KEEP, TRADE OR FAREWELL: MAKING A CALL ON YOUR CLUB’S OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS: ADELAIDE TO HAWTHORN
We’re nearing the end of the season, but hundreds of players around the league are still unsure of their futures.
Will they be awarded new contracts? Will they look for a new job? Will they be removed off the list or retire?
We have gone through every out of contract player at every club and made a call on whether they will get a new contract.
See our thoughts below:
Andrew McPherson
The 24-year-old defender has struggled with a quad injury in recent times. He has not played senior footy in 2023 and could only muster one game in 2022.
Andrew McPherson was solid in 2021, playing 18 games, but has been unable to recapture that form.
He has been hampered by knee and soft tissue injuries but could be afforded a short term deal as defensive cover based on what he’s done previously, but only if Tom Doedee happens to leave.
Verdict: Re-sign for one more year if Doedee goes.
Jackson Hately
Jackson Hately has struggled to make a serious impact since his arrival from GWS prior to the 2021 season.
He has tallied 15 games over three seasons for the Crows including just one this year, indicating his days at the club could be numbered.
Verdict: Delist
James Borlase
The Category B rookie is set to make his AFL debut this weekend given Adelaide’s injury worries in defence.
Borlase should land a one-year lifeline deal as cover for Nick Murray’s ACL injury.
Verdict: One-year deal
Matt Crouch
Matt Crouch has responded emphatically to being frozen out all year.
He has been super over the last two weeks, picking up 22 and 32 touches against Melbourne (loss) and Port Adelaide (win) respectively.
If he continues that form for the remainder of the season, Crouch should be offered a new deal by the Crows.
But, given he has played just 30 senior games since the beginning of 2020, he might want to explore his free agency rights and look elsewhere.
Verdict: One-year deal on the table if he doesn’t find a taker.
Paul Seedsman
Unfortunately for Paul Seedsman, it appears as though he might have to pull the pin on his career.
He was third in the best and fairest in 2021 but has not graced the field since because of concussion issues.
Hopefully the 31-year-old improves over the off-season and is able to get another crack at it, but if not, he is likely to retire.
Verdict: Premature retirement
Rory Sloane
The former skipper has certainly slowed down in recent years, but he still has a bit to offer.
Rory Sloane recently said he would not retire and that he’d have to be delisted by the club. The delisting seems unlikely and so does the retirement.
You’d imagine that Sloane will get one more year with the Crows.
Verdict: One-year deal
Shane McAdam
The exciting forward has been hammered by injuries in 2023, restricted to just four games to date.
But he possesses the ability and X-factor to do damage inside 50, which not many have, and as such should win a new contract.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Tariek Newchurch
The 2021 NGA signing is yet to debut at senior level.
Aged 20, Newchurch has been biding his time in the SANFL and has done well, returning 24 goals in 14 games in 2023. His SANFL tally now reads 72 goals in 49 games.
Adelaide’s forward line is currently stacked with the likes of Izak Rankine, Luke Pedlar and Josh Rachele, who all stand close to Newchurch’s 182cm, so it might be tough for him to land a new deal.
Verdict: Delist
Tom Doedee
The defender becomes a restricted free agent this year and it has been suggested he could return home to Victoria. The Brisbane Lions are also believed to be keen.
But the Crows are reportedly confident of re-signing Doedee despite the fact he is nursing another serious ACL injury.
With that in mind, we’ll say stay, but a departure wouldn’t shock.
Verdict: Re-sign on a multi-year deal
Tyler Brown
Tyler Brown was offered a lifeline by the Crows in January via the supplemental selection period (SSP).
He played Round 1 in the seniors but has not been seen at AFL level since.
It seems unlikely he’ll go around again in Adelaide colours in 2024, unless it’s solely in the SANFL.
Verdict: Delist
Andrew Slevison
Blake Coleman
The brother of dashing half back Keidean Coleman, Blake Coleman is yet to make his AFL debut.
