Every AFL club’s most intriguing crop of off-contract players: Part 2

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. 

Discussion and debate about the state of umpiring, dangerous tackles and the MRO, 'wildcard' finals formats – and everything else of the like – has dominated the league's agenda to this point in the year. 

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. 

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. 

So, without further ado, let's explore the next six teams and their off-contract assets. 

Geelong Cats

Esava Ratugolea
Ratugolea, whose trade is now defence following an inconsistent trial period as a key forward, has flashed immense promise in Chris Scott's backline at numerous points throughout his fresh defending stint, but is yet to put the complete package together with respect to consistency. 

The versatile key-position Cat, while demonstrating his tantalising intercepting capability, is prone to lapses in concentration when tracking opponents' inside-50 leading movements, representing his current pertinent downfall as a backman. 

Promisingly, though, the 25-year-old ranks 15th in the AFL in contested defensive one-on-one (CDOOO) loss percentage among key defenders that have played at least 75 per cent of their teams' games this year, losing just 22.5 per cent of his CDOOOs in 2023. 

Glimpses of Ratugolea's full potential are plain to see, which is why it isn't surprising to see rival clubs circling Kardinia Park to acquire the tall's services. 

However, for clubs such as Port Adelaide that have been rumoured to be particularly interested in orchestrating a trade for 'Sav', he is a non-free agent this year, increasing the difficulty of luring him away from Kardinia Park this year. 

Further, a two-team exchange agreement for Ratugolea could be complex to arrange, as the ambiguity around his long-term defensive prospects means his trade value is hard to gauge. 

Tom Hawkins
If he isn't re-signed to a short-term deal before the season's out, question marks are slated to grow more prominent regarding Hawkins' footballing future. 

The argument could be made that the 34-year-old has played at a high enough level to warrant a short-term contract extension, as Hawkins' 2.5-goal average in 2023 still ranks considerably among his career totals since 2007, and tops his career average of 2.3. 

Hawkins is also currently fifth in this year's Coleman Medal race, ranks equal-fifth in goal assists, and is positioned sixth for score involvements, showcasing the elder statesman's continued undeniable game impact. 

Albeit, there are also identifiable moments where the stalwart Cat has looked as if he's slowed down significantly since last season. 

'Tomahawk' has constructed a near-simultaneous career to that of Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, who, in his own right, is virtually certain to hang up his boots at the cessation of the year; perhaps providing all the hint we need at determining Hawkins' playing status beyond 2023. 

Isaac Smith
The Cats have capitalised on their Smith investment since he crossed over from Hawthorn at the end of the 2020 season. 

In addition to a 2022 premiership medallion and Norm Smith Medal triumph, Smith's 22.9 disposals-per-game average in 2021 – his debut Cats campaign – ranks as the best figure of his career. It's hard to argue his late-career recruitment to Kardinia Park hasn't been a rousing success. 

While the Cats have slowed down since yesteryear's flag glory and may not repeat in 2023, Chris Scott's men still figure to feature this September, as Smith shapes to play a large role in that post-season effort. 

However, in terms of his footballing status beyond this season pans out, the veteran's future appears a little cloudier. 

Smith will have aged 35 years by the time next season is set to commence, leaving questions over how much football the running accumulator has left in him. 

Smith has played in 15 games for the Cats so far this season, evidencing the ex-Hawk's longevity and perhaps pushing the idea of him playing on in 2024. 

Like Hawkins', Smith's contract call figures to be a long-pondered decision after the season. 

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. 

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? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 – Flanders front-of-mind – to stick around for the long run. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

McLaughlin has dobbed 41 majors from 16 VFL outings in 2023, executing a considerable average of 2.6 goals per game. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Reportedly, the Giants have tabled a lucrative five-year contract – understood to be worth in excess of $700,000 per season – to Himmelberg, however, it seems the in-demand star has deferred his decision until the end of the season. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Matthew Flynn & Braydon Preuss
Entering the 2023 season, Kingsley's side rolled with Flynn as its top-choice ruck, following the discovery of Preuss' bothersome back injury, which, consequently, has kept him sidelined for the entirety of this season thus far. 

