The AFL trade period officially ended this week but there are still more avenues for players to find new homes ahead of the draft.
As clubs continue to make calls on their lists for 2024 and beyond, there are a host of quality delisted free agents available to all clubs.
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We’ve outlined the best players up for grabs, noting that players can also join clubs over the pre-season as well.
Trent Bianco
Was delisted after 23 games in four years at Collingwood. Only managed one senior game – as the sub – this year as the Magpies stormed to the premiership. Showed plenty in 2021 and 2022 when he was a semi-regular in the team, including kicking a goal in the preliminary final loss to Sydney. Still only 22 so plenty of upside there.
Riley Bonner
Somewhat of a surprise delisting by Port Adelaide after 93 games in eight years. The defender/midfielder fell out of favour this year, but still featured in 11 senior games, although three were as the starting sub. The classy left-footer is only 26 and would appeal to clubs needing an experienced depth player.
Ryan Clarke
Was let go by the Swans despite playing 30 games in the past two seasons, including last year’s grand final. Found a niche role for himself as a defensive forward and would do everything in his power to limit the opposition’s best rebounding defender. Is only 26 and has 97 games under his belt.
Orazio Fantasia
The goalsneak hasn’t been officially delisted by Port Adelaide, but it appears he won’t be offered a new contract. It’s fair to say his three years at the Power have been a failure with injuries and form restricting the 28-year-old to just four games across the past two seasons. Did kick 28 goals from 15 games in 2021 and has shown enough when he is fit. Has been linked to a move to the GWS Giants and could be a handy depth player.
Jackson Hately
Taken with pick No.14 in the 2018 national draft, Hately is searching for a third club after being delisted by Adelaide following three years at the club. Had his best season in 2022 when he played 11 games, including a run of three games with over 25 touches. Is a known ball-winner, but couldn’t break into the Crows side this year, except for one appearance as the starting sub. Just turned 23 and appears too good for state league footy.
Scott Lycett
The premiership ruck hasn’t officially been delisted yet, but his time at the Power appears over after they traded in talls Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet. The 31-year-old has been linked to a number of clubs and would be an ideal back-up ruck. Has now played 146 games, including the 2018 grand final for West Coast. Lycett is weighing up retirement, but it appears he has options to play on should he decide to.
Rhys Mathieson
The midfielder known as ‘the Beast’ was officially delisted this week. Another player who has been starved of opportunities, Mathieson failed to break into the senior side this year. He has played 72 games across his eight seasons at the club and is remarkably only 25 despite seemingly being around for a lot longer. Fans love his energy.
Brodie McLaughlin
Never played an AFL game, but remains an intriguing option. McLaughlin joined the Suns as a pre-season supplemental signing and, despite never playing a senior game, he showed plenty in the VFL. He kicked 55 majors to win the Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal as the VFL leading goalkicker. The 25-year-old would be an attractive option for clubs looking for a ready-made forward.
Toby McLean
The 2016 premiership midfielder was a surprising axing by the Western Bulldogs. The recruitment of James Harmes and Nick Coffield may have forced the Dogs’ hand on McLean. The 27-year-old has played 102 games across nine seasons after being drafted at pick No.26 in the 2014 national draft. The midfielder also fought back from two ACL tears across three seasons, but failed to cement his place in the senior side this year.
Lochie O’Brien
Taken with pick No.10 in the 2017 national draft, the 24-year-old was delisted after 66 games across his six years at the club. Played nearly every game in 2022, but fell out of favour this year and only managed six appearances. Has enough quality to be on an AFL list and could be a worth a punt.
Tim O’Brien
The versatile tall was let go by the Western Bulldogs after 18 games in two seasons following eight years at Hawthorn. Turns 30 in March but could appeal as an experienced back-up key position player. Has played 115 games and is capable at either end of the ground. Was linked to Geelong at the start of the trade period.
Jack Peris
The lightning quick 19-year-old rookie was delisted by the Saints despite breaking through for a senior game this year. Peris, who is the son of Olympic gold medallist Nova, showed a bit in his one career game, racking up 13 disposals and four tackles. Turns 20 in December and could be worth a flier given his upside. Has been linked to Gold Coast.
Sam Simpson
The father-son Cat has only played 25 career games in seven years, but has shown enough to warrant consideration by rival clubs. Was a member of Geelong’s 2020 grand final side and fought back from a serious concussion to return to senior footy this year. Managed six senior games in 2023, including a three-game spell that yielded six goals. Still only 25 years old.
Brynn Teakle
The 203cm ruck was delisted after six senior games since being picked up in last year’s mid-season draft. Was effectively forced out after the Power recruited Jordon Sweet and Ivan Soldo, but still has plenty to offer. Racked up 34 hitouts and 14 disposals as the Power’s main ruck in the win over West Coast in Round 6. Has been linked to a few clubs needing ruck depth.
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