Updated ,first published
The AFL’s silly season is upon us, and it officially kicks off on Friday when free agency opens.
Heavyweight deals involving restricted free agents Zak Butters and Ben King have been a key point of discussion, while several stars, including dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene, are unrestricted free agents, meaning they have an easier path to a new home.
Let’s look at where things sit at your club.
Restricted free agents
GOLD COAST
Ben King: The gun full-forward has told the Suns he is leaving and intends to join Hawthorn on a mammoth deal, which industry insiders say could stretch over seven years and be worth more than $9 million. Just how this deal is reached, in terms of whether the Suns opt to match the Hawks’ offer and force a trade, remains one of the more fascinating aspects of the trade period, particularly as it could impact the draft selections the Hawks will need to secure Essendon’s Zach Merrett. The AFL is keeping a close eye on this deal.
PORT ADELAIDE
Zak Butters: Told the Power he would leave and later nominated the Western Bulldogs as his club of choice on what industry insiders say is a monster nine-year deal worth $18 million. “Zak Butters has informed the Western Bulldogs of his desire to join the club,” the Bulldogs said in a statement in September. “The club will work with Port Adelaide to facilitate a suitable outcome during the upcoming player movement period.” Just how this deal is structured also remains a point of debate, for if the Power let Butters walk, they would only receive pick five as an AFL free agency compensation pick, which they consider insufficient. Therefore, a trade could be their best option, potentially seeking up to three first-round selections. The AFL is in lock-step with both clubs.
Unrestricted free agents
ADELAIDE
Jordon Butts: Butts is headed to the Western Bulldogs on what insiders say will be a five-year contract after 94 games with the Crows. It could hasten Rory Lobb’s departure from the Whitten Oval, potentially to St Kilda, despite Lobb having a year remaining on his contract.
Mitch Hinge: Expected to remain.
Chayce Jones: Not offered a new contract.
Lachie Sholl: Delisted after not being offered a new contract.
Tyler Welsh: Not offered a new contract.
FREMANTLE
Bailey Banfield: Delisted and could head to Victoria.
Sam Sturt: Delisted.
Ollie Murphy: Delisted.
Ryda Luke: Delisted.
GEELONG
Jed Bews: Delisted after 175 senior games.
Keighton Matofai-Forbes: Delisted.
George Stevens: The co-JJ Liston Trophy winner is a delisted free agent.
GOLD COAST
Caleb Graham: Delisted.
Asher Eastham: Delisted.
Cooper Bell: Delisted.
Ben Jepson: Out of contract.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Kieren Briggs: The big ruckman is expected to sign a four-year deal with Richmond.
Stephen Coniglio: Has been offered a one-year contract extension.
Toby Greene: The Giants captain is set to join the Cats on Friday on a three-year deal, where he hopes to claim an elusive premiership. Greene was a foundation player at the Giants, spending 15 seasons at the club, having debuted in 2012 and kicked 450 goals across 282 senior matches. He won the club’s best and fairest award twice and is a three-time All-Australian.
Jake Stringer: The explosive forward dubbed “the Package” is looking for a fourth club.
Conor Stone: Off contract.
HAWTHORN
None
Melbourne
None
NORTH MELBOURNE
Toby Pink: Out of contract.
Bailey Scott: Delisted free agent.
PORT ADELAIDE
None
RICHMOND
Nathan Broad: Has technically retired, but now says he is keen to play on elsewhere, particularly in his home state of Western Australia.
Dion Prestia: While the Tigers said the midfielder retired, the triple-premiership star has left the door open to playing elsewhere next season.
ST KILDA
Ryan Byrnes: Yet to be offered a new contract.
Jack Carroll: Yet to be offered a new contract.
Patrick Said: An active delisted free agent seeking a lifeline.
SYDNEY
Joel Amartey: Will join Carlton on a five-year contract industry insiders say is worth up to $750,000 a season. The Blues hope he can be an ideal replacement for Charlie Curnow, the three-time Coleman medallist who has just finished his first year with the Swans.
Harry Cunningham: Off contract.
Joel Hamling: Off contract.
Dane Rampe: Off contract.
WEST COAST
Matthew Flynn: Off contract.
Harry Schoenberg: Off contract.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Oskar Baker: Not offered a new contract.
Ryan Gardner: Off contract.
Lachie McNeil: Off contract and exploring his options.
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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