The trading is done for another year as sides have a better idea of how they stack up moving forward.
A whopping 33 players changed clubs in yet another busy exchange period, with lists for 2024 already starting to take shape.
And so foxfooty.com.au has selected every club’s best 23 for season 2024 following the trade trade period – regardless of injury or suspension.
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LATEST FOX FOOTY PODCAST – Trading Day’s full review of every AFL club’s trade period
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Ginnivan all smiles in new colours | 01:02
(Italics = new player, * = injured/facing suspension but in best 23 when fit)
ADELAIDE CROWS
B: Brodie Smith, Jordon Butts, Chayce Jones
HB: Wayne Milera, Nick Murray*, Max Michalanney
C: Jake Soligo, Jordan Dawson, Mitch Hinge
HF: Ben Keays, Darcy Fogarty, Izak Rankine
F: Josh Rachele, Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe
FOLL: Reilly O’Brien, Rory Laird, Matt Crouch
I/C: Luke Pedlar, Chris Burgess, Rory Sloane, Lachlan Murphy, Harry Schoenberg* (sub)
Key off-season ins: Chris Burgess
Key off-season outs: Shane McAdam, Tom Doedee
WE SAY: The Crows are on the precipice of being a very good team in this competition. However their defence will be an issue early on, with Tom Doedee gone and Nick Murray sidelined for the first half of the season as he recovers from an ACL. Josh Worrell looks first in line for his role plus recruit Chris Burgess should be given time to establish himself in his new side. The Crows are stocked with a plethora of offensive weapons. Their forward line remains one of the most potent forward groups in the competition with Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty, Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele lighting up Adelaide Oval on the regular basis. They wouldn’t let Elliot Himmelberg leave for the Giants yet he’s still depth here.
BRISBANE
B: Brandon Starcevich, Harris Andrews, Tom Doedee*
HB: Conor McKenna, Jack Payne, Keidean Coleman
C: Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley, Jaspa Fletcher
HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Zac Bailey
F: Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Lincoln McCarthy
FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft*
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Jarrod Berry, Darcy Wilmot, Dayne Zorko, Deven Robertson (sub)
Key off-season ins: Tom Doedee
Key off-season outs: Jack Gunston
WE SAY: Not much changes for the side that was runner-up by less than a kick. At full strength they might even start next season as premiership favourites. While it was a quieter trade period, the addition of Tom Doedee as a free agent is a big pickup — even if he’ll miss the first half of the year recovering from an ACL. Ryan Lester or Darcy Wilmot takes his spot in the back six in the interim. The mind wanders to what could have been had Will Ashcroft been in that Grand Final side, ditto Jack Payne who established himself as one of the breakout key defenders in the game. Ashcroft will of course miss half the year with his own ACL tear, so watch for the Lions to improve after the bye. Dev Robertson gets a shot in the squad with Ashcroft sidelined, though you wonder if the Lions promised him a more secure spot in the side to get him to re-sign instead of heading west? New recruit Brandon Ryan will probably start his stint has new club out of the starting squad on balance reasons but the Lions rate him enough to sign him for three years so we’ll probably see a fair bit of him eventually. At the very least he’s depth in the way Jack Gunston was at the end of 2023.
Joel Smith tests positive for cocaine | 02:24
CARLTON
B: Nic Newman, Jacob Weitering, Caleb Marchbank
HB: Zac Williams, Mitch McGovern, Adam Saad
C: Blake Acres, Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty
HF: Jack Martin, Charlie Curnow, Sam Walsh
F: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Jesse Motlop
FOLL: Tom De Koning, Adam Cerra, George Hewett
I/C: Ollie Hollands, Brodie Kemp, Elijah Hollands, Matt Cottrell, Lachlan Fogarty (sub)
Key off-season ins: Elijah Hollands
Key off-season outs: Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher
WE SAY: You know a side is very close to doing something really special when it’s incredibly difficult to settle on a best 22. Carlton’s best team is loaded with talent and stars across every line, with the bulk of their list getting their first taste of finals football last year. While it was another quiet trade period, the Blues will be hoping Elijah Hollands can emulate what Blake Acres did last year and slot in seamlessly to Carlton’s best side and contribute through the middle, after being forced into a slightly awkward half-forward role at Gold Coast. The Blues engine room is stacked, led by skipper Patrick Cripps and superstars Sam Walsh, and Adam Cerra. They will also welcome back Zac Williams to their impressive defensive setup, led by best and fairest Jacob Weitering who formed a nice partnership with Mitch McGovern and Caleb Marchbank in the run to the finals.
