Welcome to Off-Season Central.
Below you can track every move by every club leading into and across the 2023 off-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2024.
Watch Fox Footy’s massive Grand Final Day coverage on Kayo including the Grand Final Breakfast and Longest Kick competition, plus analysis from the best team in the business. New to Kayo? Try 14 days free >
OCTOBER 13 – ‘HEART AND SOUL’ PREMIERSHIP DOG DELISTED
The Western Bulldogs have delisted premiership winner Toby McLean after almost a decade at the club.
McLean was snapped up with pick 26 back in the 2014 Draft and went on to play 102 games over his nine seasons – including the 2016 premiership.
But two ACL injuries in the space of three years stalled his career, and he’s managed just 11 games since 2020.
On Friday, the club confirmed McLean had not been offered a new deal for 2024.
“Toby has been a heart and soul player for the Western Bulldogs over a long period and will always be remembered for playing a role in the 2016 premiership victory,” list boss Sam Power said.
“A very popular team man, Toby went out of his way to help all his teammates and would play selfless roles for the team on the field.
“Given the outcomes of the trade period to date and the future direction of the list, we’ve decided to make this further change now.
“We wish Toby all the best with his future endeavours and he’ll always be welcome back at VU Whitten Oval.”
He becomes the fifth player on the Dogs’ list to be delisted ahead of 2024.
OCTOBER 9 – SWANS CUT SIX AS BIG TRADE PERIOD LOOMS
Sydney has delisted six players ahead of a busy trade period.
Ryan Clarke, Will Gould, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Cameron Owen, Lachlan Rankin and Marc Sheather have all been told they won’t be offered contracts for next season.
Clarke played 57 senior games for the Swans after arriving from North Melbourne.
Gould was taken with pick No.26 in the 2019 draft, while Sheather was an Academy graduate.
“This time of the year is always tough when difficult list management decisions need to be made,” football boss Charlie Gardiner said.
“Ryan, Will, Marc, Lachie, Hugo and Cam have all made valuable contributions to the Swans. We are very grateful for their hard work and dedication to our football program.“
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, we wish each player all the very best for their futures and we hope they continue to work towards maximising their football potential.”
OCTOBER 7 – PIES DELIST FIVE
Collingwood has delisted five players ahead of 2024.
Trey Ruscoe, Trent Bianco, Tom Wilson, Arlo Draper and Cooper Murley were all informed they would not be offered contracts for next season.
Ruscoe played 18 senior games, while Bianco played 18, making the pair the most prolific of the five.
“Decision-making at this time of the year is always tough and we thank each of the players for their contribution to the Collingwood Football Club,” Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said.
“Trent, Trey, Tom, Arlo and Cooper have all played an important role in this year’s success and that has not gone unrecognised. We thank them for their dedication to our football program.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, we wish each player all the very best for their futures and we hope they continue to work towards reaching their football potential.”
OCTOBER 4 – COCKATOO CALLS TIME
Brisbane forward Nakia Cockatoo has announced his retirement after 49 AFL games including a previous stint at Geelong.
The 26-year old spent six seasons at the Cats after joining the club with Pick 10 in the 2014 National Draft before moving to the Lions at the end of 2021, having been hampered by injury across his time in the competition.
Cockatoo informed teammates of his decision on Wednesday morning, with club footy boss Danny Daly thanking him for his service.
“Nakia is one of the nicest people you could meet in football and has been a much-loved member of our Club that will be missed,” Daly said.
“Being a top 10 pick highlights the potential and talent Nakia had as a footballer, but unfortunately for him injuries and his body provided challenges throughout his career.
“However, to play 49 games of AFL football, including some of those being finals, is something he should still be very proud of.
“We wish Nakia and his family all the best with their life after football and thank him for his service to the Brisbane Lions.”
Collingwood’s top 10 plays of 2023 | 12:01
OCTOBER 4 – SUNS TRIO DEPARTS
The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed Charlie Constable, Brodie McLaughlin and Jed Anderson will all depart the club.
Constable, who joined the Suns at the end of 2021 after a stint at Geelong, will pursue opportunities away from football after 16 games across six seasons.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin, who led club’s VFL goalkicking in 2023 but was unable to make his senior debut, and Anderson, who took personal leave earlier this year to return to Darwin, have been delisted.
Anderson played 99 games for Hawthorn and North Melbourne, however never appeared at AFL level for Gold Coast.
“On behalf of the football club I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Charlie, Brodie and Jed for everything they have given the club in their time on the Gold Coast,” Suns list boss Craig Cameron said.
“Charlie has made a really mature decision to step away from his football career to start the next chapter of his life and we fully support him in that choice.
“While Brodie and Jed didn’t play any senior games for the club, they both played significant roles in establishing the dominance of our VFL program which has seen the club claim its first VFL premiership last month.
