The AFL landscape is currently defined by a tension between loyalty and leverage. As the season progresses, the league is seeing a fascinating convergence of career resurrections, the strategic hunt for “unicorn” athletes in the United States, and a high-stakes game of musical chairs among the competition’s most coveted free agents.
For many players, the current window represents more than just a contract negotiation. it is a validation of their place in the game. From the rural South Australian roots of Kade Chandler to the basketball courts of Utah, the movement of talent is shifting toward a model that prizes both specialized versatility and raw, untapped physical potential.
At the heart of this movement is a series of high-priority discussions. Melbourne is currently working to secure one of its most consistent performers, while Adelaide attempts to lock down a defensive anchor in a market where key defenders are becoming the most valuable currency in the league.
The Loyalty Game: Chandler and the Dees
Melbourne finds itself in a strong position with Kade Chandler, though the unrestricted free agent has not been without suitors. Chandler, 26, has evolved from a rookie gem into a vital cog in the Demons’ forward line, playing 78 of a possible 80 games since the end of 2022. His reliability has made him a favorite under Steven King, and the numbers back up the sentiment: Chandler is currently ranked as the No. 3 general forward in the competition according to Champion Data, having slotted 11 goals from nine games this season.
While rival clubs have circled, Chandler has expressed a clear desire to remain at the club. The discussions now shifting toward a longer-term deal represent the biggest contract of his career, reflecting his transition from a depth player to a primary offensive weapon. He isn’t the only Demon in the boardroom; the club is simultaneously navigating extensions for Tom Sparrow and restricted free agent Bayley Fritsch, signaling a concerted effort by Melbourne to stabilize its core roster before the trade period intensifies.
A Key Defender’s Dilemma
While Chandler seems settled, Jordon Butts is weighing a significant commitment from Adelaide. The Crows have tabled a four-year offer that would keep the unrestricted free agent at Adelaide Oval through 2030. Butts currently sits at the top of a “key defender carousel” that is expected to spin rapidly in the second half of the season.
The Western Bulldogs remain the primary external threat to Adelaide’s plans. Having shown aggressive interest in the key defender market last year, the Dogs are continuing their pursuit of Butts. This pursuit coincides with the Bulldogs’ efforts to retain their own backman, Buku Khamis, who is currently considering his options despite an improved three-year offer from the club.
The ripple effects of the Butts decision are likely to impact several other clubs. Brisbane continues to monitor Essendon’s Jordan Ridley, and Gold Coast’s Charlie Ballard has emerged as a potential target after missing recent selection for the Suns. Meanwhile, Collingwood is moving to secure Billy Frampton, who has already entered talks to extend his stay with the Magpies.
The American Experiment: Searching for a Giant
Beyond the domestic trade talk, the AFL is looking toward Dallas for its next physical anomaly. The upcoming US Combine in June will feature nine athletes, headlined by Matthew Van Komen, a 223cm (7’4″) basketball player from Marshall University in Utah. If Van Komen successfully navigates the trial and secures a Category B rookie spot, he would become the tallest player to ever grace an AFL list.
The league’s scouting strategy has shifted toward extreme height this year. Five of the current trialists stand at least seven feet tall, reflecting a desire to find a dominant aerial presence that can fundamentally alter the geometry of the game. The combine will be overseen by 2004 Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, who will lead skills training to determine if these athletes can translate their basketball agility to the demands of Australian Rules football.
| Athlete | Sport | Height | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Van Komen | Basketball | 223cm (7’4″) | New Trialist |
| Jasper Reinalda | Basketball | 213cm+ (7’0″+) | New Trialist |
| Hayden Curtiss | Basketball | 208cm (6’10”) | Returning Trialist |
| Ben Braun | Volleyball | TBD | New Trialist |
The Art of the Resurrection
Perhaps the most human stories of the current season are those of the “second chance” players. Corey Wagner’s journey to Fremantle is a testament to persistence. After early stints at North Melbourne and Melbourne (via Casey) and a two-year period at Port Melbourne, Wagner has found his stride with the Dockers. Having played 47 games since joining at the end of 2022, the 29-year-old is now set for a two-year extension through 2028.
A similar trajectory is unfolding for Gold Coast’s Oscar Adams. Originally drafted by St Kilda but delisted in 2023 without playing a game, Adams returned to the SANFL with Glenelg before earning a mid-season lifeline with the Suns. His rapid ascent—supplanting Charlie Ballard in the backline—has put him on the verge of hitting a contract trigger for 2027.
Mid-Season Shuffles and Changing Disciplines
As the Mid-Season Rookie Draft approaches, Richmond is looking to its VFL program to fill a void left by Josh Gibcus’ season-ending knee surgery. The Tigers are considering internal promotions for Sam Toner, Ned Renfree, Mutaz El Nour, and Zaydyn Lockwood. Toner, in particular, has become a focal point for recruiters, kicking 13.12 in his first six games of 2026, which has also attracted the attention of the Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs, dealing with Sam Darcy’s ACL rupture and Tim English’s injury struggles, are scouring the ruck market. Their interest extends to 203cm ruck-forward Tom Scully, as well as SANFL talents Alex Van Wyk and Caleb May. Both Richmond and the Bulldogs are also monitoring Geelong’s Marcus Herbert, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after mid-season targets.
Interestingly, while player movement is heating up, on-field discipline is improving. The Match Review Officer (MRO) has reported a 66% reduction in player fines through Round 8. Fines have dropped to $89,875, a sharp decline from the $176,750 recorded during the same period in 2025. MRO Michael Christian attributes this to a restructured fines system and a shift toward suspensions for strikes, which has fundamentally altered player behavior.
The next critical checkpoint for the league will be the conclusion of the US Combine in Dallas next month, which will determine if the AFL’s gamble on extreme height pays off with a Category B signing.
Do you think the AFL’s focus on 7-foot athletes is a strategic masterstroke or a physical gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
