Powerhouse’s cruel selection squeeze; how Swans deal with exits: Every AFL club’s best 23 for 2027

The trade period is now well and truly over, leaving most AFL list managers with a very good idea of what their ideal starting side looks like heading into the 2027 season.

Foxfooty.com.au has selected every club’s best 23 for next season following trade and free agency. (Italics = new player, Italics + * = likely to join, * = injured or suspended to start season)

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ADELAIDE CROWS

B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, H.Cunningham*

HB: W.Milera, J.Borlase, H.Hall-Kahan

C: C.Ah Chee, J.Dawson (c), B.Cook

HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, A.Neal-Bullen

F: J.Rachele, R.Thilthorpe, Z.Taylor

FOLL: L.McAndrew, D.Curtin, I.Rankine

INT: S.Berry, J.Peatling, R.Laird, L.Nankervis, M.Michalanney*

EMG: J.Soligo, N.Murray, I.Cumming

Key ins: Harry Cunningham?

Key outs: Taylor Walker, Jordon Butts, Luke Pedlar

WE SAY: The noise around Adelaide’s inability to notably improve their list this off-season has been deafening. The anticipated addition of Harry Cunningham as a delisted free agent on a two-year deal does help their defensive stocks, but beyond that, it’s very much about organic progression. How much Sid Draper can take his game to the next level in year three at the club will no doubt be important, while Mitch Hinge and Oscar Ryan will be putting pressure on the likes of Hugo Hall-Kahan and Rory Laird in a half-back role from the get-go. Midfielders Billy Dowling and Charlie Edwards will also be gunning for another crack in Adelaide’s engine room, having recently signed one-year deals.

BRISBANE LIONS

B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews, R.Lester

HB: D.Zorko, T.Gallop, J.Fletcher

C: J.Berry, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, C.McKenna

F: K.Lohmann, O.Allen, C.Rayner

FOLL: S.Draper, H.McCluggage, J.Dunkley

INT: L.Ashcroft, D.Wilmot, D.Fort, E.Hipwood, D.Annable

EMG: D.Gardiner, B.Reville, J.Payne

Key ins: Nil.

Key outs: Lachie Neale, Keidean Coleman, Sam Marshall, Will McLachlan

WE SAY: You can just about copy and paste the team that ran out on grand final day and delivered a third-straight premiership (we basically did). In fact, the only outs from that side are Lachie Neale, who left for Collingwood, and Darcy Gardiner. Gardiner could easily be there but we’ve got Ty Gallop ahead in the key defensive pecking order. We still don’t know who’s going to coach this team, and while you sense they won’t want to tinker with a winning formula too much, could yet make their own subtle changes. Neale’s departure opens the door for the likes of Levi Ashcroft and Dan Annable to get more midfield opportunities and Zac Bailey could move into a permanent on-ball role.

CARLTON

B: L.Cowan*, J.Weitering, N.Haynes

HB: O.Florent, H.Dean, L.Whitfield

C: A.Cerra, P.Cripps, O.Hollands

HF: B.Ainsworth, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

F: F.Evans, H.McKay, T.Byrne

FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Walsh, J.Smith

INT: C.Walker*, B.Wilson, G.Hewett, C.Lord, M.Cottrell

EMG: B.Kemp, H.O’Farrell*, N.Newman

Key ins: Lachie Whitfield, Joel Amartey

Key outs: Hudson O’Keeffe, Flynn Riley

WE SAY: The Blues bolstered either end of the ground with the additions of Lachie Whitfield and Joel Amartey, who will provide needed forward support for Harry McKay and possibly a chop out in the ruck. We’ve also cheated on this one and included father-son gun Cody Walker. Walker technically hasn’t arrived yet, but you suspect he’ll be there Round 1. There’s suddenly a fair bit of depth at Ikon Park for Josh Fraser to work with. The likes of Harry O’Farrell, who’ll be coming back from an ACL injury but is highly rated, Brodie Kemp, Matt Carroll, Nic Newman, Blake Acres, Wade Derksen and Mitch McGovern miss selection. Though Lachie Cowan and Derksen are both set to miss the start of the season through suspension. The additions of Whitfield and Amartey squeeze McGovern and Newman out of the side, though you could see Fraser going in several directions in what still feels like something of a blank canvas after so much list turnover. They’re also set to bring in ex-Magpie Wil Parker as a delisted free agent.

