The AFL landscape has undergone a significant transformation following a frenetic trade period, with a host of established stars and experienced players finding new homes for the 2026 season. While some clubs have bolstered their premiership credentials, others have targeted specific needs in a bid to climb the ladder, setting the stage for a fascinating new chapter.
Premiership Pedigree and Defensive Reinforcements
Several clubs have placed a premium on proven big-game experience. Brandon Starcevich, the dual-premiership Brisbane defender, has returned to Perth to join West Coast, bringing his renowned lockdown abilities to a young Eagles backline. Similarly, Brisbane has secured a key forward in Oscar Allen from West Coast to fill the void left by retirees, banking on his past 50-goal seasons and leadership.
Adelaide welcomed another dual-premiership Lion, Callum Ah Chee, whose versatility as a forward, wingman, and defender will be a major asset. St Kilda made a massive play, luring Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning to partner with Rowan Marshall, creating a formidable twin-tall combination. The Saints also added excitement machine Liam Ryan from West Coast and versatile former Blue Jack Silvagni.
Midfield Maestros and Forward Firepower
The engine rooms and forward lines of multiple clubs have been supercharged. In a stunning coup, Christian Petracca has departed Melbourne for Gold Coast, set to form a fearsome midfield quartet with Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Touk Miller. Melbourne, in turn, secured former St Kilda captain Jack Steele to help cover the losses of Petracca and Clayton Oliver, who seeks a fresh start at GWS.
Carlton addressed their scoring woes by snaring Sydney's Will Hayward to help replace the departed Charlie Curnow, who himself made a high-profile switch to Sydney. The Blues also bolstered their midfield speed with West Coast's Campbell Chesser and added small forward Ben Ainsworth from Gold Coast.
Essendon targeted Brayden Fiorini as a wingman, immediately installing him in their leadership group, while St Kilda will give Sam Flanders a chance to reignite his career as a full-time onballer.
Strategic Plays and Calculated Risks
Other moves were driven by specific tactical needs. Fremantle's acquisition of Melbourne defender Judd McVee aligns with their desire for elite ball use from the backline, while they also brought in Mason Cox to experiment with Luke Jackson in a midfield role. Melbourne replaced McVee with Hawthorn's explosive Changkuoth Jiath.
Brisbane filled their ruck vacancy with Essendon's Sam Draper, and the Western Bulldogs picked up Gold Coast's reliable defender Connor Budarick. Geelong continued their tradition of smart recruitment by adding Hawthorn's clearance winner James Worpel.
Some moves carry significant risk. Gold Coast's acquisition of troubled former number one pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is a high-stakes gamble, while North Melbourne took a chance on injury-plagued former Melbourne premiership player Charlie Spargo.
With these major player movements now complete, the strategic chess game for the 2026 AFL season is well and truly underway, with fans eagerly anticipating the impact these recycled stars will have in their new colours.
