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AFL 2023 Draft

Lisa Albergo — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 21:22:39 +0000

AFL 2023 Draft Lisa Albergo Sat, 11/25/2023 - 16:22

The 2023 draft was held just days before our November holiday. Ahead of the draft itself, clubs were allowed to trade draft selections. Most of the clubs took advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their drafting possibilities or to select a player they were keen to have. As always, it is club by club in alphabetical order so readers can scroll to the clubs of their interest. The preseason and rookie drafts were held just after the main draft and are included here.

THE DRAFT

DRAFT DAY TRADES

Trades completed during the 2023 AFL Draft:

St Kilda gets pick 42. Melbourne gets a future third round selection.
Brisbane - pick 24, Gold Coast - picks 30, 51, 54, and 65
St Kilda - pick 27, Gold Coast - picks 40 and 42
Fremantle -pick 38, Gold Coast picks 46, 60 and 63
Adelaide - picks 8 and 17, GWS - picks 11, 15 and a future second
Essendon - pick 10, Geelong - picks 11 and 31
GWS - pick 17, St Kilda - pick 18 and a future second
Brisbane - pick 51, Gold Coast - a future fourth
Fremantle - pick 35 , Richmond - pick 38 and a future third
West Coast gets pick 38. Richmond pick 40 and a future third
Port Adelaide - pick 48, North Melbourne - a future fourth
St Kilda - pick 50, GWS - a future third
Port Adelaide - pick 52, Hawthorn - a future fourth
Sydney - pick 53, Hawthorn - pick 59 and a future fourth
Essendon - pick 54. Richmond - a future fourth

The first number is the draft selection followed the player name, (junior club), age (years old), height (in centimeters and then in feet and inches, weight (when available) in kilograms and then pounds, position, and player profile.

ADELAIDE

8) DANIEL CURTIN (Claremont, WAFL), 18, 197 cm (6'5"), tall defender
His 2022 season was marred by injury but he fought back to be best on ground for Team Hoili in the AFL Futures game (played on Grand Final Day) that year. Outstanding for WA at the national tournament to win his team's MVP award and All-Australian honors. premiership win some senior games with Claremont and was one of the best in the Under-18 premiership team. Has speed, is agile, an excellent kick and can play midfield. The Eagles were hoping to secure the talented West Australian hut the Crows traded their selections 11, 15, and a future second round election to GWS, who had selection eight, to secure Curtin. GWS also gave up their selection 17

21) CHARLES EDWARDS (Sandringham), 18, 191 (6'3"), medium defender/midfielder
Played midfield in the Coates premiership. Ran the 2km time trial (1.24 miles) in 6:24 at the draft combine

27) OSCAR RYAN (Murray Bushrangers), 18, 187 (6'1"), medium defender
Good closing speed and is strong in the air to intercept the ball. Composed with ball in hand and has excellent vision and awareness. Wins the ball and tackles well, was runner-up in Murray's best and fairest. Represented Vic Country at the nationals and impressed at the draft combine, posting 3 seconds for the 20 meter sprint (22 yds)

Rookies
8) WILL HAMILL
The defender was drafted by the Crows in 2018 and played 38 games. Delisted at the end of 2023, the Crows redrafted him as a rookie

20() JAMES BORLASE
Originally drafted as s rookie in 2021, the defender played four games in 2023. Delisted at the end of the year and redtrafted as a rookie

BRISBANE

31) LOGAN MORRIS (Western Jets), 18, 191 (6'1"), tall midfielder
Takes a strong mark (catch of the ball), and showed his versatility by playing back for Victoria Metro in at the national against South Australia and the Allies before kicking four goals in an impressive display forward against Western Australia. Has continued to build on his ability to keep presenting as a mobile marking target, while clean hands at ground level are another key part of his skill set. Booted 30 goals in 10 matches in the Coates league to win team of the year honors

42) LUKE LLOYD (Sandringham), 18, 193 (6'3"). tall forward
Has a real instinct for the game, reads the play well to get to the right positions and has clean hands. He missed some matches with a leg injury later in the year before returning to play in the Dragons’ grand final winning team. Also got a taste of VFL football playing a couple of matches with Frankston. His 6:35 seconds for 2km time trial at the combine was a sound effort for a player of his size

51) ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY (Claremont, WAFL), 17, 196 (6'5"), tall defender/ruck
Played well for Claremont's junior team and was best on ground in their premiership win. Excellent interceptor of the ball and represented WA at the nationals. Also did well at the draft combine with his 3' standing vertical leap being the best overall, did well on the agility test and ran the 20 meter sprint (appx 22 yds) in 2.95 seconds

53) PATRICK SNELL (Brisbane Lions Academy), 18, 194 (6'4"), tall defender
Speedy defender who can also play forward. Represented the Allies at the nationals and ran the 20 meter sprint (appx 22 yds) i3:03 seconds at the combine

64) REECE TORRENT (Peel Thunder), 18, 184 6"), wingman
Powerfully built, has a sharp competitive edge, and good game awareness. Has a real appetite for the contest and was one of WA's best against the Allies at the nationals. Progressed from Peel's Under-18 side to the reserves and played a senior game late in the year. Showed his athleticism at the draft combine with 8.26 seconds on the agility test and 6:24 for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial

BRUCE REVILLE (Brisbane Lions Academy), 22, 185 (6'), 73 (160), midfielder
A smooth mover with excellent vision, he can play a variety of roles. Taken as a Category B rookie.

CARLTON

29) ASHTON MOIR (Glenelg, SANFL), 18, 187 (6'1), medium forward
Slightly hampered by a hip injury but still managed 23 goals in 17 games. Is an accurate kick for goal and strong in the air. Excelled at the combine with 8:24 seconds in the agility test

34) BILLY WILSON (Dandenong), 18, 183 (6'), medium defender
Played midfield for Dandenong, showing his versatility. Uses his speed to great effect, has good vision, and is s good decision maker. Represented Vic Country at the nationals and was selected in the Coates team of the year. Excelled at the combine with 2.94 seconds for the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint and 75 cm (30") for the vertical jump, ranking him fifth and third respectively for the combine

Rookie
15) MATT CARROLL (Sandringham Dragons), 18, 188 (6'1"), 81 (178), medium defender
Has a good athletic base, is quick, has good vision, and can push into the midfield at times. Represented Vic Metro at the nationals and was a member of Sandringham's premiership team.

COLLINGWOOD

25) HARRY DEMATTIA (Dandenong Stingrays), 18, 185 (6'), 78kg (171 lbs), midfielder/medium forward
Explosive athlete with speed to burn, is a strong tacker, and has leadership qualities. Is versatile in that he can play in various parts of the ground. Was co-captain of Vic Country at the nationals

37) TEW JIATH (Gippsland Power), 18, 188 (6'1"), 72kg (158), defender
Athletic and is good in the air, is composed and uses the ball well. Has speed and evasiveness, is good at intercepting the ball and is strong in one-on-one contests and good at ground level. Brother of Hawthorn's CJ

59) HARVEY THOMAS (GWS Academy, Oakleigh Chargers), 18, 176 (5'9"), small defender
Good ballwinner and uses it well, can push into the midfield and go forward. Played a pivotal role for the Allies in their title win at the nationals, setting up play with his excellent decision making and disposal of the ball. Ran the 2km 1.24 miles) time trial in 5:55 to place first at the combine.

ESSENDON

10) NATE CADDY (Northern Knights, VFL), 18, 193 6'3"), tall forward
Takes a strong mark (catch of the ball) and is a real presence in the forward line and can win the contested ball in the midfield when required. Represented Vic Metro and kicked 39 goals for the season, winning a spot in the Coates team of the year. Tested extremely well at the draft combine with results of 3.02 seconds on the 20m (22 yds) sprint along with 6:35 for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial indications of his athletic prowess. Is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership star Josh Caddy

39) LUAMON LUAL (GWSN Rebels), 18, 182 (5'9"), 72 (158), defender
Aggressive rebounding defender who uses the ball well, was a member of the Bulldogs Next Generation Academy and represented Vic Country at the nationals. Showed promise for the Rebels when playing midfield and on a wing. Is athletic, competitive, and reads the play well

54) ARCHIE ROBERTS (Sandringham), 17, 184 (6'), medium defender
Competitive rebounding defender with a penetrating kick, is a smart interceptor of the ball and uses his anticipation and clean hands to good effect, A good decision maker who can set up play from defense and has good endurance. Represented Vic Metro at the nationals and was named All-Australian. Ran the 2Km (1.24 miles) in 6:08 at the draft combine

Rookie
8) VIGO VISENTINI (Sandringham), 18, 204 (6'7"), ruckman
Has the size and ability to influence games, is strong in the air with a natural leap and was a member of Sandringham's premiership sides for the past two seasons, Represented Vic Metro at the nationals. The younger brother of Port Adelaide's Dante

FREMANTLE

35) COOPER SIMPSON (Dandenong), 18, 181 (5'9"), midfielder
Has excellent pace, composure, and finishing skills. Evades opponents easily and runs hard offensively and defensively. Performs well when challenged. Injured his ankle in the first game doer the Allies and could not finish out the tournament. Made an impressive return late in the year for Dandenong

41) OLLIE MURPHY (Sandringham Dragons), 18, 200 (6'6"), tall defender
Lightly built but sets up play with his good kicking skills. Composed with ball in hand, is strong in the air, and a good decision maker, knowing when to go for a catch or spoil the ball against nis opponent. Was outstanding for Victoria Metro in the nationals, winning his team’s MVP award and All Australian honors. He capped off a great year playing in the Sandringham Dragons premiership team

60) JACK DELEAN (South Adelaide, SANFL), 18, 181 (5'11"), medium forward
Quick on the lead, has a great leap and strong hands. Kicked 55 goals in 23 games to showcase his eye for goal. Was one of Australia's best in the AFL Academy game against Carlton in the VFL, Was a member of SA's premiership team. Placed in the top 10 for the standing vertical jump with 74 cm (29") at the draft combine

Rook
4) ODIN JONES (West Perth), 18, 199 (6'5"), ruckman
Super competitive with the potential to play as a tall defender. Athletic, strong in the air, and has good follow up at ground level Had a consistent season, kicking seven goals in nine matches after missing most of 2002 due to injury