COLLINGWOOD

B: J.Howe, B.Frampton, B.Maynard

HB: I.Quaynor, D.Moore, J.Daicos

C: P.Lipinski, E.Allan, S.Swadling

HF: B.McCreery, D.McStay, J.De Goey

F: L.Schultz, J.Hogan, J.Elliott*

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, L.Neale

INT: O.Steene*, J.Crisp, H.Perryman, D.Houston, R.Steele

EMG: C.West, A.Anderson, W.Hayes

Key ins: Lachie Neale, Jesse Hogan, Flynn Riley

Key outs: Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Bobby Hill

WE SAY: The Pies have powered up with the additions of Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan to fill two key voids in the midfield and forward line as they load up for another crack at it. We’ve included two players that will start the season on the sidelines, Jamie Elliott and Oscar Steene, as they rehab ACL injuries. It could open the door for Collingwood’s third recruit, Flynn Riley, to start the season in the team, for Craig McRae’s side was far more effective at clearance last year with two rucks. Though dual Brownlow medallist Neale will be invaluable in that department, too. While we know the main core of this side will look like, there should be plenty of kids fighting for those final few spots in the team, with more opportunities after the departures of Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.

ESSENDON

B: A.McGrath, L.Hayes, M.Redman

HB: K.Coleman, Z.Reid, A.Roberts

C: B.Fiorini, S.Durham, X.Duursma

HF: S.Robey, P.Wright, D.Sharp

F: I.Kako, N.Caddy, A.May

FOLL: V.Visentini, J.Caldwell, N.Martin

INT: N.Bryan, J.Farrow, J.Bowes, K.Langford, J.Prior

EMG: D.Parish, B.McKay, A.Clarke

Key ins: Keidean Coleman, Jack Bowes

Key outs: Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley

WE SAY: You already feel the loss of Zach Merrett in what will be one of the most inexperienced teams in 2027. That said, it’s hard to see Ben McKay and Darcy Parish fighting their way back into Mark McVeigh’s side, which has clearly committed to a youth movement and developing that next wave. Keidean Coleman gives them a big talent boost across halfback and fellow recruit Jack Bowes also provides some needed experience. They’ll very much welcome the return of Nic Martin from injury, while a back injury meant we barely saw Brayden Fiorini in his first year at Essendon after crossing from the Gold Coast. Vigo Visentini had a promising end to the season and it feels like he’s narrowly ahead of Nick Bryan as the No. 1 ruck, though the two emerging talls will likely work in a tandem. Ex-Docker Bailey Banfield is also set to join the club and could slot straight into McVeigh’s 23.

FREMANTLE

B: K.Worner, A.Pearce*, L.Ryan

HB: J.Clark, B.Cox, H.Chapman

C: M.Johnson, A.Braysaw, N.Erasmus,

HF: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M. Reid

F: M.Frederick, J.Amiss, P.Voss

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, H.Young

INT: I.Dudley, C.Scerri, J.McVee, B.Walker, S.Darcy

EMG: M.Cox, C.Wagner, O.McDonald

Key ins: Dominic Bedendo

Key outs: Sam Switkowski, Nathan O’Driscoll

WE SAY: You’d expect a few tweaks to their grand final side. The club is hopeful Alex Pearce will be there to start the season after an Achilles injury, and it certainly won’t wipe out his entire 2027. Should he be unavailable though, it should allow Oscar McDonald to retain his place in the 23. Sam Switowski has retired and you sense the club’s strong stance in wanting to keep Sean Darcy suggests he’s in their plans in 2027, which could spell trouble for Mason Cox after the American made the back-up ruck role his this year. Nathan O’Driscoll, who didn’t play in the decider, is also no longer at the Dockers. VFL signing Dominic Bedendo effectively replaces O’Driscoll as a big-bodied winger and could be a sneaky bolter to get a senior gig. Otherwise, it’s largely the same group that came agonisingly close to a first ever flag that will run out.