Uncertainty continues to surround Preuss' injury situation, subsequently clouding his playing future at GWS, with his contract expiring at the end of this year. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Hawthorn

James Worpel
Worpel's falling out of favour with Hawthorn's match committee last season meant his 2023 campaign shaped as a significant one in terms of determining his future at the Hawks. However, considering the bounce-back effort he's put forward this year, it's difficult to envisage Worpel not remaining at Waverley post this season. 

Coach Sam Mitchell's Hawks have seen the continued emergence of Irishman Conor Nash in the midfield, adding promisingly to the flavourful combination of contested bull Jai Newcombe, defending hybrid Will Day, sophomore left-footer Josh Ward, and exciting draftee Cameron Mackenzie. 

Worpel's talents have complemented that mixture this season, as the 24-year-old has obliterated his 2022 season averages, going at 26.3 disposals (up from 15.4 in 2022), 2.3 marks (1.8), 4.1 tackles (2.2), 5.4 inside-50s (3.0), and 6.3 clearances (2.9) per game this year. 

The one-time Peter Crimmins medallist offers Mitchell's side quality depth, leaving Hawthorn's list committee likely to extend another Waverley deal to Worpel. 

Chad Wingard
The medium-sized Wingard has seen his influence on games dwindle since his Port Adelaide days, yet is understood to be being paid in the realm of $700,000-800,000 this season, according to a Herald Sun report. 

It's an inordinately lucrative amount for Wingard, who, at this stage in his career, categorically doesn't produce enough on a game-to-game basis to demand that lofty price tag. 

He has averaged 0.8 goals per game thus far this season and has ticked over 30 years of age. Does he fit Hawthorn's youthful age demographic under Mitchell?

Either way, fellow goalsneak Luke Breust, who is two years Wingard's elder, has booted 30 more goals than Wingard in just five more games in 2023. The discrepancy in output can't be ignored and should be a critical part of Hawthorn's off-season list consideration. 

Should Wingard and the Hawks part ways at the end of the year? A third club for Wingard – potentially one that sees itself in the premiership window next season and beyond – may be beneficial for him in terms of achieving a late-career rejuvenation. 

Jacob Koschitzke
Koschitzke is another whose Hawthorn future could be cloudier than some may think. 

After going scoreless in his first three outings this year, he managed three goals in Round 13's shock win over Brisbane but followed that up by going scoreless again in a trouncing at the hands of the Suns. He's kicked just six goals in eight games. 

The rangy forward needs to produce more than he has to this point to inspire enough confidence in the Hawks' list committee to tender a deal offer beyond this season. 

He hasn't played for Hawthorn since the Suns game and has only managed 44 career outings since being drafted in 2018. 

Considering Mitch Lewis' continued ascension, as well as an SEN report that claimed the Hawks are eyeing GWS' Jake Riccardi, Koschitzke may find himself expendable at year's end. 

Tyler Brockman
Brockman has flashed promise during his short time as a Hawk, playing 15 games this season thus far, displaying forward-half defensive pressure in addition to his goal-face threat. 

While his goal production isn't a finished product, the 20-year-old has been promising enough to suggest he has a lengthy AFL future, since arriving at Waverley from Subiaco following the 2020 National Draft. 

Albeit, whether that future remains at Hawthorn, or elsewhere, is a different story. 

Brockman, out of contract at year's end, is understood to be 'weighing up' his footballing future, with the West Coast Eagles thought to be a potential destination club considering his West Australian origin. 

Hawthorn has since been linked to Eagles livewire Liam Ryan, consequently fuelling questions about Brockman's future. 

Melbourne

Michael Hibberd
Hibberd is Melbourne's elder statesman following the club's 2021 premiership triumph; currently the Demons' oldest listed player. His continued uncontracted status raises questions about his playing future. 

The 33-year-old has played his last pair of games with Casey, as Christian Salem, Trent Rivers, Jake Bowey, and Judd McVee currently represent Simon Goodwin's preferred mix of rebounding defenders across half-back. 

