ADELAIDE
Draft picks (first three rounds): 9, 29, 47
Gone: Ben Rutten retired this season and the club axed Shaun McKernan and Angus Graham. Further delistings are expected.
What they need: Adelaide needs key position players, particularly in defence. The Crows also need elite users of the ball across half-back and through the middle of the ground. Ultimately, the club's midfield is about the only part of the ground in which it has significant depth. 
Whispers: As previously reported on AFL.com.au, out-of-contract midfielder Jarryd Lyons has attracted attention from Victoria. It's believed one of those sides is St Kilda. The sacking of Brenton Sanderson led to suggestions Patrick Dangerfield could be a trade option, if only so the Crows could receive adequate compensation before his deal expires next year. Melbourne has flagged its interest and Collingwood is rumoured to be keen given the likely departure of Dayne Beams. Hawthorn's Ryan Schoenmakers has been linked to the Crows and would certainly help their defensive depth.
Dream trade: Lyons to St Kilda in pick No. 21. - Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS
Draft picks (first three rounds): 4, 24, 41
Gone: Jonathan Brown, Ash McGrath and Brent Moloney have all retired, while Andrew Raines, James Polkinghorne, Jordan Lisle, Patrick Wearden and rookies Nick Hayes, Sam Michael and Isaac Conway have all been delisted.
What they need: The Lions still have holes all through their list. They began a total rebuild in the past year but are still missing a key forward, a classy midfielder or two, and a quality ball-user at half-back would also fit well. With an extremely young list, the Lions could do with some more 23-27 year-old players to add experience.
Whispers: It's more a roar than a whisper, but Dayne Beams has made it clear he wants to return to Queensland, and that means alongside his brother Claye. He fits the Lions' needs perfectly and they'll go all-out to make a trade happen. Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has met with the club, but at this stage it looks like he might be destined to finish with Port Adelaide. Bombers teammate Courtenay Dempsey has also been linked to the Lions.
Dream trade: Beams for the Lions' first-round draft pick (currently No.4). You could possibly throw a fringe player into the deal, but anything more is paying overs, particularly with Beams requesting the move. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON
Draft picks (first three rounds): 6, 27, 44.
What they need: More class all over the field, particularly some midfield runners to complement inside ball-winners Marc Murphy, Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs. If Jarrad Waite leaves via free agency, the Blues will presumably target another key forward, while a key defender to support Michael Jamison and Sam Rowe would also be handy.
Whispers: On the free agency front, the Blues have withdrawn from the race for Western Bulldog Shaun Higgins and are still awaiting an answer from spearhead Jarrad Waite on whether he is staying or joining North Melbourne. The Blues are believed to be among the front-runners to snare Western Bulldogs key forward Liam Jones and Greater Western Sydney key defender Kristian Jaksch. Sydney Swan Tom Mitchell is also believed to be on Carlton's radar, but the midfielder is contracted to the end of 2016.
Dream trade: In the unlikely event the Giants decide to trade Victorian midfielder Dylan Shiel a year before his contract expires, the Blues could tempt GWS with their first-round pick (No.6) and Jeff Garlett. - Nick Bowen

COLLINGWOOD
Draft picks (first three rounds): 8, 29, 46. Will the Magpies need to decide whether father-son prospect Darcy Moore is chosen with selection No.8 or could he slip through to pick No.29?
Gone: Dayne Beams wants to join the Brisbane Lions and Heritier Lumumba looks likely to be traded. Both, however, have one year remaining on their contracts. Lumumba has attracted interest from more than one party, which may create competition and work in Collingwood's favour. The Pies have also had Luke Ball, Nick Maxwell, Ben Hudson and Quinten Lynch retire and Marty Clarke and Caolan Mooney return to Ireland. Peter Yagmoor was delisted.
What they need: Collingwood wants a quality player in return for Beams but might have to settle for a draft pick. However the Pies need players in the middle tier of age and experience who are of better than average quality, so they will fight hard. They could also chase a mature-aged player with leadership qualities, as they needs to lighten up as a club. Collingwood has added quality youngsters in recent seasons but to avoid a massive dip, the club needs to replace the premiership players it has lost.
Whispers: Clearly Mitch Clark was of interest to Collingwood, with a decision to be made soon. The Magpies will also be in the market for a young midfielder from one of the expansion clubs, but their main emphasis has been on retaining players.
Dream trade: Beams for Daniel Rich would be a favourable exchange but the chances of the Brisbane Lions agreeing to such a deal is a million to one. - Peter Ryan