GEELONG

11) CONOR CORBETT (County Cork, Ireland), 21, 190 (6'2"). 88 kg (194 lbs), forward
A star in Gaelic football, he was nominated for the U-17 player of the year in 2019 after captaining Cork to an All-Ireland final win. Has adapted quickly to Australian rules in training and tryouts and showed a proficiency for delivering the ball by hand and foot. Showed his athleticism at the combine with a running vertical jump of 86cm (34") and a time of 6:35 for the
2km (1.24 miles) time trial

32) MITCHELL EDWARDS (Peel Thunder, WAFL), 18, 206 (6'7"), ruckman
Still growing into his body, his height and natural leap gives his team a great advantage at stoppages. He has mobility, is competitive, represented WA at the nationals, and is a member of Fremantle's Next Generation Academy. Tested well at the combine with his running vertical jump of 94cm (37") ranked fifth overall, while his 3.07 seconds on the 20m sprint (22 yds) was impressive for a player of his size

36) SHAUN MANNAGH (Werribee, VFL), 26, 178 (, 5'8"), midfielder/forward
Established himself as one of the premier players in the VFL this year, producing a standout performance in the Grand Final loss to Gold Coast, winning the Norm Goss Medal after kicking six goals from 28 disposals in a best-on-ground performance. Spent three seasons with Richmond's VFL program before moving on to other clubs

58) GEORGE STEVENS (GWS Victorian Rebels), 18, 189 6'2"), medium defender
A strong-bodied defender who also plays as an inside midfielder to great effect. He reads the play well to intercept in defense , is a good decision maker and has a penetrating kick. Captained his U-18 team during the AFL Academy’s matches against SANFL and VFL sides. Represented Vic Country at the nationals and was named All-Australian as well as being named captain in the Coates team of the year. Won hs team's best and fairest award and ran the 2km(1.24 miles) time trial in 6:37 at the combine

61) OLIVER WILTSHIRE (Barwon, Bellarine League), 21, 180 (5'9("), 67(148), midfield/forward
Had an outstanding season, kicking 48 goals in 16 games to attract attention and won the club's best and fairest award. Spent two seasons with the Geelong Falcons in the VFL but 2020 was cancelled due to COVID and his 2021 season was ruined by injury

63) LAWSON HUMPHRIES (Swan Districts, WAFL), 20, 182 (5'9), medium midfielder
Moved from northern WA to Perth to pursue his education and football. Was a member of the Flying Boomerangs junior team. He has progressed over three years at Swan Districts from the Under-18s and reserves to senior football this year. Showed his athletic traits at the combine recording 3.00 seconds on the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint and 8.28 seconds on the agility test

7) EMERSON JEKA
Originally drafted by Hawthorn as a rookie in 2020 and elevated to the senior list. Played seven games for the Hawks and was delisted at the end of 2023. Can play forward and defense.

GOLD COAST

3) JED WALTER (Gold Coast Suns Academy), 18, 194 6'3"), tall forward
Strong and powerful, he was a dominant player for the Suns and the Allies, winning All-Australian honors. A real physical presence with his second efforts and tackling pressure. Kicked 11 goals for the Allies to be a real cog in their title win. Kicked 29 goals in eight games for the season. North was interested but the Suns matched their bid with selections 26, 30, and 32 and received selections 58 and 87 in return

9) ETHAN READ (Gold Coast Suns Academy), 18, 202 (6'6"), ruckman
Mobile, highly skilled with an excellent workrate and ball use. Is aggressive at stoppages and was a dominant force for the Allies at the nationals to earn All-Australian honors. His time of 5:56 seconds for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial at the combine was sensational for any player much more so for one of his height. Won the Hunter Harrison Medal for his performances with the Gold Coast Suns Academy, with the medal presented to the best performed player from the non-Victorian Academy teams who compete in a selection of matches in the Coates league. Geelong was interested but the Suns matched their bid, giving up selections 34, 38, and 48 in exchange for selection 49

14) JAKE ROGERS (Gold Coast Academy), 18, 170 5'5"), midfielder
Tenacious livewire with good creativity and vision, is quick and agile and dispose of the ball well.. Represented the Allies at the nationals where he was a driving force in the title win. Also played well for the U-18 team against Carlton earlier in the year and was named the team's best. Did not test at the combine due to injury. Sydney was interested but the Suns matched their bid, giving up selections 42, 47, and 49 in echange for selection 65

26) WILL GRAHAM (Gold Coast Suns Academy), 18, 186 (6'1"), medium defender
Played mostly in the midfield for the Suns but adapted well to play in defense for the Allies at the nationals. Has speed to burn and uses the ball well. His elite athleticism showed at the draft combine: his 2.92 seconds for the 20 meter sprint (22 yds) was second best as was his 78cm (2.5 feet) for the standing vertical jump. He also placed third for the running vertical jump with 95 cm (3 feet)

Preseason Draft
2) SAM DAY
Has played 143 games for the Suns. Delisted at the end of 2023 with the Suns intent on redrafting him as a rookie

Rookies
4) SAM CLOHESY (Werribee, VFL), 20, 189 (6'2"), defender
Clohesy is a former Gold Coast Academy player who played in the talent program from the ages of 14 to 16 before relocating back to Melbourne with his family. Clohesy is the younger brother of Geelong midfielder Ted and has played two seasons with Werribee, including the VFL Grand Final

18. WILL ROWLANDS (Northern Territory Thunder), 18, 179 (5'10"), small midfielder/forward
Has speed to burn and takes the game on with his dash and dare. Excellent at stoppages and is dangerous near goal. Represented the Allies at the nationals but a shoulder surgery curtailed his season

24) JACK MAHONY ((North Melbourne)
Drafted by North in 2019, the small forward played 40 games for the Kangaroos and was delisted at the end of 2023.

GWS

12) PHOENIX GOTHARD (Murray Bushrangers), 18, 178 (5'10"), small forward
Has speed and a good natural leap and is creative in the forward line. Represented the unbeaten Allies at the nationals. Did well at the combine with his 78 cm )30") ranking him second overall and he placed 10th in the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint with 2.96 seconds

17) JAMES LEAKE (Tasmanian Devils), 18, 187 6'1"), medium defender/forward
Had a breakout season for the Devils and represented the Allies at the nationals. Dangerous near goal and is exceptional in the air

44) JOE FONTI (Claremont, WAFL), 19, 188 (6'2"), medium defender
Played midfield but blossomed when moved into defense. His intercepting and run from defense are features of his game and he represented WA at the nationals. Tested extremely well at the state combine in Perth, registering times of 2.88 seconds on the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint and 7.97 seconds on the agility test which were ranked first and second respectively among all players who tested at the three state combines

NATHAN WARDIUS (Rand-Walbundrie-Walla Giantd, NSW), 19, 181 (5'9"), 68 (150), medium forward
Prolific forward, evidenced by his 149 goals in 49 games. Was a member of the GWS Academy. Despite his small frame, he has played some senior football. Is athletic, has footy smarts, and is good in the air and at ground level. Taken as a Category B rookie

Rookie
`14) ADAM KENNEDY
Originally taken in the 2911 preseason draft, the midfielder has played 153 games for the Giants. Missed most of 2023 due to a knee reconstruction and was delisted at the end of the season, with the Giants committed to redrafting him as a rookie.

HAWTHORN

5) NICK WATSON (Eastern Ranges), 18, 170 (5'6"), small forward
Quick, agile, crafty, and loves the contest. Showed his prowess in front of goal with 23 goals in 10 games in the talent pathway. Could not be stopped at the nationals, kicking 14 goals in four games for Vic Metro top the goalkicking for the tournament and was named All-Australian. Expanded his game by playing midfield and in defense for the Ranges. Unable to test at the combine due to a foot injury

19) WILL MCCABE (Central District, SANFL), 18, 197 (6'5"), tall defender
Competitive with a good leap and is strong in the air. Played well for Central and one of SA's better players at the nationals. Son of former Hawk Luke McCabe. North was interested but the Hawks matched their bid, giving up selections 42 and 44 in exchange for selection 73

22) WILL DAWSON (Gippsland Power), 17, 200 cm (6'6"), tall defender
Developed as a potential tall defender throughout the year but also played up forward and in the ruck. Still developing physically having grown almost eight inches in the past two years but has maintained his ability at ground level, where he is clean below the knees. Played well for Vic Country at the nationals, showing aggression and intensity in the way he attacked the ball

46 BODIE RYAN (Glenelg, SANFL), 18, 187 (6'1"), medium defender
No nonsense defender who is strong in his attack on the ball and an excellent one-on-one player. Was South Australia’s best player in the nationals win over Victoria Country when he curtailed Harley Reid (the number one draft selection) after he had kicked three goals in the opening quarter. Backed it up in the loss to Western Australia with another sterling performance. Placed fourth overall in the agility test with 8.21 seconds at the draft combine as well as running the 29 meter sprint ((22 yds)

56) CALSHER DEAR (Sandringham), 18, 195 (6'3"), tall forward
Played more basketball than elite football until this year but really began to emerge for Sandringham as the year progressed. Is still very raw but has shown mercurial ability in the air and finished the year kicking 21 goals from his 15 matches. Is the son of former Hawthorn star and 1991 Norm Smith medalist Paul Dear who played 123 games so the Hawks were able to select him under the father-son rule

Preseason Draft
1) CHAD WINGARD
Played 147 games for Port Adelaide 2012-2018 before being traded to Hawthorn where he has played 71 games. His 2023 season was wrecked by injuries and the Hawks delisted him but were always committed to redrafting him as a rookie

Rookie Draft

3) COOPER STEPHENS
Originally drafted by Geelong in 2019, he played seven games before being traded to Hawthorn at the end of 2022. He has yet to play a senor game and was delisted but the Hawks have given him a second chance as a rookie.

