When does AFL Free Agency 2023 start? Key dates, free agents, compensation

Bryn Wakefield

When does AFL Free Agency 2023 start? Key dates, free agents, compensation image

We're closing in on the 2023 AFL Free Agency Period, which is set to start in early October. 

Different to the Trade Period, the free agency window allows clubs to sign out-of-contract players without the need for a trade. 

If a free agent is restricted, their current club can elect to match any rival contract offers to retain them. 

Depending on the salary, contract length, and age of the player, clubs will receive draft compensation for departing free agents, providing they haven't signed one themselves during the period. 

MORE: AFL trade news and rumours latest

When is the 2023 AFL Free Agency Period?

The AFL Free Agency window opens on Friday, October 6, and will close on Friday, October 13, at 5pm AEDT. 

Clubs will have a further three days to match contract offers on restricted free agents, ending on Monday, October 16, at 5pm AEDT. 

Delisted free agents can still be signed after the Free Agency Period closes. 

AFL Free Agents 2023

Free agents can fit into three main criteria:

  • Players entering their eighth or ninth season and who are in the top 25 per cent of the club's earners are Restricted Free Agents.
     
  • An Unrestricted Free Agent is a player who's spent eight years at one club but is outside the top 25 per cent of the club's earners or has spent 10+ years at one club.
     
  • Players who have been delisted at any stage of their career and are at the end of their contract automatically qualify as Delisted Free Agents.

AFL Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agents

*Retiring players excluded.

Player Club Type
Tom Doedee Adelaide Restricted Free Agent
Daniel Rich Brisbane Unrestricted Free Agent
Dayne Zorko Brisbane Unrestricted Free Agent
David Cunningham Carlton Unrestricted Free Agent
Jack Silvagni Carlton Restricted Free Agent
Rhys Stanley Geelong Restricted Free Agent
Sam Day Gold Coast Unrestricted Free Agent
Callan Ward GWS Unrestricted Free Agent
Matthew Flynn GWS Unrestricted Free Agent
Jake Melksham Melbourne Restricted Free Agent
Ben McKay North Melbourne Restricted Free Agent
Todd Goldstein North Melbourne Unrestricted Free Agent
Scott Lycett Port Adelaide Unrestricted Free Agent
Travis Boak Port Adelaide Unrestricted Free Agent
Daniel McKenzie St Kilda Restricted Free Agent
Jade Gresham St Kilda Restricted Free Agent
Jimmy Webster St Kilda Unrestricted Free Agent
Sam Reid  Sydney Unrestricted Free Agent
Taylor Durea Western Bulldogs Unrestricted Free Agent
Toby McLean Western Bulldogs Unrestricted Free Agent

FULL LIST: AFL 2023: Free Agents - Your club's off-contract players

When is the AFL Trade Period?

The AFL Trade period will start on Monday, October 9, kicking off at 9am (AEDT).

During trade week, clubs will have the opportunity to trade players and draft picks to strengthen their draft hand and improve their list heading into the next season. 

A Free Agency window will begin three days prior, on Friday, October 6, when clubs will be able to sign restricted and unrestricted free agents. 

A Wednesday, October 18, finish has been confirmed, with the Trade Period to close at 7:30pm (AEDT).

Bailey Smith.jpg
Getty Images

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How to listen to AFL Trade Radio

Prior to and during trade week, the AFL Trade Radio is available on afl.com.au and the AFL Live app. Fans will be able to listen to or live stream the shows through either platform. 

AFL Trade Radio goes on air just after the AFL Grand Final and provides updates on trade rumours and official deals as trade week commences. 

The show also features interviews with important AFL figures, including club list managers and general managers.

Bryn Wakefield

Bryn Wakefield Photo
Bryn is a content producer for Sporting News, covering AFL and Australian Rules Football. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has thrived in the passionate sporting city, desperate for ultimate success despite its underdog tag.