2024 record: 1st (14-8-1). List manager: Dom Ambrogio. Who’s gone? Jarryd Lyons (retired). Out of contract: Luke Beecken, Darcy Craven, Darragh Joyce, Kalin Lane, James Madden, Carter Michael, Jaxon Prior. Current draft picks: 18, 56, 69 (tied to Hawthorn). On the move? Deven Robertson is a perennial watch at this time of year. Played only two senior games in 2024.

Loading

What they need: The Lions don’t want for much, particularly with super prospect Levi Ashcroft set to follow his brother Will onto the list for 2025, and Academy product Sam Marshall also on the way.

Trade/free agency targets: Brisbane are unlikely to be major players in this year’s trade period, outside rivals coveting their first-round pick, which they will offload to gain more points to match bids on Ashcroft and likely top-30 selection Marshall.

Draft targets: Ashcroft and Marshall will be the Lions’ top two picks, and they might use a late one on a key-position project. – Marc McGowan

Carlton

2024 record: Eighth (13-10). List manager: Nick Austin. Who’s gone? Dom Akuei (delisted), David Cuningham (delisted), Caleb Marchbank (delisted), Jack Martin (delisted), Alex Mirkov (delisted). Out of contract: Jack Carroll, Matt Carroll, Sam Durdin, Matt Owies. Current draft picks: 11, 31, 62 (tied to Gold Coast), 65 (tied to Fremantle), 68 (tied to Western Bulldogs). On the move? The Blues encouraged contracted pair Matt Kennedy and Lewis Young, as well as Owies, to explore their options. Jack Carroll could also head home to Western Australia.

What they need: Carlton are unashamedly happy to shake things up after failing to meet expectations. They are not short on top-liners, but have struggled with injuries and need greater depth.

Trade/free agency targets: Port Adelaide’s contracted dual All-Australian Dan Houston is the man they want. They are reluctant to offer this year’s first-round pick, but their future first-rounder is up for grabs. First, though, the Blues need to beat the Roos to the defender’s commitment. Nick Haynes is set to sign in free agency.

Draft targets: Assuming Carlton retain their top pick, versatile players such as Bo Allan and Tobie Travaglia – who can both play in defence or the midfield – or interceptor Alix Tauru are options, or they might opt for a speedy forward in Joe Berry. – Marc McGowan

Loading

Collingwood

2024 record: Ninth (12-9-2). List manager: Justin Leppitsch. Who’s gone? Aiden Begg (delisted), Josh Carmichael (retired), Nathan Murphy (retired). Out of contract: Jack Bytel, Charlie Dean, Josh Eyre, Ned Long, Nathan Kreuger, Oleg Markov, Reef McInnes, Joe Richards, Lachie Sullivan. Current draft picks: 33 (tied to Hawthorn), 48, 51 (tied to Hawthorn). On the move? John Noble has requested a trade to Gold Coast.

What they need: The 2023 premiers are still in win-now mode, but have some list holes to plug in the key posts at either end, while they are trying hard to retain forward Joe Richards.

Trade/free agency targets: GWS unrestricted free agent Harry Perryman remains a priority, and the Pies are firming to sign him. They have also expressed interest in another GWS player, James Peatling, plus Power tall forward Ollie Lord and Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson, but won’t pursue Jake Stringer.

Draft targets: Collingwood won’t enter the draft until beyond pick 30, but in their favour is that this is a deep draft. A key-position player such as Matt Whitlock, Thomas Sims or Noah Mraz might still be on the board. – Marc McGowan

Essendon

2024 record: 11th (11-11-1). List manager: Matt Rosa. Who’s gone? Kaine Baldwin (delisted), Dyson Heppell (retired), Nick Hind (delisted), Jaiden Hunter (delisted), Jake Kelly (retired), Tex Wanganeen (delisted). Out of contract: Jayden Davey, Will Setterfield, Sam Weideman. Current draft picks: 8, 28. On the move? The Bombers seem content for Jake Stringer and Jayden Laverde to depart, while Ben Hobbs and Dylan Shiel are worth watching.

What they need: The Bombers are in danger of continuing to be mired in mediocrity, unless they can start hitting on more early first-round picks. A reliable key forward and a classy midfielder would be ideal.