COLLINGWOOD
B: Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard
HB: Isaac Quaynor, Nathan Murphy, Oleg Markov
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Josh Daicos
HF: Lachie Schultz, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott
F: Bobby Hill, Dan McStay, Beau McCreery
FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey
I/C: Mason Cox, Jack Crisp, Pat Lipinski, Tom Mitchell, Will Hoskin-Elliott (sub)
Key off-season ins: Lachie Schultz
Key off-season outs: Jack Ginnivan, Taylor Adams
WE SAY: They lost a couple of pieces, but overall, they might have gotten better? The premiers kept the bulk of their premiership list in tact, while adding a significant forward piece in Lachie Schultz. The former Docker is an upgrade on Jack Ginnivan who went to Hawthorn while the Pies also will include Dan McStay in their best team who was enormous in ensuring the Pies made the Grand Final. Which of course means that Billy Frampton goes back to being a versatile backup. Although, he could get called upon again to become a key piece of the backline along with skipper Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe as we await the results of Nathan Murphy’s meeting with the AFL concussion experts. Taylor Adams’ departure to Sydney should also open the door for Patrick Lipinski and youngsters Finn Macrae, Reef McInnes and Ed Allan to push for more game time.
ESSENDON
B: Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay, Mason Redman
HB: Andrew McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Dyson Heppell
C: Nic Martin, Darcy Parish, Xavier Duursma
HF: Archie Perkins, Peter Wright, Jade Gresham
F: Jake Stringer, Kyle Langford, Harrison Jones
FOLL: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Jye Caldwell
I/C: Jye Menzie, Ben Hobbs, Nik Cox, Todd Goldstein, Elijah Tsatas (sub)
Key off-season ins: Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Xavier Duursma, Todd Goldstein
Key off-season outs: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Massimo D’Ambrosio, Andrew Phillips
WE SAY: Essendon walks away from the trade period with a big smile on its face after adding a host of valuable pieces in Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Xavier Duursma and Todd Goldstein to help it in multiple areas. McKay in particular gives Brad Scott the key defensive stopper he needs, which should then allow Jordan Ridley to play his natural intercepting game more effectively. Expect Sam Draper and Goldstein to share the ruck load, and though the former has had off-season groin surgery, he should get first crack in the role. As important as it was for the Bombers to round out their side, they’ll also need emerging players such as Zach Reid, Ben Hobbs, Jye Caldwell, Archie Perkins, Elijah Tsatas and Nik Cox to take their games to another level. The Bombers actually have reasonable depth too, with the likes of Will Setterfield, Sam Durham, Alwyn Davey Jnr not featuring in the above 23.
Adrian Dodoro discusses Bombers recruits | 03:28
FREMANTLE
B: Brandon Walker, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan
HB: Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Heath Chapman
C: Sam Switkowski, Hayden Young, James Aish
HF: Luke Jackson, Matt Taberner, Nat Fyfe
F: Michael Frederick, Jye Amiss, Michael Walters
FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
I/C: Sam Sturt, Nathan O’Driscoll, Jaeger O’Meara, Will Brodie, Bailey Banfield (sub)
Key off-season ins: —
Key off-season outs: Joel Hamling, Lachie Schultz, Liam Henry
WE SAY: Depth is going to be an issue for the Dockers after losing essentially one starter from each line. Joel Hamling’s exit leaves Fremantle a little short down back, which could mean Ethan Hughes is called upon to play taller. Lachie Schultz’s exit almost guarantees we’ll see Nat Fyfe spend time forward as Fremantle need to find that spark player. Liam Henry’s departure could be good news for the likes of Will Brodie to try and force his way back into the midfield – with a bit of a role juggle from coach Justin Longmuir. Matt Taberner has struggled to stay on the park in recent years – but if he can get his body right, it’ll give the likes of Josh Corbett and Josh Treacy time to develop their craft.
