Former AFL players Jeremy Finlayson and Quinton Narkle headline big-name Indigenous signings in regional competitions this off-season.

The pair are two of eight First Nations stars who were either delisted or retired from top tier football following the 2025 AFL season.

Finlayson's 128-game AFL career started with Greater Western Sydney before the tall utility relocated to Port Adelaide.

The Yorta Yorta man, originally from Culcairn in the greater Murray region of New South Wales, will turn out for Myponga-Sellicks in South Australia's Great Southern Football League next year.

The 29-year-old talent was one of the final Power players cut from the senior list to begin rookie coach Josh Carr's tenure.

Finlayson, who was originally picked up by the Giants at selection No.85 in the 2014 national draft, will join the Mudlarks in what the club, located south of Adelaide, called a massive coup after they missed out on the final four last season.

Myponga-Sellicks coach Justin Richardson said mobile big men of AFL calibre such as Finlayson, who can play any position around the ground, simply "don't grow on trees".

"It's going to be great for our younger players coming through and our junior kids as well to have someone like Jeremy around," he said, via NewsCorp.

"He's got aspirations to develop his coaching as well and we want to create an environment and opportunity for him to do that.

"Having someone with his experience will be fantastic."

Quinton Narkle will return to Victoria for the first time since midway through the 2023 season — amid a brief stint with Essendon's VFL side — to return for Broadford in the Bendigo Football League.

The 28-year-old debuted for Geelong in 2017, where he ran out for 41 games over six seasons. His career then continued at Port Adelaide through the 2023 mid-season draft for two more years before ending at Fremantle this year.

The Ballardong/Whadjuk Noongar man effectively called time on his own AFL career after adding 16 games for the Power and a further two at the Dockers.

Broadford said they were "absolutely thrilled" to have signed Narkle.

"Quinton joins the Roos with an incredible footy journey behind him having played at Geelong, Port Adelaide and Fremantle, bringing with him elite AFL experience, leadership and class," the club post read.

"Originally from Western Australia, Quinton is known for his explosive pace, clean ball use and creativity through the midfield.

"Over his AFL career, he played nearly 60 games at the top level and built a strong reputation for his work ethic, skill and ability to turn a game.

"This is a huge signing for the Broadford FNC, not only adding serious talent and experience to our senior side but also providing inspiration and knowledge for our up-and-coming footballers across all age groups."

Former Collingwood forward Ash Johnson has accepted a spot on West Coast's standalone reserves side ahead of the 2026 WAFL season amid a two-year deal which may resurrect his AFL career.

The Jaru and Kija man from Halls Creek in the Kimberley was sidelined across the entire 2025 AFL season after playing 27 matches for the Magpies over five seasons.

The 28-year-old was elevated from Collingwood's rookie list in 2024 after appearing 15 times in the club's premiership year.

Willie Rioli Jr has already appeared for Northern Territory's Tiwi Bombers after retiring from AFL level.

The 30-year-old quit the game following 109 senior appearances for West Coast from 2017 until 2022, and Port Adelaide from 2023 until 2025.

Alwyn Davey Jr has also appeared in the NTFL for Palmerston since being cut by Essendon.

The Kokatha 21-year-old played 20 games under coach Brad Scott, the brother of Jayden and son of former Essendon goalsneak Alwyn Sr not selected for the AFL side last season.

Lloyd Johnston has also turned out for NTFL club Southern Districts after the Yanyuwa and Garrwa man was axed by the Gold Coast.

Johnston, who was originally recruited via Wanderers in the Top End, appeared nine times for the Suns, including seven games last year under coach Damien Hardwick, however did not feature in 2025.

Tiwi Islander Sean Lemmens has also called time on his 149-game career at the Gold Coast.

The former Salisbury junior, who also appeared in Port Adelaide's SANFL side, was reportedly approached by a number of local clubs in South Australia following his retirement.

However, the 31-year-old has recently taken up a position in the Power's football and community program, working across their Next Generation, father-son/daughter, and futures academies, in addition to roles supporting player development, connecting with talent, and enhancing the club's community impact.

Liam Jones was let go by the Western Bulldogs after 110 matches and, after two stints at Whitten Oval either side of a resurgent 95 appearances for Carlton, was looking at continuing his AFL playing career elsewhere.

However the Kija man has instead accepted an offer as one of the two development coaches at the Brisbane Lions.

The 34-year-old defender had previously spent the COVID-affected 2020 season playing for Gold Coast outfit Palm Beach-Currumbin in the QAFL.