Welcome to Off-Season Central.
Below you can track every move by every club leading into and during the 2025 off-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2026.
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KEY AFL OFF-SEASON DATES
Friday October 3 to 10 – Free Agency period
Monday October 6 to Wednesday October 15 – AFL Trade Period
Wednesday November 19 to Thursday November 20 – AFL Draft
SEPTEMBER 17 – TWO MORE CROWS AXED AFTER STRAIGHT SETS EXIT AS TEX MYSTERY LINGERS
The Crows have made four delistings over two days, with Harry Schoenberg not offered a new contract and Kieran Strachan axed after being placed on the inactive list due to injury in February.
Schoenberg played 62 games after being the No.24 pick in the 2019 draft, but the midfielder only featured five times over the last two seasons.
Strachan, as a back-up ruckman, played seven games across four different seasons, having joined the club as the No.7 pick in the 2018 rookie draft.
He was willing to be placed on the inactive list to open up a list spot in the pre-season, and will be kept around at the club as an AFLW coach.
A day earlier, Adelaide small forward Lachlan Murphy and category B rookie Karl Gallagher were delisted by the minor premiers.
Murphy walked out of his exit meeting on Tuesday morning, voicing his axing to Fox Sports News’ Monique Van Der Heyden and Nine’s Braden Ingram.
“No good for me, no good but we move on, people lose their jobs every day,” Murphy was quoted as saying.
Murphy made his debut in 2018, and had two seasons where he played 20+ matches for the Crows.
The Diamond Creek product played just five games at the top level in 2025 though, two of which were as sub. His last AFL game came in Round 23 against Collingwood.
Gallagher did not play an AFL game and will return home to Ireland.
Meanwhile Taylor Walker’s future is uncertain with the veteran telling reporters after his exit meeting there had been no decision on his future.
“Nah not yet … don’t really have a timeline on it,” Walker said.
Asked whether the club was happy for him to play on, Walker replied: “We’ll just make that decision in due time mate.”
SEPTEMBER 14 – FLAG HERO OFFICIALLY DONE AFTER CRUEL END
Triple Hawthorn premiership hero Luke Breust’s decorated career has come to an end in heartbreaking circumstances, suffering a season-ending ACL/MCL knee injury in Box Hill’s VFL final on Saturday.
The Hawks confirmed the injury on Sunday, after Breust twisted his knee awkwardly in a tackle during the second quarter against Footscray and immediately grimaced in pain as play was stopped.
The 34-year-old, who announced his retirement from the game at season’s end, was helped off the ground by trainers and unable to put any weight on his right leg in heartbreaking scenes.
It was officially announced on August 14 that Breust would hang up his boots at the end of Hawthorn’s season, with that fate coming to fruition in devastating circumstances.
A key part of Hawthorn’s three-peat of flags in the 2010s, Breust was also a two-time All-Australian and five-time leading goalkicker, with 553 majors to his name across his 308 AFL games.
“Despite the abrupt and unfortunate ending, Luke should be enormously proud of committing himself completely across his incredible career, on and off the field, right up until his final moment,” Hawks football boss Rob McCartney said.
“Having played his 308th game in the brown and gold just a few weeks ago, Luke’s legacy as one of our club’s true greats has been etched into the history books, sitting behind only Michael Tuck and Leigh Matthews for most games played at Hawthorn.
“The club will be there to support Luke through every stage of his rehabilitation, just as Luke has been there to support so many others during his time in the brown and gold.
“Importantly, today we wrap our arms around our much-loved Punky.”
SEPTEMBER 11 – VETERAN RETIRES AS DOCKERS DUO DELISTED
The list changes are dropping at Fremantle, with veteran James Aish announcing his retirement while two young players have been delisted.
The Dockers on Thursday confirmed Aish had retired after 12 seasons in the AFL, playing 186 games across stints with Brisbane, Collingwood and Fremantle.
“It’s been a privilege to have played across three really good team in three states,” said Aish.