GEELONG

B: Z.Guthrie, C.O’Sullivan, J.Henry

HB: T.Stewart, J.Ridley, T.Bruhn

C: O.Dempsey, O.Mullin, M.Blicavs

HF: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, G.Miers

F: T.Greene, S.Neale, P.Dangerfield

FOLL: R.Marshall, B.Smith, M.Holmes

INT: O.Henry, L.Humphries, M.O’Connor, T.Atkins, O.Wiltshire

EMG: M.Edwards, S.De Koning, J.Worpel

Key ins: Toby Greene, Rowan Marshall, Jordan Ridley

Key outs: Rhys Stanley, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Bowes, Tyson Stengle

WE SAY: Chris Scott’s side is looking scary good in 2027. And a Chris Scott side with more weapons should be frightening for the rest of the league. How about a forward line featuring Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield and Shannon Neale? Greene is among Geelong’s trio of star recruits alongside Rowan Marshall and Jordan Ridley to bolster them in each area of the ground. Marshall provides the gun ruckman they’ve long cried out for. But it will be interesting to see if they keep emerging ruck Mitch Edwards in the side to work with Marshall as a combination, with Scott having gone with two rucks in 2026. Got serious depth with the likes of Sam De Koning, Jack Martin, James Worpel, Jhye Clark, Brad Close and Jay Polkinghorne on the outside looking in. They’re also keen to get former first-round pick Harley Barker in the senior side at some point. Their VFL side might go undefeated…

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: B.Uwland, S.Collins, W.Powell

HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli

C: S.Clohesy, M.Rowell, Z.Uwland

HF: B.Humphrey, E.Read, T.Miller

F: L.Lombard, J.Walter, B.Long

FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson, C.Petracca

INT: S.Pendlebury, J.Jeffrey, J.Rogers, W.Graham, A.Schubert

EMG: J.Witts, C.Ballard, B.Addinsall

Key ins: Scott Pendlebury, Aidan Schubert, Sam Butler

Key outs: Ben King, Nick Holman

WE SAY: Despite the loss of Ben King to Hawthorn, Suns coach Damien Hardwick will be pleasantly surprised to have added depth to his side. Chemistry seemed to be the issue last season from the outside looking in, with their current crop of players still absolutely seen as capable of going the distance. When fully fit, the likes of Jai Murray and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (should he sign a one-year deal) could start from the outside if new recruits Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler are looked upon favourably. 442-game veteran Scott Pendlebury will also go straight into the starting 23, but will no doubt be managed throughout the season.

GWS GIANTS

B: J.Laverde, J.Buckley, C.Idun

HB: J.Fonti, S.Taylor, L.Ash

C: H.Thomas, C.Oliver, J.Kelly

HF: D.Jones, M.Gruzewski, C.Brown

F: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, P.Gothard

FOLL: N.Madden, T.Green*, F.Callaghan

INT: H.Himmelberg, E.Matthews*, S.Coniglio, T.Bedford, R.Angwin

EMG: L.Aleer, X.O’Halloran, C.Angove

Key ins: Ethan Matthews?

