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2023 AFL Free Agency Guide: State of play, every free agent, linked teams, whispers, rumours

A host of big names are slated to swap sides in October.

Published by

Jack Jovanovski

This year's free agency officially commenced on Friday, with numerous names expected to switch teams over the course of the week's proceedings.

Players eligible to exercise restricted free agent rights can sign a contending offer sheet with any club, though their present club may elect to match that offer and force a situation where the acquiring party would need to orchestrate a trade.

On the other hand, though, unrestricted free agents can sign anywhere without any resistance from the club they are departing.

As free agency signing proceedings officially commence on Friday morning, there are plenty of players expected to swap sides this year.

Adelaide Crows defender Tom Doedee was thought to be deciding between this year's grand finalists, Collingwood and Brisbane, before settling on the Lions as his new club. Key-position defender Marcus Adams, unfortunately, was forced to retire from AFL football after having to continually contend with concussion issues. While the Lions remained well-placed in that department -- still trotting out co-captain Harris Andrews, seasoned stopper Darcy Gardiner, and breakout backman Jack Payne in 2023 -- Brisbane's list committee quickly identified their key defensive stocks as an area of need, subsequently resolving it with the recruitment of Doedee.

St Kilda hybrid Jade Gresham, while initially understood to be a Carlton target early in the season, has developed into a likely Essendon acquisition in October. While Gresham is a restricted free agent this year, signs are pointing to St Kilda and list boss Stephen Silvagni being content with letting the 26-year-old exit Moorabbin. While criticised at times by Saints fans for his questionable decision-making, the forward-midfielder has displayed his dynamism when exiting stoppages. However, due to his underperformance these past couple of seasons, there remains ambiguity regarding the probable compensation going back St Kilda's way if Gresham does, in fact, depart. In any case, perhaps a change of scenery for the Northern Knights graduate will serve him well in his next AFL venture.

Jade Gresham during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

James Jordon, whose indication of Sydney as his new club of choice had already been publicised, became the first player officially signed to a new club on Friday, as the Swans lodged their paperwork with AFL House to welcome the Bloods' newest onballer.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein, an unrestricted free agent this off-season after having served 16 seasons at Arden Street, has nominated Essendon as his destination of choice this year; indicating his desire to leave the club at which he has played the entirety of his career to this point.

He won't be the only Roo departing for Tullamarine over the coming week, with key defender and restricted free agent Ben McKay also set to make the switch and don the red sash from 2024. The North Melbourne backman is set to sign with Essendon on a sizeable deal that could pocket the Roos Pick 3 in the National Draft as compensation.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Ben McKay of the Kangaroos leads thje team off at half time during the round 22 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on August 13, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

A pair of unrestricted free agents are set to cross the Western Australian border, with GWS ruckman Matt Flynn heading to the Eagles while Fremantle veteran Joel Hamling has been confirmed for a move to Sydney.

Hamling will join Jordon in the red and white following a lengthy search from the Swans to bolster their backline after losing Paddy McCartin to retirement.

A total of 27 players are still unsigned for 2024 and are eligible for free agency following three signings on Friday.