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2026 Trade / FA Thread

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I know this is rolling out the old cliche, but whether we take the possibility of Nick leaving for Tassie seriously or not is entirely academic right now. It's not like we can make supporter plans in preparation.

Therefore I'm very content to ignore "Gettable in March", appreciate Nick the Collingwood player and just chill.

I've learned this lesson the hard way in life: Anxiety is paying interest on a debt you may never owe.
 
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901023 said:
I'd be looking at:

Jed Busslinger (WB) KPD out of contract

Harry Rowston (GWS) M out of contract

Max Gruzewski (GWS) KPF out of contract

Straight swap Ed Allan for Elijah Tastes (ESS) M

Phoenix Gothard (GWS) SF out of contract

Will Dawson (NM) KPD 20yo 200cm out of contract

Oliver Hannaford (GWS) F

Ryan Angwin (GWS) M

Jack Ough (GWS) M 194cm

Alex Davies (GC) M 192cm out of contract

Ben Jepson (GC) - M UFA 24yo 184cm

Oscar Adams (GC) KPD UFA 22yo 198cm

Toby Pink (NM) KPD UFA 27yo 194cm

Lachlan Bramble (WB) M UFA 27yo 182cm

Lachlan McNeill (WB) F UFA 24yo 184cm

Ryan Gardner (WB) KPD UFA 28yo 197cm

Jake Kolodjashnij (GEE) KPD 30yo 193cm
Click to expand...
Not sure about Toby Pink.

Complaining Reservoir Dogs GIF
 
I'm sick and tired of hearing about Zac Butters already.
All these million dollar plus salaries for the stars isn't going to leave much for the rest of the players.
I hope he just re-signs with PA sooner rather than later.
 
granniewolf said:
I'm sick and tired of hearing about Zac Butters already.
All these million dollar plus salaries for the stars isn't going to leave much for the rest of the players.
I hope he just re-signs with PA sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
He won't be re-signing with Port.
 

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BillyElliott said:
He won't be re-signing with Port.
Click to expand...
There's a possibility he signs back on just to get to FA, but as others have mentioend with Tassie coming in, Port would be a bit unwise to let it get to that point. Probably in their best interest to capitalize on what they've got right now.
 
yeah man said:
There's a possibility he signs back on just to get to FA, but as others have mentioend with Tassie coming in, Port would be a bit unwise to let it get to that point. Probably in their best interest to capitalize on what they've got right now.
Click to expand...
They are getting f… with the new bidding changes, I’d be ropable being them after all GC have got recently
 
manicpie said:
Not sure about that. Port have already said they'll match all offers. I reckon he'll stay for 2 more years.
Click to expand...
Nah, they'll work out a trade. They know he wants to head home. They wont make him stay. He's done his time.
When was the last time a player was forced to stay in a FA market?
Even in the Danger situation, they did a trade when crows matched.
 
Jen2310 said:
Nah, they'll work out a trade. They know he wants to head home. They wont make him stay. He's done his time.
When was the last time a player was forced to stay in a FA market?
Even in the Danger situation, they did a trade.
Click to expand...
They will want a couple of quality players. They're not giving him up just to make him happy. On top of that they'll want 3 first round picks. They're already telling everyone they're keeping him. It's going to take a phenomenal trade to get it done. It didn't work out with Merritt. Port are better off keeping him for 2 years. Just my opinion.
 
manicpie said:
They will want a couple of quality players. They're not giving him up just to make him happy. On top of that they'll want 3 first round picks. They're already telling everyone they're keeping him. It's going to take a phenomenal trade to get it done. It didn't work out with Merritt. Port are better off keeping him for 2 years. Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Merrett was contracted. Butters isn't.
They'll do whats right for him, and for them. Maybe a player has to be included plus a few 1sts. But these things always get done especially if you are a FA.
 

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Jen2310 said:
Merrett was contracted. Butters isn't.
They'll do whats right for him, and for them. Maybe a player has to be included plus a few 1sts. But these things always get done especially if you are a FA.
Click to expand...
They're all contracted regardless. How do you get around Port matching? Port wouldn't see themselves as rebuilding. They have a good list and probably feel they can win a flag in the next 2 years. They can't even get a top 8 pick for him and they're going to want a lot more than that.
 
manicpie said:
They're all contracted regardless. How do you get around Port matching? Port wouldn't see themselves as rebuilding. They have a good list and probably feel they can win a flag in the next 2 years. They can't even get a top 8 pick for him and they're going to want a lot more than that.
Click to expand...
Maybe the Jeremy Cameron situation is a good example.
They didn't want to lose him. They matched, a trade was done that satsified both parties.
I think in the end, you do it. They gave you great service. As much as you dont want to lose your best players, if they get to FA and want to go home and explore elsewhere, I'm not sure it would look good on the club and future players and their agents to keep them against their will.
 
manicpie said:
They're all contracted regardless. How do you get around Port matching? Port wouldn't see themselves as rebuilding. They have a good list and probably feel they can win a flag in the next 2 years. They can't even get a top 8 pick for him and they're going to want a lot more than that.
Click to expand...
If he gets to FA the will only get compo though yeah? So pick 9 at best in 2 years. Def can’t see them challenging anytime soon. They’d be better matching now and forcing a trade.

