Top AFL Players Negotiating Big New Contracts

Many AFL players are talking about new contracts right now. Some top players might sign very big deals. Clubs are also busy trading players and talking to fans. We will tell you who is moving and signing.
By Newsroom | AFL, Australia |

Key figures in the Australian Football League (AFL) are involved in significant player contract discussions, with at least one top free agent reportedly in negotiations for a substantial new deal. This period of player movement also sees clubs engaging in tactical public relations, exemplified by a recent video released by the Melbourne Football Club that has drawn attention from supporters of rival teams.

Top free agent in talks to sign mega deal; Dees troll Pies fans with cheeky vid — AFL Daily - 1

Player Movement and Contract Negotiations Underway

The AFL landscape is currently defined by the intense activity of player movement and contract negotiations as the free agency period progresses. Several clubs are actively involved in securing players for the upcoming seasons, with new deals being finalized and others in advanced stages of discussion.

Top free agent in talks to sign mega deal; Dees troll Pies fans with cheeky vid — AFL Daily - 2

  • Carlton Blues: Players like Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni have been central to discussions. Silvagni, in particular, has been weighing an offer from Carlton against reported interest and potentially more lucrative terms from Collingwood.

  • Collingwood Magpies: Besides their reported interest in Jack Silvagni, Collingwood has secured forward Jack Buller from the Sydney Swans, exchanging him for a future draft pick.

  • Melbourne Demons: The club has released a "cheeky and clever 2026 membership campaign" which has been observed as a public relations move, drawing reactions from fans of other clubs. Melbourne has also been noted as interested in a forward from the Sydney Swans.

  • Other Clubs:

  • West Coast Eagles have signed a 26-year-old player to a four-year deal.

  • North Melbourne is set to gain Charlie Spargo from Melbourne as an unrestricted free agent.

  • Geelong Cats are set to sign James Worpel as a restricted free agent on a four-year contract.

  • St Kilda Saints are expected to sign Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni.

  • Adelaide Crows are reportedly considering a substantial contract offer for a free agent from the Sydney Swans, potentially exceeding $5 million.

Free Agency Compensation and Strategic Moves

The free agency system inherently involves compensation mechanisms that impact club draft positions. Clubs losing certain free agents are likely to receive draft picks, which are graded based on the type of player lost and their contract value.

Read More: Geelong Cats Have Many Injured Players Before New Season

Top free agent in talks to sign mega deal; Dees troll Pies fans with cheeky vid — AFL Daily - 3

  • The movement of Charlie Spargo from Melbourne to North Melbourne is expected to result in Melbourne receiving a Band three (second round) or Band four (end of second round) pick.

  • Carlton, by not matching St Kilda's offer for Jack Silvagni, will receive a first-round compensation pick.

  • West Coast Eagles are anticipated to gain pick No. 2 as a result of a player's deal, though this is not expected to occur immediately.

Notable Player Signings and Trade Speculation

The period is marked by both finalized deals and ongoing speculation about player movements.

Top free agent in talks to sign mega deal; Dees troll Pies fans with cheeky vid — AFL Daily - 4

  • Jack Buller, a key forward from the Sydney Swans, has officially become a Collingwood player.

  • Jack Silvagni has reportedly had a long-standing, significant offer from Carlton that remains unsigned, with Collingwood also showing interest and potentially offering a more financially attractive deal, possibly for a longer term.

  • Reports suggest Adelaide Crows are evaluating a "mega deal" for a Sydney Swans free agent, with Carlton and Melbourne also expressing interest in the same player.

  • There is speculation about Melbourne's involvement with Jack Martin, a player who might be released to facilitate new player acquisitions.

  • Max King of St Kilda signed a significant six-year contract extension, a move that has drawn scrutiny from commentators like Kane Cornes due to the player's injury history.

  • Billy Frampton had indicated a desire to be traded to Collingwood.

  • Junior Rioli had lodged a request to be traded to Port Adelaide.

Expert Commentary on Contract Valuations

Commentary from figures within the AFL sphere offers a perspective on the financial aspects of player contracts and the strategic decisions clubs make.

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"Noted long-term contract critic Kane Cornes isn’t impressed with the Saints’ call to lock in King, describing the monster extension as ‘one of the more risky moves I’ve seen’ given his injury history." (Source: The Roar)

This quote highlights that while clubs may commit to substantial deals, there is an analytical view questioning the long-term viability and risk associated with such agreements, particularly when factoring in a player's past health issues.

Summary and Future Outlook

The current AFL player movement landscape is characterized by high-stakes contract negotiations, strategic club maneuvers, and public relations efforts. The impending outcomes of these discussions will shape team compositions and competitive dynamics for the foreseeable future.

  • Key free agents are in deep discussions for major contracts, indicating significant financial commitments by clubs.

  • Player transfers, such as Jack Buller's move to Collingwood, are being finalized.

  • Clubs are utilizing various methods, including social media content, to engage their fanbase and potentially influence perceptions during this active period.

  • The compensation picks generated by free agency movements are a crucial element in how clubs can rebuild or reinforce their lists through the draft.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are any players getting very big contracts?
Yes, some top free agents are talking about signing new deals that could be worth a lot of money.
Q: Which teams are busy signing players?
Many teams are active, including Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Q: What is free agency in the AFL?
Free agency is when players can move to new teams if their contract is finished. Clubs might get special picks if they lose players.
Q: Are there any players moving between clubs?
Yes, some players are being traded, like Jack Buller moving to Collingwood. Other players are looking to join new teams.
Q: What is the Melbourne Football Club doing?
The Melbourne Demons have started a new plan to get people to sign up as members for 2026. It has made other fans talk.