The 2026 AFL free agency period is now complete, with seven players finding new clubs either as restricted or unrestricted free agents.
We've ranked every move that has been made, factoring in positional needs and their likely impact for season 2027 (not the rest of their career). So, who will be the biggest needle mover of the bunch in the immediate future?
7. Kieren Briggs
This is absolutely no criticism of Kieren Briggs, but there really aren't many players in the competition (if any) that could be dropped into the Tigers in 2027 and be serious needle movers. Remember, Richmond has won just 10 games across the last three seasons and is widely expected to finish in the bottom four once again next year. Tigers skipper Toby Nankervis will remain the club's primary ruck in the immediate future, but the arrival of Briggs will allow for a new-look one-two punch. The former Giant is one of the best hitout-to-advantage rucks in the game and an elite clearance winner. At 27 years of age, and with Nankervis now 32, Briggs' impact will likely be felt in the years beyond 2027.
6. Jordon Butts
Key defensive stocks have been a concern for the Bulldogs in recent years, so the signing of Jordon Butts will be a welcomed addition for the club. Butts makes the move after eight seasons and 94 games with the Crows, but he's managed just 10 and nine games in 2025 and 2026. Throughout different parts of the last couple of years, he's struggled with unlucky injuries; in 2025 it was a collapsed lung, and this year he battled concussion and a fractured foot. With the continued strong form of Josh Worrell and Mark Keane, and emergence of Josh Borlase at the Crows, a move to the Bulldogs makes sense for both the 26-year-old Butts and the Dogs.
5. Joel Amartey
The Blues landed key forward support for Harry McKay in the form of Joel Amartey, who crosses from the Swans as an unrestricted free agent. It's a shrewd acquisition for Carlton, and the club will be hopeful he can be an upgrade on both Brodie Kemp and Mitch McGovern. Amartey is coming off a season at Sydney in which he booted 28 goals from 15 games and averaged three marks per game. In 2024 he enjoyed a career-best 43-goal campaign, including a bag of nine against the Crows. Amartey is just 27 years of age and should only really be coming into his prime as a key position player in the AFL. Could surprise a few in 2027.
4. Toby Greene
Another year, another major coup for the Cats. Is anyone surprised?! Former Giants captain Toby Greene joins Geelong as an unrestricted free agent while GWS has to make do with second-round compensation. We all know Greene has been a high-impact player throughout his 15-year career and he will add a whole new dynamic to the Cats' forward line, one that features former Giants teammate and close friend Jeremy Cameron. In 2026, Greene kicked 34 goals -- his lowest return in a season since his injury-interrupted 2020 campaign -- but did amass over 20 disposals per game. If anyone wanted to argue he deserves the top spot on this list I wouldn't scoff, but it's not as if the Cats had trouble scoring in 2026...
3. Ben King
It may have been a move that surprised few, but it's one -- along with the signing of Zach Merrett, of course -- that will have Hawks fans believing a premiership is possible in 2027. For a fair chunk of the 2026 season, King looked to be the Coleman Medal winner. Gold Coast's capitulation didn't help his chances, though he still finished the home and away season with 60 goals to his name -- the third consecutive year he's managed 55+ goals. King will partner veteran Jack Gunston and dynamo Nick Watson in what now looks to be one of the most dangerous forward lines in the game.
2. Lachie Neale
The Lachie Neale-Brisbane Lions era is over, with the two-time Brownlow Medal winner joining Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent and partnering reigning Brownlow winner Nick Daicos in a new-look Magpies midfield. Neale might be 33 years of age and on the downturn of his decorated career, but he still averaged 29 disposals, 12.5 contested possessions, and six clearances per outing in 2026 and figures to be a major contributor next season in a Collingwood engine room that's often lacked depth and firepower. Even if the Magpies receive 80-85% of this season's production from Neale, he'll be difficult to top as the most impactful free agent of the year.
1. Zak Butters
The most sought after man in football made the decision to sign with the Bulldogs during free agency. Former Power star Zak Butters joins the club as a top five player in the game, and at age 26, you can certainly make the argument he's only at the beginning of his prime. Butters will partner Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards in what's easily the most impressive and dynamic three-pronged midfield in the competition. He offers a real point of difference, too, with his electric pace and the ability to break lines two eye-catching features that have seen him ascend to footy superstardom.