The Fremantle Football Club has confirmed four changes to the playing list following the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Bailey Banfield, Sam Sturt, Ollie Murphy and Ryda Luke have been informed they will not be offered contracts for season 2027.

Originally selected with pick No.5 in the 2017 Rookie Draft, Banfield played 119 AFL games for Fremantle, using his versatility to feature in a variety of roles across nine seasons in purple.

Off the field, Banfield has been a stalwart of community engagement and charitable work for the Club. This year, he was recognised on Brownlow Medal night as the winner of the 2026 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

His work with Starlight’s Children Foundation, Worthy Australia and the Purple Hands Foundation has spanned several years and included fundraising efforts, as well as attending the Kimberley 9s and creation of the player-driven Freo Cares program.

Through Freo Cares, Banfield has mobilised players, coaches and staff, and led the Club in supporting key community causes. These include delivering meals to people experiencing homelessness, supporting disengaged youth and spending time with seriously ill children.

A Starlight ambassador at Fremantle for eight years and a national ambassador since 2024, Banfield has driven fundraising for the Club’s annual Purple Haze game, which raised more than $300,000 in 2026. His advocacy and volunteer work with Worthy Australia also helped grow community support for families rebuilding their lives after domestic violence.

Banfield’s last game was a WAFL premiership win with Peel Thunder.

Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty thanked all four players for their contributions to the Club.

“These decisions are never easy, particularly when you’ve had a player like Bailey who’s been at the Club for just under 10 years,” Brierty said.

“His contribution has had an impact not only on the field, but also off it and around the Club. It culminated in him receiving the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the Brownlow Medal Count last week.

“Bailey’s passion and his work in the community have had an impact on all of our players and staff.

“His resilience and determination to get the most out of himself on the football field, playing a variety of roles during his time at Fremantle, is something our coaching staff has always admired.

“He obviously has an exciting journey ahead, and we wish Bailey and his wife, Julia, all the best as they plan for the arrival of their first child.

“We also wish Bailey all the best with any opportunities that may open up within the AFL.”

Originally selected by Fremantle with pick No.17 in the 2018 National Draft, Sturt played 31 AFL games and kicked 43 goals across his eight seasons.

A testament to his professionalism and resilience, Sturt worked tirelessly to return from multiple significant injuries, including an ACL tear in 2025.

“Sam has shown great resilience since being drafted, but unfortunately his body has failed him at different times,” Brierty said.

“Every time Sam has faced adversity, he’s met it with the highest level of professionalism and dedication, doing the best he possibly can to rehab his body.

“After the ACL injury last year, he did all the work he possibly could to get back to football, and we were so proud when he returned to play with Peel late this season.

“Unfortunately, his body wasn’t able to hold up to the rigours of the game.

“Sam’s been a highly respected and valued teammate across our football program, and we know he’ll be successful in any future endeavours he puts his mind to.”

Selected with pick No.41 in the 2023 National Draft, Murphy played 32 WAFL league games with Peel Thunder during three seasons with Fremantle.

Luke was selected as a Category B rookie out of South Fremantle ‘s colts and Fremantle’s NGA squad last November. The teenager played 17 games for Peel Thunder’s reserves.

“The Club would like to thank Ollie and Ryda for their contributions,” Brierty said.

“Ollie has been with us for three years now, and Ryda for the past 12 months. We wish them both all the best with their future endeavours.”

The four join pressure forward Sam Switkowski as departures from the Club. Switkowski last month announced his AFL retirement at the conclusion of the season.