The small forward was Brisbane’s first pick (No. 24) in the 2020 Draft and will probably get another contract as he turns 21 this month.
Verdict: One-year deal
Carter Michael
Signed a one-year deal at the end of last season after breaking through for his first senior game in 2022.
Hasn’t featured in 2023 but could earn another deal as Brisbane’s backline ages.
Verdict: One-year deal or delist
Conor McKenna
Has played 19 games in 2023 since joining Brisbane in the pre-season.
At 27 easily deserves another deal and it will likely be for multiple years.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Daniel Rich
The 275-gamer pulled himself out of Brisbane’s line-up earlier in the season and hasn’t resurfaced at senior level.
2023 will likely be his last but he could earn the right to go on again for one final campaign.
Verdict: Retire
Darragh Joyce
The former Saint has played five games in 2023 after joining the club in the pre-season.
Offers good key defensive depth in a position that’s hard to come by.
Should get another one-year deal.
Verdict: One-year deal
Dayne Zorko
At 34 is coming to the end of his career but is still easily in Brisbane’s best team.
Unless he opts to retire Zorko should be offered a deal to stick around for at least one more season.
Verdict: One-year deal
Deven Robertson
At 22, Robertson is ready to emerge at senior level but has only featured nine times in 2023.
Hailing from Western Australia, Robertson is a likely trade candidate and it wouldn’t shock to see him playing for West Coast in 2023.
Verdict: Requests a trade
Harry Sharp
The 20-year-old has made 10 appearances since making his debut in 2021.
Brisbane surely view Sharp as a future member of their best 22 and you could see that happening as soon as next season.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Kai Lohmann
The only remaining first-round pick from the 2021 draft that’s yet to re-sign.
Brisbane would love to keep the small forward but the GWV Rebels product could leave the club in search of more opportunities.
Verdict: Two-year deal but Lohmann may opt to head elsewhere
Marcus Adams
The hulking defender is on the club’s inactive list as he battles concussion issues.
At 30, it wouldn’t shock to see Adams sadly walk away from the game if his battles haven’t eased by season’s end.
Verdict: Retire
Nakia Cockatoo
The former Cat hasn’t played in 2023 after featuring eight times in 2022.
Was delisted at the end of last season before being selected in the rookie draft.
Has tricks but at 26, his time could be up at the club.
Verdict: Delist
Rhys Mathieson
Another 26-year-old that hasn’t played in 2023, Mathieson continually dominates at VFL-level but is down the pecking order for the senior side.
You get the feeling he’ll be cut but could offer midfield depth at another club.
Verdict: Delist
Ryan Lester
The 30-year-old defender has played 12 games in 2023 and has been serviceable.
Should get another deal given his status as a best 22 player.
Verdict: One-year deal
Tom Fullarton
The forward/ruck hasn’t played in 2023 but has 19 career games to his name.
Has shown signs at Brisbane but could opt to move to another club for more opportunity.
Verdict: Requests a trade
Lachlan Geleit
David Cuningham
Injury prone and barely featuring at senior level these last three years. However, David Cuningham has likely earned himself another one-year deal across this last month.
He is clearly in Carlton’s best 22 when healthy. He deserves a crack at a full pre-season.
Verdict: One-year deal
Caleb Marchbank
Cuningham and Marchbank are in similar boats. Both injury prone, but both with high upside if they can find themselves playing consistent football.
Do the Blues keep both around in 2024 and roll the dice that they’ll be available? A one-year deal for Marchbank makes the most sense barring any further significant injury setbacks.
Verdict: One-year deal
Ed Curnow
Ed has been a stalwart at the Blues for a long time, but after being rookie listed last year and with numerous players going past him in the pecking order, it’s probably time to hang up the boots.
Verdict: Retire
Jack Silvagni
Now that Tom de Koning has been re-signed, it’s time for Carlton to get Jack Silvagni his contract. The ultimate Swiss Army knife, Silvagni can play second or third tall inside 50, second ruck, loose in defence or in the midfield.
