The top 10 recruits for season 2019

The recruits we’re most bullish about.

Published by
Sebastian Clarke

The 2018 trade period was one to remember - co-captains flew from the coup, stars left for big money and as always, players were traded back to their home-state.

But which stars are we most looking forward to watching in season 2019?

We take a look at the top 10 recruits that are set to light up the stage!

Honourable mentions

It wouldn't be a top 10 without some honourable mentions. The following names will all be sure to provide their teams with skills in areas they have been lacking in. However, we aren't going crazy over any of these guys.

Alex Fasolo (Carl), Reece Conca (Freo), Travis Colyer (Freo), Luke Dahlhaus (Geel), Tom Scully (Haw), Jasper Pittard (North), Aaron Hall (North), Scott Lycett (Port), Ryan Burton (Port), Dan Hannebery (St Kilda), Dean Kent (St Kilda), Sam Lloyd (WB).

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Luke Dalhaus runs with the ball during a Geelong Cats AFL training session at GMHBA Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

 

Jared Polec (North Melbourne)

The former Power wingman was one of Port Adelaide's best in 2018, averaging career-best numbers. When North Melbourne came knocking at the left-footers door with big money, it was hard seeing him stay at Alberton. There are a lot of expectations on Polec for season 2019 and we're expecting big things.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Jared Polec of the Kangaroos poses during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL media opportunity at Arden Street Ground on November 20, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Chad Wingard (Hawthorn)

Wingard was one of the shock departures in 2018. The ex-Power pocket rocket is heading into his seventh season and will help fill the void left by injured Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell. If he can stay on the park, Wingard is one of the biggest X-factors in the game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Chad Wingard poses during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL media opportunity at Waverley Park on October 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Rory Lobb (Fremantle)

Lobb was one of three big name departures from the Giants in the trade period, and one of many to head back to their home-state. Lobb will certainly bolster the Dockers forward line as well as helping with the ruck-duties, filling a role they have been lacking for some time.

Rory Lobb jumper swap

Mitch McGovern (Carlton)

After leaving the Crows in controversial fashion, Mitch McGovern is heading into his fifth season after playing 48 games at West Lakes. Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and McGovern in the same forward line will have other team's defences shaking in their boots.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Mitch McGovern of the Blues leaves the track during a Carlton Blues AFL media opportunity at Ikon Park on November 26, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Jesse Hogan (Fremantle)

After a tough 18 months with Hogan losing his father to cancer after being diagnosed with his own tumour, the power forward finally lands back in WA after playing 71 games and booting 152 goals for the Demons. Hogan is the forward the Dockers have been looking for.

Dayne Beams (Collingwood)

After captaining the Lions from 2017 to 2018 the premiership Magpie requested a trade back to the Holden Center. The 2018 runners-up now have arguably the greatest midfield ever assembled with the 28 year-old joining the firm.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Dayne Beams of the Magpies celebrates after kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 3, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Steven May (Melbourne)

After rumours circled that the Suns co-captain wanted out of the Sunshine Coast, multiple clubs came after the 27 year-old. The Dees won over the 121 gamer after trading forward Jesse Hogan to the Dockers. A small hamstring setback has put the key defender's pre-season on hold but will look to return by round one to help the Demons defence.

Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

After allegations came through that Beams was seeking a trade back to the Pies, the Lions looked to beef their midfield power. The two-time Doig Medallist requested a trade to Brisbane despite being contracted until the end of 2019. Neale is entering his peak years and will be a smokey for this years Brownlow Medal if the Lions can perform at the level everyone expects them to.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Lachie Neale poses during a Brisbane Lions AFL Media Opportunity at the Swan River on October 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Dylan Shiel (Essendon)

The former Giant was probably the expansion club's biggest loss during last year's trade period, turning down offers from rival Victorian clubs, Carlton and St Kilda. Shiel's explosiveness will suit the Bombers playing style and gives John Worsfold's midfield the depth it needs.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Recruit Dylan Shiel with Orazio Fantasia of the Bombers (R) during an Essendon Bombers AFL training session at The Hangar on November 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Tom Lynch (Richmond)

It was the worst-kept secret of the 2018 season - Lynch was always going to leave the Suns at last years trade period, nominating Richmond as his preferred club of choice over Collingwood.

The 26 year-old signed a monster seven-year deal with the 2017 premiers and has high expectations heading into this season. Lynch is expected to debut for the Tigers in round according to Tigers GM Neil Balme despite nursing a knee injury suffered last season. Once the star forward gets up and running, look out.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Tom Lynch hand passes the ball during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Punt Road Oval on November 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Published by
Sebastian Clarke