2024 Free Agents

[bornadog]

The major names

? Adelaide: Ben Keays/Taylor Walker
? Brisbane: Hugh McCluggage
? Carlton: Caleb Marchbank
? Collingwood: Steele Sidebottom
? Essendon: Andrew McGrath
? Fremantle: Sean Darcy
? Geelong: Tom Stewart (in talks tor re-sign)
? Gold Coast: Jarrod Witts
? GWS: Nick Haynes
? Hawthorn: Luke Breust
? Melbourne: Jake Melksham
? North Melbourne: Cam Zurhaar
? Port Adelaide: Todd Marshall
? Richmond: Dustin Martin
? St Kilda: Seb Ross
? Sydney: Ollie Florent/Will Hayward
? West Coast: Elliot Yeo
? WB: Tim English

[bornadog]

Geelong have 13 free agents

[The Underdog]

Geelong have 13 free agents

They’ll keep all the ones they want due to the #lifestyle

[bulldogtragic]

Assuming we keep English and don?t risk losing compo. Now even Jon Ralph conceded we can afford to re-sign all our guns and go after an elite free agent, who would you have us look at to still bring in top talent even without a F1 at this stage?

McCluggage?
Florent?
Stewart?
Hayward?
Zurhaar?
Jake Kolo?
Ainsworth?
Guthrie?
Others

[bornadog]

Assuming we keep English and don?t risk losing compo. Now even Jon Ralph conceded we can afford to re-sign all our guns and go after an elite free agent, who would you have us look at to still bring in top talent even without a F1 at this stage?

McCluggage?
Florent?
Stewart?
Hayward?
Zurhaar?
Jake Kolo?
Ainsworth?
Guthrie?
Others

I wouldn't mind Florent as a HFF - an area we are still working on.

[The Doctor]

i wouldn't mind florent as a hff - an area we are still working on.

agree

[soupman]

Weren't we into Florent a few years ago?

[Testekill]

The major names

? Adelaide: Ben Keays/Taylor Walker
? Brisbane: Hugh McCluggage
? Carlton: Caleb Marchbank
? Collingwood: Steele Sidebottom
? Essendon: Andrew McGrath
? Fremantle: Sean Darcy
? Geelong: Tom Stewart (in talks tor re-sign)
? Gold Coast: Jarrod Witts
? GWS: Nick Haynes
? Hawthorn: Luke Breust
? Melbourne: Jake Melksham
? North Melbourne: Cam Zurhaar
? Port Adelaide: Todd Marshall
? Richmond: Dustin Martin
? St Kilda: Seb Ross
? Sydney: Ollie Florent/Will Hayward
? West Coast: Elliot Yeo
? WB: Tim English

McLuggage is THE free agent that I'd want but that'll never happen.

[SquirrelGrip]

Assuming we keep English and don?t risk losing compo. Now even Jon Ralph conceded we can afford to re-sign all our guns and go after an elite free agent, who would you have us look at to still bring in top talent even without a F1 at this stage?

McCluggage?
Florent?
Stewart?
Hayward?
Zurhaar?
Jake Kolo?
Ainsworth?
Guthrie?
Others

For mine, McCluggage is the best player on that list but I suspect unattainable. I don't feel we have a player like Zurhaar at the moment. He'd be the one I'd be working on.

[Grantysghost]

Willem Drew signed on until 28 with Port so he's off the list.

[54Bulldog16]

Would love McCluggage but yeah an absolute pipe dream.

[FrediKanoute]

Assuming we keep English and don?t risk losing compo. Now even Jon Ralph conceded we can afford to re-sign all our guns and go after an elite free agent, who would you have us look at to still bring in top talent even without a F1 at this stage?

McCluggage?
Florent?
Stewart?
Hayward?
Zurhaar?
Jake Kolo?
Ainsworth?
Guthrie?
Others

Are any half forward goal kickers? That is who I would target.

[azabob]

Are any half forward goal kickers? That is who I would target.

Will Hayward fits that bill
Florent is a goal kicking wingman
Ainsworth might be an interesting target also.

[The Doctor]

updated free agency list. Full list in the link

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1074372/big-dog-lions-gun-headline-list-of-2024-free-agents


WEST Coast's interest in Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English shapes as a headline act in this year's free agency market, with nearly 120 players qualifying as free agents in 2024.

The All-Australian ruckman hits his free agency season after a career-best campaign last year, with the Eagles already understood to have signalled their interest in him whilst he was in Perth during the off-season.

