Despite all eyes firmly planted on the beginning of the 2025 AFL season, clubs and list managers have already begun to assess their group as a whole.
From star players to depth necessities, all sides are planning for premiership glory and what that might look like in the years to come.
A big part of that is being able to successfully plan for the short term as well as the future, with clubs like Sydney, Geelong and Brisbane providing the blueprint in recent years.
And although the work on the field will determine who holds the premiership cup aloft at the end of the year, the off-field happenings play an even larger part.
As it stands, over 300 players are entering the final year of their contract.
SEE MORE: The NINE biggest off-contract stars in 2025
Some are likely set to retire, some are expected to land big bucks while the unfortunate reality is some won't be in the system in 2026.
So, we'll go through your club's state of play heading into the new season.
(13 players)
The Crows have done the bulk of their work in years gone by, with only 13 players set to come out of contract at season's end.
Veterans Taylor Walker and Brodie Smith could potentially hang up the boots at the cessation of the 2025 season while Harry Schoenberg was initially delisted before being redrafted.
Ruck duo Reilly O'Brien and Kieran Strachan will be in direct competition for the no.1 spot albeit the former has held the role for some time and should be rewarded with a deal beyond this year.
Dashing defender and winger Wayne Milera is likely to be a priority signing from the group, hitting the ripe age of 27 but will need to put his injury woes to bed.
However, despite the aggressive off-season that saw Adelaide land three mature-aged players, there's no doubt that the likes of Sam Draper, Leek Aleer and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will be up for discussion.
Out of contracts: Hugh Bond, Chris Burgess, Matt Crouch, Karl Gallagher, Wayne Milera, Lachlan Murphy, Toby Murray, Reilly O'Brien, Harry Schoenberg, Brodie Smith, Kieran Strachan, Zac Taylor, Taylor Walker
(19 players)
The Lions have a host of key players who will be looking for new deals, especially given how much influence they had on the impressive run to the premiership.
Forwards Logan Morris, Kai Lohmann, Callum Ah Chee and Lincoln McCarthy will be expected to stay beyond 2025.
Depth players Darcy Gardiner, Dary Fort and Darragh Joyce will battle it out for a spot in the senior side and a spot at the club in 2026.
Club legend Dayne Zorko will be given the freedom to choose whether he continues after the next 12 months while Conor McKenna and Ryan Lester are first-choice selections but could be on the outer following the return of some familiar faces.
Out-of-favour midfielder Deven Robertson has contemplated a move from Brisbane twice in the past few years, and given the influx of young stars in the same position will likely result in a move to a rival club.
But the priority signing will be Brandon Starcevich, who proved his weight in gold throughout 2024, condemning the opposition's best small forwards.
Out of contracts: Callum Ah Chee, Luke Beecken, Darcy Craven, Sam Day, Darcy Fort, Darcy Gardiner, Darragh Joyce, Ryan Lester, Kai Lohmann, Lincoln McCarthy, Conor McKenna, Logan Morris, Bruce Reville, Deven Robertson, Brandon Starcevich, Reece Torrent, James Tunstill, Zane Zakostelsky, Dayne Zorko
(20 players)
The Blues' list management team will need to get to work as many prime movers prepare to enter the last year of their contract.
Ruckman Tom De Koning will field huge offers from rivals and his 2025 season will play a huge part in whether he considers them or not.
Plus Carlton's ability to adequately fund what he's worth will also play into his decision.
Jesse Motlop has big praise for his potential but through lack of form and injury, he has struggled to reach the heights set upon him, and as we saw in the latest off-season, the Bleus aren't afraid to let a small forward (Matt Owies) go.
Out of contracts: Jaxon Binns, Adam Cerra, Harry Charleson, Alex Cincotta, Tom De Koning, Sam Docherty, Matt Duffy, Orazio Fantasia, Nick Haynes, George Hewett, Brodie Kemp, Harry Lemmey, Cooper Lord, Mitch McGovern, Rob Monahan, Jesse Motlop, Nic Newman, Adam Saad, Jack Silvagni, Billy Wilson
(22 players)
Collingwood is all-in on a flag in 2025, but the need to manage their players and contracts going forward will determine if they can sustain the rage beyond this year.
Brayden Maynard is arguably the biggest name on this list that could field an AFL team and has already been flagged by North Melbourne as a player of interest.
The Pies have eight veterans who come out of contract, with most potentially considering hanging up the boots.