“It’s brought great challenges with moving, meeting new teammates and playing new positions, but it’s also been a blessing to meet great people along the way.
“When I look back on my career the real value has been bringing joy to my family, friends, fans and staff.”
Before joining Fremantle, he was a member of the Magpies’ losing 2018 Grand Final team.
“I would’ve loved to tick off the ultimate prize, but playing finals footy are some of my favourite memories looking back and I’m sure there’s plenty more ahead at Freo,” Aish said.
Aish’s call came 24 hours after the Dockers announced Jack Delean and Odin Jones had been informed they wouldn’t be offered contracts for next season.
Delean was taken with Pick 60 in the 2023 draft, while Jones was selected in the same year’s rookie draft. But neither played an AFL game for the Dockers.
“Jack has invested a lot in his football over the last two years,” Dockers football boss Joe Brierty said.
‘“Unfortunately he didn’t get an opportunity at AFL level, but we wish him well for his football future and thank him for his contribution to the club.
“It’s very unfortunate for Odin that he suffered a significant injury in the off-season.
“We had seen substantial development in his first 12 months at the Club, however following his injury in the off-season, he was unable to return to football this year.
“We will continue to support Odin in his rehabilitation and we thank him for his contribution to the club.”
SEPTEMBER 9 – BILLINGS JOINS DELISTED QUINTET AT DEMONS
Melbourne said goodbye to a handful of players on Tuesday evening with five delistings in their first off-season move for 2025.
Then later that night at the club’s best and fairest night, they announced a sixth delisting, former No.3 pick Jack Billings.
Billings played 155 games at St Kilda, twice polling double-digit Brownlow votes in a season, before being traded to the Demons for a future third-round pick and adding another 17 games across two years.
Earlier in the day the club informed Marty Hore, Tom Fullarton, Oliver Sestan, Will Verrall and Kynan Brown that they would not be offered a contract for the 2026 season.
Hore played 20 matches for the Demons in a unique career at the club, where he only featured on-field in years 2019 and 2024.
A ruptured ACL in July this year unfortunately prevented the 29-year-old from fighting for a contract until the end of the home-and-away season.
Fullarton, a former Lions tall, played just two senior games in two years for the red and blue, after being trade by Brisbane for a third-round draft pick at the end of 2023.
Neither Sestan or Verrall played an AFL game, while Brown featured twice in 2024, making a game-saving tackle on Nick Larkey in his debut.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank Tom, Kynan, Ollie, Will and Marty for all that they’ve given to the program over their respective journeys,” Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb said via a club statement.
“They will always be part of the extended Melbourne family, and we wish them the best for what comes next.”
Melbourne re-signed veteran back-up ruck Tom Campbell on a one-year deal 24 hours earlier, two months before his 34th birthday.
Dees edge closer to new coach | 02:59
SEPTEMBER 9 – TWO GIANTS GONE AS FAVOURITE CALLS TIME ON 17-YEAR CAREER
GWS has made its first delisting of the year with Josh Fahey not offered a contract for 2026.
The No.42 pick in the 2021 Draft, Fahey played seven games in the 2023 season but otherwise couldn’t break into the senior side either as a rebounding defender or winger.
“It’s always a difficult time of year and unfortunately we weren’t able to offer Josh a list spot moving forward,” Giants executive GM of football Jason McCartney said.
“Josh has been a valued member of our football program and we acknowledge the effort and commitment he has shown throughout his time at the Giants.
“We thank Josh for his contribution to the club and wish him every success for the future, both on and off the field.”
Meanwhile veteran Giants tall Lachlan Keeffe has officially hung up the boots, 17 years since being drafted to Collingwood in 2008.
The 35-year-old utility’s retirement was announced by GWS on Tuesday evening, after 119 games across the Magpies and Giants.
Keeffe infamously tested positive to the banned substance clenbuterol in February 2015 alongside then-Collingwood teammate Josh Thomas, putting a three-year halt on his career between 2015 and 2017.