Silvagni is in Carlton’s best 22, is consistently the highest effort player in the team and does whatever is required of him. Letting him leave would be a mistake.
Verdict: Give the man a three-year deal already
Josh Honey
A small forward with some creative brilliance at times, but has had a few chances and not taken them at AFL level, unfortunately.
Verdict: Delisted
Lachlan Fogarty
A lock to be on the chopping block two months ago, Fogarty has played the last six games and earned his spot in the side with strong tackle pressure, hard running and versatility on-ball and forward. He’s earned himself a contract for 2024.
Verdict: One-year deal
Lachlan Plowman
Played 125 games for Carlton since making the move from GWS at the end of 2015, but has fallen out of favour under Michael Voss.
The likes of Nic Newman, Alex Cincotta, Jordan Boyd and Lachie Cowan have gone past him, while Zac Williams returns next year and Caleb Marchbank is currently fit.
Lachie Plowman’s time in navy blue seems certain to come to and end at the end of the season.
Verdict: Delisted
Mitch McGovern
McGovern has had his best season in Carlton colours, but does that make up for the years stuck on the injury list while making big money? The Blues should re-sign the soon-to-be 29-year-old and should keep him around, but it would have to be on reduced cash with games-played based incentives.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Paddy Dow
Paddy Dow is clearly not in Carlton’s future plans. With Sam Walsh and Matt Kennedy out of the side, he still found himself omitted following 21 disposals against West Coast.
However, Adam Cerra’s injury has opened the door for maybe his biggest opportunity in three years this week.
The Blues don’t seem to trust him at AFL level, particularly given their on-ball depth when everyone is healthy.
If you’re Carlton? Sign Dow up for another year to keep him around as depth. But Dow will surely request a trade and a fresh start, and fair enough.
Verdict: Dow requests a trade elsewhere
Sam Durdin
Brought in as key defensive depth, Durdin has been unable to get a look in this year. However, if Jacob Weitering was to get injured tomorrow suddenly they might be looking in Durdin’s direction.
You have 44 spots on your list, it’s worth keeping the ready-made key defender around, even if he doesn’t play a game next year. You’d rather have him and not need him than need him and not have him.
Verdict: Keep around as a rookie
Sam Philp
One of Stephen Silvagni’s speculative first round pick selections, Philp hasn’t had a clean run at it.
Philp has played two games since being drafted in 2019. Unfortunately, it feels like one of those careers completely derailed by injuries.
Verdict: Delisted
Nic Negrepontis
Aiden Begg
A 20-year-old ruckman that has shown signs since being selected in the 2021 mid-season draft.
Has some tricks and could be an ideal second-ruck option once he matures more.
Has been injury prone but the Pies will keep him.
Verdict: One-year deal
Arlo Draper
Another 20-year-old that’s struggled with injury, Draper is yet to debut for Collingwood.
Despite his struggles, you feel the Magpies will keep the South Australian on their list.
Has AFL traits and is a smooth-moving midfield or flank option at the top-level.
Verdict: One-year deal
Cooper Murley
Another South Australian, Murley was delisted at the end of the 2021 season before being placed him on the rookie list for the 2022 season.
The small forward hasn’t done much in the VFL to demand another contract and the Magpies have many options in his position.
Verdict: Delisted
Josh Carmichael
Burst onto the scene in 2022 after being taken in the mid-season draft.
At 23 years old, Carmichael is ready for senior opportunities and will hope to break back into Collingwood’s best 22 next season.
Has been dominant on occasion at the VFL-level and would probably be playing seniors at most other clubs.
Verdict: One-year deal
Oleg Markov
Has played 16 senior games since earning a list place in the pre-season.
Easy decision, and at 27 years old, Markov deserves two more years at the Magpies.
Suits Collingwood’s game style and is more than worthy of a list position.
Verdict: One-year deal
Tom Wilson
The former basketballer has played eight games since joining the club in 2020 but has failed to bed down a consistent role.
