With the 2016 AFL season to conclude after Saturday’s Grand Final, fans can turn their attention to several key drafting and trading events that loom for the offseason.

The AFL Draft Combine will run between Thursday 6 October and Sunday 9 October, where 80 of the country’s most talented young footballers will test their athletic ability and football skills.

Only players who were nominated by at least five AFL clubs will attend the combine.

The Free Agency Period commences on Friday 7 October and concludes on Sunday 16 October, while the Trade Period will run from Monday 10 October to Thursday 20 October.

Fyfe's look at the future

On Monday 31 October, the AFL expects clubs to submit their first list lodgements.

The following day, the AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period commences, and will conclude a week later on 8 November with the second list lodgement due the next day.

The final AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period will run between 10 November and 18 November, before the National Draft in Sydney on 25 November and the Preseason and Rookie Drafts on 28 November.

Fremantle’s list for the 2017 AFL season will be finalised on Wednesday 30 November.

AFLW draft looms for Freo

Key dates for October:

  • Thursday 6 October to Sunday 9 October – AFL Draft Combine
  • Friday 7 October – Free Agency Period commences
  • Monday 10 October – Trade Period commences
  • Sunday 16 October – Free Agency Period closes
  • Thursday 20 October – Trade Period closes
  • Monday 31 October – First list lodgement due

Key dates for November:

    • Tuesday 1 November – First Delisted Player Free Agency Period commences
    • Tuesday 8 November – First Delisted Player Free Agency Period concludes
    • Wednesday 9 November – Second list lodgement due
    • Thursday 10 November – Second Delisted Player Free Agency Period commences
    • Friday 18 November – Second Delisted Player Free Agency Period concludes
    • Friday 25 November – National Draft in Sydney
    • Monday 28 November – Preseason and Rookie Drafts
    • Wednesday 30 November – Final list lodgement due