He was then delisted by the Pies in 2017, before being signed by GWS at a delisted free agent that same summer.
Only six players throughout the competition in 2025 have been on an AFL list longer than Keeffe, two of which have since retired. Now, only Scott Pendlebury, Todd Goldstein, Patrick Dangerfield and Taylor Walker remain as players yet to announce their retirement at time of writing.
“Lachlan should be incredibly proud of the way he has carried himself across 17 seasons in the AFL, and we congratulate him on a remarkable career,” GWS General Manager Jason McCartney said via a club statement.
“Since arriving at the club in 2018, Lachie has been the ultimate team man – reliable, selfless, and one of the most respected and admired figures at the club.
“He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, character, and care for his teammates, and we thank him for the enormous contribution he has made both on and off the field.
“We were privileged to watch Lachlan’s journey from Collingwood to becoming a much-loved Giant, and we wish him and his family nothing but the very best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.”
Playing just three games in 2025, one of Keeffe’s last moments as a Giant at AFL level saw him kick the match-winning goal in GWS’ Round 1 win over Melbourne at the MCG.
Clubs toughest trade & contract calls! | 06:21
SEPTEMBER 8 – SWANS DELIST TWO MORE
Sydney has cut former top draft pick Aaron Francis and 2024 rookie draftee Blake Leidler in additional list changes.
The Swans farewell ex-Bombers swingman Francis, the no.6 overall pick in the 2015 national draft, after 30 AFL games since arriving before the 2023 season.
The 28-year-old managed 10 senior games this year but was busy at reserves level, playing 23 VFL games as a utility capable of playing at either end.
Leidler, meanwhile, has been cut after just one year at the club, with the 19-year-old Oakleigh Chargers product playing 16 VFL games for an average of 11.6 disposals.
“I want to thank Aaron and Blake for their contributions to our football club,” Swans football boss Leon Cameron said.
“Since arriving at the club a few years ago, Aaron in particular has played an extremely important role in adding experience and versatility to our senior side. He was also a very valuable contributor when he played VFL footy, helping develop our younger athletes.
“Blake was a solid contributor in our VFL side this season, and I thank him for his commitment to our program since arriving in Sydney.
“I wish both boys the very best for their futures.”
The list moves come after Sydney culled Robbie Fox, Caleb Mitchell, Indhi Kirk and Ben Paton on August 28.
Draper tells Dons he will depart | 00:24
SEPTEMBER 3 – TIGERS AXE TWO MORE
Richmond has added a further two players to its group of delistings, with Jacob Koschitzke and Jacob Blight told they won’t be offered a contract for the 2026 AFL season.
The Tigers on Wednesday confirmed Koschitzke and Blight — both 196cm tall — had joined Jacob Bauer and Mate Colina as Richmond departures.
A former Hawk, Koschitzke was traded to Richmond ahead of the 2024 season, but managed just 16 games in two years at Punt Road, including only two in 2025.
Blight, a 2024 mid-season draftee, played 10 games for Richmond.
“We thank both players for their hard work and application during their time at the club,” Tigers football talent manager Blair Hartley said.
“Jacob to his credit certainly put his best foot forward at VFL level this year and played a number of roles with minimum fuss.
“Jacob moved across the country to play with the club mid-way through last year and we thank him for his commitment during his 18 months with us.
“We wish them both well for their future pursuits.”
Touk Miller ‘not a fan’ of Lions | 02:08
SEPTEMBER 2 – ALL-TIME SUN AMONG TWO TO SAY GOODBYE
Inaugural Gold Coast player David Swallow and fellow Suns stalwart Sean Lemmens will retire from AFL football at season’s end.
Co-captain alongside Jarrod Witts for three years and part of the club’s leadership group for a decade, the 32-year-old Swallow was a genuine culture-setter at the expansion club, becoming its first life member in 2020.
The 2014 best-and-fairest award winner has played 247 matches, including seven this season, playing largely a substitute role for Damien Hardwick’s finals-clinching side.
