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
3. GWS Giants
Harrison Himmelberg
Himmelberg, a restricted free agent this year, presents as GWS' foremost retention priority, as the swingman's defence-attack versatility boasts immense value.ย
Coming up on eight full seasons in Sydney with the Giants, Himmelberg appears relatively settled in NSW, having also been raised in the state's regional town of Wagga Wagga.ย
However, the longer he remains unsigned, the more doubts grow about his long-term commitment to GWS, particularly with rivals snapping at the utility's heels.ย
There is a scenario, however, where Himmelberg departs GWS but remains based in Sydney, with the Swans posing as one of his most suitable long-term destinations.ย
AFL.com.au reported Sydney's interest in Himmelberg as the Swans continue their search for key-position versatility post-Buddy. There's also considerable concern surrounding the futures of the McCartin brothers, whose concussion concerns remain pertinently front of mind.ย
Reportedly, the Giants have tabled a lucrative five-year contract โ understood to be worth in excess of $700,000 per season โ to Himmelberg, however, it seems the in-demand star has deferred his decision until the end of the season.ย
If not GWS or Sydney, Collingwood is another viable potential home for Himmelberg, as the Pies would certainly make impactful use of another versatile key pillar.ย
Envisaging Himmelberg's positional versatility at Craig McRae's disposal in 2024 is an ominous prospect for opposition sides, especially considering the creative ways through which the Pies mentor has deployed recruit Billy Frampton.ย
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Ultimately, whether Himmelberg chooses to cash in on GWS' offer or test the impending free agent waters seems an issue for later in the season, however, as the Giants' form under Adam Kingsley this season continues to ascend, the more the club may feel it can persuade Himmelberg to commit his long-term future to West Sydney.ย
Matthew Flynn & Braydon Preuss
Entering the 2023 season, Kingsley's side rolled with Flynn as its top-choice ruck, following the discovery of Preuss'ย bothersome back injury, which, consequently, has kept him sidelined for the entirety of this season thus far.ย
Uncertainty continues to surround Preuss' injury situation, subsequently clouding his playing future at GWS, with his contract expiring at the end of this year.ย
However, as quickly as Flynn stole the reins as GWS' no. 1 ruckman in Round 1 did he lose them, as, fast-forward to the current day, and initial third-stringer Kieren Briggs has evolved into the club's unequivocal first-choice middle-man.ย
Flynn's last senior game before VFL relegation was Round 9's loss to Collingwood, with Briggs' inclusion in Round 10 representing the changing of the guard.ย
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
The Pennant Hills product's contract situation, hence, becomes almost as fascinating as Preuss', with the 25-year-old Flynn holding a restricted-free-agent status this year.ย
Will a ruck-needy club put forward a tempting offer sheet to Flynn? Do the Giants let him walk, knowing Briggs' GWS future is secured for a further year? Or do they want insurance, taking into consideration Preuss' inability to stay available? It's quite the conundrum for the Giants' list committee to strategically navigate.ย
Arguably, the most likely scenario involves the Giants opting to retain Flynn to continue battling with Briggs for GWS' number-one mantle, with the sidelined Preuss possibly the odd man out contract-wise if the medical outlook on his back ailment remains cloudy.ย
Jake Riccardi
Reports have lingered regarding opposition interest in Riccardi, particularly from Victorian rivals, having donned a Werribee Tigers guernsey prior to being picked up by the Giants.ย
Riccardi hasn't re-signed at GWS beyond this season, and considering the likelihood that the Giants' list committee wants to retain his services, the key forward may be holding off as he ponders his home-state prospects.ย
The 23-year-old, whose 1.5 goals-per-game average in 2023 tops his 1.1 career average, is one of the league's emerging young key forwards.ย
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
The rival interest in Riccardi is unsurprising, and with no pen-to-paper yet on a new GWS contract, the tall's situation is one to monitor as we tick into trade season.ย
Callan Ward
Ward's situation is one that will be surveyed at length by GWS' list management team. The veteran has arguably been the expansion club's most revered servant since its inception, however, at age 33, his AFL tenure is coming to an imminent close.ย
Ward has been a valuable contributor to Kingsley's side this season, though, playing in 16 games and registering a modest average of 18.8 disposals, 2.7 marks, and 2.7 tackles per contest, as the Giants' surge for an unlikely finals seed strengthens.ย
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Ward, who seems destined for a future in coaching post-career, will likely be allowed by GWS to make the all-important decision himself.ย
