Your club's best 23 in 2027: Who's in, who's out, who's new

WITH the annual player movement period done and dusted for another year, there will be fresh faces running around for most teams in 2027.

So who gets the nod? Who's on the bench? Who misses out?

Here's how we see your club's best line-up for next season, assuming everyone is available. Did we get it right?

*Players in italics are new to the club

Editor's note: This is the best possible 23 for each club next season, so players with short-term injuries have been included. Players with long-term unavailability have not been included.

B: Josh Worrell, James Borlase, Max Michalanney HB: Luke Nankervis, Mark Keane, Wayne MileraC: Brayden Cook, Daniel Curtin, Alex Neal-BullenHF: Callum Ah Chee, Riley Thilthorpe, Zac TaylorF: Ben Keays, Darcy Fogarty, Josh RacheleFoll: Lachlan McAndrew, Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine I/C: Sam Berry, Jake Soligo, Rory Laird, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Sid Draper

Emerg: James Peatling, Toby Murray, Nick Murray, Charlie Edwards

The Crows were desperate to hang on to key defender Nick Murray but he is still not a lock in their best 23, with Mark Keane and James Borlase the September incumbents, and Josh Worrell a strong third tall. Murray could clearly lock down a key post, however, with a strong summer and a better run with injury after several interruptions in 2026. Sydney recruit Harry Cunningham brings leadership and adds depth, but he'll have to force his way into the 23. There will also be a watch on young midfielders Sid Draper and Charlie Edwards to break in and provide the organic improvement the Crows need after failing to land Zac Bailey. Some of that growth should also come from young star Dan Curtin's progression to an inside midfield role. Lachie McAndrew attended the most ruck contests of any big man in 2026, and he'll need to again if key forward Riley Thilthorpe is used as his back up. – Nathan Schmook

B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Noah AnswerthHB: Dayne Zorko, Ty Gallop, Jaspa FletcherC: Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, Dan AnnableHF: Zac Bailey, Eric Hipwood, Cam RaynerF: Charlie Cameron, Oscar Allen, Logan MorrisFoll: Sam Draper, Hugh McCluggage, Josh DunkleyI/C: Darcy Wilmot, Levi Ashcroft, Conor McKenna, Kai Lohmann, Darcy Fort

Emerg: Darcy Gardiner, Bruce Reville, Jimmy Tunstill, Henry Smith

Fresh off three straight premierships there's a lot of stability in this Lions outfit. Lachie Neale's departure opens the door for at least one change, with Dan Annable and Bruce Reville likely to fight for a wing spot that will pave the way for Levi Ashcroft to get more midfield minutes. Jack Payne is also expected to be back after missing the past 18 months with knee injuries, although with so long out of the game, will have to work his way back into the senior team. Noah Answerth was the hard-luck story to miss out on the Grand Final but is still in Brisbane's best defensive mix when everyone is fit. Although some depth was eroded during the trade period, Annable, Reville, Jimmy Tunstill and Shadeau Brain are all itching for more senior opportunities. – Michael Whiting

B: Lachie Cowan, Jacob Weitering, Nick HaynesHB: Ollie Florent, Harry Dean, Lachie WhitfieldC: Adam Cerra, Jagga Smith, Cody WalkerHF: Ben Ainsworth, Harry McKay, Will HaywardF: Brodie Kemp, Joel Amartey, Talor ByrneFoll: Marc Pittonet, Patrick Cripps, Sam WalshI/C: Billy Wilson, George Hewett, Cooper Lord, Francis Evans, Matt Cottrell

Emerg: Ollie Hollands, Mitch McGovern, Blake Acres, Wade Derkson

There are a few new faces expected to slot into Carlton's team immediately including trade recruit Lachie Whitfield and free agent Joel Amartey. There's every chance Cody Walker finds himself in Josh Fraser's round one plans once he arrives at the club as a father-son in November's draft as well. A name to watch is Harry O'Farrell, who is highly rated as a young key defensive option and will undoubtedly work his way back into the Blues' plans when he fully recovers from an ACL injury. Matt Carroll will also feature heavily when he returns from his own knee issue. It looks a far more dynamic Carlton side than it did this time 12 months ago, while there's now experience and depth in reserve. - Riley Beveridge