Trade/free agency targets: Finn Maginness and Josh Rotham are among the players Essendon are tracking, so they seem to be aiming more modestly this off-season.

Draft targets: Sandringham key forward Harry Armstrong may still be up for grabs at the Bombers’ first pick, and could form a good future pairing with Nate Caddy. They will also match a bid on Next Generation Academy livewire Isaac Kako in the first round. – Marc McGowan

Fremantle

2024 record: 10th (11-11-1). List manager: David Walls. Who’s gone? Josh Corbett (retired), Ethan Hughes (delisted), Sebit Kuek (delisted), Matt Taberner (delisted), Conrad Williams (delisted). Out of contract: Tom Emmett, Odin Jones, Max Knobel, Ethan Stanley. Current draft picks: 9 (tied to Collingwood), 10, 16 (tied to Port Adelaide), 27 (tied to St Kilda), 63 (tied to St Kilda). On the move? Taberner might pop up elsewhere after being delisted.

What they need: The Dockers already have one of the most promising lists in the competition, and are strong in most areas, but are poised to add at least one wantaway Tiger to bolster their squad.

Loading

Trade/free agency targets: Richmond’s Shai Bolton has requested a trade home to Western Australia without officially nominating a club. Fremantle are in a strong position with their draft hand, and reputation as a club on the rise. They have also expressed interest in delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin.

Draft targets: It remains to be seen what Fremantle’s draft hand will look like once the trade period ends. Bo Allan is the top WA prospect this year, and will likely be snapped up late in the top 10 or just outside. – Marc McGowan

Geelong

2024 record: Fourth (15-8). List manager: Andrew Mackie. Who’s gone? Phoenix Foster (delisted), Mitch Hardie (delisted), Tom Hawkins (retired), Emerson Jeka (delisted), Oscar Murdoch (delisted), Brandan Parfitt (delisted), Gary Rohan (delisted), Zach Tuohy (retired), James Willis (delisted). Out of contract: Jed Bews, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Jake Kolodjashnij, Rhys Stanley. Current draft picks: 15, 35, 53, 71. On the move? Sam De Koning missed finals selection, but it would still be a surprise if he requested a trade.

What they need: The Cats were stung by their preliminary final exit, but continue to do a good job of transitioning their list while remaining contenders. Upgrading the midfield is part of that.

Trade/free agency targets: Geelong are set to snare Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith, and will need to at least cede their first-round selection for this. They are also interested in delisted ex-Sun and Blue, Jack Martin.

Draft targets: The Cats have a history of plucking late-selection gems, and GWV Rebels small forward Oliver Hannaford may fit in this category. Hannaford kicked a flurry of goals late in the season; his pressure and speed a standout. – Jon Pierik

Gold Coast

Loading

2024 record: 13th (11-12). List manager: Craig Cameron. Who’s gone? Sandy Brock (delisted), Sam Day (delisted), Brandon Ellis (retired), Oskar Faulkhead (delisted), Darcy Macpherson (delisted), Jack Mahony (delisted), Will Rowlands (delisted), James Tsitas (delisted). Out of contract: Levi Casboult, Hewago Paul Oea. Current draft picks: 6, 12 (tied to Western Bulldogs), 20 (North Melbourne assistance package), 26, 38 (tied to Brisbane), 46 (tied to Essendon), 74 (tied to Brisbane). On the move? Jack Lukosius requested a trade to Port Adelaide, but Malcolm Rosas is staying put after some initial uncertainty.

What they need: Gold Coast have plenty of on-ball grunt, but need quality ball users, particularly across half-back. Coach Damien Hardwick had this in spades during his premiership run with the Tigers.

Trade/free agency targets: Richmond’s rebounding defender Daniel Rioli has requested a trade to join his former coach at Gold Coast. Collingwood’s John Noble also wants to become a Sun, where he will accept a four-year deal. Crows unrestricted free agent Elliott Himmelberg looks headed to the Coast, too. Is Dustin Martin on his way as well?

