July 8, 2026 — 5:30am Photo: ArtistsCollingwood midfielder Ed Allan is the most intriguing of the six top-20 picks from the 2022 national draft without a contract beyond this season.Elijah Tsatas (Essendon, pick five), Jhye Clark (Geelong, pick eight), Oliver Hollands (Carlton, pick 12) Jedd Busslinger (Western Bulldogs, pick 14) and Elijah Hewett (West Coast, pick 16) are the other five top-20 picks from that draft yet to re-sign with the club that drafted them.Ed Allan is starting to look more comfortable at AFL level in 2026. Paul RovereAllan’s development has been closely monitored as the Magpies continue to pursue a list strategy to keep them in contention, rather than accepting they must slide down the ladder and gain an early draft selection. Nick Daicos is their only top-10 pick since Jaiydn Stephenson was pick five in 2017.The 22-year-old Allan has established himself in the senior team since the middle of May, playing the past six matches as a defensive midfielder and showing an ability to cool dangerous opponents.However, the Magpies have not moved to offer him a new deal despite being impressed with his recent performances.Elijah Hewett has a long-term deal in front of him to remain an Eagle. Getty ImagesAlthough the Magpies are aware of the risk their approach presents if an opposition club pursues Allan, multiple competition sources spoken to for this column said West Coast and Gold Coast – who have both been linked to the midfielder – are not chasing him.Collingwood’s decision is less to do with Allan and more to do with them wanting flexibility for the potential arrival of unrestricted free agents, such as Lachie Neale, and because several of their players in the twilight of their career are coming out of contract.Champion Magpies Scott Pendlebury, Jeremy Howe and Steele Sidebottom sit alongside forward Tim Membrey as experienced players without deals for 2027.The club has three mid-season picks Liam Puncher, Mitch Podhajski and Harrison Coe on six-month contracts as well as unsigned pair Wil Parker and Jakob Ryan who are yet to cement their spots.Collingwood understands the challenges their approach might present for individuals but has a list strategy they believe can keep them in contention as they look to strengthen the list through free agents and the draft (they will hold on to their first selection) at season’s end.Coach Craig McRae was reassuring when asked on Tuesday about Allan and his future at the club.“He seems like he is really starting to settle into it. Probably the first time he has had a comfort that he doesn’t have to wait for selection to see if he is in the team. That’s hard when you are living that,” McRae said.“His form will warrant [a contract extension] if he keeps doing what he is doing. I don’t think it is an issue.”Allan’s predicament is not unusual as clubs refuse to rush into hasty list contract calls with seven rounds remaining.Tsatas and Clark are also without offers, however remain in discussions with their clubs, while Hollands returned from injury to the seniors on Saturday night, which indicates he is in the Blues’ plans as the club not only assesses their list but looks for a new coach in 2027.Essendon’s Tsatas has played a block of games at AFL level under interim coach Dean Solomon but could not retain his spot. He wants to remain at the Bombers, but the club is holding fire on re-signing players as they also search for a new coach.Clark has been in outstanding VFL form with Geelong playing across half-back but has been unable to break into the AFL team.He is expected to attract interest from several clubs who know he can play multiple roles, either in defence where he was one of the Cats’ better performers in last year’s grand final or as an inside midfielder.The Western Bulldogs have put an offer to Busslinger, who continues to develop as a defender without yet putting his stamp on a position.West Coast have a four-year offer on the table for mid-forward Hewett as he weighs up interest from Victoria. He has had a rough patch this season, playing just six matches but is increasingly likely to remain in West Australia beyond 2026.Not stringing Stringer alongThe Giants and Jake Stringer are happy to wait until later in the season before locking the goalkicker in for 2027 after he showed he has not lost his matchwinning abilities on Saturday when he kicked seven goals against the Dockers.Jake Stringer was on fire against Fremantle on Saturday. AFL PhotosThe Giants, who are well aware of the veteran’s talent, have been rapt with Stringer’s form and durability in 2026. He has kicked 35 goals in 16 games.With offers for 2027 in front of Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan and positive negotiations ongoing with Max Gruzewski, the club has more pressing priorities than locking down the 32-year-old.The also have long-term offers in front of Tom Green and Lachie Ash, who are signed until the end of 2027.Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. 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