B: Brayden Maynard, Billy Frampton, Jeremy HoweHB: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Harry PerrymanC: Sam Swadling, Ed Allan, Josh DaicosHF: Beau McCreery, Dan McStay, Jordan De GoeyF: Lachie Schultz, Jesse Hogan, Jamie ElliottFoll: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Lachie NealeI/C: Oscar Steene, Jack Crisp, Dan Houston, Will Hayes, Pat Lipinski

Emerg: Angus Anderson, Tim Membrey, Roan Steele, Charlie West

The Pies will hope Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan are set as they look to move up the ladder in 2027, while there could be some other positional moves elsewhere. The Pies' depth of defensive runners should allow Josh Daicos to move up onto a wing, while Sam Swadling showed enough this year to be a permanent member of the best 23. Oscar Steene worked well with Darcy Cameron this year and, when fit, should earn a recall, while Jamie Elliott is a certain starter once he recovers from his knee injury. The arrival of Hogan and return of Elliott could squeeze one or both of Tim Membrey and Charlie West out of the side, while Neale's arrival and the development of Ed Allan is set to be bad news for the likes of Ned Long. The presence of Will Hayes in this side ahead of some more credentialed players may surprise, but he offers a point of difference as a genuine crumbing small forward. Reef McInnes could come into calculations again if he gets his body right, while Angus Anderson is unlucky to not make this team and will surely feature at some stage during the season. - Martin Smith

B: Andrew McGrath, Lewis Hayes, Archie RobertsHB: Mason Redman, Zach Reid, Keidean ColemanC: Jacob Farrow, Sam Durham, Brayden FioriniHF: Nic Martin, Peter Wright, Sullivan RobeyF: Isaac Kako, Nate Caddy, Archer MayFoll: Nick Bryan, Jye Caldwell, Dyson SharpI/C: Darcy Parish, Jack Bowes, Xavier Duursma, Kyle Langford, Archie Perkins

Emerg: Archer Day-Wicks, Hussien El Achkar, Zak Johnson, Will Setterfield

The Bombers will field one of the youngest and least experienced teams again in 2027 as they embark on another year of their rebuild. Keidean Coleman walks into their back half as their best field kick and should take the kick-ins permanently. Jack Bowes will also add flexibility to their mix and defensive run. But the Bombers will need to find cover for Zach Merrett's departure and will hope Nic Martin can do that as he eyes a return from his long absence with knee injuries. You would also expect the Bombers' No.1 pick to very quickly be playing in their best 23 next year once they get through November's draft. - Callum Twomey

B: Heath Chapman, Alex Pearce, Karl WornerHB: Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Judd McVee C: Neil Erasmus, Andrew Brayshaw, Matthew Johnson HF: Murphy Reid, Josh Treacy, Shai BoltonF: Isaiah Dudley, Jye Amiss, Pat Voss Foll: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Hayden Young I/C: Sean Darcy, Michael Frederick, Corey Wagner, Luke Ryan, Chris Scerri

Emerg: Brandon Walker, Hugh Davies, Tobyn Murray, Jaeger O'Meara

There are three spots under the spotlight for the Dockers in 2027, with a vacancy at half-forward after Sam Switkowski's departure and the seventh defender and second ruck spots up for debate. At half-forward, Chris Scerri and Tobyn Murray are leading contenders while first-round draft pick Adam Sweid could press his claims with a big summer after missing out on an AFL debut in 2026. In defence, Luke Ryan could face competition from Brandon Walker if the Dockers want to play a specialist small defender, or Hugh Davies if the improving key defender is needed as a third tall. The Dockers have the versatility in their backline to adjust to either, while captain Alex Pearce is on track to play early after escaping a serious Achilles tendon injury in the Grand Final. Jaeger O'Meara had a big pre-season leading into 2026 and would need to do likewise to reassert himself in the 23, while Cooper Simpson is one to watch after a big WAFL Grand Final if the Dockers want more speed and rebounding options in defence. A fit Sean Darcy improves the Dockers as the second ruck. – Nathan Schmook

