anything less would be a disappointment.

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