AFL 2026: Player Each Club Should Scout This Season
The AFL season is on the horizon, and while teams finalize preparations for , list managers are already looking ahead – and at each other. Last year’s trade period saw a significant shakeup, with 34 players changing clubs ahead of the current season, a testament to the league’s dynamic player movement. As clubs gear up for another year of competition, scouting for potential targets is already well underway.
The pursuit of talent isn’t confined to the off-season. Clubs are actively evaluating players throughout the year, identifying potential acquisitions for future trade periods or free agency windows. With the AFL Draft completed and the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) now closed – finishing on – teams are settling their lists for the immediate future, but the long-term planning never stops.
Several players have already made moves this off-season. Oscar Allen joined Brisbane from West Coast as a free agent, while Sam Draper moved from Essendon to Brisbane. Carlton bolstered their ranks with Ben Ainsworth (from Gold Coast), Talor Byrne, Campbell Chesser (from West Coast), Harry Dean, Wade Derksen, Oliver Florent (from Sydney), Will Hayward (from Sydney), Jack Ison, and Liam Reidy (from Fremantle). Brisbane too added Indy Cotton as a Category B rookie and Archie Ludowyke as the No. 50 draft pick. Still, the landscape is constantly shifting, and clubs are always seeking ways to improve their rosters.
For the Adelaide Crows, one player stands out as a particularly compelling target: Brisbane Lions forward, Zac Bailey. Bailey is widely considered one of the most sought-after free agents for , with numerous clubs reportedly expressing interest in securing his services. The Lions have already made an offer to retain the 26-year-classic, but Bailey is taking his time to weigh his options and assess potential opportunities elsewhere.
Bailey’s value is undeniable. He averaged a career-high 20 disposals per game last season and booted 42 goals, playing a pivotal role in the Lions’ premiership successes in and . His ability to both score and contribute to the midfield makes him a rare and highly prized commodity in the AFL.
Adding Bailey to the Adelaide lineup would significantly enhance their forward and midfield capabilities. He would complement existing key forwards Riley Thilthorpe and Izak Rankine, creating a dynamic and potent attacking force. His midfield skills would add another dimension to the Crows’ on-ball rotation, providing greater flexibility and depth.
The Crows aren’t alone in their potential interest. The free agency period, which ran from to in , demonstrated the willingness of clubs to aggressively pursue top-tier talent. While the draft and trade periods have largely concluded, the possibility of securing a player like Bailey through free agency remains a significant draw for Adelaide.
The pursuit of Bailey highlights the strategic importance of scouting and player evaluation. Clubs are constantly assessing potential targets, not just based on current performance, but also on their long-term potential and fit within the team’s overall structure. The fact that Bailey is expected to carefully consider all offers underscores the power players now hold in the AFL landscape.
The Telstra AFL Draft, held over two nights on November 19th and 20th, saw several players find new homes, but the draft is only one piece of the puzzle. The subsequent pre-season and rookie drafts, concluding on , provided further opportunities for clubs to bolster their lists. However, the most impactful additions often come through trade or free agency, and players like Zac Bailey represent the kind of game-changing talent that can elevate a team to premiership contention.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bailey’s performance and his eventual decision. For the Adelaide Crows, he represents a potential key to unlocking their premiership aspirations, and they will undoubtedly be closely monitoring his progress throughout the year. The AFL trade landscape is ever-evolving, and the pursuit of top talent like Bailey will continue to shape the competition for years to come.
The Mid-Season Rookie Draft, held on , provides another avenue for clubs to address list needs mid-season, but the focus often shifts back to long-term planning and identifying targets for the next trade period. The cycle of player movement is relentless, and clubs must remain proactive in their pursuit of talent to stay competitive.