The 2016 AFL season was the 26th season in the Australian Football League contested by the Adelaide Football Club.
Following the conclusion of the 2015 season which was marred by the mid-season passing of previous head coach Phil Walsh due to an alleged murder, former assistant coach Don Pyke was named as the club's new head coach for the 2016 season on 9 October 2015. Scott Camporeale had acted as interim head coach between Walsh's death and Pyke's appointment, but after electing not to apply for the full-time coaching role, reverted to his previous role of midfield coach for the new season.
The following summarises all player changes between the conclusion of the 2015 season and the beginning of the 2016 season.
The following summarises all coaching changes between the conclusion of the 2015 season and the beginning of the 2016 season.
Players written in bold received Brownlow Medal votes for their game.
Italics denotes ineligible players
Leading Goalkicker: Eddie Betts (75)
Phil Walsh Best Team Man: Eddie Betts
Chelsea Phillis Coaches Award: Rory Sloane
Mark Bickley Emerging Talent: Jake Lever
19th Man Award: Rory Sloane
Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy: David Mackay
State League Club Champion: Jono Beech
Dean Bailey Award: Luke Carey
Crows Children's Foundation Community Leadership Award: Kyle Hartigan and Charlie Cameron
<sup>1</sup>They had previously played for another club but played their first match for Adelaide.
Players written in bold received Magarey Medal votes for their game.