21 unsigned names flying under the radar, Christian Salem, Jake Rogers, Riley Hardeman, Archie Perkins

Could a club like Essendon or North Melbourne come calling for one of the aforementioned quartet in search of some veteran leadership and a pseudo coach of sorts?

Nathan Broad (unrestricted free agent) has said he’s planning to leave Richmond at the end of the season to return to Western Australia. Could West Coast coach and former Richmond assistant Andrew McQualter convince the 33-year-old to play on alongside ex-Tigers Jack Graham and Liam Baker for at least one more year?

Here are 13 more players whose contract situations deserve more attention.

Luke Pedlar, Adelaide (non free agent)

Granted, there’s been some talk around Pedlar’s status — including reported interest from cross-town rival Port Adelaide. Injuries have unfortunately hampered the former first-round pick’s career. But he’s shown he can be a handy role player when he’s up and running. There’s a few clubs that loom as options for an energiser bunny up forward like the 24-year-old, who just needs a good run at it. Mitch Hinge is another Crow out of contract to keep an eye on.

Ollie Hollands, Carlton (non free agent)

The former No. 11 draft pick was being groomed as a key part of the future under Michael Voss. But injuries and the team’s turnaround under Josh Fraser while Hollands has been sidelined has seen the 22-year-old fall out of favour and on track for the lowest season games tally of his career. With older brother Elijah Hollands’ future up in the air, you wonder if Ollie could pursue a fresh start elsewhere after an eventful year for the family that played out very publicly. A few notable Blues still without deals for 2027 including Mitch McGovern, Nick Haynes, Adam Saad, Nic Newman and Zac Williams.

Archie Perkins, Essendon (non free agent)

One of three former first-round picks out of contract at Essendon along with Tsatas and Nik Cox. Perkins still hasn’t cemented a role at AFL level and has again been in and out of the Bombers’ senior side this year. He’s just 24 but with 114 games experience and clearly talented, Perkins might just need a change of scenery and different system to get the best out of him. Surely there’s a club out there that would have a crack.

Nathan O’Driscoll, Fremantle (non free agent)

Some talk that rival clubs are looking at O’Driscoll. The 24-year-old has strong traits and shown enough at AFL level with the versatility to play a variety of roles. But he’s struggled to cement himself in Fremantle’s senior side, in part due to injuries, since being drafted in 2020. He’s played 12 games this season and averaged a career-best 18.8 disposals per game.

Sam Switkowski, Fremantle (restricted free agent)

The forward’s management and Fremantle have been in talks on a new deal. Switkowski has played all 19 games for the ladder-leading Dockers. But could the Victorian have his head turned by a bigger offer from his home state? He’s the ultimate team player with great footy smarts that would fit into just about any system and provide a certain maturity to a side trying to go to the next level.

Jhye Clark, Geelong (non free agent)

The former No. 8 pick is reportedly sitting on a one-year contract offer from the Cats as he looks to cement a spot in Chris Scott’s best 23. After playing in each of Geelong’s three finals last year — including the decider — the 22-year-old has played just five games in 2026, including a recent return in Round 19 for his first senior appearance since Round 3. That comes despite strong form in the VFL from the Geelong Falcons product in a classic case of a player that’s too good for the lower level but hasn’t shown it consistently in the AFL. Was once compared to Geelong legend Joel Selwood.

Alex Davies, Gold Coast (non free agent)

The Suns have played their best footy when Davies is in their side — with a 5-1 record all in the first 10 rounds. Yet the 193cm on-baller has been hampered by injury this season, all while there’s been a midfield crunch with the addition of Christian Petracca. Rivals have inquired about Davies, 24, before and he’d to clubs that need midfield depth and a defensive-minded option that can play different roles.

Jake Rogers, Gold Coast (non free agent)

Another Sun that can’t get a look into the senior side. And in some ways the forgotten Sun of the Academy trio — along with Jed Walter and Ethan Read — that went in the first round of the 2023 draft that, essentially, forced the bidding system to be overhauled. Rogers has also been disrupted by injuries but doesn’t appear to be firmly in the Suns’ plans even when healthy. Drafted as a midfielder but has spent more time forward at AFL level. Collingwood is reportedly a suitor, but surely there would be more.

Bailey Macdonald, Hawthorn (non free agent)

Done some nice things upon coming into Sam Mitchell’s side to cover injuries midway through the season. Macdonald has played every game since Round 11 and been a reliable, no-fuss defender in Hawthorn’s back six. Set to turn 22 next month, Macdonald has previously drawn interest from rival clubs. You’d again expect there to be a market for the half-back.

Christian Salem, Melbourne (unrestricted free agent)

In the final season of a five-year deal signed in 2021. It’s gone under the radar in an injury-ruined year for the premiership defender while the Demons have charged back up the ladder. There’s been so much change at Melbourne over the last year and Salem was close with ex-teammates Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. The emergence of Jake Bowey and addition of Changkuoth Jiath has arguably made Salem somewhat superfluous for Steven King’s side. Only 12 months ago, Salem averaged 22.0 disposals and 7.7 marks per game.

Zane Duursma, North Melbourne (non free agent)

There were trade rumblings surrounding Duursma last year after an indifferent start to the former No.4 pick’s career. He had a promising opening to this season and there was some talk he was set to re-sign with North, but it’s yet to come to fruition. Contract talks may have been disrupted by a shoulder injury Duursma picked up in the VFL earlier this month, with the 20-year-old yet to play an AFL game since Round 16.

Riley Hardeman, North Melbourne (non free agent)

Another talented Kangaroos youngster that has, at times, struggled for senior opportunities. Injuries have also affected Hardeman’s 2026 season, but you sense North likes his sharp ball use across half-back and is keen for the former No. 23 draft pick to make that role his. It’s believed the Roos have tabled a two-year offer to the West Australian.

Matt Flynn, West Coast (unrestricted free agent)

Lost his gig as West Coast’s No. 1 ruck to Bailey Williams early in the season and has been stuck in the WAFL ever since. Williams’ mega six-year Eagles extension doesn’t bode well for Flynn’s prospects of reclaiming that ruck mantle after the ex-Giant returned to Western Australia in 2024. The 28-year-old’s future at the Eagles might be uncertain, but ruck support is in vogue around the competition with the new rules.

And finally, some of the mid-season draftees that have impressed but only signed six-month contracts …

Collingwood’s Liam Puncher,22, has fitted into the well-oiled machine that is Craig McRae’s back six seamlessly after being plucked from the SANFL. The 195cm key defender competes hard and has been a very serviceable replacement for injured skipper Darcy Moore.