The first overall pick in the 2010 national draft, Swallow was also a club champion runner-up in 2017 and 2019.
“I firstly want say how thankful I am to the footy club and everyone who’s here today, and all the people that have come before me,” Swallow said in a team meeting on Tuesday morning.
“This club gave me a chance a long time ago. I’ll forever be indebted to the SUNS and am so thankful for the opportunities this club has afforded me and my family.
“I’ve spent my whole adult life here, had two beautiful kids in that time and share a lot of wonderful memories with so many people.
“We’ve got the biggest game in the club’s history this weekend, and I feel like it’s just the beginning for us. I’ve waited my whole career to get this point, and I’m proud to still be here and get to be a part of that.
“It’s just the beginning for this team and this club.”
Lemmens, meanwhile, made his Gold Coast debut in 2014, playing 12 seasons at Carrara.
“I’ve had a lot of time over the last couple of months to reflect on the last 12 years here. I am so truly grateful that this amazing club gave me an opportunity to live out a dream and achieve so many special things,” Lemmens said.
“To the playing group, it’s been an absolutely privilege to go to work every day with such a connected group that I care about so much. The way I play is hard and I put my body on the line, but it’s easy to do that for people you love and care about.
“We’ve come a long way in the last 12 years as a club. We’ve still got plenty of footy left in us this year and I’m excited for where that can take us.”
SEPTEMBER 1 -DONS MAKE TWO MORE DELISTINGS
Essendon has delisted Jye Menzie and Alwyn Davey Jnr to join Dylan Shiel as the club’s third list change for the 2025 off-season.
Menzie played 48 games since joining the Bombers as a mid-season draftee in 2022. Meanwhile Davey, son of former Bomber Alwyn Davey, departs after 20 senior appearances since 2023.
“This is a difficult day, as it always is when we have to inform players of these kinds of decisions,” Bombers footy boss Daniel McPherson said.
“Menzie came to the club via the mid-season draft and woked tirelessly to earn his spot. He’s a fantastic competitor and we’re grateful for his contributions over the past few seasons.
“Davey Jr. has been a valuable part of our program, carrying on the family legacy at Essendon. He’s shown flashes of his brilliance at AFL and VFL level and we hope he can build on this as his football career continues.
“We thank both Jye and Alwyn for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club. They’ve been great teammates, and they leave the club with our best wishes.”
AUGUST 29 – DUAL PREMIERSHIP CAT HANGS THEM UP
Two-time Geelong premiership player Mitch Duncan has announced his retirement at the end of this season.
Duncan has played 305 games and could yet add to that tally as the Cats prepare to embark on a finals campaign.
The 34-year-old Duncan, who became just the seventh Geelong stalwart to play 300 games for the club, had toyed with the idea of playing on at another club in 2026 but said “now is the right time” to call it quits on a decorated career.
A 2009 second-round draftee, Duncan recorded seven top-10 best-and-fairest finishes throughout his 16-year tenure at the Cattery. As of next season, just three 2009 draftees remain — Jake Melksham, Max Gawn and Jack Gunston.
“After 16 years at AFL level, I feel now is the right time to hang up the boots,” Duncan said in a Cats statement on Friday afternoon.
“Every day I thank Stephen Wells for calling out my name on draft night in 2009. I’m grateful to have been part of this Club, a Club filled with so many great people past and present, who have not only taught me about football, but have also helped mould me into the person I am.
“At the end of our season I will sit back and reflect more, however I know that I couldn’t have enjoyed the career I have if it wasn’t for my wife, children and immediate family for always supporting and giving me the best opportunity to have success in my career.
“While I’m making this decision now, over the next month I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the Cats win its next premiership, whether that’s on or off the field.”
AUGUST 28 – BOMBERS VETERAN SHIEL FIRST ONE GONE
A busy off-season for Essendon began with former All-Australian midfielder Dylan Shiel parting ways with the club.
The Bombers said Shiel had not been offered a contract for 2026, suggesting he was delisted, though Shiel said his exit was via mutual agreement.
