Kade Chandler says he’s unfazed about his contract situation as discussions loom later this year, with the Melbourne free agent instead focused on maintaining his strong start to the 2026 season.

Plus, a star Cat is keen to extend his tenure at Kardinia Park well before his current deal expires. Foxfooty.com.au brings you the latest player movement updates in Trade Latest!

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Chandler has been one of the Demons’ most important players across the first seven rounds, emerging as one of the competition’s most in-form half forwards as Steven King’s side continues to exceed external expectations.

Despite being out of contract at season’s end, the 26-year-old says his focus is firmly on performance, not contract talks.

“At the moment, I’m just concerned about playing footy and taking it week-by-week. When the contract stuff starts, I’m sure it’s going to take care of itself,” Chandler told foxfooty.com.au.

“I haven’t had too many conversations about it thus far, but that’ll take care of itself later in the year.”

Coming into the Demons’ Anzac Day Eve clash against Richmond last Friday, the South Australian was ranked as the sixth-best forward in the AFL — with teammates Bayley Fritsch and Harry Sharp closely following him ranked 11th and 23rd respectively.

Chandler fends off Richmond player Tom Brown during the 2026 AFL Round 7 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on April 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by James Wiltshire via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“It’s been pleasing. I’m always looking to improve week-in, week-out. I understand my role and my place in the team; the coaches and teammates back me in,” Chandler said.

“I’ve got good confidence in my game after putting the work over the last eight years. I’m starting to understand what it takes to be a consistent AFL player week-in, week-out.”

On top of his own purple patch of form, Melbourne’s early-season success has only strengthened Chandler’s external value. The Norwood product will be closely monitored by both Adelaide and Port Adelaide from his home state.

“We’re definitely externally exceeding expectations, but internally, we knew from day one of pre-season with Kingy’s messaging around the direction we’re going to head as a club,” Chandler added.

“Our pre-season was fantastic from day one. How the young guys went about their preparation during pre-season … when the young guys are pushing the old guys, I think that’s the sign of a good team.”

Since being selected with pick No. 15 in the 2018 Rookie Draft, Chandler has played 86 games across seven seasons, including a current streak of 61 consecutive appearances.

Max Holmes of the Cats celebrates a goal during the Round 3 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium on March 26, 2026, in Geelong, Australia (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

CATS EAGER TO LOCK AWAY ANOTHER STAR LONG-TERM

Despite being contracted until the end of 2028, Geelong are keen to extend star midfielder Max Holmes on a long-term deal.

Foxfooty.com.au understands the Cats have every intention of signing the dashing 23-year-old well before his current contract expires, as they have done with fellow teammates of late.

Holmes signed a four-year extension in 2024 and has since won back-to-back Carji Greeves Medal awards as the club’s best and fairest. He has also earned league-wide recognition with consecutive All-Australian selection honours.

Taken with pick No.20 in the 2020 National Draft, the Prahran product has played 109 AFL games since his league debut in 2021.

Teammate and key forward Shannon Neale — who, like Holmes, was also contracted until 2028 — signed a two-year extension on Monday, locking him away until the end of 2030.