How does the AFLW pre-season draft work?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- AFLW
- Laws of the Game
- Draft
- All ages
- 2026
- Fans
The AFL introduced a pre-season draft for AFLW ahead of the 2026 season, to replace the last-minute signings of inactive players that clubs used to make before the season.
- When: late April or May 2026, so undrafted players can play for their state league sides first.
- Who is eligible: players who nominated for the previous national draft but were not selected.
- Order: reverse ladder order, as in the main draft, so the weakest sides get first access.
- List spots: clubs must take at least two players in the national draft, then may pass on further picks and keep spots open for the pre-season draft.
- Injury replacements: clubs can still sign replacement players after the pre-season draft if a primary-listed player becomes unavailable through serious injury, pregnancy or mental health reasons.
Source: AFL.com.au, "AFLW to introduce pre-season draft ahead of 2026".
Added 24 Oct 2026