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UNSIGNED: AFL (Exclusive to Sporting Maniac) Part 1

The AFL Trade and Free Agency landscape is one of war and conflict. Players looking for fresh starts between warring clubs, fighting for signatures, for list spots, for certainty and financial prosperity. Fighting to manage and keep under the salary cap, for stars, for roles, for bench, for rookies. To those whose last day fighting is near, delisted, retired. To those who have a decade left of fight and hunger in the quest for a coveted premiership, to bathe themselves in glory. And to make a splash. List Managers, coaches, boards, players, families, media, fans. The trade and free agency period involves us all at some point in the chain. In many respects in the media, rumours are starting to become much more reported during the season. Its taking over.


We all want to see our clubs lure in star players, young players with lots of potential, and to keep old of those players we love and cherish, running around in our favourite colours. Some clubs get better, some...worse...


As a sports blogger and writer it makes sense to make sense of all of these rumours and supposed reports that we see everyday. There are some rumours that seem well founded and feasible and others that are just downright stupid (Patrick Dangerfield back to Adelaide anyone?)


Without further ado let me wade through the murky waters for you and give my personal opinion as well as what has been reported. I'm going to give a verdict/guess on their future and a 1-2 sentence below of why and how. I am only going to be talking about players who are out of contract as of 9/7/2024. Today will be Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton. Then Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle. Then Geelong, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney. Then Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne. Then Port Adelaide, Richmond, St Kilda. And lastly Sydney, West Coast, Western Bulldogs. I will be trying to release all these parts in a 2 week time frame but its likely to stretch into 3 weeks, which is why I will date each team to show the correct information as of the day it is written.*I will be doing a separate article after this series talking about the players who are contracted that could be out of your club.


ADELAIDE: (The links take you to their player profile on Zerohanger.com) 9/72024 Sam Berry

Verdict: Staying

Couldn't see a reason for him leaving, known as the super-sub. A victorian club could swoop in but I think its unlikely.

Verdict: Staying

Only nineteen years old and hasn't played a game. Should get another year to prove himself.

Verdict: Staying

Has played 8 games this year. The crows need defensive cover so he should be resigned.

Verdict: Staying

Only the 7 games but is very good cover if needed. May be more crucial after a retirement?

Verdict: Staying

Should stay, has played 2/3 of Crows Games. Still is young.

Verdict: Uneasy

They are gonna need to delist some people for players coming in and for draft picks. Might be an unlucky scalp

Verdict: Uneasy

Was delisted last year and re-rookied. Might not be as lucky this time?

Verdict: Going (Greater Western Sydney)

Tried to get to the giants last year and the move did not eventuate. Will be easier to do this time around.

Verdict: Consider (Geelong)

Has played some games this year but dropped after the bye. Low price option for Geelong to get a local boy?

Verdict: Uneasy

Has played one game this year and was concussed. Unsure on this one.

Verdict: Should Stay

Has had some game time this year. I said should stay because there is links to Carlton but they shouldn't occur.

Verdict: One more year

The Crows need a hardy veteran to help with all their young talent. Should stick around on a one year contract

Verdict: Retire

Its time, through this years constant injuries, not emulating last years form. Thanks for the memories Texan.


BRISBANE 9/7/2024

Verdict: Uneasy

Midseason draftee and out of contract. Probably will be delisted

Verdict: Uneasy

May be more likely to be resigned than Beecken. Due to age and replacing small forwards down the line.

Verdict: Uneasy

1 of 3 Brisbane recruits from Ireland. Only played 1 game because of injuries to other players so I am unsure.

Verdict: Uneasy

Is a ruck prospect. Is he good enough to sign for another year?

Verdict: Staying

A good veteran presence and has played 16 games this year. Should be a lock for a one year deal.

Verdict: Consider (Victorian Teams)

Has only played the 3 games this year and is now 31. Could look to move home to Victoria, maybe to a contender in need of depth.

Verdict: Uneasy

Has played the 2 games this year and has not solidified a spot in the team. Could get one more year.

Verdict: Staying

Very unlucky to get injured. Might be delisted and re-drafted in the rookie draft like Jake Melksham?

Verdict: Delisted

Played 1 AFL game in 2022 and has not played at the level since. Should be delisted.

Verdict: Consider (Fremantle)

Has not played as many games as he would like this year. Has not been reported in the media but could he return to his home state for more opportunity?

Verdict: Staying

Has had a brilliant year and wound back the clock. Should get another one year deal.


CARLTON 9/7/2024 Domanic Akuei

Verdict: Delisted

Has not played a game for the blues. Should be delisted

Verdict: Consider (WA)

The blues are having some salary cap pressure so he may be pushed out to another team. Is from Western Australia.

Verdict: Staying

Has not played a game yet and is still a teenager. Should be resigned I would imagine. (He is not related to Jack)

Verdict: Uneasy

Is only on a one year deal and has only played 3 games this year. May be delisted or also may find a suitor.

Verdict: Uneasy

Has not played a game this year and may be delisted. Unsure if another club would pick him up.

Verdict: Uneasy

Is still under 20 years of age so that works in his favour. Should maybe get another year to prove himself.

Verdict: Going (North)

Is not getting opportunities at the blues and should leave to North Melbourne. Hopefully a fresh start will help him.

Verdict: Going (West Coast)

The blues are under cap pressure and Jack Martin is going to be pushed out. Hopefully will find a good opportunity with a rebuilding West Coast.

Verdict: Uneasy

A ruck prospect who is now 24 years of age. Do the blues sign him for another year?

Verdict: Should Stay

Carltons Irish recruit who should get another year. Is only young.

Verdict: Consider (Essendon/Small Forward Desperate clubs)

Another good player who could be a victim of a salary cap squeeze. Many clubs out there that would be very happy to have him.


That's all the players for today. Stay tuned for part 2 with Collingwood, Essendon and Fremantle. Was I on the money? Let me know in the comments below and like the post if able. It helps support my content and drives me to keep going, so thank you!








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