AFL Players Off Contract 2024

Pairing ten delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2025

We’ve listed landing spots for a handful of names worthy of a second chance.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Close to 100 AFL players have been delisted in 2024, with a handful more than worthy of another chance in the top flight.

Eight players cut from a club last year managed to find a new home for the most recent season, with Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle), Lachie Bramble (Western Bulldogs) and Patrick Voss (Fremantle) among the best bargain pickups.

With the first delisted free agency window opening on Friday, we've looked at ten recently culled players who could suit another AFL club for the 2025 season.

Here's what we've come up with...

Adam Tomlinson

Collingwood

A player who has been tied to the Magpies during the off-season, with Tomlinson suiting a clear list need at Collingwood.

The Magpies struggled to fill the void opened by Nathan Murphy's departure this year, with the change a factor in captain Darcy Moore having a down year and Collingwood missing finals in their flag defence.

Tomlinson is more than worthy of finding a spot at his third AFL club, with his ability to play as either an intercept or lockdown defender still at a good level in 2024.

Adam Tomlinson during Melbourne's open training session at Gosch's Paddock, Melbourne in 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)

The recently delisted Demon played a consistent brand of football this year but couldn't cement a role ahead of premiership trio Steven May, Jake Lever and Tom McDonald, with a move to Collingwood perhaps an ideal outcome for all parties.

Jack Martin

Geelong

A move that will have its paperwork lodged early into November, with the Cats confirming Martin's imminent arrival after beating Fremantle to his signature.

Well aware of the veteran forward's injury history, the Cats are taking a punt on the electric goalsneak in a play that could prove to be a bargain if Martin can stay on the field for more than half a season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Jack Martin of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the round nine AFL match between Carlton Blues and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 09, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

He joins an attacking unit already brimming with mercurial ground-level threats, with Tyson Stengle, Bradley Close, Gryan Miers and Oliver Dempsey to take away from the reliance the Cats will have on Martin's workloads in 2025.

Gary Rohan

Carlton

As Geelong prepares to land the aforementioned Martin, could the Blues attempt to sign Rohan, who is heading the other way?

The premiership forward was a surprise departure from Kardinia Park following the 2024 season, having featured in a dozen games for the Cats this year.

The speedy medium-sized forward target could fill a front-half void in Michael Voss' side at little cost, potentially giving sidelined attacker Jack Silvagni the needed time to return from his year out of action with an ACL injury.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Gary Rohan of the Cats makes a run during the AFL 2nd Preliminary Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on October 17, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Rohan has the pedigree to still compete at the top level and the Blues could sharpen a forward line that lost Martin, Matt Owies, David Cuningham, Matt Kennedy and Jack Carroll.

Jack Carroll

West Coast

Another cut Blues player who should be given another chance at AFL level, with Carroll reported to have interest from the Eagles, Dockers and Giants since his Princes Park departure.

The promising midfield forward, who hails from Western Australia, would be a suitable addition for the Eagles as they look to add midfield depth through young local talent.

Carroll understandably struggled to string together a consistent run of games in the navy blue due to the club's star-studded midfield pack, with opportunities likely easier to come by at West Coast.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Debutant, Jack Carroll of the Blues in action during the 2022 AFL Round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Given the aforementioned interest from other rival clubs, the Eagles could make a move for Carroll quickly via delisted free agency, or look to snare the Chapman Valley product early into the Rookie Draft later next month.

Denver Grainger-Barras

West Coast

A second delisted WA youngster for the Eagles to consider, with Grainger-Barras looking to earn a second chance after a difficult time with Hawthorn.

The former Pick 6 selection managed just 28 games in the brown and gold across his four years with the Hawks, with form and injuries hampering his development as a promising key defender.

West Coast's tall backman ranks are lacking, with Tom Barrass' departure leaving only Harry Edwards and Jeremy McGovern as the club's leading options in Andrew McQualter's rearguard.

With McGovern toward the end of his career, options for the long haul will need to be considered at the draft, while Grainger-Barras is available as a cheap avenue who still has something to give.

Quinton Narkle

Fremantle

Another move that has garnered momentum in the lead-up to the delisted free agency window opening with Fremantle confirming their interest in the former Geelong and Port Adelaide forward.

It's been quite the journey for Narkle over the past couple of years, with the Western Australian leaving Geelong, training with Richmond, playing for Essendon's VFL and eventually earning a lifeline with the Power midway through last year.

His time at Alberton was short-lived but he was a member of the club's finals run this year, where he played some of his best footy with the South Australian club.

Quinton Narkle playing for Port Adelaide's SANFL side in 2023. (Image: Brandon Hancock, portadelaidefc.com.au)

With close mate Shai Bolton landing at Fremantle, Narkle looks like a strong chance to follow him to the Dockers and continue his career at a third club.

Jai Culley

Richmond

A left-field option for the Tigers to consider as they build out a youthful squad that has several midfield holes to fill.

A move for Culley would most likely come after the draft, with Richmond needing to align their number of available list spots with their number of selections at next month's intake.

Culley, a former No.1 Mid-Season Draft selection, had strong glimpses across his time with West Coast, which came to an end in a year he returned from an ACL injury.

West Coast Eagle Jai Culley )Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

His attacking craft and defensive efforts in midfield could excite the Tigers, who could have a free hit with a play for the former Eagles youngster.

Noah Cumberland

North Melbourne

The delisted Richmond forward couldn't quite get it to click at Punt Road despite an exciting opening to his career during the 2022 season, with Cumberland booting 19 goals in eight of his first nine games for the Tigers.

Former coach Damien Hardwick noted it was difficult to select Cumberland in the senior side given the role Dustin Martin also held, offering some insight into what the club could see Cumberland offering at the top level further down the line.

The energetic forward could be a formidable addition to the attacking outfit that has struggled to support Nick Larkey at North Melbourne in recent years, while the arrival of Cumberland could allow the likes of Cameron Zurhaar and Luke Parker to feature further up the ground at times from next year.

Dion Prestia and Noah Cumberland during the round 22 AFL match between Richmond and Hawthorn on August 14, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Richmond Media)

At the very least, he'd be a decent depth option behind those two and offer some competition at selection for emerging players in Robert Hansen and Jacob Konstanty.

Tim Membrey

Collingwood

Another move that is mooted to be made come the opening of delisted free agency, with Membrey's time officially up at St Kilda after a decade.

His exit comes as some surprise given his tally of 30 goals in 2024 was good enough for second at the Saints, however the Magpies will be excited with what the former Swan can bring to Olympic Park.

A medium-sized forward who plays much taller than this 188cm stature, Membrey can slot into a forward line that boasts a fit and firing Dan McStay and Brodie Mihocek, with ruck duo Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox also rolling through Craig McRae's front third.

Tim Membrey during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The expected addition of Membrey comes after the stellar acquisitions of Daniel Houston and Harry Perryman, making for an exciting off-season of change at Collingwood.

Sam Day

Brisbane

The Lions' potential play for Day comes after the shock retirement of two-time leading goalkicker Joe Daniher.

The premiership Lion's departure opens a massive hole in Chris Fagan's attacking tandem, with an increased reliance on Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris to come in the club's flag defence.

Day offers some experience and is able to pinch-hit in the ruck, hopefully filling some of the void left by Daniher almost immediately.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Sam Day of the Suns looks to pass the ball during the round four AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The 32-year-old managed to kick ten goals in his five games in 2024, kicking a goal in every game and managing multiple majors in three matches.

Published by
Mitch Keating