“We wish them all the best of luck for their next opportunity.”
OCTOBER 4 – HOWE CALLS TIME
North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Howe has announced his retirement after 107 AFL games for Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
Howe along with fellow ex-Hawk Liam Shiels joined the Kangaroos this past season under Alastair Clarkson, making 11 appearances in a tough year for the club.
The 27-year old departs the game after nine campaigns at the top level, with Roos footy boss Todd Viney thanking him for his contributions in a short period.
“Dan has only been at the club for one season, but he’s had a significant impact on the group in his time here,” Viney said.
“He brought a professional attitude to his training and preparation, and gave his all in every game he played, whether at AFL or VFL level.
“At the end of the season Dan had a chat with Clarko about what 2024 looked like and he decided it was in his best interests to prioritise life beyond AFL football.
“We wish Dan all the best for his future endeavours and thank him for his service to North Melbourne.”
OCTOBER 3 – BOAK TO GO AROUND AGAIN WITH PORT
Former Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak says he still “has a lot of drive” to bring his club a premiership after ending speculation about his future by signing a new one-year deal with the club.
Boak, 35, will play on for an 18th season after agreeing to the deal which could take the club’s games record holder past 350 matches.
Having played all but three games in 2023 to take his career tally to 348, Boak, who captained the club for five seasons, was weighing up his future after Port’s straight-sets finals exit.
Bue he maintained he was not done and took the opportunity for the new deal, even though his position in the team is not guaranteed, with the hope of adding a premiership to his glittering football resume.
“I’ve still got a lot of drive and my body still feels great so I’m really excited for another year and looking forward to getting out there again,” Boak said.
“Port Adelaide has been my home for a long period of time and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I want to finish my career here. I’ve been through a lot at this club and to finish here, with a premiership hopefully, would be the dream.
“I think our group has taken a big step forward from last year, despite not winning a final. The growth as a group and in individual players has been huge, and another year together will naturally make our group better. I’m excited to be part of that.
“I am passionate about the Port Adelaide Football Club and still playing footy, and for the club to give me the time to make this decision and support me through that along with the fans has been incredible, and I’m now excited to go out there again and represent this great footy club.”
Port list manager Jason Cripps said Boak’s professionalism and leadership meant he remained an asset for the club.
“Travis is a professional and continues to be a role model for all players on our list,” Cripps said.
“He is a leader both on and off the field and we look forward to seeing him continue his career at Port Adelaide.”
— NCA Newswire
SEPTEMBER 29 – CARLTON CONFIRM TRIO DELISTED
The Blues have announced three more list changes with Josh Honey, Sam Philp and Lochie O’Brien not offered new deals.
Philp, a first round draft pick from 2019, managed just two games in his four seasons at the club as injury hampered his run.
Philp battled ankle, groin and hip issues since being taken with pick 20 – ahead of the likes of Lion Deven Robertson, Swan Will Gould and Demons premiership player Trent Rivers.
Honey managed 17 games across four seasons after he was snapped up in the 2020 Rookie Draft.
Honey comes from a top sporting family with father Neil a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in pole vault and mum Di a former Australian netballer.
O’Brien is the most experienced of the trio with 66 games under his belt in his six seasons at the club – and remarkably still had a year to run on his contract at the Blues.
But the 24-year-old was restricted to just six games this season before the club decided he wasn’t required for 2024.
O’Brien is a former pick 10 in the 2017 draft, but fell out of favour across 2020 and 2021 before being demoted from the club’s senior list for 2022.
“Lochie had six seasons at the football club and forged some great relationships during that time, he is a quality character which we know will hold him in good stead for what lies ahead,” Blues list manager Nick Austin said.
“Josh and Sam’s capacity to keep fronting up in the midst of adversity throughout their four seasons at the club is a great testament to their resilience, which was certainly appreciated by their teammates, coaches and entire football department.
“The club wishes all three players nothing but the best for the next chapter in their journey.”
SEPTEMBER 27 – BLUES BACKMAN HANGS UP THE BOOTS
Carlton defender Lachie Plowman has announced his retirement after 145 games in a rollercoaster career.
Plowman was the No.3 pick in the 2012 draft, joining GWS in their second draft, but being traded to the Blues in 2015 as the most notable of four Giants players sent south.
He ended up playing 125 games in navy blue, with his best season coming in 2019 when he played every game and finished third in the best and fairest.
Plowman played just one game in 2023, coming into the Blues’ Round 5 side just 10 minutes before the bounce after Mitch McGovern went out in the warm-up.
“Few players represent the Carlton Football Club for eight years, let alone play over 10 years of AFL football, that is an achievement Lachie should be incredibly proud of,” Carlton coach Michael Voss said.