Has shown signs both up forward and down back, but at 26 will probably be moved on.
Verdict: Delisted
Trent Bianco
The 22-year-old has played 23 games since making his debut in 2021.
Has some AFL traits and is a skilful wing or flank option.
Is starved of opportunities at Collingwood and a trade could work out for both parties.
Verdict: One-year deal or allow him to request a trade
Trey Ruscoe
Has only played one game in 2023 but performed well against the Bombers on Anzac Day.
Is probably next in line for one of Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard or Nathan Murphy’s positions and offers strong half back depth.
Collingwood would like to keep him as he’s still just 21 and has proven he can play at the top level.
Verdict: One-year deal
Will Kelly
Perhaps the player that’s hardest to get a read on, the son of the club CEO has played two senior games in 2023.
At 194cm, the father-son can play at either end of the ground.
In an ideal world Kelly gets another year on the list, but positions are tight at the AIA Centre.
It’s a line-ball call.
Verdict: Delist or one-year deal
Lachlan Geleit
Alastair Lord
Took out the VFL best first-year player last year, but hasn’t managed to break into the senior side in 2023. Likely to be squeezed out.
Verdict: Delisted
Andrew Phillips
Has proven incredibly handy list depth behind Sam Draper and even able to play alongside him in the senior side. The Dons should absolutely keep Phillips around.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Congrats to Tippa for giving it another go, but he is clearly done at AFL level barring an enormous pre-season.
Verdict: Retire
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Port Adelaide is reportedly coming after the key defender. Will he ditch Tullamarine for Alberton?
If not, he’s certainly worth persisting with as he develops into an AFL level key defender.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Cian McBride
The key defender out of Ireland likely won’t be given a fresh contract.
Verdict: Delisted
Darcy Parish
Parish is seemingly more likely to stay than go at this point, according to reports. Essendon fans will be hoping it doesn’t drag out into the off-season with Geelong looming.
Verdict: Long-term contract
Dyson Heppell
Has quietly had a very good year, particularly since the bye.
The decision should be Heppell’s to make and the Bombers should absolutely keep him around for another year if he wishes to play on.
Verdict: One-year deal
Harrison Jones
Harrison Jones is absolutely worth persisting with and could have huge upside at AFL level, though 2023 is another year derailed by a serious injury.
Lock him in for another two years before making a decision on his long-term future.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Jaiden Hunter
Selected in this year’s Mid-Season Draft, Hunter will likely miss the season with a back injury. They key forward probably would have received an AFL opportunity if not for it.
Verdict: One-year deal
Jye Menzie
Has shown some great signs at both VFL and AFL level. Worth persisting with beyond 2023.
Verdict: One-year deal
Kaine Baldwin
Got his AFL opportunity in 2022 after two separate ACLs. Unfortunately unlikely to receive a contract for 2024.
Verdict: Delisted
Massimo D’Ambrosio
Has played three full games in 2023 after being selected in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft.
Shows some flashes and is only 20, so should get another chance to develop on the AFL list.
Verdict: One-year deal
Nick Bryan
The Bombers would likely love to keep Nick Bryan as depth behind Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips, but there aren’t many ruckmen who are happy being the third banana.
Bryan has received opportunities given Essendon has been hit hard by injuries to talls in 2023.
Expect the 21-year-old to look around for opportunities, but ultimately recommit at Tullamarine.
Verdict: Re-signs short term
Rhett Montgomerie
A mature age rookie out of South Australia, Montgomerie has been close to senior selection a number of times this year. He’ll get another chance in 2024.
Verdict: One-year deal
Will Snelling
Stuck in contract limbo, Will Snelling has been in and out of the 22 all year and struggled to lock down a regular spot.
This comes after he was troubled for most of 2022 with a calf issue.
It will be line-ball for Snelling and he is handy depth, but unlikely to be re-signed.
Verdict: Delisted
Patrick Voss
Yet to debut since being selected in the 2021 Rookie Draft. Leading the VFL goal kicking. Worth another crack.