GEELONG
B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Sam de Koning, Zach Guthrie
HB: Jack Henry, Tom Stewart, Jed Bews
C: Max Holmes, Cam Guthrie, Mark Blicavs
HF: Ollie Henry, Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle
F: Gryan Miers, Tom Hawkins, Brad Close
FOLL: Rhys Stanley, Mitch Duncan, Patrick Dangerfield
I/C: Tom Atkins, Gary Rohan, Tanner Bruhn, Mark O’Connor, Jhye Clark (sub)
Key off-season ins: —
Key off-season outs: Esava Ratugolea, Isaac Smith, Jon Ceglar, Sam Menegola
WE SAY: The Cats lose some very handy depth at both ends in Esava Ratugolea, but still have the likes of Jack Bowes waiting in the wings after last year’s trade period. Geelong has plenty of forward line depth with Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron mainstays in attack. We should see more of prized draftee Jhye Clark in 2024, while Jed Bews will have to battle with the likes of Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor for a spot in the starting side – Tuohy may be the odd man out in what looms as his final season. Mark Blicavs’ versatility gives coach Chris Scott plenty of options in how his side shapes up each week – if he plays as a defender, there’s an extra spot open in the midfield, but he fills that wing/midfield/almost anything role so well. Really the big question is whether they push for youth in the middle, with the likes of Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Dempsey and Mitch Knevitt, or hope guys like Cam Guthrie (six games in 2023) and Mitch Duncan (16) can play more often? And how quickly could Toby Conway take Stanley’s spot as the starting ruck every week? We have the Cats opting for experience in one last flag push before the Hawkins-led core fades out; could they bring in a ready-made prospect with Pick 8?
‘Don’t understand it!’ Gunston a risk? | 03:15
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: Charlie Ballard, Sam Collins, Sean Lemmens
HB: Ben Long, Wil Powell, Darcy Macpherson
C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow
HF: Sam Flanders, Jack Lukosius, Nick Holman
F: Ben Ainsworth, Ben King, Bailey Humphrey
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson
I/C: Mac Andrew, Brayden Fiorini, Malcolm Rosas, Lachie Weller*, Jy Farrar (sub)
Key off-season ins: —
Key off-season outs: Elijah Hollands, Jed Anderson, Chris Burgess, Mabior Chol
WE SAY: The ins will come at the draft, and with three potential top-10 bids to match, there’s every chance some of the Academy products break into the Round 1 side. For now we’ve left them out. Mac Andrew will want a big pre-season to put himself forward as a starting defensive option. New coach Damien Hardwick will have plenty of attacking options including the likes of James Tsitas, Alex Sexton and Tom Berry. Plus what to do with veteran David Swallow? Keep in mind Lachie Weller will miss much of the year with an ACL tear. Sam Day is another forward option to consider supporting Ben King.
‘A ruthless call, and I don’t mind it’ | 07:16
GWS GIANTS
B: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield
C: Isaac Cumming, Tom Green, Josh Kelly
HF: Toby Bedford, Jake Riccardi, Brent Daniels
F: Callum Brown, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene
FOLL: Kieren Briggs, Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio
I/C: Finn Callaghan, Harry Perryman, Aaron Cadman, Braydon Preuss, Nick Haynes (sub)
Key off-season ins: —
Key off-season outs: Daniel Lloyd, Phil Davis, Matt Flynn
WE SAY: The Giants didn’t need to add to their line-up after falling heartbreakingly short in season 2023. They’ve still got the likes of Nick Haynes waiting for his opportunity, after seeing out the season as a high-priced sub. The return of Braydon Preuss will prove a selection headache for coach Adam Kingsley — does he play the two rucks after Kieren Briggs’ rapid rise? Or does he turn to a Lachlan Keeffe off the bench who can fill a number of big man roles including pitch hitting in the ruck? No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman should take another leap forward, which could prove important to provide their excellent medium forward brigade plus Jesse Hogan – who really shone last year – with more support.
