Carlton are the front-runners to secure Sydney free agent Will Hayward as clubs circle out-of-contract Blues forward Jack Martin amid a salary-cap juggle at Ikon Park.
Richmond,Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne are among seven clubs that loom as major movers and shakers in this year’s player movement sweepstakes.
St Kilda have a significant war chest at its disposal,as a result of a mixture of frugal player payments and tough calls to let players join rival clubs.
Prioritising the re-signing of players is part and parcel of every club’s list boss’ job description,but some - such as Western Bulldogs,Essendon,Richmond and St Kilda - have a bigger task ahead than others.
This season,The Age will follow three prospective draftees as they experience the rollercoaster highs and lows on the road to hopefully joining an AFL club in November.
This weekend,three sons of ex-AFL players with distinguished records are likely to take to the field for the talent-rich Geelong Falcons - but in a twist,only one is eligible for the Cats as a father-son.
The play resulted in a quick turnaround and goal for Port Adelaide.
The smother came at a crucial time in Fremantle's game against Brisbane.
Players drafted in 2020 are entering their fourth year,with many out of contract. The time to make an assessment on how that group is progressing is upon us.
Charlie Curnow kicked just three goals in Carlton’s September run last year,but says he’s ready to attack 2024 with a clean slate. Brisbane cop a $20,000 fine – half suspended – for breaching AFLW concussion guidelines and top 10 pick Ryley Sanders is turning heads at the Bulldogs.
A review of how players move clubs,the struggles of the expansion teams,Hawthorn’s ongoing cultural probe and a pair of underperforming clubs looking to reboot their premiership aspirations loom as key issues in the AFL in 2024.