Key outs: Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield, Jesse Hogan, Kieren Briggs, Jake Stringer

WE SAY: GWS’ off-season has bordered on a mass exodus, which leaves them without a lot of experienced players next year; namely in their forward line. Toby Greene’s departure as a free agent stings alongside Kieren Briggs, while their parting of ways with Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer leaves a lot of responsibility now on younger types in the attacking half. The trading of Lachie Whitfield to Carlton was the club seemingly embracing an already-tough situation to try and maximise draft capital, which while tough, can certainly be respected. They look almost certain to match any bid on Academy-tied product Ethan Matthews in this year’s top 10, with the damaging young gun set to be their only big in this off-season. With a healthy list, there are some solid players who will miss out, potentially including Harry Rowston and Cody Angove.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Sicily, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick

HB: J.Impey, J.Battle, K.Amon

C: J.Ginnivan, J.Newcombe, M.D’Ambrosio

HF: D.Moore, M.Lewis C.MacDonald

F: N.Watson, B.King, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, Z.Merrett, W.Day

INT: J.Ward, J.Weddle, C.Nash, B.Macdonald, C.Mackenzie

EMG: N.Mraz, H.Morrison, M.Chol

Key ins: Zach Merrett, Ben King, Josh Goater

Key outs: Finn Maginness, Aidan Schubert, Sam Butler

WE SAY: Holy selection squeeze! At full fitness, Sam Mitchell’s side is incredibly hard to predict. The arrivals of Zach Merrett and Ben King will each squeeze someone out of the midfield and forward line respectively, leaving the likes of Mabior Chol, Cam Mackenzie and Harry Morrison all very stiff if they don’t make the cut for Round 1. Additionally, mid-season draftee Max Beattie, Calsher Dear and Jack Dalton will all find it tough without injury to break in initially. Conor Nash didn’t play after Round 11 this year due to a neck injury, but his presence as a defensive midfielder will likely be looked upon favourably. The trio of Finn Maginness, Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler aren’t ideal, but given their ins, it shouldn’t hurt their depth a whole lot.

MELBOURNE

B: B.Howes, D.Turner, K.Tholstrup

HB: J.Bowey, J.Lever, C.Jiath

C: E.Langdon, J.Steele, H.Langford

HF: K.Chandler, J.Van Rooyen, B.Fritsch

F: Z.Duursma, B.Mihocek, H.Petty

FOLL: M.Gawn, K.Pickett, T.Sparrow

INT: C.Windsor, H.Sharp, X.Lindsay, B.Laurie, J.Fitzgerald

EMG: C.Salem, W.McLachlan, L.Pickett

Key ins: Zane Duursma, Will McLachlan, Bodie Ryan

Key outs: Jack Viney, Trent Rivers, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham, Shane McAdam, Tom Campbell

WE SAY: The Dees evidently, and understandably, aren’t in a rush to rebuild after recruiting a trio of young players on the fringes of their respective former clubs. Zane Duursma is the most highly-touted of the three, while fellow recruit Will McLachlan and Matthew Jefferson will be on the precipice of the senior side, pending Brody Mihocek’s availability from a serious neck injury. Bodie Ryan, who was delisted by Hawthorn last month, is a shrewd pick-up as the club continues to blood its younger types in defence. There are holes to fill with several retirements and the amicable exits of Trent Rivers and Jack Viney, but Steven King’s outfit remains an exciting type. Once fully recovered from his ACL injury in April this year, Jai Culley will also be around the mark at selection.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: L.Parker, G.Logue, R.Hardeman

HB: N.Blakey, C.Comben, C.McKercher

C: T.Blamires, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Simpkin

HF: T.Powell, C.Trembath, C.Zurhaar

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, J.Darling

FOLL: T.Xerri, H.Sheezel, G.Wardlaw

INT: F.O’Sullivan, D.Stephens, C.Spargo, L.McDonald, C.Daniel

EMG: A.Corr, W.Dawson, O.Griffin

Key ins: Nick Blakey

Key outs: Zane Duursma, Josh Goater

WE SAY: For the first time in arguably over two decades, Arden Street has landed an A-grader in Nick Blakey. The 26-year-old will certainly lift their ball movement stocks, and subsequently free up the likes of Colby McKercher to have more kicks heading inside 50. Their defensive stocks, while still without Nick Murray, look stable enough — and it could see two of Aidan Corr, Wil Dawson or Luke McDonald miss out with everyone fit. Zane Duursma and Josh Goater depart their best 23 to Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: L.Jones, E.Ratugolea*, J.Lai

HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, K.Farrell

C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Lukosius

HF: J.Richards, M.Georgiades, W.Drew

F: J.Berry, J.Whitlock, C.Durdin

FOLL: J.Sweet, C.Rozee*, J.Burgoyne

INT: M.Bergman, O.Wines, D.Cochrane*, H.Ramm, L.Pedlar

EMG: T.Marshall, D.Visentini, M.Zadow

Key ins: Luke Pedlar, Dougie Cochrane?

Key outs: Zak Butters, Ivan Soldo

WE SAY: Obviously it goes without saying that the loss of Zak Butters will cut deeply as both a player and with his leadership, but in some ways, it could help fast track the exposure of a few young guns too. At the top of that list is NGA product Dougie Cochrane, who even if bid on at pick No.1 by Essendon in this year’s draft, will be matched by Port Adelaide. His eventual addition to the club’s best 23 will likely come alongside former cross-town rival Luke Pedlar, who made the rare switch over from the Crows. You could throw a blanket over a lot of their younger players that fill the side, but the likes of Christian Moraes, Xavier Bamert and Balyn O’Brien could be squeezed out with a fully fit list. An exact timeline for Connor Rozee and Esava Ratugolea remains up in the air, while delisted St Kilda utility Isaac Keeler could also be picked up as a delisted free agent.

RICHMOND

B: N.Vlastuin, N.Balta, T.Brown

HB: S.Banks, J.Gibcus, J.Short

C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto, N.O’Driscoll

HF: S.Cumming, J.Faull, T.Hotton

F: R.Mansell, T.Lynch, S.Campbell

FOLL: T.Nankervis, S.Lalor, J.Ross

INT: K.Briggs, M.Lefau, S.Grlj, K.Annand, J.Hopper

EMG: H.Armstrong, M.Rioli, S.Green?

Key ins: Kieren Briggs, Nathan O’Driscoll

Key outs: Nathan Broad, Dion Prestia

WE SAY: The Tigers remain a tough 23 to predict ahead of Round 1 next year, with so many of their promising young guns plagued by injury early days. Additionally, at the time of writing, the club still has several list calls to make on players who could be there or thereabouts at selection next year, if kept on. They include Judson Clarke, Steely Green and Maurice Rioli. What we are certain of though, is the inclusions of unrestricted free agent Kieren Briggs from GWS and former Fremantle winger Nathan O’Driscoll; the latter of which the club got as a surprise bargain buy during the trade period. After a tough start to their careers at Punt Road, Adem Yze will be hopeful of seeing more of Harry Armstrong and Josh Simille at senior level, among others.

ST KILDA

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie, A.Tauru

HB: J.Sinclair, M.Windhager, B.Hill

C: S.Marshall, H.Garcia, D.Wilson

HF: M.Phillipou, M.Owens, J.Higgins

F: L.Ryan, M.King*, C.Sharman

FOLL: T.De Koning, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Hall

INT: S. Flanders*, M.Wood, L.O’Connell, A.Hastie, H.Clark

EMG: J.Macrae, H.Boxshall A.Caminiti

Key ins: Sam Marshall

Key outs: Rowan Marshall, Dougal Howard

WE SAY: In Sam Marshall, out Rowan Marshall. They were the only two personnel who came in or out of Moorabbin this trade period, but it’s worth noting they do currently hold a strong draft hand. Whether that’s enough to catapult them into September remains to be seen, but with a fully fit list, there’s no excuses — they should still be competitive. The timelines for a return with Max King and Sam Flanders will become clearer during pre-season, but when available, the likes of Tobie Travaglia, Campbell Lake and Ryan Byrnes may be forced out of the starting side.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: W.Edwards*, T.McCartin, D.Rampe?