HAWTHORN
B: Jarman Impey, James Blanck, Changkuoth Jiath
HB: Blake Hardwick, James Sicily, Josh Weddle
C: Finn Maginness, Will Day, Josh Ward
HF: Dylan Moore, Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston
F: Luke Breust, Mitch Lewis, Jack Ginnivan
FOLL: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel
I/C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Jack Scrimshaw, Karl Amon, Harry Morrison, Cam Mackenzie (sub)
Key off-season ins: Jack Ginnivan, Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol, Massimo D’Ambrosio
Key off-season outs: Max Lynch, Tyler Brockman, Jacob Koschitzke, Brandon Ryan
WE SAY: All four of Hawthorn’s recruits will slot into their starting team if fit — but the question remains how coach Sam Mitchell manages Jack Gunston’s minutes. The Hawks great returns to his premiership club to bolster a forward line that has also added the likes of Mabior Chol and Jack Ginnivan. Conor Nash will be putting his hand up for game time as will Josh Ward. It’s a big year ahead of Denver Grainger-Barras who has struggled to have an impact as a high draft pick. And with WA clubs circling, he’ll want to put his best foot forward in 2024 – but at which end of the field? Sam Frost and Jai Serong are also there for Mitchell as defensive depth.
‘It was Jack’s decision’ Ginnivan move | 05:34
MELBOURNE
B: Adam Tomlinson, Steven May, Trent Rivers
HB: Judd McVee, Jake Lever, Christian Salem
C: Lachie Hunter, Clayton Oliver, Ed Langdon
HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Bailey Fritsch, Charlie Spargo
F:Shane McAdam, Harrison Petty, Jacob van Rooyen
FOLL: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney
I/C: Angus Brayshaw*, Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom Sparrow, Jake Melksham*, Jake Bowey (sub)
Key off-season ins: Shane McAdam, Jack Billings, Tom Fullarton
Key off-season outs: Brodie Grundy, James Harmes, James Jordon, Michael Hibberd
WE SAY: It’s a an elite looking Melbourne team that will again be among the chief flag contenders. For all the question marks around their forward line, the addition of Shane McAdam with Harrison Petty’s permanent move into attack gives the Demons plenty of firepower. They will however be without Jake Melksham (ACL) for the majority of the season. Fellow recruits Jack Billings and Tom Fullarton also come into the mix, and though neither feature in our projected side, the former seemingly has a more obvious path. There’s also some uncertainty around Angus Brayshaw after his latest concussion, along with Joel Smith’s provisional drug suspension.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Toby Pink, Aidan Corr, Luke McDonald
HB: Harry Sheezel, Griffin Logue*, Zac Fisher
C:Dylan Stephens, George Wardlaw, Bailey Scott
HF: Tarryn Thomas, Charlie Comben, Eddie Ford
F: Paul Curtis, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Miller Bergman, Will Phillips, Jaidyn Stephenson, Brayden George, Hugh Greenwood (sub)
Key off-season ins: Dylan Stephens, Zac Fisher, Toby Pink, Bigoa Nyuon
Key off-season outs: Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington, Aaron Hall
WE SAY: The rebuilding Roos are moving in the right direction. Losing Ben McKay leaves a significant void in defence — one they don’t really have cover for, particularly after Griffin Logue’s ACL blow — and there’s plenty more experience out the door. Toby Pink has impressed at SANFL level but will he be ready for the step up? Well, he probably has to be. But there’s enough around the edges to suggest North Melbourne can improve in 2024. It includes the addition of outside runners Zac Fisher and Dylan Stephens, who both figure to be in the club’s best 23. North also battled a huge injury list next year and will welcome back Charlie Comben, who we’ve given the edge over Callum Coleman-Jones, and Cam Zurhaar in. Brayden George, who slid down the 2022 draft order due to an ACL injury but was a potential top-10 pick before the blow, is effectively a fresh draftee. If they don’t make a move for Pick 1, the Roos will also bring two high-end draftees through the door, potentially the likes of Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma and/or Daniel Curtin. Either way at least one of their early picks should play Round 1, especially if it’s Harley Reid.
