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Ben King, Jed Walter and Joel Amartey are three key forwards kicking goals and out of contract at season’s end.

The big men set to cash in with the Hawks, Magpies and Bombers circling

Hawthorn, Collingwood and Essendon are after key forwards and seven of the best remain out of contract. But where are they likely to be in 2027?

  • Peter Ryan

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Lachie Neale has interest from at least three clubs.

Why Collingwood’s interest in Lachie Neale is growing

Neale’s future is linked with that of fellow premiership Lion Zac Bailey, with one club prepared to offer Bailey a mammoth $1.4 million to move.

  • Peter Ryan
Nate Caddy (Essendon) and Harry Dean (Carlton) are integral to their sides’ futures.

Carlton or Essendon: Which team would you rather coach?

Both “power” clubs are hunting for a new coach. We examine the spine, midfield, upside and short-term prospects of each to declare which team actually has most to work with.

  • Peter Ryan
Some of the brightest young stars of four fallen powerhouses (clockwise from top left): Harley Reid (West Coast), Sam Lalor (Richmond), Jagga Smith (Carlton) and Sullivan Robey (Essendon).

The race back to relevance: We rate the Bombers, Tigers, Blues, Eagles and Power lists

With cellar dwellers Richmond and Essendon facing off on Friday night, and Port Adelaide and Carlton doing battle 24 hours later, it’s time to check in on how the AFL’s rebuilding clubs are going.

  • Marc McGowan
Carlton CEO Graham Wright arrives at Princes Park on Tuesday as news emerges of Michael Voss’ resignation as senior coach.

Why Carlton could follow Collingwood in this key area after Voss’ resignation

Graham Wright helped get the Magpies back into contention after Nathan Buckley left. Can he do the same in the post-Michael Voss era at Carlton?

  • Peter Ryan
Former Essendon top-10 draft picks: Nik Cox, Elijah Tsatas and Archie Perkins.

These top picks were supposed to be Essendon’s future. They could be out the door

Essendon continue to move away from the Adrian Dodoro era with their list management decisions, but only time will tell whether it is the right approach.

  • Marc McGowan
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Zak Butters leads Port Adelaide off the ground after their stirring win over Geelong on Saturday.

Three key forwards and a star mid: These are the footballers yet to sign on for 2027

Zak Butters headlines the list of players yet to make a public commitment for next season, while the Hawks, Suns and Swans all have noted goalkickers who appear to be weighing up their options.

  • Marc McGowan
Christian Petracca after he booted a big goal against Essendon.

Hot or not: The best and worst recruits of the 2026 AFL season so far

A high-performing recruit changes the fortunes of clubs every season. But some don’t reach the mark. It’s early days, but we assess those running hot and cold in the first six rounds.

  • Peter Ryan
Carlton coach Michael Voss addresses the media.

The Pies have had more modern-day success, but the Blues’ future is brighter. Here’s why

Carlton are better-placed than Collingwood for the future as the famous rivals prepare to go head-to-head on Thursday night.

  • Peter Ryan
Mitch Lewis kicked straight with less than a minute to go to level scores in an epic Easter Monday clash

The match-winning free agent fighting hard for his spot

This Hawthorn big man hasn’t quite hit his straps yet in 2026, but he seized the moment during the Easter Monday blockbuster against Geelong.

  • Peter Ryan