B: Zach Guthrie, Connor O'Sullivan, Jack HenryHB: Tom Stewart, Jordan Ridley, Lawson HumphriesC: Ollie Dempsey, Oisin Mullin, Bailey SmithHF: Shaun Mannagh, Jeremy Cameron, Gryan MiersF: Toby Greene, Shannon Neale, Patrick DangerfieldFoll: Rowan Marshall, Max Holmes, Tanner BruhnI/C: Sam De Koning, Tom Atkins, Mitch Edwards, Ollie Henry, Mark Blicavs

Emerg: Mark O'Connor, James Worpel, Jack Martin, Oli Wiltshire

The Cats' best 23 for 2027 balances elite veteran star power with exciting future development. Key off-season additions instantly elevate their ceiling: Jordan Ridley strengthens the backline as a premium intercept defender. At the same time, Toby Greene joins a potent forward line alongside Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield. Crucially, Rowan Marshall arrives as Geelong's projected No.1 ruck, providing the frontline presence the club has long sought. His combination with young tall Mitch Edwards offers an intriguing long-term partnership. Marshall's mobility allows him to push forward and hit the scoreboard, complementing Edwards' continued development as a traditional ruck. With the club "super bullish" on Edwards' long-term upside, this set-up allows the Cats to trial a dual-ruck model, keeping Marshall fresh while providing Edwards with invaluable senior exposure in a side firmly in the premiership window. - Emily Patterson

B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil PowellHB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Daniel RioliC: Zeke Uwland, Christian Petracca, Lachie WellerHF: Bailey Humphrey, Ethan Read, Touk MillerF: Leo Lombard, Jed Walter, Ben LongFoll: Ned Moyle, Matt Rowell, Noah AndersonI/C: Joel Jeffrey, Will Graham, Sam Clohesy, Scott Pendlebury, Jake Rogers

Emerg: Charlie Ballard, Alex Davies, Lachie Gulbin, Jarrod Witts

Much like the start of last year Damien Hardwick has a lot of options and will need the pre-season to figure out who plays where. Ben King was the major off-season departure, but rather than replace him with a tall, the Suns seem best equipped to go smaller in the forward half alongside youngsters Jed Walter and Ethan Read. Aidan Schubert came from the Hawks, along with Sam Butler, but both would need to impress in their first pre-season to force their way in. The backline is relatively settled, with the major decision being whether to play a third genuine tall in Charlie Ballard or entrust reigning best and fairest Bodhi Uwland with the responsibility of playing on taller opponents. Scott Pendlebury won't play every week but brings a sense of calm to a sometimes-chaotic team, while Will Graham's return is significant. Alex Davies, Lachie Gulbin, Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall will be bashing the door down for chances. – Michael Whiting

B: Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor IdunHB: Joe Fonti, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie AshC: Harvey Thomas, Clayton Oliver, Finn CallaghanHF: Brent Daniels, Max Gruzewski, Callum BrownF: Darcy Jones, Aaron Cadman, Phoenix GothardFoll: Nick Madden, Tom Green, Josh KellyI/C: Jayden Laverde, Ethan Matthews, Toby Bedford, Ryan Angwin, Stephen Coniglio

Emerg: Leek Aleer, Xavier O'Halloran, James Leake, Oliver Hannaford

The Giants' best 23 for 2027 features a strong spine, proven midfield depth and an exciting blend of established stars and emerging talent. The side will receive an early-season boost when Jack Buckley (calf), Josh Kelly (hip), Brent Daniels (calf), Darcy Jones (ACL), Phoenix Gothard (shoulder), Tom Green (ACL) and Finn Callaghan (ankle) return from injury during the opening rounds. In defence, Sam Taylor, Buckley, Connor Idun and Harry Himmelberg form a formidable key-position backbone, while Joe Fonti and Lachie Ash provide run and rebound. The midfield remains a major strength, with Green, Clayton Oliver and Kelly offering clearance power alongside developing ruck Nick Madden. Callaghan and Harvey Thomas add outside class and versatility. Up forward, Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski headline the key targets, while Daniels, Jones and Gothard bring speed and pressure. Top Academy prospect Ethan Matthews joins Stephen Coniglio, Toby Bedford, Jayden Laverde and Ryan Angwin in a versatile interchange rotation. - Emily Patterson