Draft targets: The Suns will snare academy prospect Leo Lombard, the star midfielder who was a joint winner of the Larke Medal as best player during the under-18 championships, but should get a selection in before that. The top of the draft is midfield heavy, while the best tall options are Harry Armstrong and Alix Tauru. – Jon Pierik

GWS

2024 record: Fifth (15-8). List manager: Jason McCartney. Who’s gone? Isaac Cumming (free agency), Cooper Hamilton (delisted), Braydon Preuss (delisted). Out of contract: Adam Kennedy, James Peatling, Harry Perryman, Conor Stone. Current draft picks: 14, 34, 49 (tied to Carlton), 52, 70. On the move? Cumming is going to the Crows, Nick Haynes to Carlton, and Wade Derksen wants to play for a Melbourne club – with the Demons leading the way – while Perryman, Peatling, Xavier O’Halloran and Stone also have suitors.

What they need: The Giants have a good list, but may want more long-term cover for gun – but veteran – midfielders Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio. How successful rivals are in raiding their cupboard could determine how busy their off-season is.

Trade/free agency targets: The focus right now is on stemming the bleeding, but GWS are confident it won’t end up being as bad as people might think.

Loading

Draft targets: One defender who has impressed talent scouts is Tobie Travaglia, who reads the play well and shapes as an excellent intercept defender. He could still be there at the Giants’ first pick, while key defender Noah Mraz is a possibility at their second. – Jon Pierik

Hawthorn

2024 record: Sixth (14-9). List manager: Mark McKenzie. Who’s gone? Cooper Stephens (delisted), Clay Tucker (delisted), Chad Wingard (retired). Out of contract: Josh Bennetts, Denver Grainger-Barras, Harry Morrison, Jack O’Sullivan, Ethan Phillips. Current draft picks: 13, 30 (tied to Collingwood), 67 (tied to Carlton), 73 (tied to Sydney). On the move? Fringe Hawk Finn Maginness is on Essendon’s radar.

What they need: The Hawks identified backline deficiencies as a source of concern as far back as last year, which they are set to address in the trade and free agency period.

Trade/free agency targets: Josh Battle will sign as an unrestricted free agent on a six-year deal, while a trade will have to be orchestrated for fellow tall defender Tom Barrass, the West Coast star who is contracted until 2027. They are out of the race for Harry Perryman, while Bailey Smith is headed to Geelong.

Draft targets: The Hawks may need to use their top two picks this year to broker a deal with West Coast for Barrass, but either way, it is hard to know what their draft hand will look like. – Jon Pierik

Melbourne

2024 record: 14th (11-12). List manager: Tim Lamb. Who’s gone? Angus Brayshaw (retired), Ben Brown (retired), Kyah Farris-White (delisted), Josh Schache (delisted). Out of contract: Marty Hore, Joel Smith, Adam Tomlinson. Current draft picks: 5, 37 (tied to Sydney), 45 (tied to St Kilda), 50 (tied to Western Bulldogs), 61. On the move? Tomlinson could defect after limited senior opportunities.

What they need: The Demons need help for key forward Jacob van Rooyen, while the eternal hunt for ruck star Max Gawn’s successor and back-up continues. They could also do with more midfield speed and a young key defender.

Trade/free agency targets: The Demons were at the top of Dan Houston’s list before the Port Adelaide star looked elsewhere amid the Christian Petracca drama. Could they try again? Melbourne are interested in untried Giants swingman Wade Derksen and Port Adelaide tall forward Ollie Lord, and may sign journeyman ruck Tom Campbell off the AFL scrapheap. They also had a look at St Kilda’s Tim Membrey.

Draft targets: Rivals believe the Dees might snap up Petracca clone Sam Lalor at their first pick, but if not, there are certain to be plenty of good options, including key forward Harry Armstrong. – Jon Pierik

North Melbourne

2024 record: 17th (3-20). List manager: Brady Rawlings. Who’s gone? Hamish Free (delisted), Hugh Greenwood (retired), Bigoa Nyuon (delisted), Tyler Sellers (delisted), Liam Shiels (retired), Curtis Taylor (delisted), Tarryn Thomas (delisted). Out of contract: Blake Drury, Cooper Harvey, Charlie Lazzaro. Current draft picks: 2, 22, 40, 58, 64 (tied to Essendon). On the move? No one, at this stage.