MELBOURNE

7) CALEB WINDSOR (Eastern Ranges), 18, 184 (6'), wingman
Has speed to burn and likes to take the game on. Represented the Vic Metro at the nationals and was among the best in their loss to the Allies and again in the win over WA. Was also a consistent ballwinner for the Ranges. Recorded a slick time of 2.92 seconds in the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint at the combine as well as recording 6:28 for the 2km (1.24 miles), demonstrating his speed and endurance. Gold Coast had to match Adelaide's bid with selections 47 and 51, gaining selection 69

13) KOLTON THOLSTRUP (Subiaco, WAFL). 18, 186 (6'1"), 86kg (189 lbs), forward
Aggressive and loves to the game on. Excellent finishing skills and is a long kick. Played 10 senior games for Subiaco and represented WA at the nationals. Strong at the contest and composed when working to win the ball in the air or at ground level and uses the ball well to create opportunities for teammates

Rookies
12) JAKE MELKSHAM
Drafted by Essendon in 2009, he played 114 games for the Bombers before being traded to Melbourne at the end of 2014. He has played 107 games for the Demons. Delisted and redrafted as a rookie

22) KYMAN BROWN (Oakleigh Chargers), 18, 181 (5'9"), midfielder
Has quick hands, sharp vision, and is creative to set up play through the middle. Disposes of the ball with efficiency and tackles well/ Won Oakley's best and fairest award and starred for Vic Metro at the nationals. Tested very well at the combine with his 6:12 on the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial and 3.04 seconds for the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint rounding off a productive season. As the son of former Melbourne utility Nathan D Brown who played 146 games for the Demons, he is eligible to be selected under the father-son rule.

NORTH MELBOURNE

2) COLBY MCKERCHER (Tasmanian Devils), 18, 180 (5'9"), midfielder
Uses his dazzling speed to break the lines and kicks the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Represented the Allies at the nationals and won the Larke Medal as the best in his division and was named All-Australian. Also won the Morrish Medal (junior equivalent of the Brownlow). Was equally dominant for the Tasmania Devils having more than 30 disposals in seven of his nine matches and also kicked 12 goals. Showed he could match it against more experienced opponents by having 20 disposals and three clearances in Australia’s win over the Carlton VFL team. Did not test at the national combine

4) ZANE DUURSMA (Gippsland Power), 18, 189 (6'2"), medium forward
The brother of former Port player Xavier (traded to Essendon), he is a mercurial forward who reads the play well, is strong in the air and an accurate kick for goal. Was outstanding for Vic Country at the nationals to earn All-Australian honors, including a match-wining performance against Vic Metro. Was a dominant player for Gippsland to win their best and fairest award and selection in the Coates team of the year. Kicked 42 goals in 20 games. His running vertical jump of 67 cm (26") at the combine ranked second. HIs sister Yasmine plays for Port in the WAFL

20) TAYLOR GOAD (South Adelaide, SANFL), 18, 206 (6'7"), ruckman
Comes from a basketball background and is still developing his craft. Showed splendid improvement this year playing for his state and club at under 18 level. Impressed for SA in 13 games. Both his standing vertical jump of 74cm (29") and 20m (22 yds) sprint time of 2.965 seconds were ranked in the top 10 at the national combine and gave distinct indications of his elite athletic skills

23) RILEY HARDEMAN (Swan Districts, WAFL), 18, 185 (6'), medium defender
Strong overhead, has line-breaking speed, and is composed under pressure. Played some senior games for Swan Districts and captained WA at the nationals, winning All-Australian honors. Has a natural leap, placing in the top 10 for the standing vertical jump with 75 cm (30") and the running vertical jump with 91 cm (appx 3')

Rookie
2) FINNBAR MALEY (Northern Bullants, VFL), 20, 197 (6'4"), 91 (200), ruck/forward
Still raw with plenty of potential. The Kangaroos see him as a developing ruck and forward.

PORT ADELAIDE

48) TOM ANASTAOPOULOS (Geelong Falcons), 18, 176 (5'7"), small forward
Speedy and plays with intensity and applies plenty of tackling pressure. Represented Vic Country at the nationals and is an accurate kick for goal, kicking 21 goals in 11 games. His time of 6:11 on the 2km time trial (1.24 miles) was ranked second among state combine participants

52) LACHLAN CHARLESON (GWS Reels), 18, 177 (5'7"), 74 (163), small forward
Applies plenty of defensive pressure on opponents and is good at ground level and has speed. Attacks the contest with intensity to win the ball and disposes of it well. Represented Vic Metro at the nationals

57) WILL LORENZ (Oakleigh Chargers), 18, 186 (6'1"), wingman/forward
Lightly built but has good speed and evasiveness and is a good ballwinner. At representative level he played for the Australian Under-U8 team in their matches against Port Adelaide (SANFL) and Carlton (VFL) as well as playing three matches for Victoria Metro. Tested soundly at the combine with his 3.06 seconds for the 20 meter sprint (22 yds) and 6:33 for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial both solid performances. He is the grandson of former Hawthorn premiership captain and AFL Hall of Fame member Graham Arthur.

Rookie
13) XAVIER WELSH (East Perth, WAFL), 18 195 (6'4"), 90 (198), tall forward
Powerful and athletic, capable of playing a variety of positions. Attacks the contest strongly to create contests and is strong in the air. Represented WA at the nationals. Has a natural leap and showed it at the combine with a running vertical jump of 87cm (34")

RICHMOND

40) KANE MCAULIFFE (North Adelaide, SANFL), 18, 187 (6'1"), midfielder
Big-bodied and powerful, wins the ball well and is a long kick. Strong and aggressive tackler and excels at stoppages with his clean hands and vision. Progressed from under-18 level to play several reserves gamEs for North Adelaide. Was one of the best for SA against the Allies and Vic Metro at the nationals. Showcased his power and speed at the draft combine with his running vertical jump of 95cm (37") ranking third and 2.93 seconds for the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint ranking fifth

43) LIAM FAWCETT (Central District, SANFL), 18, 197 6'4"), tall forward
Strong, mobile, and is an accurate kick for goal, kicking 32 goals for the season. Represented SA at the nationals. Tested soundly at the combine with his 3.08 seconds for the 20m sprint (22 yds) and 6:38 for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial both strong performances.

ST KILDA

18) DARCY WILSON (Murray Bushrangers), 18, 186 (6'1"), medium forward
Elusive and creative and covers the ground well. Can also play on a wing. Still developing physically but had an outstanding season. winning Murray's best and fairest award. Represented Vic Country at the nationals and was one of their best players as well as putting in a strong performance for the AFL Academy against Port Adelaide in the SANFL. His running capacity was confirmed when he finished second in the 2km time trial (1.24 miles) at the combine with a time of 5:52. He also demonstrated his power by producing the best running vertical jump of 98cm (3'2")

28) LANCE COLLARD (Subiaco, WAFL), 18, 180 (5'10"), small forward
Extremely dangerous near goal, kicking 39 goals in 16 matches for the Subiaco junior team. Represented WA at the nationals. Did well at the combine with 8,16 seconds in the agility test and 2:82 for the 20 mete (22 yds) sprint. Is a member of West Coast's Next Generation Academy

33) ANGUS HASLIE (Geelong Falcons), 18, 190 (6'2"), medium defender
Athletic and can set up play from defense and create opportunities for teammates. Has excellent intercept skills and represented Vic Country at the nationals. Also has excellent lateral movement and placed third in the agility test with 8.20 seconds

50) HUGO GARCIA (Calder Cannons), 18, 185 (6'), medium midfielder
Has speed and is good in one-on-one contests. Unable to test at the combine but did participate in the Coates test day where his 2.93 seconds for the 20m 22 yds) sprint was impressive

62) ARIE SCHOEMAKER (Tasmanian Devils), 18, 194 (6'3"), 91 (200), wing/defender
Was impressive in 2022, but an off-field indiscretion in 2023 saw him suspended for 10 games. Came back and wasted no time making up lost ground, winning a spot in the Allies' team at the nationals. Can also pinch-hit in the ruck

Preseason Draft
3) RILEY BONNER
Played 93 games for Port Adelaide since 2016, delisted by Port at the end of 2023 and picked up by the Saints as a rookie.

SYDNEY

16) WILL GREEN (Northers Knights, VFL), 18, 204 (6'7"), ruckman
Excellent mark (catch of the ball) is mobile, and good at ground level to provide opportunities for teammates. Represented Vic Metro at the nationals and was named All-Australian. Showed his natural leap and endurance at the combine with 87cm (34") for the running vertical jump and 6:34 for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial at the combine.

24) CAIDEN CLEARY (Sydney Swans Academy), 18, 182 (5'9"), midfielder
Attacks the ball and opponents vigorously and excels at getting the ball away from stoppages. Has excellent repeat speed, clean hands, and courage. Played very well for the Allies at the nationals to be named All-Australian. Ran the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial in 6:06 at the draft combine. Has been with the Sydney Academy since the Under-10's. Collingwood was interested but Sydney matched their bid, giving up selections 43 and 47 in exchange for selection 63

Category B Rookie
INDHI KIRK Sydney Swans Academy), 21, 179 (5'9") midfielder
The son of former Sydney champion Brett, he has many of his father's qualities. Is tough, has clean hands, footy smarts, is a good decision maker, is good at ground level, and has a good workrate. Played some reserves games with Sydney's VFL team and represented the Allies at the nationals.

Rookie
11) SAM REID
Drafted in 2009, the key forward has played 181 games for the Swans. Delisted and redrafted as a rookie.

WEST COAST

1) HARLEY REID (Bendigo Pioneers), 18, 187 (6'1"), midfielder
Can play forward and defense as well as midfield. Has been on the radar for several months to be the number one selection. Confirmed his credentials at the nationals with three goals in five minutes for Vic Country against SA and continued to star throughout the tournament. Wins the ball well at ground level and in the air, is an excellent decision maker, and uses the ball well. Won Vic Country's MVP award and was named All-Australian. Handled the step up to playing senior football with three impressive games in the VFL and was the best player for the Australia Under-18s team in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL team which showed he is ready for AFL

30) ARCHER REID (Gippsland Power), 18, 203 (6'6"), tall forward
Exceptional aerial skills, is mobile, good at ground level, and has natural goal sense. Represented Vic Country at the nationals, was runner-up in Gippsland's best and fairest count. The younger brother of Essendon's Zach

38) CLAY HALL (Peel Thunder), 18, 189 (6'2), midfielder
Prolific ballwinner and uses it well, excels at stoppages with his clean hands and good vision to set up teammates. Played nine senior games with Peel and starred for WA at the nationals to win All-Australian honors. Son of former Eagle and Cat Derek. Did not test at the combine due to injury

49) HARVEY JOHNSTON (Sandringham Dragons), 18, 183 (6'), medium forward
Creative user of the ball by hand and foot. Represented Vic Metro at the nationals and was one of the best against West Australia. Was an influential player for the Dragons and showed his athleticism at the combine with 6:17 for the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint and 8:39 seconds in the agility test

Category B Rookie
COEN LIVINGSTONE (Perth (WAFL), 18, 199 (6'5"), ruckman/forward
Still developing but had a fine season for Perth, kicking 20 goals for the year and was named in the Coates team of the year. A real impact at the nationals playing for WA against SA with 18 disposals, 17 hitouts, and a goal. The nephew of former Hawk Chance Bateman and is a member of of West Coast's Next Generation Academy

Rookie
1) LOCH RAWLINSON (Sturt), 18, 178 (5'8"), 72 (158), small forward
Speedy and has clean hands and can hit the scoreboard and has a good workrate. Needs to build up his body and work on his kicking efficiency. Represented SA at the nationals.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

6) RYLEY SANDERS (Sandringham), 18, 185 (6'), midfielder
Strong-bodied, powerful, and courageous. Attacks the ball well and puts plenty of pressure on opponents. Represented the Allies at the nationals and his ball use, clearance play, and tacking saw him win the Larke Medal as his side's best and fairest player, was named captain of the All-Australian team. Caught the eye with a strong performance for the Australia Under-18 team in its representative match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and backed it up in the second match against Carlton’s VFL side. Was a member of Sandringham's premiership team.