“You would struggle to come across a nicer, more thoughtful person than Lachie. The energy he brought within our four walls was highly valued and will be missed around IKON Park.
“Arguably the biggest compliment you could give Lachie as a player was the reliability and trust he had with his teammates, which he had built and earned over a long period of time.
“He departs our club with nothing but the best wishes and a great deal of gratitude on our part, for the service he has given in the Navy Blue.”
Plowman said: “I could not have asked for much more than to have been part of the AFL for such a significant period of my life.
“The Club has been the best environment to come to work every day, the challenging moments, the winning ones, I would not change them for the world. Thank you to all my coaches, teammates and everyone at the Blues for their belief in me, and their support.
“Thank you also to my family and partner, who were with me every step along the way. One of my favourite parts of my career is having the opportunity to share it all with you.”
SEPTEMBER 27 – ROOS CULL FOUR INCLUDING 2021 MIDSEASON NO.1 PICK
After just 27 months in the AFL system, North Melbourne has given up on Jacob Edwards, the No.1 pick in the 2021 mid-season rookie draft.
The ruckman was one of four delistings, joining ex-Bulldog Lachie Young, two-time ACL injury victim Flynn Perez and 2020 third-round pick Phoenix Spicer.
But it’s Edwards who comes as the biggest surprise given he was the prized top selection in the 2021 midyear draft (a pick the Kangaroos had because one of Perez’ ACL tears placed him on the long-term injury list).
Edwards was selected ahead of Jai Newcombe, who has emerged as a genuine star in Hawthorn’s midfield, plus Collingwood’s Ash Johnson and Adelaide’s Patrick Parnell, among others – but did not play an AFL game.
“We thank Lachie, Flynn, Phoenix and Jacob for all their efforts and their dedication to our program during their respective time at North Melbourne,” Kangaroos GM of football Todd Viney said.
“It is always a tough time of year having to make these kinds of decisions around our list, and we wish all four men the best for their future endeavours.”
SEPTEMBER 26 – HAWKS DUMP THREE AS REBUILD CONTINUES
Hawthorn has made three “initial” list changes with Josh Morris, Emerson Jeka and Fionn O’Hara all leaving the club.
Morris, who played 15 games over four seasons, and Jeka, who played seven games in two years, have been delisted.
O’Hara, an international category B rookie who failed to make his AFL debut, and the club have “mutually agreed to part ways” with his contract coming to an end.
“We thank Josh, Emerson and Fionn for their contribution to the club across recent seasons,” Hawks national recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie said.
“All three have been great teammates and showed a high level of professionalism during their time in the brown and gold.
“We understand these sorts of decisions happen every year, and on behalf of everyone at the club we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
SEPTEMBER 25 – GWS CHARACTER ONE OF TWO DELISTED
The GWS Giants have confirmed Jason Gillbee and Cameron Fleeton will not be offered contracts for 2024.
Just three days after the club’s season came to an end, Giants boss Jason McCartney revealed the news to the young duo.
Gillbee may not have made his debut on the field, but off it he quickly became an icon and a fan favourite after his shock reveal he replaced his water intake with milk.
The revelation quickly saw Gillbee turn into a social media sensation as his antics made headlines across the country.
The 19-year-old arrived at the Giants as a NSW zone selection ahead of the 2023 season.
“Jason has been with us for a season after being selected as a category B rookie and was unfortunately unable to make his mark,” McCartney said.
“Both Cam and Jason have been great additions off the field who have contributed to our club, and we wish them both well in their next ventures.”
The 21-year-old Fleeton managed two AFL games in his three seasons at GWS – making his debut earlier this year.
But the young defender couldn’t secure a regular spot in the team that surged home to reach a preliminary final.
“Cam has spent three seasons with us and has been a steady and reliable member of our VFL side but was just unable to break into the AFL side consistently,” McCartney said.
The duo join retirees Phil Davis and Daniel Lloyd in departing the club this off-season.