B: Blake Hardwick, Tom Barrass, Josh BattleHB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Karl AmonC: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Jai Newcombe, Josh WeddleHF: Dylan Moore, Mitch Lewis, Connor MacdonaldF: Nick Watson, Ben King, Jack GunstonFoll: Lloyd Meek, Will Day, Zach MerrettI/C: Conor Nash, Josh Ward, Jack Ginnivan, Cam Mackenzie, Mabior Chol

Emerg: Noah Mraz, Bailey Macdonald, Harry Morrison, Ollie Greeves

Hawthorn's best 23 is becoming increasingly difficult to squeeze into one side, with the arrivals of Ben King and Zach Merrett adding further star power to an already stacked list. King, Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis provide a formidable tall combination, with Hawthorn's dangerous group of small and medium forwards set to feast at ground level. Merrett bolsters a midfield already featuring Jai Newcombe and Will Day, giving Sam Mitchell another elite ball-winner and experienced head around the contest. Mabior Chol is pushed to the bench but provides an option as a second ruck as well as pressure rotating through the attacking 50. Question marks remain over Karl Amon's knee that could see Bailey Macdonald or Noah Mraz take his place in the line-up, while there are plenty of other youngsters on the fringes of selection. - Brandon Cohen

B: Blake Howes, Daniel Turner, Changkuoth JiathHB: Jake Bowey, Jake Lever, Christian SalemC: Ed Langdon, Tom Sparrow, Harvey LangfordHF: Kade Chandler, Jacob van Rooyen, Bayley FritschF: Harry Sharp, Brody Mihocek, Harrison PettyFoll: Max Gawn, Kysaiah Pickett, Jack SteeleI/C: Caleb Windsor, Zane Duursma, Koltyn Tholstrup, Xavier Lindsay, Joel Fitzgerald

Emerg: Xavier Taylor, Jai Culley, Matt Jefferson, Latrelle Pickett

The Demons continue their build with youth and exuberance at their core. It's Kysaiah Pickett's midfield now, with a mix of experienced and fresh faces set to rotate alongside him. After getting the best out of a number of players in his first season in charge, back Steven King to do the same with former No.4 pick Zane Duursma, who should find his place in the side early in the season. Recruit Will McLachlan and young developing forward Matt Jefferson will be battling it out for a spot in the forward mix alongside Brody Mihocek, Jacob van Rooyen and Harrison Petty, although much hinges on the availability of Mihocek who is still recovering from a horrific neck injury. But once fit and available, he is a walk-up start. Jai Culley should also find his way back into the side when he returns early in the season from an ACL injury. Ex-Hawk Bodie Ryan was a surprise pick-up very late in the trade period and could be a good option to fill Trent Rivers' role down back after his move to West Coast. The Demons are set to add even more high-end talent in November's draft with picks four and 14, so competition for spots will be fierce. - Alison O'Connor

B: Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Griffin LogueHB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Nick BlakeyC: Finn O'Sullivan, Harry Sheezel, Jy SimpkinHF: Colby McKercher, Cooper Trembath, Charlie SpargoF: Paul Curtis, Nick Larkey, Cam ZurhaarFoll: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-UniackeI/C: Aidan Corr, Dylan Stephens, Tom Powell, Luke Parker, Jack Darling

Emerg: Lachy Dovaston, Luke McDonald, Taylor Goad, Jackson Archer

There's a lot of unknown around how first-year coach Jaymie Graham will look to shape this North Melbourne side, but there's undoubtedly high-end quality for him to work with. The majority of that comes in a midfield that will feature heavy doses of Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Finn O'Sullivan and Colby McKercher, as well as behind the ball now thanks to new addition, Nick Blakey. You would love to see a couple of young key-position talents break through and provide options at either end. Wil Dawson and Blake Thredgold are the two to watch down back, while Matt Whitlock has shown glimpses forward. It would also be nice if Taylor Goad continues his development and adds some dynamism alongside Tristan Xerri in the ruck. It could be an exciting year for the Kangas. - Riley Beveridge