Collingwood could become Mitch Clark's third club after stints at the Lions and Demons. Picture: AFL Media


ESSENDON
Draft picks (first three rounds): 19, 50
Gone: Jason Winderlich had retired but has reconsidered and is now considered more likely to play on in 2015. The future of veteran defender Dustin Fletcher also hasn't been confirmed. Leroy Jetta and Kyle Hardingham will look for new homes and more opportunities in the trade and free agency period. And Paddy Ryder is set to leave the Bombers, with Port Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions frontrunners for the star ruckman's services.
What they need: If Ryder walks then the Bombers will certainly need another ruckman, given the only other on their senior list is Tom Bellchambers. Some more key position depth is also important, but won't be easy to find. Finding a way to access a second-round draft pick would be beneficial given their loss of draft picks as part of the AFL's supplements penalty. 
Whispers: Essendon is one of a handful of clubs to show interest in Melbourne forward Mitch Clark. They have also been linked with Carlton small forward Jeff Garlett, and if out-of-contract Sydney Swans forward Tim Membrey ends up returning to Victoria for opportunities, the Bombers could be in the mix.
Dream trade: Obviously the Bombers will want to secure a gun Port Adelaide player in return for Paddy Ryder. That's unlikely, and if Port is keen to part with its first pick (No.16) for the ruckman, the Bombers will at least have two picks in the first 20 and restore their position in the draft after losing selections in the past two years. - Callum Twomey

FREMANTLE
Draft picks (first three rounds): 12, 32, 51
Gone: Kepler Bradley and Scott Gumbleton have already announced their retirements while Josh Simpson seems unlikely to remain on the list given his issues off-field. Rookies Sam Menegola and Craig Moller will also be under pressure to retain their contracts.
What they need: Coach Ross Lyon has gone on record stating that the Dockers need key position players at both ends. They have already drafted in that area in the last two years but they are not afraid to use free agency or trading to add ready-made players.
Whispers: The Dockers' interest in James Frawley has been more of a dull roar than a whisper. It's rumoured they've offered $3 million over five years. Frawley flew to Perth to visit the club on semi-final weekend before meeting with Ross Lyon in Melbourne on Grand Final weekend. The Dockers have also been linked to Carlton forward Jarrad Waite.
Dream trade: Snaring Frawley through free agency is the dream scenario for Fremantle and it could still become a reality. The ultimate dream trade would be poaching Jeremy Cameron from GWS in exchange for some young midfield talent. - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG
Draft picks (first three rounds): 13, 33, 52
What they need: Support for Tom Hawkins. The big forward booted 68 goals in 2014 – 41 more than Jimmy Bartel, who ranked No.2 at the club. A key forward would lighten the load on Hawkins and make the Cats less predictable.
Whispers: The Cats are hoping to sign Melbourne free agent James Frawley and they appear to be leading the race, with Fremantle less confident they can lure him across the Nullabor. It has been suggested the Cats would offer Frawley a lucrative five-year deal. The club is also understood to have met with former Demon Mitch Clark for preliminary discussions around his return to the AFL. The Cats would have to trade with the Demons to secure Clark, who has been linked most prominently to Collingwood.
Dream trade: Signing James Frawley as a free agent. The Cats have suggested Frawley is the only player they are  after during the exchange period. He would cost them nothing as a free agent. - Nathan Schmook
 