15) JORDAN CROFT (Calder Cannons), 18, 200 (6'5"), tall forward
Lightly built but extremely athletic. He uses his mobility and height to create opportunities to mark (catch) the ball, has speed and is a precise kick of the ball. Comes from a volleyball background and opted for footy just a year ago. Starred for Calder and Vic Metro, kicking 33 goals for the year. His 2km (1.24 miles) time of 6:05 at the combine showed his elite endurance for a player of hs size. The Western Bulldogs selected him under the father-son rules as the son of former Bulldogs utility Matthew Croft who played 186 games for the club. Sydney was interested but the Bulldogs matched the bid, giving up selections 44, 46, and 47 in exchange for selections 61 and 87.

45) JOEL FREIJAH (GW V Rebels), 18, 190 (6'2"), wingman
Composed and clean at ground level and disposes of the ball well. A strong athlete who represented Vic Country at the nationals. Ran the 20 meter (22 yds) in 2.98 seconds and completed the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial in 6:13

47) LACHLAN SMITH (Gippsland Power), 18, 202 (6'6"), ruckman
Uses his size to compete ferociously at stoppages and is a good ball winner. Was impressive playing for Vic Country at the nationals. Was unable to test at the combine due to injury but was able to take part in the Coates testing day and showed his mobility with 3:13 seconds in the 20 meter sprint (22 yds)

55) AIDEN O'DRISCOLL (Perth, WAFL), 18, 175 (5'7"),
Has footy smarts, speed, and endurance and uses those attributes well to create play from the wing. Was among WA's best against the Allies and Vic Country at the nationals. His 2.87 seconds for the 20 meter (22 yds) sprint was ranked first and was fifth for the 2km (1.24 miles) time trial with 6:06. HIs brother Nathan and sister Emma both play for Fremantle.

Rookies
10) LACHIE MCNEIL
Drafted in 2020, he played 29 games for the Bulldogs. Delisted at the end of 2023, he has been added to the rookie list

21) TAYLOR DURYEA
Originally drafted by Hawthorn in 2009 and played 118 games for the Hawks before being traded to the Bulldogs at the end of 2018. Delisted at the end of 2023 and redrafted as a rookie.

Source: Samuel Zito, AFL Media Release, afl.com.au, AFL Record Season Guide, foxsports.com.au, central.rokieme.com

Special Opening Round and More Thursday Games in 2024 AFL Schedule

johnson — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 05:15:25 +0000

Special Opening Round and More Thursday Games in 2024 AFL Schedule johnson Sat, 11/25/2023 - 00:15

The AFL released its 2024 schedule on Thursday, 16^th November, although some details were revealed in the days prior. A new feature is a four-game Opening Round in early March to promote Aussie Rules in NSW and Queensland. Sydney Swans will host the season opener against Melbourne at Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday night, 7^th March. It will only be the second time in AFL history that the first game of the season is played in the Harbour City (the first time was 2012). The following night (Friday 8^th March) sees Brisbane facing Carlton at The Gabba in a rematch of this year's preliminary final. On Saturday, 9^th March, Gold Coast will host Richmond in late afternoon, pitting new coach Damien Hardwick against his former club for the first time. The game will also mark the senior coaching debut of new Tigers coach Adem Yze. It will be followed by a Saturday night game between GWS and Collingwood in another preliminary final rematch. The eight teams involved in Opening Round will have a bye at some point between Round 2 and Round 6, meaning all 18 clubs will have played the same number of games by the start of Round 7. All clubs will have a bye across the four weeks between Rounds 12 and 15.

A full Round 1, featuring all 18 clubs, will kick off on Thursday, 14^th March with the traditional Carlton v Richmond game at the MCG.

Collingwood will unfurl their premiership flag before their opening game against Sydney at the same ground on Friday, 15^th March. Similar to the past three seasons, while the venues had been set, the League has only confirmed the dates and times for the first 16 rounds. The schedule for Round 16 to Round 24 will be progressively revealed during 2024 with advance notice.

There will be 14 Thursday night games in 2024, up from 11 this year, as the result of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the League and the AFL Players Association. These Thursday night games will be played across Opening Round and Round 1-13, rather than in two separate lots as in previous seasons. The addition of Opening Round, as well as an increase in Thursday night games, has led to a 64 per cent reduction in overlapping games compared to the first 15 rounds in 2023.

Carlton have been rewarded for their appearance at this year’s preliminary final with a whopping eight games on Thursday or Friday in the first 16 rounds, including the Good Friday clash against North Melbourne. Grand Finalist Brisbane feature in seven Thursday or Friday night games, while Adelaide have six, with the Showdown against Port Adelaide to be played on a Thursday night for the first time, in Round 8. Collingwood will also play six games on Thursday and Friday nights. After finishing 13^ththis year, Richmond have been snubbed from Friday night altogether, and have just two Thursday night games in 2024. Hawthorn and West Coast are the only two clubs to miss out on a Thursday and Friday night timeslot in the first 16 rounds.

Gather Round returns to Adelaide in Round 4, after the enormous success of this year’s event with more than 77,000 fans attending the nine games played across the region. Next year’s Gather Round begins on Thursday night, 4^th April, with the Crows hosting the Demons in Adelaide Oval, while Port Adelaide play against Essendon at the same venue the following night. Five games will be played at Adelaide Oval, while Norwood Oval will host Brisbane v North Melbourne on Friday afternoon and Richmond v St Kilda on Sunday afternoon; Mount Barker in Adelaide Hills will host Sydney v West Coast on Saturday afternoon and Gold Coast v GWS on Sunday lunchtime. The round concludes with Collingwood versus Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Sunday twilight, which will be Hawks signing Jack Ginnivan’s first game against his former Pies premiership teammates.

The AFL’s new agreement with the Northern Territory Government will see three games played in the NT per season for the next three years – two by Gold Coast in Darwin and one by Melbourne in Alice Springs every year until 2026. In 2024, the Suns will play back-to-back games at TIO Stadium in Darwin, against North Melbourne on the Saturday night of Round 9 and against the Cats on Thursday, 16^th May to start Round 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round). It will be the first game Geelong play a premiership game in the Top End. Melbourne will then host a Sunday afternoon encounter against Fremantle in Alice Springs in Round 12.

Playing times of a large number of AFL games will change in 2024. Most Friday night games will start at 7.40PM Melbourne time (5.40AM US EDT), which is 10 minutes earlier than the usual 7.50PM (5.50AM US EDT) start time, while Thursday night and Saturday night games will usually begin at 7.30PM Melbourne time (5.30AM US EDT). AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the decision to move Friday night to an earlier start was made after spending time gathering feedback from fans and working in partnership with host broadcaster Channel Seven. Sundays are largely overlap free across the first 15 rounds, with many doubleheaders starting at 1PM and 4PM Melbourne time (11PM US EDT Saturday or 2AM US EDT Sunday) respectively, before reverting to 1.10PM and 4.40PM from Round 10 onwards.

Other features of the 2024 schedule include:

Adelaide, Melbourne, Richmond and St Kilda will have two five-day breaks in the first 16 rounds, while Essendon, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Sydney and West Coast have no five-day breaks.
There will be at least two Sunday night games during the regular season, featuring the Qclash between Brisbane and Gold Coast at The Gabba in Round 8, and Essendon hosting archrival Carlton at the MCG in Round 13, the night before King’s Birthday public holiday in Victoria.
Friday night doubleheader returns in Round 9, with Geelong against Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium at 7.10PM (5.10AM US EDT), to be followed 70 minutes later by the Fremantle-Sydney clash at Optus Stadium.
There will be a double-header on Good Friday, 29^th March, with North Melbourne hosting Carlton before Fremantle takes on Adelaide at Optus Stadium later that night.
The Anzac Round starts on 24^thApril between Richmond and Melbourne at the MCG, the only Wednesday game of the regular season. The two games on Anzac Day, Thursday 25^th April feature the annual Bombers-Pies clash at the MCG, followed by Greater Western Sydney hosting Brisbane in Canberra.
The first Western Derby will be Round 6, while the Sydney Derby and QClash are both in Round 8.

AFL’s Head of Broadcasting and Scheduling, Josh Bowler, said: “After a record-breaking attendance of more than eight million fans through the gates in 2023, we are thrilled to deliver a fixture that is aimed at maximizing match day attendance and television viewership, as well as being the fairest possible fixture for all 18 clubs in their pursuit of the Premiership … Opening Round has given us a unique opportunity to create momentum ahead of the traditional Round 1 Thursday night fixture between Carlton and Richmond, allowing the league to build more marquee games … We always want to give our fans as much certainty as possible and these first 15 rounds have created key marquee games that our supporters can plan travel around and we will confirm dates and times for Rounds 16 to 23 about four to six weeks out, with Round 24 remaining floating.”

Here are the club-by-club summaries for the 2023 season (the number of Thursday and Friday games are up to the end of Round 15).

ADELAIDE

Play twice: Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Sydney, Essendon, Gold Coast, Hawthorn
First four: Gold Coast (Away), Geelong (Home), Fremantle (Away), Melbourne (Home)
Last three: Western Bulldogs (Home), Port Adelaide (Away), Sydney (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 6
Five-day breaks: 2
The Crows travel far and wide in the first seven rounds of the season, playing games in Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Hobart. They play twice against 2023 finalists Brisbane, Port Adelaide and Sydney. The Crows will face the Swans twice in the second half of the season, in Round 14 and 24.

