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<\/a><\/p>\nWith finals about to kick off, there is another annual tradition that is starting to gain some traction.<\/p>\n
The AFL\u2019s yearly \u201csilly season\u201d is upon us, and already we\u2019ve seen a couple of players dictate terms in regard to where they\u2019ll be playing in 2025.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, it is a good idea to sit back, have a look at the current landscape and see what players who are out of contract and looking for a new home might be considering. Or perhaps, what they should be considering.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not an exhaustive list, but I chose these names because they have interest to me. So yes\u2026 highly subjective.<\/p>\n
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Key<\/p>\n
OOC = Out of Contract (teams must trade for this player)<\/p>\n
RFA = Restricted Free Agent (current team can match any contract made by an opposing club, and retain the services of the player\u2026 but they never do)<\/p>\n
UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent (player can pick and choose where he wants to go)<\/p>\n
CONTRACTED = Come on\u2026 you have to know what that means, right?<\/p>\n
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LACHIE MURPHY \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
A pressure forward who cannot secure a spot in the Crows\u2019 tight forward half, Murphy should be looking elsewhere.<\/p>\n
I look at a few teams that struggle for legitimate small forwards at the moment \u2013 he doesn\u2019t have to look far to see Port don\u2019t really have many that fit the bill. Carlton don\u2019t have much on offer, either. It used to be a role every team seemed to have players who could slot in. Now, they\u2019re a bit more uncommon.<\/p>\n
At 26, he has good footy in him, and at 1.4 tackles inside 50 per game in 2025, he is in the top twenty in the league. Worth consideration.<\/p>\n
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BRANDON STARCEVICH \u2013 RFA<\/p>\n
Reportedly looking at two options.<\/p>\n
They are to stay at Brisbane, or to head to West Coast.<\/p>\n
Starc has his flag. He may end up with two after this season, and at 26 years of age, this will likely be his last chance to land a big deal. He\u2019ll be wanting security, as well, given his issues with concussion.<\/p>\n
If I were West Coast, I would be very wary of this deal. Starcevich has already spent time on the sidelines with an elongated concussion recovery. Do you want to risk that happening at your club, and having a bloke on a long-term deal while he struggles to get on the park?<\/p>\n
I know it\u2019s callous \u2013 I\u2019ll wear that. However, if I was a West Coast supporter, I would be against this move.<\/p>\n
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DEV ROBERTSON \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Regretting his decision to re-sign with the Lions a couple of years back. In 2023, he felt there was unfinished business at the club, so he stayed, signing a two-year deal.<\/p>\n
The Lions finished that business in 2024, but he wasn\u2019t a part of it. He has barely been a part of it this year, either. He has played in just six games since then, and in five of them, he was used as a the sub.<\/p>\n
He\u2019ll head back to West Coast, where he will likely find ample game time in the middle, working with Harley Reid. As it stands, I reckon the Eagles get him for a third-round pick.<\/p>\n
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CALLUM AH CHEE \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Might end up being a victim of the premiership squeeze at Brisbane, inasmuch as so many premiership heroes deserve to be paid as such, but the club cannot afford all of them.<\/p>\n
He is 27, and a WA boy\u2026 would be a fantastic addition to either of he Eagles or Freo, given the intensity he brings to the contest.<\/p>\n
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JACK SILVAGNI \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Out the door at Carlton, the Silvagni name is now no-longer exclusively associated with the navy blue. Kind of sad\u2026<\/p>\n
Silvagni has been linked with Collingwood, but the Western Bulldogs have also been floated as an option. I worry about his role at the Dogs, as I believe he\u2019ll be forced to \u201cplay big\u201d if he is part of their list. Their defence sucks, and I am not sure he is the answer to what ails them.<\/p>\n
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TOM DE KONING \u2013 RFA<\/p>\n
Off to St Kilda, as the boys from Moorabbin throw some cash around.<\/p>\n
All of a sudden, a two-headed ruck division featuring TDK and Rowan Marshall looks very formidable, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
Unless of course\u2026<\/p>\n
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ROWAN MARSHALL \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
You know, if I was working somewhere and the organisation brought someone in to do the exact same job I was doing, but there was really only enough work for one\u2026 I\u2019d be a bit nervous. I might start looking for somewhere else to work.<\/p>\n
You think that thought may have crossed the mind of Rowan Marshall?<\/p>\n
He is a former Geelong Falcon\u2026 they have a habit of luring people back to where it began.<\/p>\n
That said, if I were Brad Scott, I would be on the phone immediately, seeing what it would take to get him to the Bombers.<\/p>\n
Watch this space\u2026<\/p>\n
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MITCH MCGOVERN \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Not played in the final game of the 2025 season, which was needed by the lesser Gov to trigger an automatic contract extension.<\/p>\n
