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 final six teams and their interesting off-contract assets.ย
6. Western Bulldogs
Most Bulldogs followers will be monitoring the persistent whispers about contracted key-position duo Tim English and Aaron Naughton, who are reportedly considered to be trade targets for the likes of the West Coast Eagles and Sydney Swans.ย
Pending a conclusion to the AFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement tussle with the AFL Players' Association, English and Naughton are likely to be beneficiaries of the bump in player payments once a new arrangement comes into effect.ย
But for now, the Dogs have business to tend to elsewhere.
Hayden Crozier
Crozier, since crossing over from Fremantle in 2017, has been a relative recruitment success for the Bulldogs, as the left-footer has been a consistently reliable disposer of the ball by foot, kick-starting offensive chains from defensive 50.ย
However, the 29-year-old has played in a mere trio of games this season, as a serious hamstring injury has prevented the half-back-flanker from making a substantial impact in 2023.ย
Barely playing any football this season, coupled with the fact he'll have turned 30 by the start of next year, means the Bulldogs' list committee's decision on a new Crozier deal won't be a straightforward one.ย
Fellow half-back-flankers Ed Richards and Jason Johannisen have also been struck down by hamstring ailments through the second half of the season, leaving a thin list of options for Luke Beveridge in terms of defensive reinforcements.ย
However, with Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, and fellow off-contract Dog Bailey Williams continuing to hold down the fort, while fresh face James O'Donnell has been afforded a decent run of senior opportunity, maybe Crozier is more expendable than some first presumed.ย
Bailey Williams
Further to the circumstances surrounding Crozier, the Bulldogs may prioritise the retention of the aforementioned Williams, who is set to enter unrestricted free agency this year.ย
Williams' 2023 campaign represents his eighth season of Bulldogs service, and as he isn't among the top 25 per cent of player payments at the Dogs, he is free to sign with whichever team he chooses if he opts to depart The Kennel.ย
Williams, who originates from Glenelg, has received South Australian interest amid his continued contract stand-off with the Bulldogs.ย
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
While Williams and the Bulldogs have reportedly undertaken contract talks, no deal appears imminent, with the cessation of the season edging nearer.ย
The handy utility is a key contributor to coach Luke Beveridge's side, hence it is hard to imagine the Bulldogs being content with Williams departing.ย
Jordon Sweet
The case is fairly simple to make that Sweet is the most attractive ruck prospect among this year's crop of off-contract big men. However, whether he's obtainable is a separate discussion.ย
The 25-year-old, a product of North Adelaide, has been afforded just 11 games across his five-season Bulldogs career and remains firmly in the shadow of ascending ruckman Tim English.ย
Assuming English, who has received West Coast interest despite being contracted at the Bulldogs through next season, remains a Dog for years to come, it's hard to imagine a sustainable AFL future for Sweet at Whitten Oval.
Hailing from South Australia, Port Adelaide presents as a Sweet fit as the tapping maestro continues to dominate at the VFL level this year.ย
With Scott Lycett, Brynn Teakle, and Sam Hayes all out of contract at Alberton, would the Power go in a new direction and take a chance on the rarely-utilised Bulldog?
Hayes, like Sweet, is a traditional-style ruckman who doesn't possess the forward-line flexibility of the Luke Jackson-type mould of the 'contemporary' ruck-forward. Perhaps that fact favours the notion that Port would lean towards re-signing Hayes as opposed to pursuing a similar ruck archetype.ย
Sweet knows English is viewed by the club as a long-term player, so in the case that the Bulldogs want to re-sign Sweet as continued English insurance, what would make the pitch to stay enticing? This is certainly a space to watch come trade time.ย