The Eagles have long held a watch on the West Australian big man, having met with English the last time he was out of contract before he re-signed with the Bulldogs midway through 2022.

He spent time on the sidelines recently with migraine symptoms that saw him engage with medical specialists who ruled they were not related to his concussion issues in the past, with rivals expected to monitor it as they weigh high-priced plays for him, however he has returned to full training with the Dogs and is expected to be all clear for a round one start to the season.

Tim English celebrates a goal during the Western Bulldogs' clash against Hawthorn in round 22, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos
The Dogs will be keen to lock in English as they navigate a year with young guns Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Bailey Smith also coming out of contract.

English, 26, is a big name in the free agency pool, with AFL.com.au compiling the full club-by-club list of 116 free agents ahead of the season.

Brisbane pair Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry, Gold Coast's Ben Ainsworth, Hawthorn's Blake Hardwick, Port Adelaide forward Todd Marshall, Sydney duo Ollie Florent and Will Hayward, Bomber Andrew McGrath and North Melbourne goalkicker Cam Zurhaar are among the first-time free agents in the group this year.

Geelong has the most free agents ahead of the season, with 13 Cats qualifying, including captain Patrick Dangerfield, defenders Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij and veterans Mitch Duncan and Tom Hawkins.

Gold Coast also has a big group of free agents, with No.4 pick Ainsworth the top of the group as well as Darcy Macpherson and former captain Jarrod Witts and Richmond dual premiership player Brandon Ellis, who qualifies under the 'free agent for life' rule given he crossed to the Suns as a free agent in 2019.

Melbourne's Adam Tomlinson and Essendon's Jake Kelly are in the same bracket, while the likes of Geelong's Tyson Stengle, Hawthorn's Chad Wingard and Carlton's Jack Martin are all among the free agents who are eligible due to having been delisted at a stage of their careers.

Dustin Martin is one of nine free agents at Richmond, alongside premiership teammates Jack Graham, Dion Prestia, Dylan Grimes, Kamdyn McIntosh and Toby Nankervis, while St Kilda tall Josh Battle is one of eight free agents at the Saints.

Current or former skippers Dangerfield, Witts, Nankervis, Liam Duggan, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker, Dayne Zorko, Scott Pendlebury, Dyson Heppell, Callan Ward and Travis Boak all qualify as free agents.

With the 2016 draft crop hitting free agency status, the likes of English, McCluggage, Ainsworth and McGrath will all be among the group of restricted free agents who qualify as players entering their eighth or ninth seasons who are in the top 25 per cent of their club's earners.

The AFL will release the official bandings early in the season, with bids for restricted free agents able to be matched by a player's club, which can then force a trade deal to be made. Any players outside the top 25 per cent of earners or who have served 10 or more years at their current club will be classified as unrestricted free agents.

[bornadog]

Updated list

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Jarrod Berry (Brisbane)
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
Andrew McGrath (Essendon)
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast)
Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn)
Cam Zurhaar (North Melbourne)
Will Hayward (Sydney)
Tim English (Western Bulldogs)

[The Doctor]

Hope we are talking to unrestricted free agent Tyson Stengle.

[ledge]

Hope we are talking to unrestricted free agent Tyson Stengle.

He won’t be going anywhere. Why would he swap Geelong for us ?
Beach lifestyle for a crappy old suburb of Melbourne.

[MrMahatma]

He won’t be going anywhere. Why would he swap Geelong for us ?
Beach lifestyle for a crappy old suburb of Melbourne.

Worth talking to him just to push his price up to stay. Screw dem Cats.

[bornadog]

McGluggage signed till 2031 :eek:

[hujsh]

McGluggage signed till 2031 :eek:

I think that has him playing until 33. Not sure he's so good he needs THAT long a contract

[bornadog]

I think that has him playing until 33. Not sure he's so good he needs THAT long a contract

A very strange move by Brisbane

[Sedat]

I think that has him playing until 33. Not sure he's so good he needs THAT long a contract
Hipwood approves

[Mantis]

I think that has him playing until 33. Not sure he's so good he needs THAT long a contract

This gives off Macrae vibes.

[azabob]

Reports Wil Haywood has signed for a further five years with Sydney

[mighty_west]

McGluggage signed till 2031 :eek:

Kane Cornes likes this :D

[Bullies]

Worth talking to him just to push his price up to stay. Screw dem Cats. Stengels wife is managing the contract and apparently is frustrating the Cats with her request. Would be worthwhile as you say to push the price up.