Verdict: One-year deal
Nic Negrepontis
Eric Benning
An Academy selection in 2021, Eric Benning is yet to make his debut having been seen as a bit of a project player. The Dockers have a lot of depth and will likely want to open this list spot. Though they could give him another year of development.
Verdict: Delisted
Ethan Stanley
Been the substitute the last fortnight and shown some glimpses. Stanley is worth keeping around.
Verdict: One-year deal
Joel Hamling
Has finally broken into the line-up in the last few weeks after struggling with injuries and being stuck behind the likes of Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan and more.
Will be on an AFL list next year, the question is whether it remains with the Dockers.
Verdict: One-year deal
Liam Henry
Has had a breakout season on the wing and is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs. The Dockers will be keen to keep him.
Verdict: Three-year deal
Liam Reidy
A 23-year-old ruckman picked up from Frankston in the Mid-Season Draft. Worth keeping around as depth as he develops.
Verdict: One-year deal
Nathan Wilson
Has been stuck in the WAFL since Round 4 and doesn’t appear to be in the Dockers’ future plans.
Verdict: Delisted
Sam Sturt
Sam Sturt hasn’t had a clean run at AFL level, but has shown some talent and is worth investing in as a developing forward.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Travis Colyer
Travis Colyer has put together a nice career at Fremantle, but is out of favour following some injury issues and likely to be moved on.
Verdict: Delist
Nic Negrepontis
Cooper Whyte
Whyte impressed over the 2023 pre-season before earning the right to be Geelong’s substitute in Round 2.
The late pick from the 2021 draft hasn’t been seen at senior level since. He’s been a mainstay at VFL level off half-back, however, and gathered 17 possessions on the weekend.
Verdict: Delisted
Esava Ratugolea
Geelong undoubtedly wants to keep Ratugolea but it appears the ball is not in its court on this decision.
The 25-year-old wanted to move to Port Adelaide and is set to ask again after falling out of favour with the senior team in recent rounds.
The Cats’ best chance is if Ratugolea agrees to sign a short-term deal as one last chance to break into the senior team.
Verdict: Two-year extension, but Ratugolea appears to have one foot out of the Cattery
Flynn Kroeger
Kroeger is currently side-lined for the “medium term” with a knee injury, a setback that could cost him his chance at AFL level.
He’s only managed one VFL game this year and one the season prior.
The 20-year-old plays off half-back and through the midfield, an area of the ground where the appears to be a number of players ahead of Kroeger.
Verdict: Delisted
Gary Rohan
Rohan’s average stats and games played have improved already on last year, meaning another one-year contract should prove a formality.
He’s managed 13 appearances this season for 18 goals but his game-breaking ability remains as evident as ever, as seen in his 16-disposal, three-goal demolition of Melbourne in Round 15.
A bit more consistency would be nice but Rohan’s expected to be at the Cattery in 2024.
Verdict: One-year extension
Jonathon Ceglar
Another short-term extension looms for Ceglar, should he want to continue his AFL career at Geelong.
The 32-year-old played seniors earlier this year when Rhys Stanley was injured but has fallen back down the pecking order upon his return.
The Cats hope Toby Conway can be their long-term ruckman, but Ceglar would likely still be the preferred backup next year.
Verdict: One-year extension
Mitch Hardie
The 2023 mid-season draftee is yet to break into the senior side and now appears unlikely to earn his shot late in the season.
Selected as an explosive midfielder when several injuries hit the Cats, Hardie has remained stuck behind others. He’s played seven VFL games with his form not demanding a call-up to the seniors.
Verdict: Delisted
Oscar Riccardi
The son of Geelong great Peter, Riccardi’s form at VFL hasn’t seen him earn an AFL berth just yet.
An elite runner who can feature forward and on the wing, the 18-year-old has only had more than 20 disposals on one occasion in the reserves while booting seven goals through 12 games.
Given his youth, Riccardi might be afforded one more year, but it appears a line ball call from the outside.
