The AFL's ruck market is a fascinating space, and with the new centre-bounce rules and changing list dynamics, it's a landscape that's set to be reshaped. As the home-and-away season comes to a close, five names are at the centre of the discussion: Tim English, Rowan Marshall, Bailey Williams, Kieran Briggs, and Reilly O'Brien. These players are generating the most intrigue ahead of October's trade period, and it's a space that shapes as one to watch closely.
In my opinion, the most intriguing name is Bailey Williams. Williams, a restricted free agent, has arguably enhanced his value more than any other out-of-contract player in 2026. The 26-year-old has firmly established himself as West Coast's first-choice big man, and his situation is pivotal in shaping the wider ruck market. Personally, I think that Williams' value is set to skyrocket, and he could prove to be a key player in the trade period. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Williams has been linked with Victorian clubs, including Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, and Richmond remains in the market for an established ruck.
Rowan Marshall is another name that stands out. Marshall, a premier ruck, has been with St Kilda for years and has been the club's undisputed No. 1 ruck. However, the arrival of Tom De Koning as a restricted free agent from Carlton has fundamentally changed St Kilda's ruck dynamic. Marshall's interest in exploring his options last off-season centred on greater opportunity, and he could be a logical replacement for Tim English if the Bulldogs were to unexpectedly lose him. What many people don't realize is that Marshall's game has not been significantly impacted by the changes to centre-bounce rules.
Tim English, an All-Australian ruckman, is also generating a lot of interest. English's future was ignited after Jordan Lewis described him as 'gettable', and coach Luke Beveridge had to dismiss the speculation. However, English's limited playing time due to knee and concussion issues has raised questions about his future. The Bulldogs' clash with Sydney last Friday night highlighted the need for English to be fully fit and ready to play. English's situation is complex, and his long-term plans remain uncertain.
Kieran Briggs, an unrestricted free agent, is another name to watch. Briggs has not received a contract offer for 2027, and the Giants' decision to extend Nick Madden has added to the intrigue. Briggs appears to have slipped down GWS' list of priorities, but he would almost certainly attract interest if he reached the open market. Briggs looms as an experienced number one ruck option in a competition where proven big men remain in short supply.
Reilly O'Brien, despite being contracted until 2028, has managed just one AFL appearance in 2026. O'Brien's situation has largely flown under the radar, but his diminished opportunities have not gone unnoticed. O'Brien has dominated at SANFL level, and a club searching for experienced ruck depth, such as Essendon, would appear an obvious fit should the situation evolve. In my opinion, O'Brien's situation is a fascinating one, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
In conclusion, the AFL's ruck market is a complex and fascinating space, and these five names are at the centre of the discussion. As the trade period approaches, it will be interesting to see how these players' situations unfold and how they shape the wider ruck market. From my perspective, Bailey Williams stands out as the most intriguing name, and his situation could have a significant impact on the trade period.