BRISBANE

Play twice: Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast
First four: Carlton (Home), Fremantle (Away), Collingwood (Home), North Melbourne (Home)
Last three: Greater Western Sydney (Home), Collingwood (Away), Essendon (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 7
Five-day breaks: 1
The 2023 grand finalist has a tough schedule, playing twice against four fellow top eight teams (Pies, Giants, Demons and Saints). The good news for the Lions is that they will host three other preliminary finalists at home next year. The bad news is that they fly to Perth twice and Adelaide three times across the course of the season

CARLTON

Play twice: Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, Port Adelaide, Geelong, Richmond, North Melbourne
First four: Brisbane (Away), Richmond (Home), North Melbourne (Away), Fremantle (Away)
Last three: Hawthorn (Home), West Coast (Away), St Kilda (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 8
Five-day breaks: 1
The large majority of Carlton members will be in for a treat, with seven of the club’s first nine games to be played in Marvel Stadium and the MCG. In addition, three of the Blues’ opening four games are against members of last year’s bottom six (Richmond, Melbourne, Fremantle). They face a tricky final five rounds of the season, two of which are against this year’s bottom three, and three games against fellow finalists Port Adelaide, Collingwood and St Kilda.

COLLINGWOOD

Play twice: Brisbane, Carlton, Melbourne, Sydney, Essendon, Hawthorn
First four: Greater Western Sydney (Away), Sydney (Home), St Kilda (Away), Brisbane (Away)
Last three: Sydney (Away), Brisbane (Home), Melbourne (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 7
Five-day breaks: 1
The defending premiers have a tough start to the season, playing against six of this year’s finalists in the first eight rounds, including three interstate trips. Collingwood don’t play against Melbourne until their King’s Birthday clash, but the two teams will meet again in the final round. The middle part of the season is relatively easy with games against bottom half teams Eagles, Crows, Dockers, Bulldogs, Kangaroos and Suns. The Magpies will finish the season strongly with seven of the last eight at the MCG.

ESSENDON

Play twice: Collingwood, St Kilda, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, West Coast
First four: Hawthorn (Home), Sydney (Away), St Kilda (Home), Port Adelaide (Away)
Last three: Gold Coast (Home), Sydney (Home), Brisbane (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 4
Five-day breaks: 0
Essendon have four interstate trips in the first eight round of the season, including two to Adelaide over three weeks. The Bombers only cop one top-six team twice (Collingwood) in contrast to getting two bottom-four teams twice. They will spend most of second half of the season in Melbourne, but face a tough final round encounter against the Lions at The Gabba.

FREMANTLE

Play twice: Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, West Coast
First four: Brisbane (Home), North Melbourne (Away), Adelaide (Home), Carlton (Home)
Last three: Geelong (Home), Greater Western Sydney (Away), Port Adelaide (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 3
Five-day breaks: 1
Despite finishing 14^th in 2023, Fremantle have been given a difficult schedule, with games against top six teams Brisbane, Carlton and Port Adelaide in the first five rounds before the derby against the Eagles in Round 6, and will finish the regular season with the return game against Port. The Dockers have back-to-back trips to Adelaide in Round 4 and 5, in addition to five visits to Melbourne, two trips to Sydney, plus games in Alice Springs and Launceston, but get both Brisbane and Gold Coast to head west without a return trip.

GEELONG

Play twice: Carlton, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Hawthorn, North Melbourne
First four: St Kilda (Home), Adelaide (Away), Hawthorn (Away), Western Bulldogs (Away)
Last three: Fremantle (Away), St Kilda (Away), West Coast (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 4
Five-day breaks: 1
After construction delay due to the quality of imported steel, the northern grandstand at GMHBA Stadium will open for the 2024 season opener against St Kilda. The new stand increases the stadium’s capacity to 40,000, allowing the Cats to host bigger name teams such as Richmond in Round 12 and Hawthorn in Round 17. Overall, the Cats will play nine home games at GMHBA Stadium and two home games at the MCG (against Carlton in Round 7 and Essendon in Round 16). They will play in every Australian state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory.

GOLD COAST

Play twice: Brisbane, Greater Western Sydney, Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, West Coast
First four: Richmond (Home), Adelaide (Home), Western Bulldogs (Away), Greater Western Sydney (Home)
Last three: Essendon (Away), Melbourne (Home), Richmond (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 1
Five-day breaks: 1
Damien Hardwick’s stint as Gold Coast coach begins with consecutive home games in the first two rounds, before back-to-back trips to Ballarat (to play the Bulldogs) and Adelaide Hills (to face GWS). The Suns have been given a not-too-difficult schedule, playing twice against only two finalists from this year (Brisbane and GWS) and twice against bottom teams North Melbourne and West Coast. The Suns will host Essendon and Collingwood in Round 12 and 16 respectively, which should attract decent crowds, with many fans travelling north from Melbourne. The team will be on the road from Round 9 to 11, including two games in Darwin.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Play twice: Brisbane, Carlton, Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast, Hawthorn
First four: Collingwood (Home), North Melbourne (Home), West Coast (Away), Gold Coast (Away)
Last three: Brisbane (Away), Fremantle (Home), Western Bulldogs (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 1
Five-day breaks: 1
GWS’ opening round clash against Collingwood will be the only encounter between the two teams in the regular season. The Giants will play twice against preliminary finalists Brisbane and Carlton. GWS will play its first two games at Giants Stadium in Sydney, before the venue is used for the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, and won’t return until Round 10 when they face the Bulldogs. The three GWS home games in Canberra are against St Kilda in Round 5, Brisbane in Round 7 and Hawthorn in Round 21. The Lions game will only be the second time the Giants have taken to the field on Anzac Day, following their 2015 matchup with Gold Coast in 2015 at the same venue.

HAWTHORN

Play twice: Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, Adelaide, Geelong, Richmond, North Melbourne
First four: Essendon (Away), Melbourne (Home), Geelong (Home), Collingwood (Away)
Last three: Carlton (Away), Richmond (Home), North Melbourne (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 0
Five-day breaks: 0
Hawthorn’s away game against Geelong marks the first time the Hawks will have travelled down the highway since 2006 (excluding the COVID-impacted seasons). The Hawks will host Brisbane at Marvel Stadium in Round 11, and play four home games in Tasmania, against St Kilda (Round 9), GWS (Round 13), Fremantle (Round 18), and North Melbourne in Round 24. The team’s other six home games will be at the MCG.

MELBOURNE

Play twice: Collingwood, Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Fremantle, West Coast
First four: Sydney (Away), Western Bulldogs (Home), Hawthorn (Away), Port Adelaide (Away)
Last three: Port Adelaide (Home), Gold Coast (Away), Collingwood (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 4
Five-day breaks: 2
Melbourne has a difficult schedule, playing twice against in top six teams Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Brisbane. The Demons also have consecutive games at Adelaide Oval against the Power and the Crows. They will play 14 games at the MCG, of which 10 of them will be home games – and only play at Marvel Stadium once: Against the Western Bulldogs in Round 21. At least five of the Demons’ 14 MCG games will be played at night.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Play twice: Carlton, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, West Coast
First four: Greater Western Sydney (Away), Fremantle (Home), Carlton (Home), Brisbane (Away)
Last three: West Coast (Home), Western Bulldogs (Away), Hawthorn (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 2
Five-day breaks: 0
North Melbourne has a relatively easy schedule, playing only once against 2023 finalist in Carlton, and double-ups against three other 2023 bottom-four teams – Hawthorn, Gold Coast and West Coast. The Roos will play five games in Tasmania, including home games in Hobart against Adelaide in Round 7, Port Adelaide in Round 11, Geelong in Round 20 and West Coast in Round 22, plus a visit to Launceston to face Hawthorn in the final round. The Roos also have trips to Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Sydney, but avoid a visit to Queensland.

PORT ADELAIDE

Play twice: Carlton, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Richmond, Fremantle
First four: West Coast (Home), Richmond (Away), Melbourne (Home), Essendon (Home)
Last three: Melbourne (Away), Adelaide (Home), Fremantle (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 5
Five-day breaks: 1
Six of Port Adelaide’s first eight games will be at Adelaide Oval thanks to Gather Round and a home Crows Showdown. They have a tough schedule with two meetings against each of Adelaide, Melbourne and Carlton, plus a tricky mid season run against Carlton, GWS, Brisbane and St Kilda from Round 12 to 16 (they have a bye in Round 13). Like Geelong, Port will play in every Australian state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory.

RICHMOND

Play twice: Carlton, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Fremantle, Gold Coast, Hawthorn
First four: Gold Coast (Away), Carlton (Away), Port Adelaide (Home), Sydney (Home)
Last three: St Kilda (Home), Hawthorn (Away), Gold Coast (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 2
Five-day breaks: 2
After finishing 13^th this year, Richmond have been given a relatively easy schedule, with 14 games at the MCG including two hat-tricks on Round 1-3 and 7-9) early in the year before five straight games in Melbourne to end the season – and three of those games are against bottom-four teams from 2023. The Tigers will host a match at Marvel Stadium – against Marvel Stadium tenants St Kilda – in Round 22, while they’ll travel to GMHBA Stadium to face Geelong for premiership points for the first time since 2017. Then there’s three trips to Adelaide (including Gather Round), two to Perth and two to Queensland.

ST KILDA

Play twice: Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Essendon, Geelong, Richmond, West Coast
First four: Geelong (Away), Collingwood (Home), Essendon (Away), Richmond (Away)
Last three: Richmond (Away), Geelong (Home), Carlton (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 4
Five-day breaks: 2
A decent 2024 schedule for St Kilda for making the finals this year, given four Thursday or Friday games before their Round 15 bye, including a Friday clash against Collingwood plus trips to Adelaide and Brisbane. The Pies clash is just one of two games at the MCG for the season, but eight of their final nine home and away games (including the last six) will be at Marvel Stadium. The Saints will also travel to Perth, Launceston and Canberra, but will skip Sydney.