Verdict: Delisted
Oscar Murdoch
Another Cat who’s yet to make his AFL debut, Murdoch was plucked from the 2022 rookie draft.
He’s featured as a versatile defender for his club’s VFL team and has improved as the season goes on.
Standing at 190cm and weighing 93kgs, Murdoch should be on Geelong’s list next year in offering him more time to break into the senior team.
Verdict: One-year extension
Rhys Stanley
Geelong’s go-to ruckman this year, as he has been since 2015 when joining the Cats.
His inconsistency can prove frustrating at times, but undeniably one of the most important Cats when he’s up and about.
At 32 he’s still as athletic as ever and is set to go around for at least another year in 2024, providing the Cats don’t pull off something exceptional in the trade period.
Verdict: One-year extension
Sam Menegola
Menegola has been relegated to the VFL since working his way back to full fitness, seemingly out of favour with selection at AFL level.
The 31-year-old was an emergency for last year’s Grand Final having battled injuries throughout the year but had been in the Cats’ best 22 since 2017 prior to that.
Geelong has looked more to youth in 2023 but Menegola is a better depth player than most.
Verdict: One-year extension but a trade isn’t out of the question
Sam Simpson
Simpson played the 2020 Grand Final for Geelong, a sign of how highly he’s rated internally. The 25-year-old worked his way into the AFL side earlier this year as a pressure forward for six games before he was dropped to the VFL where he was injured.
Closing in on a return to full training following hand surgery, Simpson could play a role for the Cats later this year if required.
He’s only played 25 games in five seasons but has the talent to warrant another short-term deal.
Verdict: One-year extension
Tom Hawkins
Part of the furniture down at Geelong, whether he goes around again in 2024 will be entirely Hawkins’ decision.
There were doubts earlier this season whether he would after a slow start to the year, but the five-time All-Australian has returned to near his best form over the last few months.
A calf injury suffered in Round 20 complicates things a bit. But there’s little doubt Hawkins is deserving of a new deal, should he want to extend his career.
Verdict: Ball is well and truly in Hawkins’ court
Zach Tuohy
An interesting one of the Cats hierarchy and Tuohy to deliberate on over the next couple of weeks if a decision hasn’t already been made.
Tuohy has missed just two games this year but his numbers have dropped off significantly from last year. At 33 years of age, plenty of that could be attributed to his time in the game.
But he’s stood up when counted on in 2023 and certainly hasn’t been the Cats’ worst player.
Verdict: Allow him to make his own call
Seb Mottram
Bodhi Uwland
The Academy product played three games earlier this season but is currently sidelined with a hamstring.
At 20, he’s one the Suns will hope to keep as well.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Brodie McLaughlin
Hasn’t played a senior game after being selected in the pre-season supplemental period.
Has shown good sides in Gold Coast’s dominant VFL side and looks an AFL-level forward.
Verdict: One-year deal
Charlie Constable
Played in Gold Coast’s first two games this season but fell out of favour.
A midfielder turned half back, Constable constantly dominates VFL but it hasn’t clicked at the top level.
Given he’s already on his second chance, it’s hard to see Gold Coast persisting with him for a third season.
Verdict: Delist
Connor Blakely
Another player that’s at a second club, Blakely hasn’t played for the Suns since moving to the Gold Coast last off-season.
At 27, it’s hard to see the former Docker earning a new deal.
Verdict: Delist
Hewago Oea
The Papua New Guinean has played eight games in 2023 as a small forward.
Has blistering pace and given he came to the game late, the Suns will know he has plenty of development left in him.
Definitely worth persisting with.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Jake Stein
The former Giant is another player that’s on his second chance at the Suns.
Good depth as a key defender, but you’d doubt he’d get another deal at 29 given he’s yet to play for the Suns at the AFL-level.
Verdict: Delist
James Tsitas
The mature aged pick from last season has played just twice in 2023, both as the substitute.
