Welcome to Off-Season Central.
Below you can track every move by every club leading into and during the 2025 off-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2026.
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KEY AFL OFF-SEASON DATES
Friday October 3 to 10 – Free Agency period
Monday October 6 to Wednesday October 15 – AFL Trade Period
Wednesday November 19 to Thursday Nov 20 – AFL Draft
AUGUST 5 – BOAK RETIRES AS POWER GAMES RECORD HOLDER
Travis Boak, one of the game’s most decorated players, will retire at season’s end, per multiple reports.
The 37-year-old has played 384 games for Port Adelaide and has kicked 213 goals since being drafted with the fifth pick in the 2006 National Draft.
Boak will end his career shy of 400 games, but as Port Adelaide’s games record holder, having also captained the club from 2013 to 2018.
The midfielder, who was highly regarded for his ability to play inside as well as on a wing, was a three-time All-Australian, receiving the honour in 2013, 2014 and 2020.
Boak was also a two-time John Cahill medallist as Port’s best-and-fairest in 2011 and 2019.
He had a tendency to step up in big games throughout his illustrious career, winning the Showdown Medal three times as well as the Peter Badcoe VC Medal during Anzac Round for best demonstrating the Anzac spirit.
Boak also represented Victoria in the 2020 Bushfire Relief State of Origin and Australia in International Rules in 2014 and 2017, and played in a grand final in his debut season in 2007.
Port Adelaide are set to host a press conference for Boak’s announcement at Alberton at 1pm local time.
AUGUST 4 – WARD RETIRES AFTER REMARKABLE 18-YEAR CAREER
Callan Ward, one of the most beloved players in the game, has called time on his AFL career.
The 35-year-old has played 327 games across an 18-year career at the Giants and the Bulldogs.
Known for his toughness and leadership, Ward was pivotal in helping to create the culture and identity of the Giants having been one of the club’s inaugural signings.
Ward has been co-captain of the Giants and was voted the Most Courageous Player back in 2018.
Ward’s 2025 season came to an end after rupturing his ACL in the club’s round 12 win over Richmond, but true to his character, Ward was fully focussed on ensuring he gave his side the best chance at winning that game.
The inspiring leader delivered a stirring three quarter time address that spurred his side on to clinch victory.
Ward departs the game as a Giants legend and games record holder.
Giants Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, said Ward’s impact at the Giants is immeasurable.
“Callan Ward has been the heart and soul of this football club since day one. It was a courageous decision to join the GIANTS, to join a start-up and confront the many challenges of building an AFL Club from scratch. He didn’t just help build the GIANTS — he helped define who we are,” Matthews said.
“From the moment he arrived, Callan brought leadership, toughness, and professionalism that shaped our culture and set the standard for every player who’s walked through our doors.
“It is hard to overstate the impact Callan has had — not just on the field, but off it. He has been a role model, a mentor, and a cornerstone of our club’s identity for 14 seasons.
“To see his career end the way it did is heartbreaking, but it’s also fitting that even in that moment, his focus was on lifting his teammates. That is who Callan Ward is.
“Callan Ward retires as a GIANTS legend, an AFL great, and someone who leaves an enduring legacy for decades to come.
“We also extend our very best wishes to Ruby, Romeo, Ralfie, and Rex as they embark on their next chapter as a family. You’ll always be a part of the GIANTS family and we wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future.”
JULY 29 – ATKINS TO FAREWELL AFL AT SEASON’S END
AFL stalwart Rory Atkins has announced has announced he will retire at season’s end.
The 31-year-old told Alberton teammates on Tuesday morning of his decision, having so far played 140 games at the top level.
Debuting in 2015, Atkins has since played for three clubs — beginning his career at Adelaide before moving up to the Gold Coast for four seasons.
The dashing half-back then came back to his home state for one final season at Port Adelaide, where he is just one of seven players to play AFL for both South Australian clubs.
He played every game for the Crows in 2017, and was an integral part of their team which made it to the grand final.
“I’m so grateful for the three clubs that have given me opportunities to play AFL football,” Atkins said in a Port Adelaide statement.
“Adelaide took a chance on me in the draft, and both Gold Coast and Port Adelaide allowed me to play the game I love for as long as I could.
“I’ve had nine head coaches in my time in the system, and each one of them has had an impact on me in some way, which I’m really thankful for.”
The Power’s General Manager of Football Chris Davies spoke to the impact Atkins has had in such a short period at the club.
“Over the past year, Rory has brought strong leadership qualities and a positive attitude to the club,” Davies said.
“He has also been a fantastic mentor for our younger developing players at SANFL level.
“We wish Rory, Georgia and Daisy all the best for the future. On behalf of the club, we congratulate Rory on his AFL career.”