At this late stage in the season, is there a route back to the AFL level for Hibberd in time for the finals? It would seem most likely only an untimely injury for one of the aforementioned backmen presents a way back into Goodwin's best side for the veteran. 

James Jordon
The contract choice of the versatile and fleet-footed Jordon would have to be at the top of Melbourne's list of retention priorities. 

The 22-year-old, despite not having served the requisite amount of AFL seasons with Melbourne to conventionally qualify for free agency, finds himself an unrestricted free agent due to the fact he was technically delisted at the end of the 2020 season before re-signing with the Demons as a rookie at the beginning of 2021 pre-season. 

The calculated manoeuvre means the 2021 premiership player, who has been in and out of Goodwin's side this year, can freely sign with whichever club he chooses come this year's dedicated signing period. 

Due to his youthful age, the non-resistant nature of his contract situation, and the limited opportunity he's currently receiving at Melbourne, Jordon presents as one of the most attractive free agents this year. 

Luke Dunstan
One of the hardly-discussed, curious contract circumstances in the AFL is Dunstan's. 

The ex-Saint departed Moorabbin with enhanced opportunity front-of-mind, however, breaking into a premiership-winning side hasn't proven a simple task. 

Matter of fact, Dunstan has appeared in only five senior games as a Demon across two seasons, all of which came in 2022. 

A product of Woodville-West Torrens, would the 28-year-old seek a move home to SA? More pertinently, would one of Adelaide or Port Adelaide even be interested in acquiring his services? It's doubtful that the Power would want to tamper with its currently-thriving mix of midfielders. Pertaining to any sort of Crows intrigue, what would Dunstan provide at West Lakes that, say, Matt Crouch, who is on the outside looking in himself, couldn't?

Irrespective of whether it's to South Australia or elsewhere, Dunstan could be up for exchange once again at the cessation of the season. 

North Melbourne

Ben McKay
McKay, when healthy, has been a bright spot for the Kangaroos during an otherwise dreary period of time for the club. 

However, the key defender is considered likely to swap Arden Street for Tullamarine, according to an SEN report in recent days. 

McKay was understood to be putting off North contract talks until the second half of this season but no extension appears imminent, fuelling rumblings of an Arden Street escape. 

Todd Goldstein
Despite North Melbourne's youthful age demographic and its commitment to its next generation of young talent, Goldstein is making a compelling case for another contract at North Melbourne, or elsewhere, beyond this season. 

Defying his elder status, Goldstein has dominated a number of his ruck matchups this season, remaining a convincing tap-winner and hitout-to-advantage merchant. 

Despite his 34-year age and the fact that as an unrestricted free agent he has the right to sign anywhere he likes without resistance, the Roos' list management crew would be considering putting together an attractive remunerative package to convince him to recommit at Arden Street short-term. 

The case for another Roos contract for Goldstein is particularly transfixing, as ex-Richmond ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones' recruitment hasn't panned out thus far, while ruckman Tristan Xerri, who remains a promising long-term prospect, has battled injury in 2023 and hasn't definitively proven he's a better rucking option than the veteran. 

Further, it seems more unlikely than likely that Goldstein, whose Shinboners career dates all the way back to the 2008 season, decides to switch clubs this late in his AFL career. 

Hugh Greenwood
At the time, much was made about Greenwood's contentious Gold Coast Suns delisting at the end of the 2021 season; consequently making his way to Arden Street to play for the Roos. 

While popularly dubbed a recruiting success based on Greenwood's physically-imposing, defence-oriented play on the Sunshine Coast, the Tasmanian's North Melbourne impact hasn't met the lofty expectations of North's list management committee.

Greenwood's 2023 per-game disposal mean of 14.5 currently ranks as the worst of his seven-season AFL tenure, as his career average sits at 16.9. His per-game tackle numbers are also at an all-time low compared to past campaigns, averaging 5.0, down from his 6.6 career average. 

It would be harsh to suggest Greenwood has contributed to the club's continued stagnation, however, his inclusion unequivocally hasn't been conducive to club success, raising the query of whether or not he's a required Roo beyond this season.