The spanner in the worker is Cochrane. If he is no 1 pick, they will be paying up. Not sure but would be two very high picks to match.

Losing butters then adding Cochrane.. Not really ideal for them is it.
 
Jen2310 said:
Merrett was contracted. Butters isn't.
They'll do whats right for him, and for them. Maybe a player has to be included plus a few 1sts. But these things always get done especially if you are a FA.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's fair that a club can force an our of contract player to re-sign by matching offers.
How can you be a free agent if you're restricted?
It's a contradiction in terms. confused.gif
 
granniewolf said:
I don't think it's fair that a club can force an our of contract player to re-sign by matching offers.
How can you be a free agent if you're restricted?
It's a contradiction in terms.View attachment 2554923
Click to expand...
Yeah. I'm not sure when or why that was bought in. But if a player does his 8 years and wants to leave when he becomes a FA, a club shouldn't have a right to match and force a player to stay. But this is the afl. Trying to keep both clubs and players happy
But I can't think of when the last time that has happened. That a player was forced to stay when becoming a FA.
 
stormskye said:
If he gets to FA the will only get compo though yeah? So pick 9 at best in 2 years. Def can’t see them challenging anytime soon. They’d be better matching now and forcing a trade.

The spanner in the worker is Cochrane. If he is no 1 pick, they will be paying up. Not sure but would be two very high picks to match.

Losing butters then adding Cochrane.. Not really ideal for them is it.
Click to expand...
The new rules are going to make it hard though. Port will need the equivalent of 2 × pick 7 for a number one pick. They're in a similar situation to Carlton with Walker. I really think essendon started a bit of a precident with Merritt. The introduction of Tassie makes it even more difficult. I wouldn't be shocked if I'm wrong though but the only destination for butters is the dogs. They're probably the only side with the collateral. I think he stays but it's just a feeling
 

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granniewolf said:
I don't think it's fair that a club can force an our of contract player to re-sign by matching offers.
How can you be a free agent if you're restricted?
It's a contradiction in terms.View attachment 2554923
Click to expand...
It’s not forcing the player to re-sign because no player can be compelled to do anything. Think of it more as a letter of intent where the current club notifies all parties of their intent to match any FA offer. The FA and their management then has the option of accepting those terms or triggering a trade. The restriction is only on the need to be traded which doesn’t exist for an UFA.
 
Scodog10 said:
It’s not forcing the player to re-sign because no player can be compelled to do anything. Think of it more as a letter of intent where the current club notifies all parties of their intent to match any FA offer. The FA and their management then has the option of accepting those terms or triggering a trade. The restriction is only on the need to be traded which doesn’t exist for
Click to expand...
Yes, they can opt for a trade but the club still holds the power as they can refuse all trade offers, right?
 


Zak Butters, Ben King and Zac Bailey are set to be restricted free agents – meaning their clubs could match free agency bids for them if they move and force a trade and they are either eight- or nine-year players at their clubs who sit in the top 25 per cent paid players at the club this year – but Melbourne forward Fritsch and Hawks defender Impey shape as other restricted free agents in the group.

Any players outside the top 25 per cent of earners or those who have been at their current club will be eligible as unrestricted free agents, while they will also qualify as unrestricted if they have previously been delisted or moved clubs as a free agent and are now coming out of contract.

​

2026 FREE AGENCY LIST​

*Denotes player is eligible for free agency after being previously delisted in their career.
^Denotes player is eligible for free agency after previously changing clubs as a free agent.

ADELAIDE

James Borlase*
Jordon Butts
Mitch Hinge*
Chayce Jones
Lachie Sholl
Taylor Walker
Tyler Welsh*

BRISBANE

Zac Bailey
Darragh Joyce*
Ryan Lester
Lincoln McCarthy
Lachie Neale
Dayne Zorko

CARLTON

Wade Derkson*
Francis Evans*
Nick Haynes^
Elijah Hollands*
Mitch McGovern
Nic Newman
Zac Williams^

COLLINGWOOD

Jack Crisp
Jeremy Howe
Tim Membrey^*
Scott Pendlebury
Steele Sidebottom



ESSENDON

Jade Gresham^
Matt Guelfi
Liam McMahon*
Jaxon Prior*
Will Setterfield*

FREMANTLE

Bailey Banfield*
Oscar McDonald*
Sam Sturt
Sam Switkowski
Corey Wagner*

GEELONG

Jed Bews
Mark Blicavs
Patrick Dangerfield
Jake Kolodjashnij
Jack Martin*
Mark O'Connor
Rhys Stanley
George Stevens*