Graham Wright not mucking around with this one.<\/p>\n
It will be interesting to see whether he is dangled as trade bait, and if any fish that bites is able to make good on the promise he once displayed. Mitch will be 31 by the time the next season starts. Irrespective of where he plays, he will remain the Temu McGovern.<\/p>\n
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CHARLIE CURNOW \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Made noise about moving earlier in the season, and then had it shut down by the Blues. Proceeded to shut it down, himself, but the story persists.<\/p>\n
Sydney are rumoured to be the place with the biggest interest, and he\u2019d solve a fair whack of their forward issues. If he left Carlton, though\u2026 may as well close up shop at Ikon Park.<\/p>\n
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MASON COX \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Can\u2019t get a game at the Pies, and at 34, this might be it for him.<\/p>\n
That said, he is not going to get any smaller, and a team lacking a relief ruck (hello Essendon) might throw him a bone as their players work back to health.<\/p>\n
Might be worth a punt for a year, but nothing more.<\/p>\n
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BRODY MIHOCEK \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Wants a multi-year deal, but the Pies are apparently more interested in a short-term agreement.<\/p>\n
Could Brody get some decent coin for a couple of years elsewhere? He is 32, but has failed to hit 20 games just once in the past five years. I am a fan, and love the way he applies himself on the field, therefore I feel a little biased. I want him to do well, but I am not sure many teams will gamble on him for a couple of seasons?<\/p>\n
Could the Suns do with a bigger body to work alongside Ben King and the kids coming through? How about the Tigers as Tom Lynch comes to the end? Or maybe even Port to take some heat off their less than physical backups to Mitch Georgiades?<\/p>\n
If I were him, I\u2019d be having a chat with the Dees, personally.<\/p>\n
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BEN HOBBS \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Out of contract at this stage of the season is not a great sign. Haven\u2019t heard much around about his intentions, which is probably a good thing for the Bombers, but once the season is concluded, we may start to get a clearer picture of where things sit.<\/p>\n
Has played 18 games this year, but has attended just nine percent of the centre bounces in games he\u2019s played. That\u2019s his preferred position, and he is not getting a look in at Essendon.<\/p>\n
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ELIJAH TSATAS \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Bomber fans had been screaming for him to be included in a team that had the longest injury list since the inception of injuries, but then, Elijah went and injured his hamstring, too.<\/p>\n
Has managed five games in a team that has won just six games. Could he be better utilised elsewhere?<\/p>\n
Sure to attract some attention as trade period draws near.<\/p>\n
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DYLAN SHIEL \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Racked up big numbers in his final games for the club, but his tenure at Essendon was probably best surmised in one play against the Blues, as he ran into an open goal and completely sprayed it.<\/p>\n
Either that, or his bumbling attempt to trap the footy and handball it against the Suns.<\/p>\n
Unlikely to be offered another deal, and will hold out hope a team picks him up cheaply somewhere along the line.<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t see it happening.<\/p>\n
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JAYDEN LAVERDE \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
If there is one thing Essendon can ill-afford, it is a big defender walking out of the club.<\/p>\n
However, as an unrestricted free agent, the 29-year-old has the chance to do just that and land somewhere needing a big body in defence. Could the Dogs be a good landing spot for him? If not, I hear St Kilda are throwing money around.<\/p>\n
Maybe the Bombers are second-guessing not extending him? Maybe not.<\/p>\n
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SAM DRAPER \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
The Bombers desperately need him to re-sign, but even as he comes off an Achilles injury, the big fella is in demand, elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Reports are that Brisbane and Adelaide both have strong interest\u2026 and the rich get richer, huh?<\/p>\n
Looking at Essendon, their ruck situation seems a couple of years off being able to afford losing Draper. Vigo Visentini showed a bit, whilst Nick Bryan was coming along nicely before his injury, as well. If Draper decides to leave, the Bombers are in quite a pickle.<\/p>\n
Maybe Goldy can stick it out until Bryan\/Visentini can shoulder the load in the back half of the year?<\/p>\n
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WILL SETTERFIELD \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
A very capable midfielder, who can lock down on an opposition gun, particularly those bigger and stronger mids.<\/p>\n
He would be a loss for the Bombers, but not a huge one, as Jye Caldwell can play that role well, too. His absence may also free up time for players like the two mentioned above \u2013 Tsatas and Hobbs \u2013 to gain more midfield time.<\/p>\n