SYDNEY

Play twice: Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle
First four: Melbourne (Home), Collingwood (Away), Essendon (Home), Richmond (Away)
Last three: Collingwood (Home), Essendon (Away), Adelaide (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 5
Five-day breaks: 0
Sydney begin their post-Lance Franklin era with tough games against Melbourne and Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond, before playing bottom-four teams Eagles, Suns and Hawks before the first of two derbies against GWS. The Swans only play twice against 2023 finalists GWS and Collingwood. Conversely, the Swans are the only non-Victorian side to not have back-to-back home games next year. They have a tricky final six rounds including games against Lions, Pies and Port.

WEST COAST

Play twice: Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon, Fremantle, Gold Coast, North Melbourne
First four: Port Adelaide (Away), Greater Western Sydney (Home), Western Bulldogs (Away), Sydney (Home)
Last three: North Melbourne (Away), Carlton (Home), Geelong (Away)
Thursday/Friday games: 0
Five-day breaks: 0
After finishing on the bottom of the ladder, West Coast have a tough start next year, playing three 2023 finalists (Port, GWS, Sydney) in the first month, and will travel to Geelong in the final round of the season. On the plus side, the Eagles have been given a relatively easy schedule, playing only once against 2023 finalist in Melbourne, and will play at home seven times from Round 5 to Round 16. They will also host Brisbane at Optus Stadium for the first time since the venue opened.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Play twice: Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong, Fremantle, North Melbourne
First four: Melbourne (Away), Gold Coast (Home), West Coast (Home), Geelong (Home)
Last three: Adelaide (Away), North Melbourne (Home), Greater Western Sydney (Home)
Thursday/Friday games: 5
Five-day breaks: 1
Next year, Mars Stadium in Ballarat will host the Bulldogs’ first home game (against Gold Coast in Round 2) and last home game (against GWS in Round 24). The Bulldogs will play their first three games and last two games in Victoria, and don’t travel interstate until Round 4. They will play 12 times at Marvel Stadium, including five in a row from Round 11 to Round 16 (they have the bye on Round 15). On the downside, they have consecutive games against the Giants, Swans, Magpies and Lions between Rounds 10 and 13 and a tough run home in the final two months of the season, playing five 2023 finalists - Power, Blues, Swans, Demons and Giants - plus the Cats and the Crows.

Sources: Kate Hutchison, AFL press release; sen.com.au, 7news.com.au, abc.net.au, club websites

Josh Bowler

Hawks Delist Duo

Lisa Albergo — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:46:26 +0000

Hawks Delist Duo Lisa Albergo Thu, 11/09/2023 - 17:46

Hawthorn has delisted Chad Wingard and Copper Stephens but will redraft them as rookies in the upcoming draft. Wingard has played 218 games across his 12-year career and is currently working through rehab for a serious achilleas injury sustained earlier this year. Stephens joined the Hawks through the 2022 trade period after spending three seasons with Geelong where he played seven games in his final year. The changes will allow the club to utilize all selections acquired prior and during the recent trade period.

Source: Jake Keating, Hawthorn Media Release

Power and Bulldogs Delist Players Plus Lycett Retires

Lisa Albergo — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 22:19:13 +0000

Power and Bulldogs Delist Players Plus Lycett Retires Lisa Albergo Wed, 11/01/2023 - 18:19

The past week provided yet more delistings and retirements. The Western Bulldogs delisted Hayden Crozier and Roarke Smith. Port Adelaide delisted Orazio Fantasia, Sam Hayes, and Jake Pasini while Scott Lycett has retired. Sam Naismith has found his way back into the AFL at Richmond.

Lycett, a former Port Adelaide SANFL player, was drafted by West Coast in 2010 and played 75 games for the Eagles, including the 2018 premiership. At the end of 2018, he moved to Port as a free agent and played a further 71 games. Port Coach Ken Hinkley said, "Scott has been an outstanding contributor for two clubs ... He was an incredible workhorse for our club during the last five seasons and was totally focused on putting his teammates first. As a former Port Adelaide junior, Scott was Port Adelaide through and through.

Hayden Crozier (file photo/AFANA)

Crozier, 29, was dratted by Fremantle and played games for the Dockers before being traded to the Bulldogs at the end of 2017, He played a further 73 games for the Bulldogs. Smith, 27, managed just 47 games in nine years at the club and didn't play a senior game this season due to a foot injury. The club has committed to redrafting delisted pair Taylor Duryea and Lachie McNeil, Duryea,32, has so far played 192 games across both Hawthorn and the Bulldogs, winning two premierships in that period. McNeil was drafted as a rookie in 2020 and played 42 games.

Fantasia was drafted by Essendon in 2013 and played 90 games for the Bombers. He was traded to Port at the end 0f 2020 and played 19 games. He is set to join Carlton. Hayes was drafted in 2017 but managed just 12 games. Pasini was drafted in 2019 but never played any senior games.

Oral Fantasia (file photo/AFANA)

Sam Naismith has been offered an AFL lifeline by Richmond. He joins the Tigers as a delisted free agent after an impressive VFL season with Port Melbourne. Naismith, 31, was a rookie selection by Sydney in 2013 but his career has been hampered by knee injuries which restricted him to just 30 senior games until he was delisted at the end of 2022. His last senior games was in 2020 but he believes he still has plenty to offer, “I’m super excited. It was an opportunity that I didn't think was going to happen, and I think my last five years of working really hard to get back to this position is paying off now ... ". The Tigers see him as a handy replacement for Ivan Soldo who was traded to Port Adelaide.

Naismith is excited to team up with Tigers co-captain and former Swans teammate Toby Nankervis (12 games for Sydney 2014-2016), "I can't wait to play with Toby. I think we played some of our best footy together when we were in Sydney ... With Ivan going to Port Adelaide, there was an opportunity there. If there's a position to help the young guys develop... and to work with Toby again... to push each other and also the developing guys. I love tackling, I love hitting bodies, and protecting my teammates... Whatever the team needs, I want to do it.".

Source: sen.com.au, afl.com.au, Eliot Raiter, Western Bulldogs Media Release, AFL Record Season Guide

Naismith skies (file photo/AFANA)

Four Clubs Drop Players and Prepare for Draft

Lisa Albergo — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 21:17:53 +0000

Four Clubs Drop Players and Prepare for Draft Lisa Albergo Sat, 10/21/2023 - 17:17

Just after the trade period, several clubs delisted more players due the acquisitions during the trade period and to make more room on their lists for the upcoming draft. Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney cleared roster spots for new talent.

Hawthorn delisted Lachlan Bramble, Fergus Greene, and Ned Long. Bramble, 25 years old, was selected in the 2021 preseason SSP and played 30 games. Long, 20 years old, was picked up in the 2021 rookie draft and played five games. Greene was drafted by the Bulldogs in 2016 and played five games before joining Hawthorn as a delisted free agent in 2022. He played 11 games.

North Melbourne delisted Kayne Turner, Jack Mahony, and Aiden Bonar. Turner was drafted as a rookie in 2014 and played 130 games. Mahoney was drafted in 2019 and played 44 games. Bonar was originally drafted by Greater Western Sydney, where he played six games across two seasons. He joined North Melbourne during the 2019 trade period and played a further 28 games.

Rhys Mathieson (bottom,
file photo/AFANA)

The Brisbane Lions delisted Rhys Mathieson, Blake Coleman, and Darryl McDowell-White Jr. Mathieson, 26 years old, was drafted in 2015 and played 72 games. He did not play any senior games in 2023. Coleman, 21 years old, came out of the Brisbane Academy and was drafted in 2020. The younger brother of Brisbane defender Keidean, he was unable to break into the senior side. McDowell-White Jr, also 26 years old, is the son of former premiership player Darryl. He was drafted in 2022 but could not break into the senior team.

Sydney delisted Will Gould, Ryan Clarke, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Cameron Owen, Lachlan Rankin, and Marc Sheather. It comes after the Swans picked up free agents James Jordon, Joel Hamling, Brodie Grundy, and Taylor Adams during the trade period. Gould was drafted in 2019 and played four games. Clarke was drafted by North Melbourne in 2015 and played 40 games for the Kangaroos, winning a Rising Star nomination in 2016, before being traded to Sydney at the end of 2018. He played 57 games for the Swans.

Streather was drafted from Sydney's Academy in 2021 as a rookie and played three senior games in 2023 before a foot injury ended his season. Hall-Kahan was drafted as a rookie in 2022, Owen was drafted as a rookie in 2023, and Rankin was drafted in 2021. None of the latter three were able to break into the senior team.

Source: sen.com.au, afl.com.au, AFL Record Season Guide, Nick Brown, Brisbane Media Release Stacy Oates, North Melbourne Media Release

2023 Trade Summary

Lisa Albergo — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:13:26 +0000

2023 Trade Summary Lisa Albergo Wed, 10/18/2023 - 20:13

The free agency and trade period began in early October and ran for two weeks. A number of players have moved to other clubs. The biggest move was Kangaroo ruckman Todd Goldstein joining Essendon as a free agent. Goldstein, 35 years old, has signed a one-year deal with the Bombers, reuniting with former coach Brad Scott after 315 games with North Melbourne. The veteran holds the record for the most hitouts in VFL/AFL history and was an All-Australian in 2015. He will be handy addition with the retirement of Andrew Phillips and Brodie Grundy's exit to Sydney. Essendon's first-choice ruckman Sam Draper needed surgery in September on his groin and is not expected to return until January. Emerging ruckman Nick Bryan, 21 years old, signed a new two year deal in September.

Goldstein said, "I'm grateful for the opportunity Essendon has presented to me to continue my career ... I'm really excited to support and challenge Sam Draper and Nick Bryan as they continue to drive to be the best rucks they can be. I have admired their progression and look forward to working with them ... I want to thank the North Melbourne footy club for the opportunity to play football for more than 17 years and to their supporters for their unwavering support throughout my career."

Forward Ben Mckay has also joined Essendon as a restricted free agent. The Kangaroos will receive a first round draft selection as compensation. McKay, 25 years old, was drafted in 2015 and played 71 games for the Kangaroos.

James Harmes, 28 years old, requested a trade from Melbourne to the Western Bulldogs after falling out of favor at the Demons. Harmes was drafted in 2013 and played 152 games for the Demons, including the 2021 premiership. The Demons will receive a future third round draft selection.