JULY 22 – DOCHERTY TO RETIRE AFTER FAREWELL MATCH
Carlton champion Sam Docherty has called time on his AFL career, with the beloved Blue to hang up the boots after Thursday night’s clash with Hawthorn.
Docherty told teammates of his decision on Tuesday, drawing a close on the career of one of the most inspirational and respected players in the game’s history.
It’s included the 31-year old coming back from three ACL injuries and two bouts of cancer.
Thursday night’s game will mark Docherty’s 184th and final AFL game.
The former Blues co-captain won Carlton’s best and fairest in 2016 and claimed an All-Australian blazer in 2017.
“When I was a kid my entire family used to climb into a van and drive from Phillip Island to the MCG for Round 1 every year. For me to get the chance to go on and play in those games, and also captain the club that I grew up supporting – I can honestly say it’s a dream come true,” Docherty said.
“To have built the most incredible friendships over the last 14 years which I will take with me for the rest of my life, I am so incredibly thankful and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through it all.
“Perspective is such a valuable thing, and that is what I am most grateful for in my career. When my career started I thought a footballer had to define themselves by the accolades they achieved: while I am certainly grateful for those that have come my way, I will leave this game with so much more.
“The experiences I have had not just in my football career, but in life, have moved the goal posts for me – while there has been no shortage of challenges, because of what I have been through I have been allowed to meet so many amazing people and have had the opportunity to have an impact far greater than kicking or handballing a football ever could.
“My wife Nat night has been my rock through everything: I knew when I faced every challenge, we would be doing it together. I cannot thank her enough for her support and I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of our lives together with Ruby and Myles.”
JULY 3 – WALTERS CALLS TIME
Fremantle veteran Michael ‘Sonny’ Walters has announced his AFL retirement.
The Dockers champion and five-time leading goalkicker calls time after 365 career goals from 239 AFL games, with the 2019 All-Australian once of the game’s best small forwards.
However an ongoing knee issue proved too difficult to overcome for Walters, who didn’t play an AFL game this year after captaining the Indigenous All-Stars in the February exhibition game against Fremantle.“I have been working my backside off to try and get back to play some form of footy and while mentally I am still committed, unfortunately my body wouldn’t allow me to continue playing,” the 34-year old said.
“My family has played a big part in my entire footy career.
“Firstly, starting with my Mum, Dad and brother. I still remember waking up for junior footy and my mum had packed my gear and was ready to go with a warm bowl of porridge.
“My Dad, who was my first idol, gave me my passion for footy and has given me feedback on all my games, including right up to my last one this year.
“I’ve always looked up to my brother and he has always taken care of me and has always been in my corner throughout my entire life.
“While my wife, Marnie, has ridden the bumps with me. We talk about purpose in life and football, and she gave me a purpose, along with my kids as well.”
He was drafted with the No. 53 pick in the 2008 AFL Draft.
JULY 1 – EAGLES PREMIERSHIP HERO TO RETIRE
Dom Sheed has joined his West Coast premiership teammate Jeremy McGovern in retirement.
Sheed is one of the most unlikely iconic figures in AFL history, kicking one of the game’s most clutch goals in history to win the 2018 Grand Final.
But a horror run with injuries has seen the midfielder’s career come to an end after 165 AFL games.
He told his teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning.
Sheed, 30, has battled constant foot issues and lost form when fit over the past few seasons. He then tore his ACL in February, requiring a knee reconstruction going into the final year of his contract.
His retirement follows McGovern being forced to retire by the AFL’s concussion panel.
EVERY AFL CLUB’S 2025 OFF-SEASON MOVES AND ASSETS
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 17, 42, 49, 53, 67, 71
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 16, 37, 40, 46, 47, 59, 70
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
CARLTON
Who’s leaving: Sam Docherty (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 34, 43, 61
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
COLLINGWOOD
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 36, 54, 64, 72
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ESSENDON
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 4, 6, 22, 23
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
FREMANTLE
Who’s leaving: Michael Walters (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 12, 30, 39, 48, 66
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GEELONG
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 15, 33, 51, 69
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 8, 11, 18, 29, 57, 65
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GWS GIANTS
Who’s leaving: Callan Ward (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 13, 31, 35
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
HAWTHORN
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 7, 25, 55, 68
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 24, 52, 60
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 20, 21, 38, 56
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Who’s leaving: Rory Atkins (retired), Travis Boak (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 26, 44, 62
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
RICHMOND
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 2, 3
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ST KILDA
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 5, 41, 58
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
SYDNEY SWANS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 9, 27, 45, 63
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who’s leaving: Jeremy McGovern (medically retired), Dom Sheed (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 1, 14, 19, 32, 50
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (after Round 20): 10, 28
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
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