Lachie Neale joins Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent
Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale has joined Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent on a three-year contract. The Lions received Pick 39 as Band 3 compensation for the 33-year-old, who won three premierships and two Brownlow Medals across eight seasons with the club.
Luke Jackson wins his first Doig Medal
Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson has won his first Doig Medal after being crowned the club's best and fairest player on Saturday night. The 25-year-old polled 269 votes to finish ahead of Andrew Brayshaw on 229 and Caleb Serong on 228. Jackson played every game in 2026, averaging 26.5 hitouts and kicking 29 goals in a season that also included his first All-Australian selection.
Gold Coast beat Brisbane to claim first AFLW QClash win
Gold Coast have recorded their first AFLW QClash victory, defeating Brisbane by 20 points at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday. Trailing by two points at three-quarter time, the Suns kicked three final-term goals to win 5.10 (40) to 3.2 (20) in the eighth meeting between the sides. Charlie Rowbottom was awarded the best on ground medal, finishing with 36 disposals and a goal.
Jack Viney to complete Essendon medical amid West Coast interest
Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney will complete a medical with Essendon this weekend after also meeting with West Coast in Perth. The 32-year-old premiership player is contracted for another two years, but the Demons have informed him he will not be in their best 23 next season. Viney was restricted to just one senior match in 2026 due to an Achilles injury.
Nick Watson wins Hawthorn's 2026 Peter Crimmins Medal
Nick Watson has won his first Peter Crimmins Medal as Hawthorn's best and fairest on Saturday night. The 21-year-old forward polled 150 votes to finish ahead of co-captain Jai Newcombe and defender Jarman Impey. Other club award winners included Connor Macdonald as Most Improved, Noah Mraz as Most Promising, Lloyd Meek as Most Courageous, and Conor Nash as Best Clubman.
Jordon Butts joins Western Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent
Adelaide defender Jordon Butts has joined the Western Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent on a five-year deal. The 26-year-old played 94 senior matches for the Crows after arriving via the 2019 rookie draft. Adelaide receives band three draft compensation, currently Pick 33, for losing Butts.
Gryan Miers undergoes medical with West Coast amid trade interest
Geelong forward Gryan Miers has undergone a medical with West Coast as the Eagles explore a potential trade. The assessment took place on Friday ahead of Miers travelling overseas, serving as a safeguard should talks progress. Miers prefers to remain with the Cats, where he has two years remaining on his contract, having finished the season playing with a partially torn ACL.
Port Adelaide recall trio for Showdown V against Adelaide
Port Adelaide has made three changes for Saturday night's Showdown V against Adelaide at Alberton Oval, recalling Ella Boag, Katelyn Pope and Olivia Crane. Boag returns from injury to the midfield, Pope has recovered from illness to line up forward, and Crane bolsters the defence. Ellie Hampson, Lauren Young and Emily Elkington will also play in their first AFLW Showdown.
Izak Rankine signs five-year contract extension with Adelaide
Adelaide midfielder Izak Rankine has signed a five-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of 2032. The 26-year-old was already contracted for next season, committing him to the Crows for the next six years. Rankine averaged career-high disposals, clearances and marks across 22 games in 2026 before finishing fifth in the Malcolm Blight Medal on Friday.
Carlton signs Joel Amartey as an unrestricted free agent
Carlton has signed unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey from Sydney on the opening day of the free agency window. The Swans received Pick 36 as compensation for the key forward's departure. The move reunites Amartey with former Sydney teammates Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, George Hewett and Nic Newman at IKON Park.