AFL Off-Season 2026: Player Movements, Contract Battles, and Strategic Innovations Drive the League Forward

The AFL off-season continues to be a hive of activity, reflecting a league that is rapidly evolving both on and off the field. From high-stakes player negotiations and groundbreaking recruitment strategies to injury crises and societal initiatives, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Australian football. Recent developments underscore how clubs are balancing competitive imperatives with cultural responsibility, setting the stage for a dynamic upcoming season.

High-Profile Contract and Leadership Discussions

This off-season has seen intense focus on roster stability and leadership direction. A notable highlight is Josh Dunkley's contract situation and potential captaincy role at Brisbane. In a recent YouTube interview, Dunkley discussed his commitment to the Lions, emphasizing his desire to lead and contribute to the club's success. The club is reportedly close to finalizing a new contract, with leadership discussions underway. Speculation suggests Dunkley could be a candidate for the captaincy, reflecting his influence both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, other clubs are also engaged in pivotal contract battles and leadership decisions, indicative of a broader strategic shift toward stability and culture. These moves are crucial as teams seek to build resilient, cohesive units capable of competing at the highest level.

Preseason Form and Its Impact on List Decisions

Preseason results are increasingly informing clubs' selection and recruitment strategies. The AFL preseason clash between Brisbane and Gold Coast served as a key benchmark, with Brisbane demonstrating strong form and cohesion. The match highlighted the Lions’ emerging midfield dominance and defensive resilience, reinforcing their premiership ambitions.

Such performances are influencing list management decisions, with clubs reassessing player roles and potential reinforcements. For example, Brisbane’s standout preseason has bolstered confidence in their existing squad, while other teams are evaluating prospects based on recent on-field displays.

Ongoing Player Movements and Trade Market Dynamics

The player market remains fiercely active, with clubs vying to optimize their lists:

• Re-signings Signaling Stability: Hawthorn’s renewal of Josh Weddle underscores their confidence in youth development, aiming to solidify their defensive core amid a competitive environment.

• Interstate and Elite Talent Pursuits: Essendon’s recent meetings with high-profile players have sparked speculation about potential interstate transfers. While nothing is confirmed, such moves reflect the league-wide trend of clubs actively pursuing top-tier talent beyond traditional borders.

• Trade and Recruitment Strategies:

  • Port Adelaide secured Lucy Boyd via draft capital, bolstering their midfield and defensive stocks.
  • Brayden Fiorini remains a hot commodity, with several interstate clubs weighing whether to pursue him for immediate impact or development—a decision that encapsulates broader recruitment philosophies emphasizing long-term potential versus short-term needs.

Contract and Leadership Developments

In addition to Dunkley, other notable contract updates include:

• Josh Dunkley's ongoing negotiations and leadership considerations at Brisbane.
• Clubs are also actively exploring leadership succession plans, with emerging stars and veterans alike being considered for captaincy roles.

Preseason Form as a Predictor of the Season

The recent AFL preseason matches are offering valuable insights. The Brisbane vs Gold Coast game showcased the Lions' strength, particularly their midfield and forward transitions. Such performances are shaping clubs’ expectations and influencing final squad selections ahead of Round 1.

Continued Injury Challenges and List Management Responses

Injuries remain a critical concern, prompting urgent list adjustments:

• West Coast Eagles are facing a long-term crisis, with Noah Long confirmed to miss the entire 2026 season due to ACL reconstruction. An additional unnamed young player is also sidelined for the year, prompting the club to accelerate recruitment efforts—including trades and promotions from their development ranks—to mitigate the impact.

• North Melbourne’s Dan Parish has made encouraging progress, participating in match simulations and full training, signaling a positive recovery trajectory that could see him available for Round 1.

• Wade Derksen of the Kangaroos has provided a detailed injury timeline, expressing cautious optimism for a mid-season return, though recovery remains cautious.

• Richmond’s young gun faces a significant hip injury, with a long-term absence anticipated, which intensifies the club’s list management challenge.

• Other clubs like Adelaide are also managing injury setbacks, with quick promotions from youth and strategic trades aimed at filling gaps.

The league has introduced new MRO protocols to better regulate dangerous play, exemplified by recent incidents involving North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer, aiming to reduce injury risk and enhance player safety.

AFLW Policy and Welfare Debates

The AFLW continues its evolution into a fully professional league, with ongoing discussions about player welfare and inclusivity:

• Concussion Management and Maternity Policies: Stakeholders are advocating for comprehensive reforms—including improved concussion protocols, flexible maternity support, and broader health protections—to attract and retain top talent, ensuring the league remains a leader in athlete welfare.

• Inclusivity and Diversity Initiatives: The league’s Indigenous and Multicultural Academy squads are central to creating pathways for players from diverse backgrounds. These programs are designed to address disparities and reflect Australia’s multicultural society.

Cross-Code Expertise and Cultural Leadership

Clubs are leveraging cross-sport insights to enhance their strategies:

• Christian Welch, the former NRL star, has transitioned into a strategic analyst role at Collingwood. His experience offers fresh perspectives on physicality, training methodologies, and player management, enriching AFL strategic discussions.

• Veteran mentorship remains vital, with Michael Walters at Fremantle taking an active role in fostering a resilient, inclusive club culture. His leadership supports continuity amid transition and development.

Current Status and Implications for 2026

The AFL’s off-season is marked by a flurry of strategic activity:

• Talent Pathways: Embracing SSP, regional train-on spots, and academy programs broadens access, fosters diversity, and increases regional engagement.

• Cultural and Strategic Investments: Cross-code hires like Welch and veteran leadership such as Walters demonstrate a holistic approach to club building—focusing on culture, resilience, and societal impact.

• Injury and Policy Reforms: The league’s proactive responses to injury crises—through targeted recruitment, policy reforms, and welfare initiatives—aim to safeguard competitiveness and player safety.

• Preseason Form and Player Movements: The latest preseason results and contract developments, including Dunkley’s leadership discussions, are shaping expectations and squad configurations for Round 1.

Recent Highlights:

• Dan Parish’s recovery is progressing well, with full participation in training and simulations.
• Injury crises persist across clubs, notably West Coast, Richmond, and North Melbourne, prompting urgent list management and recruitment strategies.
• Wade Derksen’s injury timeline offers hope for a mid-season return, though recovery remains cautious.
• Richmond’s young gun faces a lengthy absence, influencing their strategic planning.

In summary, the AFL off-season remains a period of intense innovation, strategic repositioning, and cultural development. Clubs are navigating injury challenges, forging new pathways, and embracing diverse expertise—ensuring that the league not only thrives competitively but also leads in societal responsibility and inclusivity. As preparations intensify for the 2026 season, these developments will be pivotal in shaping an exciting, resilient, and forward-thinking AFL landscape.