AFL Draft: Clubs Prepare for First Round Bids

Four clubs are positioned to attract first round draft bids in the 2026 AFL National Draft, including Port Adelaide, Carlton, Brisbane, and GWS.

Port Adelaide and Carlton have accumulated sufficient points to match top-five bids, while Brisbane's Caylen Murray and GWS' Ethan Matthews are also expected to draw top 10 interest. Recent changes to AFL rules require clubs to utilize only two selections to gather the necessary points for matching bids.

Port Adelaide is particularly well-prepared, with their first two picks totaling 2683 points, just shy of the 2700 needed to match a bid for their club-tied prospect, Dougie Cochrane. The club has indicated a willingness to trade back if necessary, and they are also equipped to match bids for other prospects like Zemes Pilot and Louis Salopek.