GOLD COAST
Draft picks (first three rounds): 7, 14, 27, 44
Gone: The Suns have an extra pick in the first round after activating their compensation selection for losing Josh Caddy to Geelong at the end of the 2012 season.
What they need: Most of the pieces are in place, but another key defender and a more experienced, cool head at half-back would help. When Steven May and/or Rory Thompson were injured, the Suns' back half was in disarray.
Whispers: While he's been more closely linked with Geelong, Fremantle and Hawthorn, the Suns have also cast an eye over Melbourne free agent James Frawley. He'd be a perfect third tall for their defensive end, and while it's unlikely, don't entirely count them out. Collingwood's Dayne Beams wants to return to Queensland, and while it's assumed the Lions are his preference, the Suns will closely look at the Gold Coast product
Dream trade: Beams in exchange for their first round pick (currently No.7) and a starting 22 player. The Suns have tried to keep continuity with their list, but the prospect of getting an elite goalkicking midfielder should see them trying to trump the Lions. - Michael Whiting

Melbourne free agent James Frawley is among the most sought-after players. Picture: AFL Media
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Draft picks (first three rounds): 3, 20, 23, 40
What they need: Given the loss of some of their tall defenders, a replacement in that half of the ground would be ideal. With some injuries during last season, the club looked a little skinny for key defensive depth. Mostly, though, it's a very young and talented list. The club in the past has topped up most seasons with senior experience and may look to do the same this year.
Whispers: The Giants are understood to have shown interest in axed Saints defender James Gwilt. They are likely to be pretty active again during the period given their three draft picks in the opening 23 selections. The club is also in the mix for Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder.
Dream trade: The club will want to maximise the return they get on first-round pick Jaksch, and No.2 pick Jono O'Rourke if he decides to leave as well. GWS could package one of the players with a pick to attract some decent offers from rival clubs. - Callum Twomey

HAWTHORN
Draft picks (first three rounds): 18, 37, 56
Gone: Speculation is rife Brad Sewell could retire. Kaiden Brand, Jordan Kelly, Derick Wanganeen and Ben Ross might be nervous about their futures.
What they need: The back-to-back premiers' ageing list is a concern. Many of the Hawks' best in the Grand Final – Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson and Brian Lake – are over 30. Replacements are developing in the VFL but the Hawks are likely to trade for ready-made players as in the recent past.
Whispers: Melbourne free agent James Frawley has been strongly linked to several clubs, including the Hawks. He would be an ideal sidekick and then eventual replacement for Lake. He also fits Alastair Clarkson's mould for versatile footballers and could be used in attack. The Hawks could afford a high-profile recruit given their 'Buddy money' left in the salary cap from losing Lance Franklin to the Swans. They have also reportedly shown interest in Richmond skipper and midfield star Trent Cotchin.
Dream trade: Free agent Frawley is probably the most realistic, but landing a midfield gun in their prime – such as Cotchin or Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield - would trump signing the Demon. - Travis King

MELBOURNE
Draft picks (first three rounds): 2, 23, 40. Could also get either pick No.3 or pick No.20 as compensation if, as expected, free agent James Frawley leaves.
Gone: Mitch Clark is up for trade and could attract a player in return. Sam Blease wants to pursue opportunities elsewhere but he won't attract a huge return. Frawley looks gone while Shannon Byrnes has retired and Mitch Clisby and Daniel Nicholson were delisted. James Strauss and Luke Tapscott are out of contract and are likely to be discussed at trade time.  
What they need: More quality midfielders to add depth and class to that area of the ground, a key defender and a running defender. Melbourne desperately needs an elite player who attracts people to the football, which is why the club should use its high picks wisely.
Whispers: Greater Western Sydney defender Sam Frost looks headed to Melbourne while Heritier Lumumba remains in the frame. If the Demons receive, as expected, pick No.3 for losing Frawley, they will shop around one of those two early picks in a bid to snare a quality 24-26-year-old midfielder from another club. Melbourne could also be involved in an exchange of picks and players with St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney at the top of the draft.
Dream trade: Pick No.3 and either Jimmy Toumpas or Jack Trengove for Patrick Dangerfield. Chance of it happening is close to zilch. Chance of it being discussed at a list management meeting is very high. - Peter Ryan

NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft picks (first three rounds): 16, 35, 54.
Gone: North has yet to officially announce any retirements or delistings, but Liam Anthony, Taylor Hine, Mitch Wilkins and rookie Tim McGenniss are all out of contract and look set to finish up at Arden Street. Robbie Nahas and Max Warren are also out of contract and the Roos might not make a call on their futures until the end of October's trade period.
What they need: More outside run and flair to complement, and eventually replace, Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells. A 195cm-plus key defender and another strong contested mark in attack.
Whispers: North is hoping to land Western Bulldog Shaun Higgins and Carlton spearhead Jarrad Waite as free agents, and is set to meet with Heritier Lumumba as the Magpie seeks a trade. North is also one of a number of clubs linked to Bulldogs forward Liam Jones. Collingwood is understood to have expressed some interest in Aaron Mullett, but the half-back is contracted to the end of 2015 and is a required player. Levi Greenwood remains out of contract and is believed to have attracted preliminary interest from Richmond, but the rejuvenated midfielder wants to stay at Arden Street and should reach a new deal with the club soon.
Dream trade: With Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett dominating the Sydney Swans' forward line, it is only a matter of time before a rival team has a serious crack at Sam Reid. Making the deal happen will be the hard part, but North could offer the Swans a package including its first-round pick and one of Ryan Bastinac, Brad McKenzie or Kieran Harper. - Nick Bowen 

North Melbourne has expressed keen interest in Carlton free agent Jarrad Waite. Picture: AFL Media

PORT ADELAIDE
Draft picks (first three rounds): 16, 35, 54
Gone: Dom Cassisi retired earlier in the season, while the club delisted Cam Hitchcock, Brent Renouf (rookie) and Campbell Heath, creating three vacant positions on the senior list and one on the rookie list.
What they need: The club has one of the youngest lists in the AFL and both skipper Travis Boak and coach Ken Hinkley have said it's a squad already capable of big things. The Power have flagged a desire to add another tall forward/ruck option though.
Whispers: As reported by AFL.com.au last Friday, it's believed Essendon's Paddy Ryder has chosen the Power as his club of choice. The Brisbane Lions thought they were in the box seat, but Port is expected to find out early this week whether it has landed its man. The Power are also rumoured to be interested in Hawthorn ruckman Luke Lowden to add increased ruck depth to its squad. Cam O'Shea has been linked with St Kilda and Geelong with Ben Newton.
Dream trade: Clean and simple: Paddy Ryder for pick No. 16 at the NAB AFL Draft. - Harry Thring

RICHMOND
Draft picks (first three rounds): 11, 31, 49
What they need: Speed and leadership in the midfield.  Anthony Miles added greatly to the Tigers' contested game, now they need to find a replacement for Matt White, whose dash was missed in 2014. A rebounding defender with elite ball use is a player the Tigers either need to develop or trade in.  
Whispers: Greater Western Sydney midfielder Dylan Shiel has been linked to Punt Road for months, despite being contracted for 2015. A number of Victorian clubs view him as attainable with the right deal and he would be a perfect fit in the Tigers' midfield.   
Dream trade: The Tigers won't get Shiel without paying a hefty price, given the demand for his services, his quality, and his contracted status. Their first pick (No.11) is a starting point. Midfielder Reece Conca could attract interest in WA and get the Tigers a second pick to send on to the Giants. - Nathan Schmook

