The AFL's ruck market is a fascinating arena, and with the trade period looming, it's time to dive into the five names that are at the centre of the discussion. While the big names coming off contract in 2027 are often the focus, the ruck landscape is no less intriguing, with a mix of established stars and emerging talents. So, let's explore the five rucks generating the most intrigue ahead of October's trade period, and why they matter.
Tim English: The All-Australian with a Question Mark
An All-Australian ruckman contracted until the end of 2029, Tim English is a central figure in trade speculation. Personally, I think the conversation around his future was ignited by Jordan Lewis' comments, which prompted coach Luke Beveridge to dismiss the speculation. However, the Bulldogs' clash with Sydney last Friday night revealed why Lewis' comments hold notable weight. English attended just a quarter of the centre bounces in Round 17, with Rory Lobb entrusted with the primary ruck duties. This move yielded little reward, and Beveridge revealed that English wasn't totally ready to play. Limited by knee and concussion issues throughout 2026, English has endured a disrupted campaign but remains a central figure in the Bulldogs' long-term plans. Before signing his five-year extension in August 2024, English was heavily linked with a return home to West Coast. Whether those links re-emerge remains to be seen.
Rowan Marshall: The Intriguing Name to Watch
Another premier ruck, Rowan Marshall, remains contracted beyond this season. However, the Saints are more open to discussing a trade than they were 12 months ago, should the right offer emerge. The arrival of Tom De Koning as a restricted free agent from Carlton on a lucrative long-term deal has fundamentally changed St Kilda's ruck dynamic. Marshall's interest in exploring his options last off-season centred on greater opportunity, with Geelong emerging as his preferred destination. However, the rapid development of Mitch Edwards may leave the Cats less reliant on adding another established ruck. With De Koning currently sidelined by broken ribs and a punctured lung, Marshall has reclaimed the mantle as St Kilda's primary ruck. Unlike some of the competition's bigger-bodied rucks, the changes to centre-bounce rules appear to have had little impact on his game. And if the Bulldogs were to unexpectedly lose Tim English? Marshall would quickly become one of the most logical replacements on the market.
Bailey Williams: The West Coast Restricted Free Agent
West Coast restricted free agent Bailey Williams remains one of the more fascinating names yet to recommit for 2027. The 26-year-old is still widely expected to remain an Eagle as discussions continue over what is understood to be a long-term offer that could stretch to six years. However, the absence of a completed deal entering the back half of the season has fuelled speculation about his future. Williams has arguably enhanced his value more than any other out-of-contract player in 2026, emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AFL's centre-bounce rule changes. Victorian clubs, including Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, have been loosely linked with Williams, while Richmond remains in the market for an established ruck as it plans for life after captain Toby Nankervis. Williams has publicly stated he is enjoying his football in Perth and wants to remain at the Eagles. But, until a contract is signed, rival clubs will continue to monitor the situation closely; and so too will fellow ruckmen whose own futures could be influenced by his decision.
Kieran Briggs: The Unrestricted Free Agent
GWS big man Kieran Briggs also finds himself facing an uncertain future. The unrestricted free agent remains without a contract offer for 2027 as Round 18 approaches, placing his future firmly under the spotlight. The Giants' decision to hand Nick Madden a four-year extension has only added to the intrigue, reinforcing the club's long-term faith in the emerging 22-year-old. Despite playing 83 AFL games, Briggs appears to have slipped down GWS' list of priorities amid negotiations with several key players, including captain Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer, Jake Riccardi and Max Gruzewski. As an unrestricted free agent, Briggs would almost certainly attract interest if he reached the open market. While he may not command the same attention as Tim English or Rowan Marshall, Briggs looms as an experienced number one ruck option in a competition where proven big men remain in short supply.
Reilly O'Brien: The Adelaide Ruckman in Transition
Perhaps no established ruckman has been impacted more by the AFL's new centre-bounce rules than Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien. Yet, his situation has largely flown under the radar. O'Brien signed a three-year contract extension in July last year, tying him to West Lakes until the end of 2028. Despite that security, O'Brien has managed just one AFL appearance in 2026, where he played only 35% game time in a shared ruck role with Lachie McAndrew. McAndrew, who played just two senior games for Sydney before joining Adelaide as an SSP signing in February last year, has since established himself as Matthew Nicks' preferred number one ruck. Before McAndrew's Round 1 selection this season, Nicks had never deployed a genuine two-ruck structure, with O'Brien carrying the ruck responsibilities across the bulk of his 147-game AFL career. Now, the emergence of Toby Murray as a forward-ruck option has left O'Brien effectively third in line, making senior opportunities increasingly difficult to come by. Unsurprisingly, he has dominated at SANFL level, averaging 18.4 disposals, 35.9 hitouts and 6.5 marks across Adelaide's reserves campaign. O'Brien has long been regarded as a consummate professional and remains contracted for another two seasons, meaning Adelaide is under no pressure to entertain offers. But given his resumé and diminished opportunities, it would be no surprise if rival clubs at least explored whether he could be prised away. A club searching for experienced ruck depth, such as Essendon, would appear an obvious fit should the situation evolve.
In my opinion, the AFL's ruck market is a fascinating arena, and these five names are at the centre of the discussion. The trade period is a time of great uncertainty and opportunity, and these players will play a key role in shaping the future of their clubs. As we approach October's trade period, it's time to watch and wait, and see how these rucks fare in the coming weeks.