James Harmes (file photo/AFANA)

Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs completed a trade for draft selections, The Suns gave the Bulldogs selections 4, 46, and 51 in the 2023 draft and their 2024 round three selection. In exchange, the Suns received 2023 draft selections 10 and 17 as well as a 2024 round one selection. Gold Coast general manager said the deal was the best result for the club in line with its strategy, “We are expecting bids on our Academy prospects early in this year’s draft which means we will need to acquire additional draft capital to match bids. “By executing this trade with the Western Bulldogs, we have been able to bring in multiple first round selections to give us the flexibility to on-trade these. Pleasingly we have also been able to add an additional first-round draft pick in next year’s draft to strengthen our hand for 2024.”

Gold Coast traded Elijah Hollands to Carlton in exchange for selection 26 and a future round three selection. The Blues also received selection 28 and a future round four selection. Hollands, 21 years old, played just 14 games since being drafted in 2020. Hollands is the brother of current Carlton player Ollie Hollands.

Port Adelaide and Essendon concluded a deal for Brandon Zerk -Thatcher and Xavier Duursma. Along with Zerk-Thatcher, Port received selection 73 and two future round four selections. Zerk-Thatcher, 25, had requested a trade back home to South Australia after 51 games for the Bombers. Duursma, 23 years old, was drafted in 2018 and played 73 games for Port Adelaide.

Adelaide and Gold Coast completed a deal which sees Suns forward Chris Burgess join the Crows. The Crows also received selection 14 while Gold Coast received selection 23 and 26. Burgess, 27 years old, requested a trade back to his home state. He was drafted in 2018 and played 36 games. He can also play in defense,

Taylor Adams (file photo/AFANA)

Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams has been traded to Sydney. Adams, 34 years old, missed the 2023 Grand Final due to injury and requested a trade. Sydney received draft selection 33 in exchange. Adams was drafted in 2011 by GWS and played 31 games for the Giants before being traded to Collingwood at the end of 2013. He played 175 games for Collingwood In 2020l, he was named the club's best and fairest and All-Australian. He joins former teammate Brodie Grundy who requested a trade to Sydney. Melbourne received draft selection 46 in exchange. Grundy, 29, played 177 games for Collingwood before being traded to Melbourne last year. He played 17 games for the Demons but spent the last weeks of the season in the VFL.

Carlton utility Zac Fisher requested a trade to North Melbourne and the Blues were able to complete a deal for Fisher and selection 17. The Kangaroos traded selections 21 and 25 in exchange for Fisher. Fisher was drafted by the Blues in 2016 and played 107 games. North has also signed defender Toby Pink as a delisted free agent. Pink was drafted by the Swans as a rookie in 2019 and spent three seasons on the rookie list without playing any senior games. He has been playing with Glenelg in the SANFL and was a member of their premiership team this year.

A complex deal involving St Kilda, Carlton, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs got Paddy Dow to the Saints. While Dow joined the Saints, Saint Nick Coffield headed to the Bulldogs. All the clubs exchanged multiple third and fourth round draft picks, both for this year and next. Dow requested a trade to the Saints for better opportunities while Coffield endured a string of injuries. Dow, 24, was drafted in 2917 and played 73 games for the Blues. Coffield, 23 years old, was drafted in 2017 and played 52 games for the Saints.

Adelaide forward Shane McAdam requested a trade, with Melbourne his preferred destination. The Demons gave the Crows a future second round draft selection in return. McAdam, 28 years old, was drafted in 2017 and played 50 games for the Crows but fell out of favor in 2023. He played just seven games in 2023.

Sydney wingman Dylan Stephens has also been traded to North Melbourne. He is another who requested a trade to the Kangaroos. Stephens was drafted in 2019 and played 43 games for the Swans. The Kangaroos gave up draft selection 44 and one of their "future assistance package" end-of-first round picks in 2024.

Jade Gresham (file photo/AFANA)

Richmond defender Bigoa Nyuon, 22 years old, was traded to North Melbourne in exchange for selection 65. He was originally drafted in 2019, delisted and redrafted as a rookie in 2022. He played his only senior game in 2022.

Brisbane traded ruck/forward Tom Fullarton to Melbourne in exchange for selection 47. Fullarton, a former member of the Brisbane Lions Academy, originally signed as a Category B Rookie from the Brisbane Bullets in a move from basketball to football midway through the 2018 season. He played 19 games for the Lions.

Saint Jade Gresham has signed with Essendon as a restricted free agent. The Saints received a late first round draft selection as compensation. Gresham, 26 years old, requested the trade. He was drafted by the Saints in 2015, played 136 games and kicked 136 goals. The Bombers believe he can add some polish to their forward.

Port has strengthened their draft hand by working with Fremantle. The Dockers gave up two second round draft selections in exchange for a future first round selection.

Adelaide defender Tom Doedee, who missed most of the season with a knee injury, requested a trade with Brisbane his preferred destination. Doedee, 26 years old, signed a four year contract. He was out of contract at the end of this year. Drafted in 2015, he played 82 games for the Crows. Adelaide received an end of round one draft selection as compensation.

Docker defender Joel Hamling, 30 years old, rejected a one year contract extension and opted to join Sydney as an unrestricted free agent. He was originally drafted by Geelong but never played a senior game. He joined the Bulldogs in 2014 as a delisted free agent and played 23 games including the 2016 premiership. He was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2016. He played 83 games for the Dockers but managed just six games in the past three seasons due to a horror run of injuries.

Joel Hamling (file photo/AFANA)

Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz requested a trade back to Melbourne for family reasons and got his wish. Collingwood was his destination of choice, and the deal was done. The Dockers received Collingwood's future round one selection and selection 34 in this year's draft in exchange. Schultz, 25 years old, was drafted in 2018 and played 90 games for the Dockers. He has been the club's leading goalkicker for the past three seasons.

The Dockers also traded Liam Henry to St Kilda in exchange for a future round two selection. Henry, 22, is another who requested a trade, nominating St Kilda as his preference. He was drafted in 2019 and played 43 games for the Dockers.

Hawthorn small forward Tyler Brockman has got his wish to be traded to West Coast. The Eagles gave up selections 44 and 63 in return. Brockman has a partner and two young children and wanted to move back home to be closer to his family. Brockman, 20 years old, was drafted by the Hawks in 2020, played 26 games and kicked 23 goals.

Essendon traded Massimo D'Ambrosio to Hawthorn in exchange for selection 61 and future round four selection. D'Ambrosio, 20 years old, requested a trade for more opportunities. He was picked up in the 2022 midseason draft and played 16 games.

Port also completed a deal with Geelong for defender Esava Ratugolea. Ratugolea, 25 years old, had requested a trade last year but it never eventuated. Port gave Geelong selections 25, 76, and 94 in exchange. Ratugolea was drafted in 2018 and played 75 games for the Cats. He was out of contract this year and requested a trade to Port Adelaide.

Saint midfielder Jack Billings was traded to Melbourne in exchange for a future round three selection. Billings, 28 years old, was drafted by St Kilda in 2013 and played 155 games for the Saints. Injuries and poor form in 2023 restricted him to must three games.

Brisbane forward Jack Gunston requested a trade back to Hawthorn after just one season with the Lions. The Lions traded him along with selections 47, 61, and a future round two selection to the Hawks in exchange for Brandon Ryan, selections 39 and 54 and a future fourth round selection. Gunston endured two tough seasons at the Hawks before being traded to Brisbane. His time at Brisbane was less than ideal. He struggled for form with the Lions as well. He was dropped midseason and returned late in the year, but a knee injury kept him out of the Grand Final. He was originally drafted by Adelaide in 2009 and played 14 games before being traded to Hawthorn where he played 211 games and kicked 410 goals. He was a member of the Hawks' three premiership sides. He played 17 games and kicked 22 goals for the Lions. Ryan, 25, was picked up in the midseason rookie draft, was elevated to the senior team and played three games for the Hawks late in the season.

Jack Gunston (file photo/AFANA)

Hawthorn also traded for Collingwood forward Jack Ginnivan. The two clubs swapped their second round selections in this year's draft and their 2024 round two selections. Collingwood also traded their 2024 round four selection for Hawthorn's 2024 round three selection. Ginnivan, 20 years old, was drafted in 2021 and played 42 games and kicked 48 goals. He was facing a selection squeeze at the Pies with Bobby Hill and Lachie Schultz joining the club. He played just 14 games and kicked 12 goals in 2023. He did play in the side's premiership team.

Hawthorn traded forward Jacob Koschitzke to Richmond in exchange for selection 49. Koschitzke, 23 years old, is another who requested a trade after just 48 games since being drafted in 2018. The Tigers believe he can provide support for Tom Lynch after the retirement of Jack Riewoldt.

The Hawks traded a future second round draft selection to Gold Coast in exchange for forward Mabior Chol and selection 62. Hawthorn sees Chol as a replacement for the traded Jacob Koschitzke and as a ruck option. Chol, 26 years old, had attracted interest from several clubs including Adelaide and North Melbourne before settling on Hawthorn, where he has been offered a four-year deal. The Suns were happy to let him go despite having two years left on his contract due to a well-stocked forward line. Chol was drafted by Richmond in 2016 and played 24 games for the Tigers before being traded to the Suns at the end of 2021. After playing all 22 matches and kicking 44 goals in his first season at Gold Coast, Chol played just eight senior games this year but was a standout at reserves level, helping lead the Suns to the VFL premiership with four goals in the Grand Final.

Tiger premiership player Ivan Soldo, 27 years old, was traded to Port Adelaide along with selection 50 in exchange for selections 41 and 49 and a future round two selection. Soldo was stuck behind Toby Nankervis in the ruck department and could never manage more than 14 games in a season. He expressed a desire to be the primary ruckman. The Tigers were disappointed to lose him but understood his reasons. Soldo was drafted in 2015 after training with Richmond's junior team in 2014 and played 57 games including the 2019 premiership. He played just eight games in 2023.

The Western Bulldogs have acquired selection 50 from Port Adelaide in exchange for ruckman Jordon Sweet. The Bulldogs had a deal on the table for Sweet, but he requested a return home to South Australia. Sweet, 25 years old, was drafted in 2019 as a rookie but played just 11 games. He managed no senior games in 2023.

