AFL Transaction Watch: Richmond Secures Briggs as Port Adelaide and Kangaroos Lock Down Youth

The AFL list management machinery waits for no one. With the 2026 finals series looming, front offices are already playing chess, locking away foundational pillars and setting the stage for a blockbuster trade period. Richmond has fired the first major shot of the free agency window, while Port Adelaide and North Melbourne have quietly taken care of business in-house.[1][2][4]

The biggest confirmed move comes out of Punt Road, where Richmond has secured the services of Greater Western Sydney ruckman Kieren Briggs. The 26-year-old will join the Tigers as an unrestricted free agent following the Grand Final, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.[1]

Briggs, who played 88 games for the Giants including 18 this season, had a four-year deal on the table from Richmond. The move provides crucial support for Toby Nankervis and gives coach Adem Yze a formidable, physical ruck tandem to build his midfield around for the next several seasons.[1]

While Richmond looks externally to bolster its ranks, Port Adelaide is rewarding its internal development stories. The Power have handed one-year contract extensions through 2027 to supplemental selection period (SSP) pair Mitch Zadow and Balyn O'Brien.[2]

Zadow, a 22-year-old mature-aged recruit from East Fremantle, broke into the senior side in Round 4 and kicked eight goals this season, including a standout three-goal haul against Fremantle. O'Brien, a 19-year-old defender, earned his debut in Round 19 and held his spot for the remainder of the year. Both players impressed coach Josh Carr with their toughness and defensive intent.[2]

Port Adelaide's retention drive didn't stop there. The club has also locked away Jordon Sweet on a massive four-year deal that will keep him at Alberton until 2030. Sweet seized the number one ruck mantle this season, averaging 30.7 hitouts and cementing himself as the seventh-rated ruckman in the competition.[3]

Down at Arden Street, North Melbourne has successfully fended off rival interest to retain young defender Riley Hardeman. The 21-year-old, who was taken with a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, signed a two-year extension that ties him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2028.[4]

Hardeman had to fight his way back into Alastair Clarkson's side late in the year after managing just seven senior games in 2026, but his signature secures another vital piece of North Melbourne's long-term defensive rebuild.[4]

As signatures dry on extension paperwork, the trade block is beginning to heat up. St Kilda is reportedly listening to offers for contracted winger Liam Henry. The Saints informed Henry during exit meetings that they are open to facilitating a deal, despite the former Docker having a year left on his contract.[5]

Henry's time at Moorabbin has been heavily disrupted by soft-tissue injuries, limiting him to just 14 AFL games over the past two seasons. The Saints' willingness to move him mirrors their approach with Jack Steele last year, prioritizing a fresh midfield look and draft capital.[5]

St Kilda's ambitions might not end there. If star ruckman Rowan Marshall formally requests a trade to Geelong—a move widely considered a certainty—the Saints are reportedly preparing to demand Cats hybrid Sam De Koning in return.[6]

The Saints view De Koning as the perfect addition to partner his brother Tom, who joined the club last year, while also providing elite defensive cover alongside Cal Wilkie. While De Koning is contracted and reportedly happy at Geelong, St Kilda's stance is clear: they want ready-made players, not just draft picks, in any Marshall deal.[6]