Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
AFL makes call on prospective 2026 draft lockout
SEN • September 22nd, 2025 6:04 pm
The AFL, led by footy boss Greg Swann, have alerted club bosses today of their stance on a potential draft lockout.
Due to the compromised nature of the National Draft, Swann and the AFL have notified clubs a matter of weeks ago that a lockout of sorts was in the works for future drafts.
With growing rates of father-son and academy prospects, the concept was drawn up to ensure that early selections within the draft were rid of any limitations, removing ties between prospects and clubs for all players taken within a certain range of the first round.
With several clubs including Carlton, Essendon and Port Adelaide lobbying against the lockout, it was revealed on Monday that the AFL will not be going ahead with the concept, instead opting to overhaul the bidding system to ensure clubs are paying up to the value of their selections.
As per the AFL, “there is set to be a significant tightening of bidding rules in 2026 that would see a grading system in place, whereby teams in different parts of the ladder would need to be in zones to match bids.”
This outcome means that Carlton’s father-son prospect Cody Walker, who is projected to be taken amongst the earliest picks in next years’ draft, will maintain his link with the Blues, having committed to the club weeks ago.
However, the Blues will be required to give up a significantly heftier price than traditionally expected, with AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey stating that “clubs are aware to match a bid at No.1 next year, they might need to secure picks No.2 & 12, as an example.
“It's going to be hard to match bids, but the door will be left open if a club is willing.”
Further information will be delivered to clubs ahead of the 2025 trade period, with change set to commence following this year’s National Draft.