What they need: The Kangaroos have class in the midfield but still need help in several areas. They have identified a tall marking partner for key forward Nick Larkey as a priority. A key tall defender will also help.

Trade/free agency targets: The Kangaroos and Blues lead the race for Power half-back Dan Houston, who has four years remaining on his contract. West Coast key forward Jack Darling has requested a trade to North, while the Kangaroos are also interested in contracted pair Luke Parker (Swans) and Caleb Daniel (Bulldogs).

Draft targets: At No.2, the Kangaroos have a great group to choose from, but do they want another midfielder? Jagga Smith, Finn O’Sullivan and Dandenong’s Harvey Langford could all be available, while Harry Armstrong and Alix Tauru are two highly touted talls. – Jon Pierik

Port Adelaide

Loading

2024 record: Third (16-7). List manager: Jason Cripps. Who’s gone? Charlie Dixon (retired), Tom McCallum (delisted), Trent McKenzie (retired). Out of contract: Travis Boak, Francis Evans, Kyle Marshall, Quinton Narkle, Tom Scully. Current draft picks: 36, 54. On the move? Contracted defender Dan Houston wants to play for a Victorian club, while ruckman Ivan Soldo’s search for a No.1 role seems set to land him at St Kilda. Ollie Lord has suitors, too, and Tom Clurey may join West Coast.

What they need: The Power are primed to again be one of the big trade period players. They would love another half-back if Houston leaves, and could upgrade their key defensive support for Aliir Aliir, given Esava Ratugolea ended up in attack.

Trade/free agency targets: Jack Lukosius will find his way to Alberton in a trade with Gold Coast, but football boss Chris Davies has conceded they are no longer favourites to sign unrestricted free agent Harry Perryman. Collingwood have added a third year to their offer for small forward Joe Richards, to try to keep him from requesting a trade to Port. Riley Garcia is another on Port’s radar.

Draft targets: Port could land just outside the top 10 if they agree to trade Houston, which would give them a shot at players such as interceptor Alix Tauru and Tobie Travaglia, or they could look to shore up a wing with the addition of Xavier Lindsay. – Marc McGowan

Richmond

2024 record: 18th (2-21). List manager: Blair Hartley. Who’s gone? Dylan Grimes (retired), Dustin Martin (retired), Marlion Pickett (retired), Sam Naismith (retired). Out of contract: Mate Colina, Matt Coulthard, Noah Cumberland, Thomson Dow, Jack Graham, Kamdyn McIntosh. Current draft picks: 1, 21, 29 (tied to Fremantle), 39, 41 (tied to West Coast), 47 (tied to Fremantle), 57, 66 (tied to Collingwood), 72 (tied to Port Adelaide). On the move? Liam Baker wants a trade home to Western Australia and the Eagles are his preferred home, while Daniel Rioli wants to be traded to Gold Coast. Jack Graham is weighing up a free agency offer from West Coast. Shai Bolton is likely to head to Fremantle.

What they need: The Tigers lost more premiership veterans to retirement this year and some mid-20s stars want out, so the rebuild is on in earnest under Adem Yze. They need a bit of everything, from midfielders to more tall options at either end.

Trade/free agency targets: Richmond will look to maximise their return for wantaway trio Baker, Bolton and Rioli, which should deliver an extraordinary bounty of first-round draft selections. They are also linked to Essendon on-baller Ben Hobbs, whose senior opportunities dried up this year.

Loading

Draft targets: The No.1 race is as close as it’s been in years, but they have a bevy of good choices, with ball magnet Jagga Smith, Finn O’Sullivan and Harvey Langford among the prospects to appear at VFL level for the Tigers. They may launch their rebuild with five or six first-round selections. – Marc McGowan

St Kilda

2024 record: 12th (11-12). List manager: Stephen Silvagni. Who’s gone? Matthew Allison (delisted), Josh Battle (free agency), Riley Bonner (delisted), Tom Campbell (delisted), Seb Ross (delisted), James Van Es (delisted). Out of contract: Jack Hayes, Olli Hotton, Zak Jones, Tim Membrey, Ben Paton. Current draft picks: 7, 24 (tied to Adelaide), 43 (tied to Melbourne). On the move? Battle has already announced he will exercise his unrestricted free agency rights to join Hawthorn, while Membrey is exploring his options.