Source: sen.com.au, afl.com.au, Tom Chadwick, Sydney Media Release, Josh Cheadle, Gold Coast Media Release, AFL Record Season Guide, Nick Brown, Brisbane Media Release

USAFL Nationals on YouTube

admincms — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:29:46 +0000

USAFL Nationals on YouTube admincms Thu, 10/12/2023 - 06:29

Just a FYI to those interested. The USAFL National Championships are on YouTube beginning Saturday at 9:00 AM US EDT and running through to Sunday at approximately 5:00 PM US EDT. We have shortcut link to the YouTube page where you can watch live or on-demand: afl.fan/ltgac

2023 AFL Life Memberships

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 22:41:56 +0000

2023 AFL Life Memberships Lisa Albergo Sun, 10/08/2023 - 18:41

In early October, the AFL announced four new members for AFL life membership. The new members are Neil Craig, Peggy O'Neal, Kevin Sheehan, and Greg Swann for their respective roles within the game. The formal induction will take place next year during the 2024 season launch. Six players who reached 300 games also qualify by rule. They are: Luke Breust, Dustin Martin, Luke Parker, Isaac Smith, Callan Ward, and Jack Ziebell.

2024 LIFE MEMBERS

NEIL CRAIG

319 games and 220 goals for Norwood, Sturt and North Adelaide, 1973-90
11 games for SA.
Norwood premierships 1975, 1978
1977 Best and Fairest
Sturt captain 1985-86
SA captain 1984
SANFL Hall of Fame
Norwood coach 1991-1995
Assistant coach Adelaide Crows 1997- 2002
Senior Coach Adelaide Crows 2005-2011
Coaching Director Melbourne Football Club 2012-2013
General Manager, Performance Essendon Football Club 2014-2015
Director of Coaching, Development and Performance at Carlton 2016-2017
Gold Coast coaching consultant 2019-23

PEGGY O'NEAL

Joined the Richmond Football Club Board in 2005
President from 2013-2021, during which the club won the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premierships and rebuilt its off-field status to build membership past 100k fans
2014, appointed to chair the Victorian Minister for Sport's year-long Inquiry into 'Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation' and until June 2018 was convenor of the Minister's Change Our Game Champions program
2018, appointed by the AFL to its inaugural Competition Committee which advises the AFL Commission on issues regarding the design and future of the AFL competition
2019, was appointed to the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Advisory Committee
2020, member of the AFL Mental Health Steering Committee

KEVIN SHEEHAN

47-year involvement in junior development and talent pathways after playing 108 games Geelong, plus 98 reserves games between 1974-82.

Geelong
1976-79 - promotions officer
1980-81 - development manager
1982-83 - assistant coach and development manager

AFL
1983-87 - VFL development manager
1988-95 - VFDF general manager
1996-97 - AFL development manager
1998-2018 - AFL national talent manager
2019 - current - AFL Talent Advisor

GREG SWANN

1986-96 – 87 games for Williamstown. Club President 1992-95
1996 – Ran Fitzroy during its receivership and completed the sale to the Brisbane Bears
1999 – 2007- Collingwood CEO. Club membership doubled and revenue tripled. Moved club from Victoria Park to Olympic Park. Club agreement for Northern Stand at the MCG
2007 – 2014 – Carlton CEO. Membership build past 50k and revenue tripled. Establishment of elite training facility. Reduced historic club debt
2014 – current. Brisbane Lions CEO. Establishment of women’s team. Move of club to Springfield facility. Return to profitability

Source: Georgia Ahern, AFL Media Release

Collingwood Delistings and Free Agents Moves

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 22:31:58 +0000

Collingwood Delistings and Free Agents Moves Lisa Albergo Sun, 10/08/2023 - 18:31

Collingwood delisted Trey Ruscoe, Trent Bianco, Tom Wilson, Arlo Draper, and Cooper Murley. Sydney picked up unrestricted free agent James Jordon and West Coast added unrestricted free agent Matt Flynn.

Ruckman Flynn has joined West Coast from Greater Western Sydney. Flynn, 26, was drafted by GWS in 2015 and played 33 games. The Eagles believe will add size with the retirement of Nic Naitanui. List manager Rohan O'Brien said, “We prioritized adding to our ruck stocks this off-season so we’re really pleased Matt decided to join the club ... Matt has spent eight seasons in the AFL system and is physically mature so we expect he can come in and make an impact.”

Flynn, who toured the facility and some of the Eagle players prior to signing said he was excited by the opportunity, "I think I’m in a position now eight years into my career. I took five years to get into the Giants side and since then I’ve played some good football but I haven’t been able to cement my spot. The opportunity for me was to put myself into a position where I can compete to do that but at the same time you look at the West Coast list and you’ve got some very good bookends, some very good players through the middle still. The potential is there so the opportunity to play but then the opportunity to help build the club back up in a sense will be pretty good too.”

Flynn already has some affinity for WCE from his hometown club Narrandera Eagles with a photo doing the rounds on social media of him wearing Eagle colors during his his childhood. He was a strong performer against West Coast in the Eagles’ round two win over GWS last season, picking up 17 disposals and winning 39 hitouts, and was impressed by the atmosphere at the world-class Optus Stadium, “As an opposition player it was deafening when the Eagles kicked a goal and when we kicked one it was absolute silence. It was pretty amazing. That ground is phenomenal, so it will be pretty cool to call that home for the next few years.”

Trey Ruscoe (file photo/AFANA)

Ruscoe and Bianco were drafted in 2019. Wilson, from a basketball background was selected as a Category B rookie in 2019. Ruscoe played 18 games, Bianco 23 games, and Wilson eight games. Draper and Murley were drafted in 2021 but failed to play any senior games. Melbourne Demons midfielder James Jordon has joined the Sydney Swans as an unrestricted free agent. Jordon, 22, was drafted in 2019 and played 65 games, including the 2021 premiership. Sydney CEO Charlie Gardiner said the club is delighted to welcome Jordon, “James is a talented young midfielder who we think has a bright future ahead of him. We think he will be a valuable addition to our midfield group with his running ability and flexibility to play inside and out. He has had an impressive start to his career to date and comes with experience in a successful program at Melbourne, so we are confident he will make us better."

Source: Tash Lewis, Collingwood Media Release, Tom Chadwick, Sydney Media Release, Travis King, West Coast Media Release

Saints Hold Out Against Fast Finishing Hawks

Troy Thompson — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 11:42:42 +0000

Saints Hold Out Against Fast Finishing Hawks Troy Thompson Sun, 10/08/2023 - 07:42

In stark contrast to the warm weather last weekend, it was a cool overcast day in Moorabbin at RSEA Park. The Saints won the toss and were quick to take the ball forward with Nat Exon kicking the first goal for the Saints, marking uncontested 25 meters out from goal at the South Road end. Chiocchi was injured when tackled one armed by Ashmore and injured her knee, she would not return to the game and the club would be concerned about how much of the season the veteran might miss.

Hawthorn were able to work the ball into the breeze with pace, and Ashmore was looking increasingly dangerous but her shot at goal into the breeze went out of bounds on the full. She found Fellows with her next kick inside 50 and she goalled from 25 meters out on a slight angle at the Linton St end. Vesely kicked the second for the Saints getting on the end of the handball under pressure and snapped the ball to the goal square, where it bounced through, and Tyanna Smith added another on the run to give the Saints a solid lead.

The Hawks had their chances and should have converted, but a shot late in the quarter from Bodie from 40 meters out was off hands for a behind and when she marked a minute later this time just 15 meters out, the ball dropped awkwardly and the kick into the breeze went wide. On the strength of accurate kicking the Saints, they led by ten points at quarter time.

Tilly Lucas-Rodd (file Densham/AFANA)

The Saints started the second quarter strong with Smith getting a quick ball to the goal square where Friend received the free kick as the Hawthorn defenders desperately tried to spoil. The Saints quickly added another as the Hawthorn defenders took too much time trying to find a way out of the backline, and a big tackle saw the ball spill out to Exon who squirted a dribbling kick through the goals for her second of the day. Tilly Lucas-Rodd roved a ball up in the Hawks forward 50 and but their kick went wide for a behind. Now it was St Kilda who could not clear their defensive 50, and Gilroy was paid a tackle and kicked the goal from 30 meters out from goal straight in front.

St Kilda continued to attack their goal square with limited opportunities forward and Exon went into the pocket with a long kick and a favorable bounce put the ball in front of Lambert, who was able to stumble onto the ball and get a kick at goal from less than a meter out for the maximum score. More inaccurate kicking for the Hawks would leave them short by 19 points at half time as Fellows running at goal and then Lucas-Rodd roving the pack both sprayed their kicks to the left for minor scores.

Chiocci tackled (file Densham/AFANA)

St Kilda started the third quarter a high with Alice Burke kicking her first goal for the club where her father made his footballing name. The first scoreboard blemish came as Stevens had the ball smothered off the boot as she shot for goal under pressure. Minutes later Friend kicked across the face of the goal from the side pocket for another behind. Which was fortunate for the Hawks as the 27 point deficit at three quarters time could have been much larger.

With the aid of the breeze the Hawks sent the ball straight into their forward line and Stratton roved the throw in from their forward pocket and snapped her first goal for the Hawks across her body. Lucas-Rodd again had a shot at goal and their kick was just wide once again for another behind from a stoppage. McDonagh, the Hawks full forward, was finally able to take a mark on the lead and kick the goal from the set shot to reduce the deficit to 14 points. McDonagh backed this up again as the forward target this time used her body to protect the space and mark to kick her second for the quarter and reduce the margin to 8 points with around 5 minutes to play.

But it was Stevens marking on the wing for the Saints, the awarded a 50 meter penalty and kicked long to Wardlaw who had been playing loose in the backline just a minute before. Her kick went left (maybe due to fatigue) but ate up enough time to ensure a St Kilda win by nine points. The third AFLW win in a row for the Saints.

Good kicking and fantastic pressure by St Kilda all over the ground really gave them a big advantage over Hawthorn, and a huge number of smothers and tackles laid showed the Saints greater will to win on the day.

ST KILDA:  3.0 6.0 7.2 7.3 (45)
HAWTHORN:  1.2 2.5 2.5 5.6 (36)

GOALS
St Kilda: Exon 2, Friend, Burke, Lambert, Vesely, Smith
Hawthorn: McDonagh 2, Fellows, Stratton, Gilroy

BEST
St Kilda: Lambert, Exon, Vesely, Smith, Patrikios
Hawthorn: Bates, Lucas-Rodd, Stratton, Fleming, Baskaran 

INJURIES
St Kilda: Chiocci (knee)
Hawthorn: Nil

Crowd: 2,812 at RSEA Park