GET EVERYTHING you need to know, including how to watch and more on the players who could be snapped up, ahead of the 2026 Telstra AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Tuesday, May 26.

What is the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft?

The Mid-Season Rookie Draft (MSD) is the only chance clubs have during the season to add players to their list. Outside the Trade Period and Telstra AFL Drafts at the end of each season, the only opportunities clubs have to sign new players is during the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period – which runs over summer – and the MSD.

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The MSD was reintroduced in 2019, having been scrapped way back in 1993. It's designed to limit the impact long-term injuries and premature retirements can have on a club and allow teams to replenish their list for the second half of the season.

When is it?

The MSD is normally held on a Wednesday night, but this year will be on Tuesday May 26, between rounds 11 and 12, from 6.30pm AEST.

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How can I watch?

The only place to watch the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft is on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App, or on the AFL's official YouTube channel. Gettable co-hosts and draft experts Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge will lead the coverage along with host Nat Edwards from 6.30pm AEST on Tuesday May 26. See every pick as it happens and get instant analysis of what the new signings can mean for the second half of the season.

How is the draft order decided?

Like the National Draft, the Mid-Season Draft order is determined by reverse ladder position. The team at the bottom of the ladder after round 11 (assuming it has a list vacancy) gets the No.1 pick, with the second-last team to have the No.2 pick, and so on.

This year, the Bombers will have the No.1 pick.

Who are the names in contention?

As reported on AFL.com.au last week, Jaxon Artemis is considered one of the favourites to be the No.1 pick.

The Tigers' VFL side has been a fruitful breeding ground for the MSD in the past and that could well be the case again this year, with AFL.com.au reporting last week that Sam Toner, Ned Renfree, Mutaz El Nour and Zaydyn Lockwood have all attracted interest, including from the Tigers themselves.

See the full list of nominees here.

Who are the MSD successes from past years?

You only have to look back 12 months to see how quickly mid-season draftees can make an impact at AFL level.

Archie May (pick No.6) and Lachie Blakiston (No.17) are now entrenched in the side after playing state league footy at this time last year.

Sam Durham (No.9 in 2021) has also flourished into a star at the Dons and firmly places as one of the best mid-season draft stories since its reintroduction to the competition.