HB: R.Bice, H.Kyle, M.Roberts

C: J.McInerney, E.Gulden, J.Serong

HF: J.Lloyd, L.McDonald, B.Campbell

F: H.McLean, C.Curnow, T.Papley

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, Ch.Warner

INT: J.Rowbottom, J.Jordon, S.Wicks, L.Melican, J.Dattoli

EMG: A.Sheldrick, B.Cootee, J.Hamling

Key ins: Nil.

Key outs: Nick Blakey, Joel Amartey, Harry Cunningham, Taylor Adams

WE SAY: You wouldn’t have picked it just over two months ago, but suddenly, the Swans have lost three key figures for various reasons. Nick Blakey’s departure to North Melbourne has been well-documented, while Joel Amartey’s non-selection in the finals series looks to have played a part in him seeking a fresh start back home in Victoria. Add in the exit of Harry Cunningham to Adelaide as a delisted free agent, and the Swans’ depth isn’t what it has been for a while now. Still, they’ll have a few contributors from their finals campaign likely to miss out come Round 1, with the tentative expectation that all of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice will return after being stood down for breaching club standards. How long it takes for promising key defender Will Edwards to return from his gruesome ankle fracture remains to be seen, but if not available for Round 1, Joel Hamling or uncapped youngster Patrick Snell could be called upon. After rupturing his ACL in this year’s qualifying final, captain Callum Mills has not been included in the above side, as he is unlikely to feature until very late in the 2027 campaign. There remains a question mark over the future of Dane Rampe, who at 36, is weighing up playing a 15th season at AFL level.

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: B.Starcevich, R.Ginbey, B.Hough

HB: T.Rivers, T.Young, T.McCarthy

C: W.Duursma, T.Kelly, B.Allan

HF: T.Cole, J.Shanahan, J.Graham

F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, C.Duff-Tytler

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid*, J.Viney

INT: L.Baker, M.Herbert, E.Hewett, L.Duggan, E.Yeo

EMG: R.Bazzo, R.Maric, D.Robertson

Key ins: Jack Viney, Trent Rivers

Key outs: Jamie Cripps

WE SAY: Experienced bodies that have won premierships are what the Eagles have been crying out for in recent years, and they get two more on their list in Jack Viney and Trent Rivers from Melbourne. The former adds another inside bull around Harley Reid through the midfield, while Rivers’ dash and penetrative kick should go a long way for Andrew McQualter’s side. After rupturing his ACL in Gather Round last year, Deven Robertson will be pushing hard to return early on in the season. Youngsters Josh Lindsay and Tom Gross will continue to push for further opportunity too, among others. Harley Reid will miss the first two rounds of next season through suspension for a sling tackle in Round 24 this year.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: M.Sellwood, J.Butts, B.Khamis

HB: B.Dale, J.O’Donnell, C.Budarick

C: B.Williams, M.Bontempelli, C.Hynes

HF: M.Kennedy, A.Naughton, A.Jones

F: C.Weightman, S.Darcy, R.West

FOLL: T.English, Z.Butters, E.Richards

INT: J.Freijah, R.Lobb, R.Sanders, L.Bramble, L.Jaques

EMG: S.Davidson, F.Maginness, R.Garcia

Key ins: Zak Butters, Jordon Butts, Finn Maginness, Hudson O’Keeffe

Key outs: Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar

WE SAY: Luke Beveridge’s side is arguably the biggest winner of the entire trade period, and it means their premiership credentials have suddenly skyrocketed. Zak Butters’ arrival from Port Adelaide is obviously their main coup, but the acquisition of Jordon Butts down back should also do wonders for their defence. Finn Maginness from Hawthorn and Hudson O’Keeffe from Carlton are solid depth options too, with the former potentially helping soften the loss of Tom Liberatore (retirement) through their engine room. At full fitness, their competition for senior spots is very strong.