[ReLoad]

Stengels wife is managing the contract and apparently is frustrating the Cats with her request. Would be worthwhile as you say to push the price up.

Never mix family with business.

[azabob]

Stengels wife is managing the contract and apparently is frustrating the Cats with her request. Would be worthwhile as you say to push the price up.

Bullies, I think you will find it is in fact Eddie Betts wife Anna Scullie who is managing Stengle.

[Mofra]

Never mix family with business.
Josh Hill's dad dislikes this

[Mofra]

Isaac Cumming still unsigned.
UFA. 25, the kid can play and can defend. If we do lose Smith we'll have the cap to make an offer, of we don't already.

[EasternWest]

Josh Hill's dad dislikes this

David Cloke says STFU.

[GVGjr]

Isaac Cumming still unsigned.
UFA. 25, the kid can play and can defend. If we do lose Smith we'll have the cap to make an offer, of we don't already.

He's a good steady player and can play a few roles.
In the right side he could make a solid contribution
Is he a bit like Bailey Williams?

[ReLoad]

Just on the agent/manager do you have to be AFL accredited to be a player agent/work on contracts?

[bulldogtragic]

Just on the agent/manager do you have to be AFL accredited to be a player agent/work on contracts?

Yep. Pretty sure it?s completion of the AFLPA course and fee paid for accreditation. Anyone can do it from memory.

[bornadog]

Just on the agent/manager do you have to be AFL accredited to be a player agent/work on contracts?

the Rapper Briggs is going for his accreditation.

[Bullies]

Bullies, I think you will find it is in fact Eddie Betts wife Anna Scullie who is managing Stengle. Apologies it is Eddie's wife who is Stengles "guardian".

[lemmon]

Stengle still unsigned is starting to get interesting. I think he'd be perfect for our forward line - genuine crumbing small forward who gets to the drop and finishes his work.

With Smith on the way out, I'd be pretty happy to see the Bailey money trying to entice Tyson.

[bornadog]

Stengle still unsigned is starting to get interesting. I think he'd be perfect for our forward line - genuine crumbing small forward who gets to the drop and finishes his work.

With Smith on the way out, I'd be pretty happy to see the Bailey money trying to entice Tyson.

I agree, would love to have him, but I have heard there are offers around $800k Is it worth chasing him?

[GVGjr]

I agree, would love to have him, but I have heard there are offers around $800k Is it worth chasing him?

I guess it comes down to if he what he might bring to us translates into a couple of extra wins across a season.
Do you not think he's worth 800K a season?

[lemmon]

I agree, would love to have him, but I have heard there are offers around $800k Is it worth chasing him?

I'd pay it - the guy is a gun and perfect for our forward line. Bobby Hill won the Pies a flag last year, good small forwards can be incredibly impactful in the modern game.

[Mofra]

I agree, would love to have him, but I have heard there are offers around $800k Is it worth chasing him?
Well, if we paid that and Geelong get band 1 compo for him and Baz requests a trade to Geelong things suddenly get interesting...

We're perhaps slightly overpaying for a free player in a desperate position of need who then somehow gets us a better pick at the trade table...

[Axe Man]

Well, if we paid that and Geelong get band 1 compo for him and Baz requests a trade to Geelong things suddenly get interesting...

We're perhaps slightly overpaying for a free player in a desperate position of need who then somehow gets us a better pick at the trade table...

Turning Smith into Stengle plus a first round pick would be an amazing outcome. Of course Stengle will likely nominate Collingwood or another big club if he leaves, but we can dream.

[Happy Days]

Well, if we paid that and Geelong get band 1 compo for him and Baz requests a trade to Geelong things suddenly get interesting...

We're perhaps slightly overpaying for a free player in a desperate position of need who then somehow gets us a better pick at the trade table...

Wow that’s genius.

[Grantysghost]

Well, if we paid that and Geelong get band 1 compo for him and Baz requests a trade to Geelong things suddenly get interesting...

We're perhaps slightly overpaying for a free player in a desperate position of need who then somehow gets us a better pick at the trade table...

"Like"

I do have a bit of a concern about Stengle still. I mean, Geelong basically saved him from the scrap heap and I hope there is some loyalty left but maybe I'm a wide eyed idealist. Absolutely get your fair whack, not saying he should except anything less just makes me raise an eyebrow. I am a cynical bastard though.

