The 2026 transfer period has already proven to be a busy one for clubs across the Hunter Central Coast, with teams actively recruiting from both within the region and interstate competitions.
As the Hunter Central Coast competition continues to grow and strengthen its reputation, clubs have been attracting talent from across the country. So far, 42 players have transferred clubs in the men’s competition, while 18 transfers have been recorded in the women’s competition, with further movement expected before the start of the season.
The men’s transfer period has been one of the most active in recent years, with Port Stephens Power leading the way after securing an impressive 15 new signings. 9 of those players arrive from competitions outside the Black Diamond League, most notably from AFL Canberra, including Brenden Husden, Ben Stonyer, Joel Chapman and Lachlan Oliver. These recruits, combined with several local additions, will significantly strengthen the Power as they prepare for just their second season in the competition.
The Killarney Vale Bombers have also been strong players in the transfer market, bringing 9 new players into their men’s program. Four of those recruits arrive from the Coffs Harbour Breakers, with Kurt Bandy, Aidan Wallace, Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt and Alex Pyke all making the move south to bolster what is shaping as a formidable Bombers lineup in 2026.
Meanwhile, Warners Bay have added further firepower to their premiership aspirations, securing Brad Tanner from the NTFL. Tanner will be joined by Will Day from Newtown and Joel Ambjerg-Pedersen from Southern Flinders FC.
In the Women’s competition, Terrigal Avoca have made one of the biggest signings in recent years, securing AFLW player Jodie Hicks as she makes the move from Punt Road to Hylton Moore Oval. Hicks will also be joined by Mackenzie Penn, who arrives from Port Macquarie as the Panthers look to further strengthen their premiership credentials.
Newcastle City will look to rebuild after the departure of several key players, welcoming Annabelle Davey from Fitzroy FC in the VAFA. Davey will be joined by Grace Edgecock from the Tamworth Kangaroos and Ashleigh Watts from Parks.
While many players are arriving in the Hunter Central Coast, the competition will also farewell a number of players departing for opportunities elsewhere in 2026. AFL Hunter Central Coast would like to wish the following players all the best in their new competitions:
Alyla Flynn – Geelong West Giants (AFL Barwon)
Kyra Elson – Carlisle (Perth Football League)
Ethan Durbridge – Kawana Park (AFL Queensland)
Samual Austin – Pennant Hills Demons (AFL Sydney)
Zach Delaney – North Wagga (SNR)
Danielle Bishop – Tamworth Kangaroos (AFL North West)
Madeline Norton – Broadview (Adelaide Football League)
Harrison Lack – Hermit Park (AFL Townsville)
Kimberley Throsby – Eltham (Northen Football Netball League)
Kynan Jackson – University Blues (VAFA)
Jaydan Withers – Crib Point (MPFNL)
Xavier Russel – Pennant Hills Demons (AFL Sydney)
Will Ryan – Osbourne (Hume Football Netball League)
Troy Curtis – North Wagga (SNR)
Daisy Breasley – Port Macquarie (AFL North Coast)
Jordan Hicks – Lockleys (Adelaide Football League)
Angelia Diamond – Manly Warringah Wolves (AFL Sydney)
Connor Meyers – Tamworth Kangaroos (AFL North West)
Zac Tisdale – Augusta Margaret River (South West Football League)
Taylor Smith – UNSW Bulldogs (AFL Sydney)
Paige Mathewson – Narrandera Eagles (SNSW)
Liam Cathcart – Figtree (AFL South Coast)
Bonnie Swan – UNSW Bulldogs (AFL Sydney)
Evie Gordine – Macquarie University (AFL Sydney)
Flynn Baget-Juleff – Kiama Power (AFL South Coast)
Cameron Pickering – Safety Bay (Perth Football League)
Marcus de Leur – Whorouly (Oven & King)
Farisha Khan – UTS (AFL Sydney)
With the season fast approaching, there are still plenty of transfers expected before the first ball-up of the 2026 season.
For a full list of players entering the Black Diamond competitions in 2026, check the list below to see who you may be lining up against this season.