Key Takeaways
- The pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) trials for several AFL teams have been extended into 2026.
- Players such as Tom McGuane, Flynn Perez, Elijah Hollands, and Will White will continue to train with their respective teams in a bid to secure a spot on the list.
- Injuries and illnesses have affected some players, including Brodie McLaughlin, who has been released after undergoing foot surgery, and Zac Harding, who strained a quad.
- Teams such as Hawthorn, Fremantle, and Port Adelaide are still finalizing their plans for the SSP trials, with some players expected to return in January.
Introduction to the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period
The pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) trials have been a crucial part of the AFL offseason, with several teams inviting players to train with them in a bid to secure a spot on the list. The trials have been ongoing since November, with some players impressing and earning extensions into 2026. Among those who will continue to train with their respective teams are Tom McGuane, son of a former AFL player, and former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez. McGuane has been sidelined for most of December due to an ankle injury but will return to West Lakes after the Christmas break to get the chance to land a spot on the Crows’ list.
Players on Trial
Several players have been on trial with AFL teams, including Elijah Hollands and Will White, who have both trained strongly at Princes Park across November and December. They are expected to get the full window to compete for the final spot all the way through to the deadline on February 20. Western Jets captain Tom Burton and Eastern Ranges tall utility Marcus Krasnadamskis will be back with Adem Yze’s squad when the Tigers return in January. Krasnadamskis had the chance to trial with Hawthorn but chose to trial with the Tigers instead. Other players on trial include Jaidyn Stephenson, who has impressed across the first block of the summer in South Australia, and Tex Wanganeen, who has had both shoulders operated on since the end of last season.
Injuries and Illnesses
Injuries and illnesses have affected some players, including Brodie McLaughlin, who has been released after undergoing foot surgery last week. The VFL star will be sidelined for at least the next three months. Zac Harding strained a quad but is expected to be back in full training by the first session back in January. Chris Scerri was sidelined this week due to illness but will continue to trial with Fremantle in 2026. Oskar Ainsworth has also had injury issues to deal with at St Kilda, but both he and Wanganeen are expected to get most of the SSP to audition for the one list vacancy at Moorabbin.
Team Plans
Teams such as Hawthorn, Fremantle, and Port Adelaide are still finalizing their plans for the SSP trials. The Hawks have two spots to fill on the list and are considering trialing another player or two in the new year. Fremantle has extended the auditions of Zac Harding and Chris Scerri into 2026, while Port Adelaide is expected to welcome back all four triallists after the break. Richmond will have Tom Burton and Marcus Krasnadamskis back with their squad in January, while St Kilda will have Tex Wanganeen and Oskar Ainsworth continue their trials in 2026.
Conclusion
The pre-season supplemental selection period trials have been an exciting part of the AFL offseason, with several players vying for a spot on the list. The extensions into 2026 will give players such as Tom McGuane, Flynn Perez, and Elijah Hollands another chance to impress their respective teams. With injuries and illnesses affecting some players, it will be interesting to see how the trials unfold in 2026. As the AFL season approaches, the SSP trials will be crucial in determining the final makeup of each team’s list.