[bornadog]

I guess it comes down to if he what he might bring to us translates into a couple of extra wins across a season.
Do you not think he's worth 800K a season?

I have said before, player salaries don't worry me if you are paying for a position of need.


Well, if we paid that and Geelong get band 1 compo for him and Baz requests a trade to Geelong things suddenly get interesting...

We're perhaps slightly overpaying for a free player in a desperate position of need who then somehow gets us a better pick at the trade table...

If Baz wants to leave, that would be a good outcome.
Personally I prefer to keep Baz

[GVGjr]

I have said before, player salaries don't worry me if you are paying for a position of need.



I thought you were asking if he is worth chasing because 800K is being mentioned even though you would love to have him..

[jazzadogs]

Betts was getting paid around 800k wasn't he, when he got lured by the Crows?

Stengle is a jet and would move West/VanderMeer out of one of the small forward roles.

Naughton, JUH, Darcy, Weightman, Stengle is a potent forward line.

[Axe Man]

I have said before, player salaries don't worry me if you are paying for a position of need.

Would you pay $800K for a lockdown small defender, because we could use one of those?

[comrade]

Surely we sell the farm for a gun key defender? (despite already having likely the best CHB in the competition on our list)

I don?t know who or how, but we need more than just a succession plan for Liam Jones, we need a hardened top liner immediately.

[Axe Man]

Surely we sell the farm for a gun key defender? (despite already having likely the best CHB in the competition on our list)

I don?t know who or how, but we need more than just a succession plan for Liam Jones, we need a hardened top liner immediately.

We have been rumoured as interested in Barrass but it feels like a longshot he leaves.

[Grantysghost]

We have been rumoured as interested in Barrass but it feels like a longshot he leaves.

I can't see him leaving as well.

Like Yeoh, they just use their managers to get better deals by releasing that they're wanted by others. Fair play.

[Grantysghost]

Surely we sell the farm for a gun key defender? (despite already having likely the best CHB in the competition on our list)

I don?t know who or how, but we need more than just a succession plan for Liam Jones, we need a hardened top liner immediately.

Agree Comrade, the backline and in particular a key back is a priority.

Bramble is allowing Richards to play midfield/forward which is a massive win.

[bornadog]

I thought you were asking if he is worth chasing because 800K is being mentioned even though you would love to have him..

I was more asking on posters opinions.

[bornadog]

Would you pay $800K for a lockdown small defender, because we could use one of those?

Depends on the player - would have to be a gun.

[Countrydog5]

Whispers are we're targeting Barrass and Ballard for key defenders, so we're at least trying to address that position. I think if we can lure Stengle for 800-850 a year i'd do it, especially as he's a free agent. We're mad to not try and bring in talent like that while we're likely to be in the window for the next 2 or 3 years, it can be the difference between winning and losing finals.

[Testekill]

Charlie Ballard is the golden option for me but he'd cost a fortune. There's a decent looking key defender on Adelaide's rookie list who would be a DFA and a free hit if we're willing to roll the dice.

[JanLorMill]

I can’t see Stengle leaving to come to us. Good Lockdown small defenders can be found for 80K not 800K.

[Mofra]

I can’t see Stengle leaving to come to us. Good Lockdown small defenders can be found for 80K not 800K.
80k is below the minimum payment for players on the main list, and average player wage under the new TPP is closing in on $480k

[Virgin-Dog]

I can’t see Stengle leaving to come to us. Good Lockdown small defenders can be found for 80K not 800K.
Can you give an example?

[Virgin-Dog]

Stengle is an absolute no brainer, even on a larger contract. We?d end up with a forward 6 of Naughton, Darcy, Stengle, JUH, Weightman and West. All 25 and under, and probably the most ?talented? forward 6 I?ve seen in years.

[JanLorMill]

80k is below the minimum payment for players on the main list, and average player wage under the new TPP is closing in on $480k
Yes you should be able to get a good lockdown small defender for minimum chips. What's Catrlton's Boyd on? What are we paying Duryea now?

[Dry Rot]

There's a decent looking key defender on Adelaide's rookie list who would be a DFA and a free hit if we're willing to roll the dice.

Who is that?

[Virgin-Dog]

Who is that?
Borlase. His dad was Port royalty, but thanks to a bullshit technicality he qualified for NGA under Adelaide, and not FS under Port. Probably makes it easier to poach him given the circumstances (and he?s still a fairly unproven player)

[Happy Days]

I like Borlase too. He has the biggest shoulders I’ve ever seen on a person which is something I guess.