EVERY CLUB’S LIST CHANGES AND DRAFT PICKS
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who is leaving: Fischer McAsey (retired), Paul Seedsman (retired), Andrew McPherson (delisted), Jackson Hately (delisted), Tyler Brown (delisted), Tariek Newchurch (delisted), Tom Doedee (free agent, Brisbane)
Who is arriving: Chris Burgess (trade, Gold Coast)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 9, 20, 23
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS
Who is leaving: Marcus Adams (retired), Daniel Rich (retired), Nakia Cockatoo (retired)
Who is arriving: Tom Doedee (free agent, Adelaide)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 26, 45, 55, 61
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
CARLTON
Who is leaving: Ed Curnow (retired), Lachie Plowman (retired), Sam Philp (delisted), Josh Honey (delisted), Lochie O’Brien (delisted), Zac Fisher (trade, North Melbourne)
Who is arriving: Matt Duffy (category B rookie), Rob Monahan (category B rookie)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 16, 64, 72
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
COLLINGWOOD
Who is leaving: Trey Ruscoe (delisted), Trent Bianco (delisted), Tom Wilson (delisted), Arlo Draper (delisted), Cooper Murley (delisted), Taylor Adams (trade, Sydney)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 18, 35
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ESSENDON
Who is leaving: Andrew Phillips (retired), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (retired), Alastair Lord (delisted), Rhett Montgomerie (delisted), Cian McBride (delisted), Anthony Munkara (delisted)
Who is arriving: Todd Goldstein (free agent, North Melbourne), Ben McKay (free agent, North Melbourne)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 8, 27, 46, 67
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
FREMANTLE
Who is leaving: Eric Benning (delisted), Travis Colyer (delisted), Nathan Wilson (delisted), Joel Hamling (free agent, Sydney)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 21, 40, 54, 58
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GEELONG
Who is leaving: Isaac Smith (retired), Jon Ceglar (retired), Sam Menegola (delisted), Sam Simpson (delisted), Osca Riccardi (delisted), Cooper Whyte (delisted)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 7
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who is leaving: Connor Blakely (retired), Charlie Constable (retired), Brodie McLaughlin (delisted), Jed Anderson (delisted), Chris Burgess (trade, Adelaide)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 4, 28, 34, 42, 47, 56, 60, 65, 68
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GWS GIANTS
Who is leaving: Daniel Lloyd (retired), Phil Davis (retired), Jason Gillbee (delisted), Cameron Fleeton (delisted), Matt Flynn (free agent, West Coast)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 6, 15, 53, 71, 73
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
HAWTHORN
Who is leaving: Max Lynch (retired), Josh Morris (delisted), Emerson Jeka (delisted), Fionn O’Hara (mutually agreed delisting)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 3, 29, 48
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
MELBOURNE
Who is leaving: Michael Hibberd (retired), Deakyn Smith (delisted), Luke Dunstan (retired), James Jordon (free agent, Sydney), James Harmes (trade, Western Bulldogs), Brodie Grundy (trade, Sydney)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 5, 13, 24, 32
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who is leaving: Daniel Howe (retired), Jack Ziebell (retired), Aaron Hall (retired), Ben Cunnington (retired), Lachie Young (delisted), Flynn Perez (delisted), Phoenix Spicer (delisted), Jacob Edwards (delisted), Todd Goldstein (free agent, Essendon), Ben McKay (free agent, Essendon)
Who is arriving: Dylan Stephens (trade, Sydney), Zac Fisher (trade, Carlton)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 2, 14, 39, 51, 59
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Who is leaving: Tom Jonas (retired), Riley Bonner (delisted), Trent Dumont (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted), Nathan Barkla (delisted)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 37, 43, 70
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
RICHMOND
Who is leaving: Jason Castagna (retired), Robbie Tarrant (retired), Trent Cotchin (retired), Jack Riewoldt (retired), Kaelan Bradtke (delisted)
Who is arriving: Oliver Hayes-Brown (category B rookie)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 25, 44, 62
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ST KILDA
Who is leaving: Jack Bytel (delisted), Leo Connolly (delisted), Jack Peris (delisted), Oscar Adams (delisted)
Who is arriving: TBC
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 12, 31, 50
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
SYDNEY SWANS
Who is leaving: Lance Franklin (retired), Paddy McCartin (retired), Tom Hickey (retired), Ryan Clarke (delisted), Will Gould (delisted), Hugo Hall-Kahan (delisted), Cameron Owen (delisted), Lachlan Rankin (delisted), Marc Sheather (delisted), Dylan Stephens (trade, North Melbourne)
Who is arriving: James Jordon (free agent, Melbourne), Joel Hamling (free agent, Fremantle), Brodie Grundy (trade, Melbourne), Taylor Adams (trade, Collingwood)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 11, 22, 30, 41, 49
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who is leaving: Shannon Hurn (retired), Luke Shuey (retired), Nic Naitanui (retired), Luke Foley (delisted), Sam Petrevski-Seton (delisted), Xavier O’Neill (delisted), Connor West (delisted), Greg Clark (delisted), Isiah Winder (delisted)
Who is arriving: Matt Flynn (free agent, GWS)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 1, 19, 33, 38, 52, 57
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who is leaving: Josh Bruce (retired), Tim O’Brien (delisted), Cody Raak (delisted), Robbie McComb (delisted), Mitch Hannan (delisted), Toby McLean (delisted)
Who is arriving: James Harmes (trade, Melbourne)
Draft picks (pre-free agency): 10, 17, 36, 63, 66, 69
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