B: Lachie Jones, Esava Ratugolea, Josh LaiHB: Kane Farrell, Aliir Aliir, Darcy Byrne-JonesC: Jase Burgoyne, Miles Bergman, Dougie CochraneHF: Joe Richards, Jack Lukosius, Corey DurdinF: Joe Berry, Mitch Georgiades, Jack WhitlockFoll: Jordon Sweet, Connor Rozee, Jason Horne-FrancisI/C: Harrison Ramm, Luke Pedlar, Willem Drew, Ollie Wines, Xavier Bamert

Emerg: Todd Marshall, Christian Moraes, Josh Sinn, Dante Visentini

There's no way you can replace Zak Butters, but if Port can have a fully fit – and that's a big if – team on the park, it should be competitive most of the season. Connor Rozee and Esava Ratugolea still face uncertain timelines, and a strong campaign from Jack Lukosius would go a long way to improvement following a couple of injury-interrupted years for the former Sun. Dougie Cochrane is not yet officially a Port player but will come in via the draft and could be played anywhere, while Luke Pedlar should make an impact after moving from the crosstown rivals the Crows. Jase Burgoyne has been selected on a wing, although he thrived with more midfield minutes late in the season and could certainly be used there again depending on availability. – Michael Whiting

FB: Nick Vlastuin, Ben Miller, Kye AnnandHB: Sam Grlj, Noah Balta, Jayden ShortC: Nathan O'Driscoll, Jack Ross, Pat RetschkoHF: Taj Hotton, Jonty Faull, Seth CampbellFF: Rhyan Mansell, Tom Lynch, Mykelti LefauFoll: Toby Nankervis, Sam Lalor, Tim TarantoInt: Jacob Hopper, Luke Trainor, Judson Clarke, Sam Cumming, Kieren Briggs

Emerg: Hugo Ralphsmith, Josh Smillie, Sam Banks, Kane McAuliffe

The beauty of having near-half a squad injured at the end of 2026, is that theoretically, most should be fit to start the 2027 season, with plenty having been sent in for surgery early to prime them for pre-season. Ruck recruit Kieren Briggs comes straight into the 23, as does ex-Docker Nathan O'Driscoll to add some dash on the wing. Nathan Broad and Dion Prestia have retired, while Tyler Sonsie and Steely Green were the most regular senior players delisted. A fully fit Josh Smillie should be best 23, but we've still never seen him at the top level, so it's difficult to justify an inclusion at this point. Tom Brown, Harry Armstrong and Josh Gibcus are in the next wave who are easy inclusions should injuries flare. – Sarah Black

B: Liam Stocker, Callum Wilkie, Jack SilvagniHB: Jack Sinclair, Alix Tauru, Brad HillC: Darcy Wilson, Marcus Windhager, Mason WoodHF: Mitch Owens, Max King, Max HallF: Liam Ryan, Jake Stringer, Campbell LakeFoll: Tom De Koning, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Hugo GarciaI/C: Hugh Boxshall, Sam Marshall, Ryan Byrnes, Angus Hastie, Cooper Sharman

Emerg: Alex Dodson, Charlie Banfield, Mattaes Phillipou, Jack Higgins

After a relatively quiet trade period for the Saints, the only real change to their best 23 is subbing one Marshall (Rowan) out for another (Sam). It means they're slightly light-on in ruck power, while the midfield squeeze becomes a bit tighter. Sam Flanders is likely to miss at least the start of the season with an Achilles injury, while Tom De Koning will have to shoulder most of the ruck load while Alex Dodson develops. Competition for small forward spots will also heat up with the club set to sign Jake Stringer as a delisted free agent, with Campbell Lake and Liam Ryan the most likely to keep their spots in the side after strong performances in 2026. As always, the big question facing the Saints is Max King's fitness, with the key forward injuring himself in his one game in 2026. His hamstring concern is not expected to hinder his 2027 preparation, but Saints fans have heard this one before. - Sophie Welsh