At 28 years old, it’s hard seeing Tsitas being offered a new deal.
Verdict: Delist
Jed Anderson
Another player that’s on a second chance on the Gold Coast but is yet to play for the club at the top-level.
At 29, the former Hawk and Kangaroo probably won’t get another deal.
Verdict: Delist
Jeremy Sharp
While Sharp hasn’t played at the senior level this season, the WA product has previously attracted trade interest and could look to move on this off-season.
It wouldn’t shock to see the midfielder playing for the Dockers or Eagles in 2023.
Verdict: Requests a trade
Levi Casboult
While Casboult is 34 next season, he’s a valuable piece at the club and still finds himself in the club’s best 22.
A one-year deal for the big forward if he wants to go around again.
Verdict: One-year deal
Oskar Faulkhead
The speedster joined the club in last year’s mid-season draft but hasn’t made a senior appearance yet.
Given his age at just 20, the Suns may want to persist with Faulkhead for another year.
Verdict: One-year deal
Sam Day
Turns 31 next month.
Has played 149 games but has made just two appearances in 2023.
Could easily retire or be delisted, but the Suns may want to keep Day around given his rare size.
Verdict: Retire
Sam Flanders
The former first-round pick has played some quality footy in recent weeks under interim coach Steven King.
Would be a trade target for other clubs but there’s no doubt the Suns would want to keep hold of him.
The ball is well and truly in Flanders’ court.
Verdict: Offer him a two-year deal, but Flanders may want out
Sandy Brock
The Darwin product is yet to play a senior game for Gold Coast.
Despite that, he may be kept around given he’s just 20 years old and is a key position prospect that could have plenty of development left in him.
Verdict: One-year deal
Lachlan Geleit
Braydon Pruess
An AFL journeyman at his third club, however with only 10 games since 2021 at the Giants it’s looking likely he will be moved on at the season’s end. Could he find a fourth AFL club?
Verdict: Allow him to explore a trade
Callan Ward
228 games at the Giants and still is an extremely consistent player for Adam Kingley’s side, who more than deserves a contract extension.
Verdict: One-year deal
Cameron Fleeton
The 21-year-old has had a lack of opportunity at senior level in his 3-years at the Giants, however, he has been a consistent performer at VFL level. It’s looking like another one-year extension for the young defender.
Verdict: One-year deal
Cooper Hamilton
A spark of energy for the Giants whenever he’s in the senior side. Hasn’t made an appearance since round 5 due to a long-term foot injury, Hamilton will stay at the club in season 2024.
Verdict: Re-sign
Daniel Lloyd
Since joining the club in 2017, Lloyd has been an important asset up forward for the Giants. Another consistent season in 2023 has definitely locked him in for a new contract.
Verdict: Re-sign
Harry Himmelberg
Despite a lot of talk of the Swans’ interest in the defender, the Giants are prepared to offer a five-year deal to keep him at the club. With the Swans likely to acquire Tom Barrass, Himmelberg will surely stay if a Victorian club doesn’t come knocking with a big offer.
Himmelberg has agreed a monster five-year deal with the Giants, according to SEN’s Tom Morris.
Verdict: Do what you can to re-sign
Jake Riccardi
Riccardi has had a solid 2023 season averaging 1.5 goals in 14 games. A lot of clubs will be interested in the forward, he’s been crucial to the Giants success in their current 7-game win streak. Hawthorn has been linked.
Verdict: Re-sign and keep him away from Victorian interest
Lachlan Keefe
A great depth option for the Giants and there aren’t any reasons for him to leave the club or be moved on. A one-year deal would be ideal for both parties.
Verdict: One-year deal
Matthew Flynn
A decision will have to be made between both out-of-favour rucks Flynn and Preuss, but ultimately Flynn looks more likely to stay at the club and would be an ideal depth ruck behind Kieran Briggs.
Verdict: Re-sign
Phil Davis
The former captain has had many injury problems in the past few seasons and retirement looks imminent for the 32-year-old defender.