ST KILDA
Draft picks (first three rounds):  1, 21, 38
What they need: A young key forward to eventually take the reins from Nick Riewoldt. The Saints have hit the mark with their midfield recruits and the time is right to snag a goalkicker.  
Whispers: The Saints are keen to enter the draft with three picks inside the top 21, so expect them to trade to make that happen. Pick No.1 is on the table and could be dealt in exchange for two first-round picks. The club has also met with GWS youngster Kristian Jaksch, who is seeking a return to Victoria in search of more opportunities.
Dream trade: The Saints send pick No.1 to GWS in exchange for pick No.3, pick No.20 and Jaksch. They can still recruit young tall Patrick McCartin with pick No.3, GWS gets its man Christian Petracca at No.1, and the Saints have three picks inside the top 21. - Nathan Schmook

SYDNEY SWANS
Draft picks(first three rounds): 17, 36, 55
Gone: Ryan O'Keefe and Lewis Roberts-Thomson have retired, with Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw also chances to hang up the boots. Nick Malceski is weighing up offers from rival clubs. Shane Biggs, Matthew Dick, Jordan Lockyer and Tommy Walsh might be nervous.
What they need: Key defenders. Heath Grundy was exposed in the Grand Final and Ted Richards will be 32 by the start of next season. The Swans have got most other bases covered, although John Longmire would be keen to add ruck depth behind Mike Pyke and Tom Derickx.
Whispers: Disgruntled Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has been more strongly lined with the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide, but given the Swans completely blindsided the competition with the Lance Franklin deal 12 months ago, it would be foolish to believe they haven't at least enquired about the star Bomber. Ditto Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams – even though he wants to go home to Queensland – and Melbourne's James Frawley, who would fill a key defensive weakness exposed by Hawthorn in the Grand Final. 
Dream trade: The uproar would be unimaginable, but securing Ryder or Frawley would strengthen a few of the minor premiers' weaknesses. – Travis King

Was the Grand Final Nick Malceski's final game as a Swan? Picture: AFL Media

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft picks (first three rounds): 5, 25, 42
Gone: The Bulldogs this week announced Christian Howard, Tom Young and Brett Goodes have been delisted. They joined Daniel Giansiracusa and Tom Williams as players to leave the club, after the pair retired during the season. Goodes went out with a bang, being named best afield in last week's VFL premiership for Footscray. Liam Jones may also look for more opportunities elsewhere, while free agent Shaun Higgins is considered likely to depart.  What they need: Last year they won the services of Essendon forward Stewart Crameri and the Bulldogs would love another key forward to add to their list. It's hard to see that happening this year. The Bulldogs are building a very exciting midfield so some taller options at both ends of the ground would be handy additions.
Whispers: GWS defender Kristian Jaksch is headed back to Victoria and has been linked to the Dogs, although others are believed to have more interest. The Dogs were said to have shown strong interest in Jonathon Patton before the Giants forward went down with injury and then re-signed with the club.
Dream trade: The Dogs have some currency with their first draft selection, and if they combined it with a player or another selection could push up the draft board. There they might be able to land one of the young forwards in the draft – Paddy McCartin or Peter Wright – which would be an excellent result. - Callum Twomey 

WEST COAST
Draft picks (first three rounds): 10, 30, 48
Gone: Darren Glass and Dean Cox are already enjoying the relative calm of retirement. The Eagles are yet to make any announcement on formal list changes but Jacob Brennan, Adam Carter, Ashley Smith and Blayne Wilson are all under pressure to retain their places on the list.
What they need: The Eagles need class, speed, size and grunt in their midfield. They have the ideal age profile across the rest of their list so they probably need to recruit for the immediate future, rather than look long-term.
Whispers: There were rumours of interest in Swans free agent Nick Malceski, who is yet to confirm where he intends to play in 2015. Another Swan, Tom Mitchell, grew up in WA when his father was an assistant coach at Fremantle and there were whispers of his discontent in Sydney but he has since publicly re-affirmed his commitment to the club. There has also been the suggestion that Bomber Ben Howlett could return home to WA. The 26-year-old is yet to re-sign with Essendon. 
Dream trade: Trading for Adelaide star Patrick Dangerfield would be the ultimate for West Coast but it would require an remarkable offer of draft picks and high-quality players to even pique Adelaide's interest. - Alex Malcolm