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BRAYDEN FIORINI \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Has stuck it out with the Suns through some damn tough times, and is now reaping the benefits. Given that, it would make a lot of sense to hang around, right?<\/p>\n
Particularly if the rumours that Sam Flanders is being courted by other teams are true.<\/p>\n
Has played 14 games this season, averaging over 21 touches, but it is the last part of his year that will draw attention. In the last five games, he has upped the ante to average 24.2 touches from the wing.<\/p>\n
At 28, this is likely his final chance at getting some decent coin. Will the Suns offer him enough to keep him interested?<\/p>\n
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SAM FLANDERS \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Another linked to the Saints\u2026 did they steal their sister\u2019s piggy bank?<\/p>\n
If he did choose to depart and head to Moorabbin, this would be close to the pick up of the year. He adds class with the footy, but it is what he allows Ross Lyon to do across half-back that intrigues me. Flanders can play that role, or switch to on-ball, and having both him and Jack Sinclair tagging as defenders who switch into the guts, it gives the Saints plenty of firepower from good ball users.<\/p>\n
The Saints will have to pay \u2013 Flanders has two years to run after this season, so if he is looking at moving, St Kilda may have to pay slightly overs to get their mitts on him.<\/p>\n
Stupid sexy Flanders\u2026<\/p>\n
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LEEK ALEER \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Another one off to the Saints, although they\u2019ll have to fork over something in return.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve long thought GWS keeps the ones they really want to keep. Possibly aside from Jezza Cameron, that is. That said, I think Aleer will go with their blessing. He is the third big defender in a team that requires two (Buckley and Taylor), with Himmelberg taking the third when needed.<\/p>\n
The Saints are a good landing spot for him, as Dougal Howard has been unable to stay on the park, and Anthony Caminiti is fighting out of his weight division in defence. He\u2019s still doing a good job, but he needs help.<\/p>\n
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JAMES WORPEL \u2013 RFA<\/p>\n
Off to Geelong. I actually predicted this two years ago, and someone had a crack at me about it. Fair enough\u2026<\/p>\n
And yet, here we are. I went off a bit early\u2026 it happens to the best of us. Worpel has been a great servant for the Hawks, and will be a great get for the Cats, as they continually replenish their list. A great in-and-under addition to balance the midfield alongside Atkins, Smith, and Holmes.<\/p>\n
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CAM MACKENZIE \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Sam Mitchell laughed off the chances of Mackenzie departing Hawthorn, but with the Saints showing plenty of interest, maybe a pivot is something the young fella would entertain, given he has not secured a permanent role in the Hawks\u2019 midfield?<\/p>\n
Very much a \u201cwatch this space\u201d situation with him.<\/p>\n
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JUDD MCVEE \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
This one surprised me. I\u2019d be very keen to lock this guy away as soon as possible if I were the Dees, as when he has been fully fit, he has looked like an elite defender in the making.<\/p>\n
The only thing I can think of is boobs\u2026 errr, I mean that the Dees may believe they have too many young blokes to fit into their defence?<\/p>\n
Rivers, Bowey, Howes, Windsor, Culley, Moniz-Wakefield\u2026 they\u2019re a little spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d snap this bloke up in a heartbeat, but given the lack of chatter about him, maybe the contract is just taking time to sort out at Melbourne.<\/p>\n
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CHRISTIAN PETRACCA \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Have the wounds of 2024 healed completely, or is there still some resentment simmering away?<\/p>\n
Trac wears his heart on his sleeve, and that tends to cause people to jump to conclusions. I will be very interested to see how he conducts himself, and importantly, how his management conduct themselves over the next month, or so.<\/p>\n
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CLAYTON OLIVER \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
The player Oliver was, could have landed the Dees two first round picks.<\/p>\n
The player he is, would be lucky to land them a second-rounder. That\u2019s the sad truth. He also comes with a massive salary that the Dees will have to continue paying a portion of to move him. They\u2019d be better off keeping him.<\/p>\n
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BRYNN TEAKLE \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Delisted by North, which was a little surprising, given their lack of back up to Tristan Xerri. Maybe North saw enough when Teakle was filling in for him this season, and Brodie Grundy had 62 hit outs and 11 clearances?<\/p>\n
Anyway, big men tend to find their way into another home with relative ease compared to your average player. I would not be surprised if someone picks him up as an insurance policy. Maybe the Bombers?<\/p>\n
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JEREMY FINLAYSON \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
Delisted by Port, as part of Josh Carr\u2019s cull.<\/p>\n
