Rating the best and worst recruits of the 2026 AFL season so far; including some big names at St Kilda Saints such as Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, Christian Petracca at Gold Coast Suns, and Clayton Oliver at GWS Giants
Bailey Smith helped Geelong reach the grand final last season after being traded from the Western Bulldogs.
Ben Brown and Bobby Hill helped Melbourne and Collingwood to the flag in their first seasons with their new clubs in 2021 and 2023.
That’s why it’s important what happens in October and we’re spending this year analyzing who could attract Zak Butters, Ben King or Zac Bailey to their club in 2027.
We’re only on the eve of the seventh round, but there’s enough evidence to make some early conclusions about who the hottest players are so far this season and which players are struggling to make the desired impact at this stage.
Good news for those struggling: They have plenty of time to find form.
Friendly employees during last year’s trading period
- Gold Coast Christian Petracca He has played in four of the Suns’ six games so far this season. They won the 4 matches he played and lost the 2 matches he missed. He is fourth in the coaches association award and has slugged in 10 goals. He is also the leading player on this front with a score average of 11.5.
- of Melbourne Jack Steele He looked like Richmond’s great Geoff Raines when he darted from mid-range and hit two long shots in the first quarter against the Brisbane Lions. Steele costs nothing at the draft table and charges very little in terms of total player payments (TPP). A good person at the club proves to be the right fit at the right time.
- of giants Clayton Oliver He had to step up after Tom Green’s knee injury and put in an impressive performance in a struggling team. After an excellent opener against Hawthorn, he worked hard to stem the tide in the games the Giants lost.
Honorable mention goes to Port Adelaide Corey Durdin and Melbourne Brody MihocekIn Sydney, 10 goals were scored per capita. Jai Seronga handful of proven ones on the wing and St Kilda’s Sam FlandersThe player who is currently playing according to expectations. Finbar Maley He is proving to be a surprise, albeit clunky, player for the Crows.
Novices work coolly
- The most obvious is St Kilda’s. Tom De KoningInjury is the reason he has looked out of sorts in the last two games, potentially dropping points and not reaching the club. He didn’t get the coaches’ vote and scored a goal. He is capable of doing more but has not found form yet.
- Brisbane Lions Oscar Allen After a slow start to his career at his new club, he had an excellent game against Collingwood. But he is taking his time to find his feet as the Lions’ forward. On the bright side, he never missed a game and showed enough of his ability in glimpses to cause some optimism.
- Collingwood’s Jack Buller He didn’t cost much at the trade table, but he hasn’t yet been able to replace Mihocek as many had hoped. He came off the bench after round one and isn’t knocking down the door to get back into a misfiring forward line.
West Coast Brandon Starcevich He is injured and will not return until mid-season. Sydney’s Charlie Curnow He’s up and down, but he’s threatening and helps his teammates. But given the amount of capital the Swans have spent on him, he remains vigilant.
We play as expected
Carlton traded six players but none were able to turn the Blues’ fortunes around, although none played below what they showed at their previous clubs. of saints Jack Silvagni And liam ryan has been equal. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan It was always going to take time and he hasn’t made the Suns’ team yet.
A free agent warming up at the right time
Melbourne free agent Kade Chandler After three consecutive seasons of solid football, he has put any contract disputes to the back of his mind as he develops into a towering half-forward under Steven King.
The 26-year-old received eight coaches’ votes for his match-winning performance against the Brisbane Lions. His two big goals from a tight end in the quarter were added to another in the second term, which was Melbourne’s only big goal in that quarter.
A consistent performer, he has played 23 games a year in each of the last three seasons and looks set to remain a Demon, but if he continues his good form this year he is sure to attract interest from other clubs.
“I feel really confident in my play and feel like my teammates trust me to fill my role every week,” Chandler said.
However, he leaves contract negotiations until he feels the time is right.
“I didn’t think too much about it. I absolutely love my football and I was just focused on getting a few more wins,” Chandler said. Money Talks. “I’m sure those discussions will start when the time comes, but right now I’m happy to win with the guys and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Teammate and fellow South Australian Tom Sparrow He is also a free agent being watched by South Australian clubs.
A mature Bomber
of Essendon Tom Edwards He had a great start to his career with the Bombers after suffering an ACL injury. He has scored two goals in each of the three matches he has played in since his return to the Western Bulldogs coincided with the team’s return to competitiveness.
The Bombers have shown their confidence in the West Australian after just two games by extending his contract until the end of this season following his knee injury, but they are yet to initiate talks with the 25-year-old, who currently has leadership potential and could become more commanding later in the season if he continues to perform at the same pace.
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