With all the moves of the 2023 AFL Trade Period done and dusted, we saw some big players change clubs. Some shock decisions alongside some deals that seemed to be done weeks ago were finalised ahead of Wednesday's deadline.
Nevertheless, teams have done what they can to build up their side in the hopes that 2024 might be the year that takes them a step closer to the ultimate glory of winning the flag.
But if we took all the players involved during this period, what is the best team that we could create out of those players?
Here we have named our best 23-man side consisting of players moved in the free agency and trade period.
FB: Tom Doedee (BL), Esava Ratugolea (PA), Ben McKay (ES)
The now-former Crow Doedee starts off our side. Whilst 2023 was an injury-riddled year, it is undeniable that he is a solid defender. A perfect fit for the Lions who might be a replacement player for Ryan Lester, gifting more assistance for Harris Andrews to roam and play off his man. Ratugolea has been an excellent utility for Geelong but it may be expected that his role might be more involved defensively, alongside Zerk-Thatcher as well, He will be aiming to improve the Power defence after a poor finals campaign for the Port backline. McKay may also provide a significant boost for Essendon. With the departure of Zerk-Thatcher, the Bombers needed a replacement. The biggest weakness for Essendon appeared to be defence, particularly in the second half of the year.
HB: Nick Coffield (WB), Massimo D'Ambrosio, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (PA)
A speedy half-backline finishes our back six. The speed of Coffield will be of benefit to the Western Bulldogs as ball movement seemed to be one of the issues that caused the Bulldogs to fall out of the finals picture. While D'Ambrosio is yet to show his full potential, his run from half-back earns him the spot in our best. Zerk-Thatcher will be a handy link for Port. Whether he plays along the full-back line or half-back, he could play as a one-on-one defender deep in the back line or play up a little to be an intercept when the opponent tries to move down the wing.
MID: Elijah Hollands (CB),Taylor Adams (SS), James Jordon (SS)
Former Collingwood player Adams starts our midfield. While it seems he could be a better fit at half-forward, his run could be useful in the midfield knowing he can also hit the scoreboard. The same applies to Hollands, quick on his feet but more time in the middle would see his skills flourish. Jordon does plenty of work once the ball is on the ground. Being around the contest more will allow him to work on that craft and become a reliable member of his new team, the Sydney Swans.
FOLL: Brodie Grundy (SS), Jade Gresham (ES), James Harmes (WB)
2023 was a tough year for Grundy, with barely any opportunities to showcase his skills in the ruck, but in this period he was the best ruck on the market. A new landscape for him might be the spark that gets him going back into conversations as one of the best rucks in the competition. Gresham has been switching between a forward midfield role over recent years. His stats show that he can play midfield with 87 clearances in 2019, but he can also kick goals. Hitting the scoreboard as a follower is massive and takes some weight off the shoulders of the current Essendon midfield. Harmes is also a potentially good midfielder. While he might struggle to get in as a follower at the Bulldogs, 2019 showed that he can play that role with 95 clearances to go with close to eight ground ball gets per game.
HF: Lachie Schultz (Coll), Mabior Chol (HAW), Jack Ginnivan (HAW)
Collingwood has upgraded their team further with the inclusion of Schultz, who will bring some toughness to the forward line while still providing the qualities of a small forward. He will be just another weapon to their forward line. Chol on the half-forward means he also has the opportunity to move up the ground. He would also play the role of ruck in the forward line to give Grundy a rest. Ginnivan in the forward line means he can continue to play a 'crumbing' role in which he can either hit up Chol or Gunston. Not to mention he can score from anywhere which might bring the attention of the better defenders away from the key forwards.
FF: Liam Henry (ST), Jack Gunston (HAW), Shane McAdam (MEL)
Both Henry and McAdam play important roles. It would be expected that if the ball were to come to the ground near the goals, these two would be the first to pounce. Both offer plenty of speed and all the tricks when it comes to goalkicking. The veteran in Gunston is the leader of the attack. His experience is unmatched and though he isn't the tallest of the lot, he knows how to lose a defender and remains to have sticky hands.
I/C: Tyler Brockman (WC), Zac Fisher (NM), Todd Goldstein (ES), Xavier Duursma (ES) SUB: Jack Billings (Mel)
Brockman was debated as a potential starter in a forward pocket but unfortunately the power already in the lineup means that he remains a backup on the bench. Fisher will also play a rotation through the midfield and can become a dangerous duo with someone, especially for his link-up work alongside Patrick Cripps. Goldstein will be the preferred backup, his ruck craft is sublime, however, his work around the ground means he comes off the bench. Duursma will also feature along half-forward and the wing. He can be a strong marking target and his scoring abilities are well-known. Billings just misses out on a spot in the 22, but the skill set of the player already listed edges him out.
FB: Doedee, Ratugolea, McKay
HB: Coffield, Zerk-Thatcher, D'Ambrosio,
C: Hollands, Adams, Jordon
HF:: Schultz, Chol, Henry
FF: Ginnivan, Gunston, McAdam
FO: Grundy, Harmes, Gresham
I/C: Brockman, Fisher, Goldstein, Duursma
SUB: Billings
