The 2023 AFL season has well and truly ticked into the business end of proceedings, and with that, the on-field activity becomes increasingly captivating.ย
Discussion and debate about the state of umpiring, dangerous tackles and the MRO, 'wildcard' finals formats โ and everything else of the like โ has dominated the league's agenda to this point in the year.ย
However, as we edge excitedly closer to the flag-deciding matchups of this year, we also creep closer to the off-season; signalling free agency and trades!
As is the case every season, an array of appealing talent is potentially up for grabs.ย
In this three-part series, we're not necessarily analysing each club's biggest or most popular off-contract names. Rather, we've examined every squad's most intriguing crop of players whose contract situations provoke curiosity.ย
So, without further ado, let's explore the next six teams and their off-contract assets.ย
2. Gold Coast Suns
Following Gold Coast's unceremonious sacking of coach Stuart Dew in early July, there's a possibility the thought processes of currently-uncontracted Suns have shifted as a consequence.ย
Are these players still committed to Gold Coast's long-term vision? Is there now a disconnect or loss of trust between management and the playing group as a result of Dew's sudden departure?ย
Or, perhaps, do particular members of the playing group now feel freed up as a result of the introduction of interim coach Steven King? There are possibilities pointing both ways.ย
Sam Flanders
Entering this season, Flanders was anticipated to have a larger influence within the Suns' side than in the three prior years, particularly through the midfield.ย
While he hasn't had the year-long 'breakout' season many were hoping for, having appeared in just ten outings to this late point in 2023, the Victorian has been increasingly noticeable to those paying close attention to the Suns.ย
In particular, over the course of the last month, Flanders has gathered corridor possessions and played an integral role in creating scoring opportunities for Gold Coast's burgeoning brigade.ย
The 22-year-old's 22.4 disposals per game rank far superior to his 13.5 career average, with a starring 33-possession outing in the Suns' Round 18 win over St Kilda representing one of the most impressive appearances through his short career.ย
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
However, remaining without a contract for next season, the question becomes whether he is holding off extension talks, or if Gold Coast has other personnel ideas in mind.
An intriguing SEN report claimed Flanders, along with underutilised midfielder-forward Elijah Hollands, 'did not see eye to eye' with Dew, proceeding to claim the duo is 'more likely to stay (at the Suns) now' that Dew has departed.ย
Flanders, a victim of limited playing opportunity during Dew's tenure, appears more likely to consider recommitting at Gold Coast now that his ex-coach is firmly out of the picture.ย
Albeit, the Gippsland Power graduate hasn't put pen to paper as yet, signalling the possibility that the 'go-home factor' could be a key contributor.ย
Something that bodes promisingly for Gold Coast? The club has been uncharacteristically retentive in recent times, securing the Sunshine Coast futures of crucial pieces Ben King, Noah Anderson, and Bailey Humphrey; in turn, giving the Suns' higher-ups confidence in being able to persuade its undecided youngsters โ Flanders front-of-mind โ to stick around for the long run.ย
Jeremy Sharp
Sharp, an aerobically-gifted winger-flanker hybrid, is one of Gold Coast's most interesting case studies, as he's representative of a head-turning draft trade of yesteryear.ย
During the 2019 National Draft, the Suns dealt away precious first-round capital to Geelong in order to secure Sharp's services, in what was considered a bold move at the time.ย
As some predicted, the manoeuvre hasn't paid dividends for Gold Coast to this point, as Sharp has played just 23 games across his four-season AFL career, and has not managed a senior game for the Suns this year.ย
Sharp, who will soon turn just 22 years of age, comes out of contract at the end of the year, with no extension appearing imminent and WA intrigue remaining.ย
The East Fremantle native was thoroughly targeted by the Dockers during last year's exchange period but a deal couldn't be finalised, much to Fremantle's despondency.ย
The purple haze is every chance of zeroing on Sharp again this off-season, and with no Sunshine Coast recommittal expected, Sharp's situation is well worth monitoring come October.ย
Brodie McLaughlin
Like Sharp's contract ambiguity, McLaughlin's is a particularly gripping case, as he's yet to make his league debut but is reportedly being closely eyed by rival clubs due to his electric reserves form.ย
McLaughlin has dobbed 41 majors from 16 VFL outings in 2023, executing a considerable average of 2.6 goals per game.ย
The 25-year-old, who played for the VFL's Frankston before earning an AFL deal on the Sunshine Coast, is set to come out of contract at the conclusion of this season.ย
Fremantle and St Kilda are the clubs understood to have signified pre-season interest in McLaughlin prior to his Gold Coast signing, signalling they could again be among the clubs to chase the uncapped Sun at season's end.ย