What they need: The Saints could do with a midfield upgrade, while the loss of Battle leaves them a bit skinny on defensive options. Better support for Max King in attack would be helpful, too.

Trade/free agency targets: Jack Macrae has requested a trade to the Saints after falling down the Bulldogs’ pecking order, while Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo wants to partner Rowan Marshall in the ruck and play regular senior football. The Saints are also interested in Giant James Peatling and contracted Hawk Sam Frost, and would love to bring Dan Houston to Moorabbin, but are not at the front of the queue.

Draft targets: This is a great year to have the No.7 pick because it is a deep and even draft. They should be able to grab a promising midfielder or key-position player at this spot. – Marc McGowan

Sydney

2024 record: 2nd (17-6). List manager: Chris Keane. Who’s gone? Sam Reid (retired). Out of contract: Harry Arnold, Jack Buller, Aaron Francis, Tom Hanily, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Lachie McAndrew, Caleb Mitchell, Cooper Vickery. Current draft picks: 17, 19 (North Melbourne assistance package), 55. On the move? Luke Parker is weighing up interest from North Melbourne, while Peter Ladhams has fallen out of favour and may look elsewhere. Jacob Konstanty has not been able to break into Sydney’s senior side.

Loading

What they need: The Swans are not lacking for much, but may look to strengthen their key-position stocks.

Trade/free agency targets: Sydney inquired about contracted Hawthorn defender Sam Frost, but he is not likely to leave the Hawks – and his preference is to stay in Melbourne.

Draft targets: The Swans won’t enter the draft until the late teens, but there will be good options still available. Could they be the ones to take a punt on Taj Hotton? Key forwards Jack Whitlock and Jonty Faull, and swingmen Jobe Shanahan and Matt Whitlock will likely still be on the board here. – Marc McGowan

West Coast

2024 record: 16th (5-18). List manager: Matt Clarke. Who’s gone? Jordyn Baker (delisted), Andrew Gaff (retired), Jamaine Jones (delisted), Zane Trew (delisted). Out of contract: Coby Burgiel, Jai Culley, Luke Edwards, Josh Rotham, Alex Witherden. Current draft picks: 3, 23, 59. On the move? Premiership bookends Tom Barrass and Jack Darling have requested a trade to Hawthorn and North Melbourne, respectively. Rotham is also unlikely to be an Eagle in 2025.

What they need: A bit of everything, just like all rebuilding clubs, but the midfield and back line are the greatest needs.

Trade/free agency targets: West Coast are the preferred home for Liam Baker, though Shai Bolton is tipped to be a Docker. Another Tiger, Jack Graham, is a good chance to move west, while Blues Jack Carroll and Matt Owies, Bulldog Riley Garcia and Port defender Tom Clurey are potential recruits.

Draft targets: The Eagles will score a first-round pick from Hawthorn for Barrass, but it remains to be seen if they retain that or part with it for Baker. At No.3, West Coast will be in a great spot to secure a top-line midfield prospect to complement Harley Reid, Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett. – Marc McGowan

Loading

Western Bulldogs

2024 record: Sixth (14-9). List manager: Sam Power. Who’s gone? Dominic Bedendo (delisted), Aiden O’Driscoll (retired), Kelsey Rypstra (delisted). Out of contract: Charlie Clarke, Riley Garcia, Jason Johannisen, Alex Keath. Current draft picks: 32, 44 (tied to Gold Coast). On the move? Bailey Smith has requested a trade and will join Geelong, while Jack Macrae wants to be a Saint and Caleb Daniel could end up a Roo.

What they need: The Dogs have the AFL’s deepest collection of young key-position players, but could do with more youth through the midfield to succeed Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and co, particularly with Smith’s impending exit.

Trade/free agency targets: In-demand Giant James Peatling and teammate Xavier O’Halloran are in the Bulldogs’ sights to help offset Smith’s departure.

Draft targets: The Dogs will re-enter the first round as part of the deal with the Cats for Smith, but that will be pushed back by father-son and academy selections. Players such as Jesse Dattoli, Christian Moraes and Tom Gross could be good options. – Marc McGowan

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.