Then there's Bobby Hill, who is currently in talks of extending with the club despite some minor interest from the west.
Out of contracts: Mason Cox, Charlie Dean, Jamie Elliott, Billy Frampton, Bobby Hill, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Tew Jiath, Ashley Johnson, Ned Long, Finlay Macrae, Oleg Markov, Brayden Maynard, Reef McInnes, Brody Mihocek, Tom Mitchell, Wil Parker, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Iliro Smit, Oscar Steene, Lachie Sullivan
(17 players)
Essendon must keep Sam Draper. Plain and simple.
The Bombers will be fighting with South Australian clubs for the ruckman's signature, which ironically comes at the same time fellow talls Nick Bryan and Todd Goldstein come out of contract, albeit the latter is expected to retire.
Zach Reid has yet to provide any return on investment for a former top-10 pick due to injuries while Jayden Laverde will be an interesting watch given the club denied his request to extend another year.
Ben Hobbs also lives a similar fate given the depth in the midfield, with rivals likely to ask the question of his availability.
Out of contracts: Nick Bryan, Alwyn Davey Jnr, Archer Day-Wicks, Sam Draper, Saad El-Hawli, Todd Goldstein, Ben Hobbs, Harrison Jones, Jayden Laverde, Luamon Lual, Jye Menzie, Jayden Nguyen, Jaxon Prior, Zach Reid, Will Setterfield, Dylan Shiel, Vigo Visentini
(16 players)
Andrew Brayshaw is arguably the biggest out-of-contract star in the competition.
Brayshaw has developed a strong partnership with Caleb Serong and is unlikely to leave, although ridiculous offers from his home state (Victoria) could raise some eyebrows.
Club legends Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe also face uncertain futures but will be allowed to call time on their own terms.
Jeremy Sharp has proven to be a hidden gem and should seek a longer deal while Nathan O'Driscoll has shown plenty in the past to lock in an extension.
Out of contracts: James Aish, Andrew Brayshaw, Jack Delean, Neil Erasmus, Nat Fyfe, Odin Jones, Oscar McDonald, Quinton Narkle, Nathan O'Driscoll, Alex Pearce, Liam Reidy, Aiden Riddle, Jeremy Sharp, Patrick Voss, Michael Walters, Karl Worner
(25 players)
The Cats have the largest list of out-of-contract players albeit a lot are rookies and veterans.
Jeremy Cameron, Brad Close, Jack Bowes, Ollie Henry, Oliver Dempsey and Shannon Neale will be wrapped up quickly while Sam De Koning will likely receive attention from rivals.
Shaun Mannagh's maiden season at the elite level was impressive and will look to build on that, which would include locking in a new contract.
A call on Rhys Stanley's future could come throughout the year, as well as Mitch Duncan and Jed Bews.
Cam Guthrie's injury troubles put his future at risk but is likely to remain at the club beyond 2025.
Out of contracts: Tom Atkins, Jed Bews, Mark Blicavs, Jack Bowes, Cillian Burke, Jeremy Cameron, Ted Clohesy, Bradley Close, Toby Conway, Sam De Koning, Oliver Dempsey, Mitch Duncan, Mitchell Edwards, Cameron Guthrie, Oliver Henry, Xavier Ivisic, Mitch Knevitt, Shaun Mannagh, Oisin Mullin, Shannon Neale, Joe Pike, Patrick Retschko, Rhys Stanley, George Stevens, Oliver Wiltshire
(15 players)
Impressive planning by the Suns has their 2025 year looking healthy, with a few must-keep players listed.
Midfielder Matt Rowell is already being eyed by Victorian clubs and will be a huge talking point throughout the season.
Best and fairest winner Sam Collins does come out of contract but should remain on the Gold Coast.
Inaugural Sun David Swallow is inching closer to retirement as is Alex Sexton who fell out of favour despite a positional switch to the backline.
Connor Budarick is highly rated in the league as a small defender and will be seen as a target if the club doesn't act soon.
Brayden Fiorini has been starved of senior opportunities in recent years and could seek a switch to a rival club after multiple failed attempts.
Out of contracts: Thomas Berry, Connor Budarick, Sam Collins, Asher Eastham, Zak Evans, Jy Farrar, Brayden Fiorini, Lachlan Gulbin, Nick Holman, Max Knobel, Sean Lemmens, Malcolm Rosas, Matthew Rowell, Alex Sexton, David Swallow
(12 players)
Like the Suns, the Giants' impressive work in years gone by has resulted in a competition-low 12 players who need to be re-signed.