B: Will Edwards, Tom McCartin, Lewis MelicanHB: Riley Bice, Harry Kyle, Matthew Roberts C: Justin McInerney, Errol Gulden, Jai Serong HF: Isaac Heeney, Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell F: Hayden McLean, Charlie Curnow, Tom Papley Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom I/C: James Jordon, Angus Sheldrick, Sam Wicks, Jesse Dattoli, Jake Lloyd

Emerg: Dane Rampe, Joel Hamling, Billy Cootee, Corey Warner

Looking ahead to 2027, Sydney appears set to boast one of the competition's strongest lists, headlined by a powerful spine featuring Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald and Tom McCartin. Key defender Will Edwards, who suffered a severe ankle fracture in early August, faces an uncertain return date as he continues his rehabilitation, though he is expected to further bolster a backline alongside Lewis Melican once fully fit. The Swans should also regain significant firepower through Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice, with the quartet expected to return immediately after being stood down late in the season for breaching club standards. Meanwhile, veteran leader Dane Rampe's playing future remains undecided. Still, his experience keeps him firmly in the selection frame, with the former co-captain joining Joel Hamling, Billy Cootee and Corey Warner as experienced depth options outside the best 23. - Emily Patterson

B: Brandon Starcevich, Rhett Bazzo, Josh LindsayHB: Tom McCarthy, Reuben Ginbey, Trent Rivers C: Willem Duursma, Deven Robertson, Bo Allan HF: Jack Graham, Jobe Shanahan, Liam BakerF: Milan Murdock, Jake Waterman, Cooper Duff-Tytler Foll: Bailey Williams, Harley Reid, Tim KellyI/C: Elliot Yeo, Jack Viney, Liam Duggan, Brady Hough, pick No.3

Emerg: Archer Reid, Elijah Hewett, Marcus Herbert, Tylar Young

There is depth at half-back, but Trent Rivers slots straight in after joining the club and could also push to be a midfield option alongside fellow Melbourne recruit Jack Viney. Key defender Harry Edwards is not selected in this 23 but will be an important inclusion if he continues his progress and returns from concussion issues. Deven Robertson was impressive before his ACL injury and should return strongly, with Liam Baker selected in attack given the need for another small pressure forward. Willem Duursma is picked on the wing but will be ready for more inside midfield time, and there is a watch on specialist winger Sam Allen to rocket into the team if he can have a big pre-season. The Eagles have several versatile players and Brady Hough earns selection here as a tagger, while Elliot Yeo is on the bench as a forward option. Competition will come for players like Yeo and Liam Duggan, however, with Elijah Hewett a player who could easily return to the 23 with a big pre-season in the midfield. The Eagles will also land a talented teenager with their first pick in the Draft, which could see a local product like Larke Medal winner Heath Mellody debut early if selected by the club. – Nathan Schmook

B: Connor Budarick, Jordon Butts, Buku KhamisHB: Bailey Dale, James O'Donnell, Bailey WilliamsC: Joel Freijah, Ed Richards, Ryley SandersHF: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Matt KennedyF: Rhylee West, Sam Darcy, Arthur JonesFoll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Zak ButtersI/C: Cooper Hynes, Lachlan Bramble, Michael Sellwood, Rory Lobb, Sam Davidson

Emerg: Finn Maginness, Jordan Croft, Josh Dolan, Lachie Jaques

The arrival of Zak Butters makes the Bulldogs' midfield one of the game's best as the former Port Adelaide star joins Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards in the engine room, which has no shortage of depth with the likes of Joel Freijah, Matt Kennedy and Ryley Sanders among other options. Jordon Butts' arrival as a free agent from Adelaide is also a huge boost and could allow Buku Khamis to play a more intercepting role. The Dogs will also welcome back Sam Darcy, who missed most of 2026 after rupturing his ACL in round six. Khaled El Souki could add to the Bulldogs' small forward options if the club lands at Next Generation Academy prospect in November's draft. – Dejan Kalinic