It is currently the free agency period for the AFL. This period runs until November 22 and allows clubs to pick up delisted free agent players. In late October, soon after they were delisted, Wylie Buzza (Geelong to Port Adelaide), Jack Newnes (St Kilda to Carlton), Kaiden Brand (Hawthorn to Sydney), Sam Gray (Port Adelaide to Sydney), Harley Bennell (Fremantle to Melbourne) signed with new clubs.
Buzza, a forward who can also push into the midfield and take a turn in the ruck, is now with Port Adelaide on a one year deal. Buzza, 23 played just nine games for the Cats since being drafted in 2015. He spent 2019 in the VFL being unable to break into the strong Geelong side. Port needed to boost their ruck stocks with the departures of Dougal Howard, Paddy Ryder and Billy Frampton.
Jack Newnes has signed with Carlton after 155 games with the Saints. Newnes, 26, is known for his excellent endurance, running capacity and ball skills. He is also durable having played 123 consecutive games (a record for St Kilda). He also spent four seasons as a member of the Saints' leadership group so brings that experience to the Blues as well.
Sydney signed forward Sam Gray and defender Kaiden Brand. Gray, 27, played 96 games with Port since being rookie listed in 2013. Brand, 25, played 43 games for the Hawks since being drafted in 2012.
Harley Bennell has another chance to revive his AFL career with the Demons permitting him to train during the preseason. Bennell, 27, was checked out by the club's medical staff at the end of October. General Manager Josh Mahoney said the club and Bennell are aware of the challenges ahead. Mahoney also said Bennell was "... committed to some lifestyle changes..." and he and the club will work together to ensure his best possible chance of returning to the field. Bennell played 81 games for Gold Coast before being traded to the Dockers. However, his well-documented calf issues and off-field problems restricted him to just two games in four seasons with the Dockers. Both Bennell and Fremantle agreed to a parting of the ways midway through the 2019 season.
Sources: Loukas Founten, Port Adelaide Media Release, Will Botoulas, Carlton Media Release, theage.com.au, sen.com.au
Article last changed on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 - 3:32 PM EST
