Three key forwards and a star mid: These are the footballers yet to sign on for 2027
Several high-profile AFL players remain unsigned for the 2027 season, including star midfielder Zak Butters and key forwards Mitch Lewis, Jed Walter, and Joel Amartey, as clubs navigate contract negotiations and potential list changes. Players like Tom Sparrow, Sam Switkowski, and Kieren Briggs are also drawing interest from rival teams despite strong performances. Clubs are balancing retention efforts with salary cap constraints and long-term list planning. The coming months could see significant movement, especially for unrestricted free agents weighing offers and personal considerations.
- ▪Zak Butters is a key target for multiple clubs, including Geelong and Hawthorn, due to his Victorian ties and elite midfield form.
- ▪Mitch Lewis, Joel Amartey, and Jed Walter are high-impact forwards yet to commit, with Amartey having kicked 16 goals in seven games for Sydney.
- ▪Tom Sparrow is having a career-best season at Melbourne and is attracting interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
- ▪Sam Switkowski and Kieren Briggs are proven performers seeking new deals, with Victorian clubs monitoring their situations.
- ▪Nathan Broad may return to Western Australia to finish his career, with ties to West Coast through coaching and list management staff.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","dateModified":"2026-04-28T19:14:58Z","datePublished":"2026-04-28T19:14:58Z","description":"Zak Butters headlines the list of players yet to make a public commitment for next season, while the Hawks, Suns and Swans all have noted goalkickers who appear to be weighing up their options.","headline":"Three key forwards and a star mid: These are the footballers yet to sign on for 2027","keywords":"AFL 2026, Trading and drafting, Draft, Money talks, Just in Age","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Marc McGowan","jobTitle":"Sports…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Sydney Morning Herald