One name is Finn Callaghan, who is liked by many clubs around the league, including St Kilda.
The mini exodus in the 2024 off-season has offered financial reprieve, which Callaghan is likely to cash in on.
Leek Aleer will be an interesting watch given his inability to consistently play senior football as well as a general shortage of star key defenders around the nation.
Xavier O'Halloran's failed attempt to get to the Western Bulldogs will likely rear its head again at the end of the year, unless the Giants show their keenness.
Callan Ward and Lachlan Keefe could be gearing up for retirement.
Out of contracts: Leek Aleer, Toby Bedford, Callum M Brown, Finn Callaghan, Josaia Delana, Josh Fahey, Lachlan Keeffe, Toby McMullin, Xavier O'Halloran, Callan Ward, Nathan Wardius, Jacob Wehr
(15 players)
Straight off the bat, the Hawks would like to lock away Lloyd Meek, James Worpel, Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward as quickly as possible, although it's hard to see any of them leave.
Next would be to determine the futures of Jack Gunston and Luke Breust, who both played the substitute role to perfection.
Sam Frost's 2024 season was superb but given the additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass to the club, his future beyond the next 12 months is clouded.
The same goes for Jai Serong, Jasper Scaife and Bodie Ryan.
Out of contracts: Luke Breust, Sam Butler, Calsher Dear, Sam Frost, Jack Gunston, Matt Hill, Cameron Mackenzie, Lloyd Meek, Seamus Mitchell, Bodie Ryan, Jasper Scaife, Jai Serong, Jaime Uhr-Henry, Josh Ward, James Worpel
(17 players)
Melbourne's list sits in a precarious spot given the troubles that are being dealt with on the field.
Star midfielder Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver tried to get out of their contracts with multiple years remaining and yet there are currently 17 that need to be dealt with before 2025 is up.
Steven May is expected to remain at the club, as are Judd McVee, Blake Howes and Charlie Spargo, albeit the latter is dealing with a long-term injury.
Veteran Tom McDonald could hang up their boots given the club's depth in key defenders and forwards while Jake Melksham is nearing the end of his playing career.
Harry Sharp began his time at the club in fine fashion since crossing from Brisbane, dominating the training track early in the pre-season.
Out of contracts: Jack Billings, Kynan Brown, Tom Fullarton, Marty Hore, Blake Howes, Luker Kentfield, Steven May, Tom McDonald, Judd McVee, Jake Melksham, Ricky Mentha, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Oliver Sestan, Harry Sharp, Charlie Spargo, Will Verrall, Taj Woewodin
(17 players)
Sign LDU. That's all North Melbourne fans want to see.
The star on-baller is one of the leading players that clubs would like to acquire in 2025 but the Kangaroos should have the capabilities of meeting his requests, namely on-field improvement.
Will Phillips is seen on the outer and rivals know it, but snagged a one-year deal alongside Toby Pink and Robert Hansen Jr.
Coleman-Jones is seen as a promising prospect while Darcy Tucker and Brynn Teakle have had senior opportunities.
Out of contracts: Miller Bergman, Callum Coleman-Jones, Aidan Corr, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Kallan Dawson, Eddie Ford, Josh Goater, Robert Hansen Jr, Cooper Harvey, Jacob Konstanty, Finnbar Maley, Luke Parker, Geordie Payne, Will Phillips, Toby Pink, Brynn Teakle, Darcy Tucker
(21 players)
The Power have big calls to make in 2025 and one will surround the future of Miles Bergman.
The dashing defender had a breakout in 2024 and will be watched closely by rivals, especially given his capability of playing midfield.
Jase Burgoyne is another of Port Adelaide's priority signings but is very unlikely to leave the club his father player for while Kane Farrell's importance grew in the side following the departure of Dan Houston.
Travis Boak is likely to play one more season but he has defied the odds before.
Ivan Soldo wanted out after 12 months but was held to his contract in the hope he would win back the primary ruck role.
Out of contracts: Tom Anastasopoulos, Rory Atkins, Benny Barrett, Miles Bergman, Travis Boak, Jase Burgoyne, Ryan Burton, Lachlan Charleson, Tom Cochrane, Logan Evans, Kane Farrell, Jeremy Finlayson, Hugh Jackson, Will Lorenz, Jed McEntee, Jacob Moss, Josh Sinn, Ivan Soldo, Dante Visentini, Dylan Williams, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
(19 players)
Richmond has multiple youngsters they'd be keen to keep on their list beyond 2025: Jacob Bauer, Tom Brown, Thomason Dow, Steely Green and Tyler Sonsie.
