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).
MORE: Bailey Smith news: Geelong deny seeking trade for Western Bulldogs star
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.