Look, I think Finlayson has a heap of upside, but his attitude on-field has always been horrible. He is like Steven May at the other end of the ground, only with less credibility. He is forever glaring at the teammate who missed him with a pass, or yelling at someone to do better.<\/p>\n
And then, when he was played off half-back, he managed to do worse than them!<\/p>\n
Anyway, he is a swingman, and if picked up, I would not mind seeing him played as a defender where he started his career \u2013 good reach, decent speed, reads the footy well. Worth a shot as a delisted free agent.<\/p>\n
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JACOB BLIGHT \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
An interesting one. Tiger fans are big on him, but I watched him get left out of their last game of the season and thought it might be the writing on the wall for him.<\/p>\n
Originally from WA, I\u2019d look for the Tigers to attempt to broker a deal with either West Coast or Freo. I like Blight \u2013 he has shown a bit, but if he isn\u2019t in Richmond\u2019s best 23 at this stage, I reckon he is better off elsewhere.<\/p>\n
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KAMDYN MCINTOSH \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
Look, I was a bit surprised he got the nod to go around again at Richmond in 2025, but I guess they needed a bigger body to take some of the heat, so he was retained.<\/p>\n
Not so lucky after this season, and whilst it has been stated he has played his last game for the Tigers, nobody has said he has played his last game overall.<\/p>\n
I guess it boils down to whether anyone has any interest in a cheap 31-year-old premiership wingman. A WA boy, maybe he has a couple of old teammates at West Coast who could put in a good word?<\/p>\n
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MARCUS WINDHAGER \u2013 OOC<\/p>\n
With all the incoming talent apparently at St Kilda, Windhager\u2019s loss would be a big one. North Melbourne has already tabled an offer for him, so it will be interesting to see what happens next.<\/p>\n
People forget \u2013 it wasn\u2019t only the brilliance of Wanganeen-Milera that carried the Saints home against the Dees in that epic comeback. If you get the chance, have a look at Windhager in that last quarter. I reckon it was right about then that he, and plenty of others, realised his value.<\/p>\n
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OSCAR ALLEN \u2013 RFA<\/p>\n
Already nominated the Lions as his new home, and it will likely reward the Eagles greatly\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026 which is exactly what they wanted. With the first pick locked away, the likely compensation for West Coast is pick two, meaning they will be fast-tracked in their rebuild.<\/p>\n
If Allen can get himself fit, he is the replacement for Joe Daniher. Win-win for the Lions and Eagles.<\/p>\n
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LIAM RYAN \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Guess where Liam is rumoured to end up?<\/p>\n
Not bloody St Kilda, is it?<\/p>\n
Oh yes\u2026 it\u2019s the Saints.<\/p>\n
As he is under contract, the Saints will have to deal for him, but if they manage to get this one through, he and Jack Higgins could be quite potent at the feet of a returning Max King.<\/p>\n
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LIAM JONES \u2013 UFA<\/p>\n
I was more than a little amazed that in a defence suffering from a distinct lack of size and power, that the Dogs opted not to persist with Jones into the final weeks of the season.<\/p>\n
Maybe the fact he is 34 factored in, but in a win-now situation, playing Jed Busslinger over him was not the right call. He\u2019ll finish his Bulldogs career in the seconds.<\/p>\n
Looking around the league, the Dogs still seem to be the team in most need of a player with his skill set, however, he did have time off over the Covid period, so his body may not be as banged u as others his age.<\/p>\n
At 34, I can\u2019t see too many teams being tempted, unless they genuinely believe a strengthened defence for 12 months will put them over the top. Back to Carlton??? Maybe join Dad\u2019s Army at Collingwood?<\/p>\n
I think he might be done.<\/p>\n
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JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN \u2013 CONTRACTED<\/p>\n
Can\u2019t see him staying at the Dogs, and only a team with the utmost confidence in their system will take him on.<\/p>\n
Bloody Geelong\u2026<\/p>\n
Maybe the Swans?<\/p>\n
The Dogs will get bugger all out of it, which is kind of funny, as they paid bugger all to get him at pick one.<\/p>\n
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And that\u2019ll do me.<\/p>\n
Really seems like the Saints have their fingers in more pies than they\u2019ve actually got fingers!<\/p>\n
TDK, Flanders, Aleer, Liam Ryan, Mackenzie, a question mark over Jack Silvagni, as well as decisions from Marshall and Windhager to be made\u2026 okay, that\u2019s only eight fingers. Still, a lot of fingers to have in pies.<\/p>\n
I wish I had some pie\u2026<\/p>\n
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As always, massive thanks to those who support this work. You can see the amount of care that goes into it. I love footy, I love writing about it, and I hope you enjoy reading it. Without you, this whole thing falls over. Sincerely\u2026 thank you \u2013 HB<\/p>\n
Like this content? You could buy me a coffee \u2013 I do like coffee, but there is no guarantee I won\u2019t use it to buy a doughnut\u2026 I like them more. And I am not brought to you by Sportsbet or Ladbrokes\u2026 or Bet365, or any of them.<\/p>\n
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