Shiel played 98 games across seven seasons at Essendon, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest after his free agency move, after previously playing 135 games at GWS.
The 32-year-old says he’s keen to find a third AFL home but will retire if not wanted.
“I have mutually agreed with the Essendon Football Club to part ways. I believe the timing is right to explore continuing my career elsewhere if the opportunity arises. If not, I am ready to embrace the next phase of my life,” Shiel said.
“I want to express my deep gratitude for my time at Essendon. Although we didn’t reach all the heights we dreamed of, I cherished representing the red and black. I loved putting on the red and black jumper and representing the club and its supporters every weekend and I want to thank all the Essendon supporters who embraced me.
“Essendon is a special club, one that has a presence in the big moments, and I loved being a part of it. I value the lifelong relationships I have formed at Essendon.”
EVERY AFL CLUB’S 2025 OFF-SEASON MOVES AND ASSETS
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who’s leaving: Matt Crouch (retired), Lachie Murphy (delisted), Karl Gallagher (delisted), Harry Schoenberg (delisted), Kieran Strachan (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 14, 41, 48, 50, 66, 68
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 17, 37, 40, 46, 49, 61, 71
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
CARLTON
Who’s leaving: Sam Docherty (retired), Tom De Koning (free agency), Jack Silvagni (free agency), Orazio Fantasia (delisted), Harry Lemmey (delisted), Alex Cincotta (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 35, 44, 62
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
COLLINGWOOD
Who’s leaving: Will Hoskin-Elliott (retiring at season’s end)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 34, 52, 64, 70
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ESSENDON
Who’s leaving: Dylan Shiel (delisted/mutual agreement), Jye Menzie (delisted), Alwyn Davey Jnr (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 4, 5, 22, 25
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
FREMANTLE
Who’s leaving: Michael Walters (retired), Nat Fyfe (retired), Quinton Narkle (retired), Jack Delean (delisted), Odin Jones (delisted), James Aish (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 11, 29, 38, 47, 65
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GEELONG
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 18, 36, 54, 72
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who’s leaving: David Swallow (retired), Sean Lemmens (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 6, 13, 16, 31, 56, 67
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GWS GIANTS
Who’s leaving: Callan Ward (retired), Lachlan Keeffe (retired), Josh Fahey (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 12, 30, 32
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
HAWTHORN
Who’s leaving: Luke Breust (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 8, 26, 55, 69
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: Marty Hore (delisted), Tom Fullarton (delisted), Oliver Sestan (delisted), Will Verrall (delisted), Kynan Brown (delisted), Jack Billings (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 23, 53, 59
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: Eddie Ford (delisted), Kallan Dawson (delisted), Miller Bergman (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 20, 21, 39, 57
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Who’s leaving: Rory Atkins (retired), Travis Boak (retired), Ryan Burton (delisted), Jeremy Finlayson (delisted), Dylan Williams (delisted), Hugh Jackson (delisted), Lachie Charleson (delisted), Willie Rioli (retired), Jed McEntee (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 24, 42, 60
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
RICHMOND
Who’s leaving: Jacob Bauer (delisted), Mate Colina (delisted), Jacob Koschitzke (delisted), Jacob Blight (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 2, 3
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ST KILDA
Who’s leaving: Jimmy Webster (retired), Zaine Cordy (delisted), Angus McLennan (delisted), Harry Boyd (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 7, 43, 58
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
SYDNEY SWANS
Who’s leaving: Robbie Fox (delisted), Caleb Mitchell (delisted), Ben Paton (delisted), Indhi Kirk (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 9, 27, 45, 63
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who’s leaving: Jeremy McGovern (medically retired), Dom Sheed (retired), Jayden Hunt (retired), Callum Jamieson (delisted), Jack Petruccelle (delisted), Loch Rawlinson (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 1, 15, 19, 33, 51
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who’s leaving: Taylor Duryea (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after finals Week 2): 10, 28
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC