With the AFL Rookie and Pre-Season Drafts wrapped up, attention now shifts to the 2025 Supplementary Selection Period (SSP), offering a final chance for players to secure a spot on an AFL list. Several clubs, including Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, and West Coast, have kept spots open, with train-on opportunities already taking shape.
Rookie and Pre-Season Draft Recap
This year's Rookie Draft saw 24 players picked up, with eight new additions and the remaining 16 selections allocated to re-listing previously delisted players.
Notable moves included Gold Coast securing ruckman Max Knobel at Pick 4, a choice Fremantle had reportedly hoped to make before selecting local tall Aiden Riddle with Pick 7.
Meanwhile, Sydney added former St Kilda defender Ben Paton with Pick 25, and Geelong bolstered its list with three picks: Xavier Ivisic, Patrick Retschko, and Joe Pike.
In the Pre-Season Draft, Hawthorn re-listed Jack Gunston, while Brisbane granted ex-Gold Coast veteran Sam Day a career lifeline. Nine rookie picks were passed on, leaving several clubs with flexibility for the SSP.
Clubs with SSP List Spots
Carlton: The Blues have two open rookie spots and are welcoming delisted players Denver Grainger-Barras (Hawthorn), Liam McMahon (Carlton VFL), Sam Durdin, and Matt Carroll to train over summer. Grainger-Barras, a former No. 6 draft pick, hopes to reignite his career as a key defender, while McMahon, a VFL Team of the Year forward, offers goal-scoring potential.
Essendon: The Bombers have extended opportunities to delisted defender Kaine Baldwin and are reportedly interested in Jaxon Prior. Baldwin, known for his defensive versatility, will compete for one of the club's two open spots.
Fremantle: Expected to sign former Port Adelaide and Geelong livewire Quinton Narkle, the Dockers remain active in filling their list. Narkle, a talented playmaker, looks likely to join close friend Shai Bolton in the midfield.
West Coast: The Eagles are linked to former Gold Coast defender Sandy Brock and flanker Coby Burgiel. Brock, a towering 198cm backman, was part of the Suns' VFL premiership side, while Burgiel, a former second-round pick, seeks to reignite his injury-affected career.
Port Adelaide: The Power are expected to offer North Melbourne VFL captain Jack Watkins a train-on opportunity. SANFL star Jez McLennan is also in their sights, potentially filling depth in the forward line.
Western Bulldogs: The Bulldogs will trial 27-year-old Dom Brew after an illustrious 2024 VFL season as captain of Werribee - leading their premiership and earning the JJ Liston Trophy as the league's best & fairest winner. With interest in SANFL ruckman Harry Boyd also, the Bulldogs could bolster their tall stocks. Boyd, a Norwood premiership ruckman, was overlooked during the draft but remains a strong candidate for an AFL lifeline.
Gold Coast: The Suns passed on several picks, leaving room for further signings. Prospects for their open spots remain unclear, but local talent could be considered during the SSP.
Despite training with North Melbourne, ex-Gold Coast utility Darcy Macpherson faces an uphill battle to secure an SSP spot, as the Kangaroos filled their list during the Rookie Draft and currently lack a vacancy.
However, Macpherson could still earn a spot if a pre-season long-term injury arises. For now, he could still contribute to North Melbourne's VFL side alongside 2024 draftee Oli Hotton while awaiting any potential AFL opportunities.
With the SSP set to run from February 3โ28, clubs have ample time to assess and finalise their lists, leaving plenty of opportunity for overlooked players to secure a last-minute AFL lifeline.