[Mofra]

Yes you should be able to get a good lockdown small defender for minimum chips. What's Catrlton's Boyd on? What are we paying Duryea now?
Boyd signed a contract extension as a best 22 player so average salary is the ballpark
Duryea was a mature age trade in when he arrived.

Who do you suggest we sign for "minimum chips" that would play that role?

[soupman]

I can't say I've ever really noticed him but Tom Cole?

[JanLorMill]

Boyd signed a contract extension as a best 22 player so average salary is the ballpark
Duryea was a mature age trade in when he arrived.

Who do you suggest we sign for "minimum chips" that would play that role?
nice try but bad luck :(
Boyd was on minimum chip when he arrived. His worth is up but it was rookie contract start.
Dureya could have been picked for nothing this year by another club.
I’ll state it again If we are looking lockdown small backman, check the rookie draft and the wages there.
I’m not across the vfl, sanfl, wafl or amateur leagues but that’s where you find many lockdown small backs.

[Countrydog5]

nice try but bad luck :(
I’m not across the vfl, sanfl, wafl or amateur leagues but that’s where you find many lockdown small backs.

Not to dismiss your point entirely, but if you're not across the lower leagues how can you confidently say there's lockdown small defenders aplenty? If that were the case wouldn't every team in the league have a serviceable lockdown small defender? I'm not sure that's the case.

[GVGjr]

I can't say I've ever really noticed him but Tom Cole?

Just hasn't quite grabbed his chances. Might be a nice addition

[JanLorMill]

Not to dismiss your point entirely, but if you're not across the lower leagues how can you confidently say there's lockdown small defenders aplenty? If that were the case wouldn't every team in the league have a serviceable lockdown small defender? I'm not sure that's the case.
I never said aplenty, I say if you want a lockdown small defender you look in the lower leagues and certainly not in the first rounds of the draft or trade for them in top picks. This is a football history lesson not who is out there.
I doubt there are 18 lockdown small defenders in the league. Most clubs concentrate on winning the ball.

[hujsh]

It's moot because there is no lockdown only defender on 800k a year. At least none I'm aware of. If you're on that money you provide rebound like say Adam Saad and maybe you can defend as well at which point you are golden.

Saad was essentially traded for pick 8 (with 48 going back).

How many good lockdown small defenders are even in the league?

[mjp]

Small defenders who can reliably defend are seriously worth their weight in gold.

Yes - I understand they are seen as 'role players' and viewed as 'gettable' as mature agers, late in the draft.

Imagine if Brisbane had one last September...Hill doesn't win the medal and they are the premiers. Imagine if Collingwood had one the year before? Papley doesn't kick 3 goals and they are playing Geelong in the GF.

Every single year in finals games are decided because teams don't lock away this position...or because they have themselves an awesome lock down back but task them with too much responsibility in the ball movement 'game' and somehow the whole 'defence wins premierships' mantra is lost.

Saying you can find them in the state league? I'm not so sure. There aren't too many forwards like Hill and Papley playing state league footy...the recruiters need to identify these guys (hint: they're junior mids who play team first footy) and DEVELOP them...

[FrediKanoute]

Ed Richards is the closest thing we have to someone who could be a small-med lock down defender.

Quick, strong, agile, good in the air, disciplined. Thing is we need him elsewhere so we would not use him in that role.

I think you are looking for someone like Ed.

[bornadog]

Two left


Following a spree of big names re-signing with their current clubs, just two 2024 restricted free agents remain on the board.

And there’s already an eye towards the star-studded 2025 class.


Western Bulldogs’ Tim English and Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield are the final two restricted free agents available in a pool that’s again thinned over the last fortnight.

[azabob]

Two left

What is your gut feel on English?

[Mofra]

I never said aplenty, I say if you want a lockdown small defender you look in the lower leagues and certainly not in the first rounds of the draft or trade for them in top picks. This is a football history lesson not who is out there.
I doubt there are 18 lockdown small defenders in the league. Most clubs concentrate on winning the ball.
Essendon's best small defender, the guy who gets the tough jobs, went at pick 1.

[Mofra]

If we are talking about 'free agents' it's also worth discussing 'pre-agents' and to me there's one who would be good for us if Duryea retires - Tom Cole. FA 2025. I'd work on him all next year if Duryea goes around again.

[bornadog]

What is your gut feel on English?

My gut says he stays