The Tigers should also look at retaining some veterans like Prestia, Lynch and McIntosh to ensure a smooth transition after losing seven premiership players at the end of 2024.
Tylar Young and Jacob Blight showed enough as key defensive options while Judson Clarke and Sam Banks are up to the top level.
Out of contracts: Jasper Alger, Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Blight, Tom Brown, Judson Clarke, Mate Colina, Thomson Dow, Liam Fawcett, Campbell Gray, Steely Green, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Tom J. Lynch, Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Kaleb Smith, Tyler Sonsie, James Trezise, Tylar Young
(20 players)
St Kilda's primary objective is to keep a host of youngsters together, namely Mitch Owens, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager.
The trio have shown tremendous talent and upside in the past few years in a variety of roles and are starting to accept more responsibility under Ross Lyon.
Hunter Clark has yet to reach the heights expected of a former top-10 pick while Arie Schoenmaker will benefit from another pre-season in the AFL system.
Veteran defenders Zaine Cordy and Dougal Howard may be battling it out for a spot on the list at season's end while Zak Jones' time is nearing a close.
Out of contracts: Eamonn Armstrong, Ryan Byrnes, Jack Carroll, Hunter Clark, Zaine Cordy, Hugo Garcia, Max Hall, Angus Hastie, Max Heath, Dougal Howard, Zak Jones, Isaac Keeler, Angus McLennan, Liam O'Connell, Mitchito Owens, Arie Schoenmaker, Liam Stocker, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jimmy Webster, Marcus Windhager
(20 players)
The 'Chad' is one the Swans would love to keep.
The New South Wales club has had a knack for retaining star players and 2024 was no different.
But now Warner is the man about town, with Western Australian clubs gearing up to sell the house to lure him over.
Dane Rampe hits 35 during the year and could call time while Jake Lloyd and Robbie Fox are on the wrong side of 30.
Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling were kept around as depth options and have rarely been used while Lewis Melican has emerged as a star defender for Sydney.
Braeden Campbell and James Jordon are expected to remain at the club beyond 2025.
Out of contracts: Jack Buller, Braeden Campbell, Will Edwards, Robbie Fox, Aaron Francis, Joel Hamling, Tom Hanily, James Jordon, Indhi Kirk, Peter Ladhams, Blake Leidler, Jake Lloyd, Lewis Melican, Caleb Mitchell, Ben Paton, Dane Rampe, Angus Sheldrick, Chad Warner, Corey Warner, Sam Wicks
(18 players)
Co-captain Oscar Allen is in talks of extending his time at the club and what a coup that would be for the Eagles.
Premiership players Jamie Cripps, Dom Sheed and Jeremy McGovern will be afforded the luxury of making the retirement call on their own.
Tom Cole and Jayden Hunt should extend, as should Tim Kelly who enters the final year of his six-year contract after departing Geelong.
Promising defender Brady Hough could expect a lengthy deal while Campbell Chesser has impressed when on the park.
Out of contracts: Oscar Allen, Rhett Bazzo, Tyler Brockman, Malakai Champion, Campbell Chesser, Thomas Cole, Jamie Cripps, Tyrell Dewar, Brady Hough, Jayden Hunt, Jack Hutchinson, Callum Jamieson, Tim Kelly, Coen Livingstone, Jeremy McGovern, Jack Petruccelle, Loch Rawlinson, Dom Sheed
(15 players)
The Bont won't go anywhere. Bontempelli coming out of contract is merely a momentary lapse as the two parties organise a deal.
Ed Richards' breakout 2024 year came at a perfect time as he enters the last year of his deal.
Veteran midfielder Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore are expected to go around again at this stage, given their significance to the line-up.
Liam Jones will be a watch given his age of 34 (in February) will likely play a part in his decision-making.
Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen is also fighting against Father Time, and with his injury troubles, faces an uncertain future.
Out of contracts: Oskar Baker, Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Cleary, Nicholas Coffield, Taylor Duryea, Jason Johannisen, Arthur Jones, Liam Jones, Tom Liberatore, Caleb Poulter, Ed Richards, Anthony Scott, Lachlan Smith, Adam Treloar, Laitham Vandermeer