GOLD COAST

Oscar Adams*
Caleb Graham
Nick Holman
Ben Jepson*
Ben King
Lachie Weller
Jarrod Witts



GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Kieren Briggs
Stephen Coniglio
Toby Greene
Jayden Laverde*
Conor Stone*

HAWTHORN

Jack Gunston
Jarman Impey
Mitch Lewis
Harry Morrison
Flynn Perez*

MELBOURNE

Tom Campbell^
Kade Chandler
Jai Culley*
Bayley Fritsch
Tom McDonald
Jake Melksham
Christian Salem
Tom Sparrow

NORTH MELBOURNE

Aidan Corr^
Luke McDonald
Toby Pink*
Bailey Scott

PORT ADELAIDE

Zak Butters
Darcy Byrne-Jones
Ollie Wines

RICHMOND

Nathan Broad
Tom Lynch
Toby Nankervis
Dion Prestia
Nick Vlastuin



ST KILDA

Ryan Byrnes*
Jack Carroll*
Patrick Said*
Liam Stocker*

SYDNEY

Joel Amartey
Harry Cunningham
Joel Hamling*
Jake Lloyd
Dane Rampe

WEST COAST

Tom Cole
Jamie Cripps
Matthew Flynn^
Bailey Williams

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Oskar Baker*
Lachie Bramble*
Ryan Gardner*
Buku Khamis
Tom Liberatore
 
Jen2310 said:


Zak Butters, Ben King and Zac Bailey are set to be restricted free agents – meaning their clubs could match free agency bids for them if they move and force a trade and they are either eight- or nine-year players at their clubs who sit in the top 25 per cent paid players at the club this year – but Melbourne forward Fritsch and Hawks defender Impey shape as other restricted free agents in the group.

Any players outside the top 25 per cent of earners or those who have been at their current club will be eligible as unrestricted free agents, while they will also qualify as unrestricted if they have previously been delisted or moved clubs as a free agent and are now coming out of contract.

​

2026 FREE AGENCY LIST​

*Denotes player is eligible for free agency after being previously delisted in their career.
^Denotes player is eligible for free agency after previously changing clubs as a free agent.

ADELAIDE

James Borlase*
Jordon Butts
Mitch Hinge*
Chayce Jones
Lachie Sholl
Taylor Walker
Tyler Welsh*

BRISBANE

Zac Bailey
Darragh Joyce*
Ryan Lester
Lincoln McCarthy
Lachie Neale
Dayne Zorko

CARLTON

Wade Derkson*
Francis Evans*
Nick Haynes^
Elijah Hollands*
Mitch McGovern
Nic Newman
Zac Williams^

COLLINGWOOD

Jack Crisp
Jeremy Howe
Tim Membrey^*
Scott Pendlebury
Steele Sidebottom



ESSENDON

Jade Gresham^
Matt Guelfi
Liam McMahon*
Jaxon Prior*
Will Setterfield*

FREMANTLE

Bailey Banfield*
Oscar McDonald*
Sam Sturt
Sam Switkowski
Corey Wagner*

GEELONG

Jed Bews
Mark Blicavs
Patrick Dangerfield
Jake Kolodjashnij
Jack Martin*
Mark O'Connor
Rhys Stanley
George Stevens*

GOLD COAST

Oscar Adams*
Caleb Graham
Nick Holman
Ben Jepson*
Ben King
Lachie Weller
Jarrod Witts



GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Kieren Briggs
Stephen Coniglio
Toby Greene
Jayden Laverde*
Conor Stone*

HAWTHORN

Jack Gunston
Jarman Impey
Mitch Lewis
Harry Morrison
Flynn Perez*

MELBOURNE

Tom Campbell^
Kade Chandler
Jai Culley*
Bayley Fritsch
Tom McDonald
Jake Melksham
Christian Salem
Tom Sparrow

NORTH MELBOURNE

Aidan Corr^
Luke McDonald
Toby Pink*
Bailey Scott

PORT ADELAIDE

Zak Butters
Darcy Byrne-Jones
Ollie Wines

RICHMOND

Nathan Broad
Tom Lynch
Toby Nankervis
Dion Prestia
Nick Vlastuin



ST KILDA

Ryan Byrnes*
Jack Carroll*
Patrick Said*
Liam Stocker*

SYDNEY

Joel Amartey
Harry Cunningham
Joel Hamling*
Jake Lloyd
Dane Rampe

WEST COAST

Tom Cole
Jamie Cripps
Matthew Flynn^
Bailey Williams

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Oskar Baker*
Lachie Bramble*
Ryan Gardner*
Buku Khamis
Tom Liberatore
Click to expand...

Really hope the priorities are (in no specific order) - King, Butters, Butts, Lewis, Buku.

Hell, I'd even welcome home Liam McMahon at this point too.

Just stay away from Amartey. Genuine flat track bulley.
 

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