Verdict: Retire
Wade Derksen
The 2022 mid-season draftee has yet to make his debut for the Giants, but has been extremely promising in the VFL during his time at the club. A contract for 2024 might be Derksen’s last chance at the club.
Verdict: Re-sign
Ethan Daffey
Brandon Ryan
Came to the Hawks from the Northern Bullants in the 2023 mid-season draft. Showed enough on debut (one goal and five marks) to suggest he belongs at senior level.
Verdict: One-year deal
Chad Wingard
Unfortunately his time at the Hawks has not been a success since being traded for a first-round pick and Ryan Burton at the end of 2018.
Whilst his form in recent week’s has been excellent, unless he takes a big pay cut, Chad Wingard won’t be at the Hawks next year and beyond.
Verdict: Trade
Emerson Jeka
Emerson Jeka has only managed seven AFL games since being drafted with pick 9 in the 2019 rookie draft.
Jeka has shown potential at VFL level, but he’s had a lot of injuries over the years and has struggled to find his best position.
Verdict: Delist
Fergus Greene
Having been delisted by the Bulldogs at the end of 2020 after only five games, Greene starred for Box Hill in 2022 and was rewarded with a one-year contract with the Hawks for the 2023 season.
He’s been serviceable for the Hawks this season kicking 15 goals in 11 games and held down a key forward role in earlier in the season in the absence of Mitch Lewis.
Verdict: One-year deal
Finn Maginness
Since being drafted with pick 29 in the 2019 draft, Finn Maginness has only played 28 games.
He has made the ‘tagging’ role is own over the past two seasons and while he has claimed some big names, his skill level is not quite at AFL level and must improve.
Verdict: One-year deal
Fionn O’Hara
A Category B international rookie from Ireland who has bene on the list since 2021.
Verdict: Delist
Jacob Koschitzke
Jacob Koschitzke is in his fifth year and has only managed eight games this season.
Playing as a key forward, he has only managed to six goals this season. It may be time for ‘Kozi’ to try his luck at another club next year and beyond.
Verdict: Trade/Delist
Jai Serong
Jai Serong has only managed to play three AFL games since being drafted with pick 53 in the 2020 draft.
After being diagnosed with a heart condition earlier this year, Serong was unable to play at any level. He has returned in the back half of the season and has played some quality football at Box Hill.
He was drafted as a forward but has been playing in defence and has shown enough to remain on the list.
Verdict: One-year deal
James Worpel
James Worpel has had a brilliant 2023, recapturing his 2019 best and fairest form.
He’s been one of the Hawks’ most consistent players this season and has earned himself a long term extension.
The club and supporters will be getting nervous as he is yet to re-sign, but he deserves a lengthy deal.
Verdict: Three-year deal
Josh Morris
Unfortunately for Josh Morris, injuries have cruelled his time at the Hawks since being drafted in 2019. He’s only played 15 games and will likely be delisted.
Verdict: Delist
Lachlan Bramble
Lachie Bramble has proven to be an excellent VFL player since coming to the club as a SSP pick in 2021.
While he has played a few quality games at AFL level, he has struggled to cement a place in the senior side. With a lot of quality youngsters coming through, he will struggle to have a spot on the list next year and beyond.
Verdict: Delist
Max Lynch
Unfortunately due to concussion, Max Lynch has officially announced his retirement. We wish Max all the best for the future.
Verdict: Retirement
Ned Long
Ned Long has only played four games (one as the sub) since being picked up by the Hawks in the 2021 rookie draft.
Unfortunately for Long, the Hawks midfield is one area they have depth in and he is likely to be delisted come season’s end.
Verdict: Delist
Tyler Brockman
Tyler Brockman is a must re-sign for the Hawks.
He has one of the only players on the list with X-factor and will be an important member of their forward line for the next decade if he decides to remain at the club.
He’s originally from WA and there has been talk he wants to return home to be with his extended family.
Verdict: Re-sign for three more years
Brad Klibansky