Ginnivan Hawks move now official! | 04:24
PORT ADELAIDE
B:Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Esava Ratugolea, Ryan Burton
HB: Miles Bergman, Aliir Aliir, Dan Houston
C: Ollie Wines, Jason Horne-Francis, Kane Farrell
HF: Willie Rioli, Todd Marshall, Jed McEntee
F: Mitch Georgiades, Charlie Dixon, Sam Powell-Pepper
FOLL:Ivan Soldo, Connor Rozee, Zak Butters
I/C: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Willem Drew, Jeremy Finlayson, Lachie Jones, Travis Boak (sub)
Key off-season ins: Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Ivan Soldo, Jordon Sweet
Key off-season outs: Tom Jonas, Xavier Duursma
WE SAY: One of the big winners of the trade period. The additions of Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Ivan Soldo plus Jordon Sweet address important list holes for the Power — particularly in defence — squeezing Trent McKenzie out of the side. Even if only one of the recruits has a significant impact this year, it’ll make Port better in an exciting prospect after its top four finish. We’ve given Soldo the edge to start as the No.1 ruck over Sweet given the price they paid in the trade, but it’ll make for healthy competition, with Ken Hinkley generally opting to play one pure ruckman in the side. The club is also set to welcome back forgotten forward Mitch Georgiades from injury, giving Hinkley a serious arsenal of forward 50 weapons. As such, we’ve left out Ollie Lord, but you could easily see him forcing one of the other key forwards out. Xavier Duursma is the only key departure, though the winger’s career has tailed off in recent years.
RICHMOND
B: Noah Balta, Dylan Grimes, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short, Nathan Broad, Daniel Rioli
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Jack Ross
HF: Liam Baker, Jacob Koschitzke, Dustin Martin
F: Jack Graham, Tom Lynch*, Shai Bolton
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
I/C: Josh Gibcus*, Marlion Pickett, Maurice Rioli Jnr, Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer (sub)
Key off-season ins: Jacob Koschitzke
Key off-season outs: Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Ivan Soldo, Jason Castagna, Robbie Tarrant
WE SAY: While the Tigers had a quiet trade period, with Jacob Koschitzke the only addition, their full-strength still arguably looks as potent as any. Tom Lynch’s return will clearly provide a huge boost after his 2023 was ruined by injury, though the status of both he and Josh Gibcus remains up in the air. There’s valid uncertainty around where the rest of their goals will come from, but between Koschitzke, Dustin Martin, Shai Bolton and Maurice Rioli Jnr, there’s still a strong enough overall mix. If Gibcus is back the Tigers will have quite a few defensive options though the reputations may outstretch the performance based on 2023’s numbers. Adem Yze might be tempted to swing either Gibcus or Noah Balta forward. How the new Tigers coach puts his own print on this team will be fascinating as one of the big wildcards of next year.
Adelaide’s McAdam secures Dees deal | 00:23
ST KILDA
B: Josh Battle, Callum Wilkie, Jimmy Webster
HB: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Dougal Howard, Jack Sinclair
C: Bradley Hill, Seb Ross, Liam Henry
HF: Dan Butler, Tim Membrey, Jack Higgins
F: Michito Owens, Max King, Cooper Sharman
FOLL: Rowan Marshall, Brad Crouch, Jack Steele
I/C: Mattaes Phillipou, Marcus Windhager, Hunter Clark, Paddy Dow, Mason Wood (sub)
Key off-season ins: Liam Henry, Paddy Dow
Key off-season outs: Jade Gresham, Jack Billings, Nick Coffield
WE SAY: Not a whole lot changes for the Saints from the side that played finals least year other than Jade Gresham’s departure and the arrivals of Liam Henry and Paddy Dow. You sense Ross Lyon will expose the likes of Marcus Windhager and Dow to more midfield opportunities this year at the expense of Seb Ross as the club moves into a new era. They do boast reasonable depth, with Mason Wood forced into the sub role despite a strong season on the wing, while the likes of Anthony Caminiti, Zaine Cordy and Zak Jones remain on the outside looking in. It wouldn’t be a shock if Jack Hayes was in the team too in a key forward/backup ruck role.
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Harry Cunningham
HB: Jake Lloyd, Joel Hamling, Nick Blakey
C: Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Justin McInerney
HF: Braeden Campbell, Hayden McLean, Isaac Heeney
F: Tom Papley, Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald
FOLL:Brodie Grundy, Luke Parker, Callum Mills*
I/C:Taylor Adams, James Rowbottom, Ollie Florent, Will Hayward, James Jordon (sub)
Key off-season ins: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, James Jordon, Joel Hamling
Key off-season outs: Lance Franklin, Paddy McCartin, Tom Hickey, Dylan Stephens, Ryan Clarke
WE SAY: The team that made arguably the biggest splash of any in the trade period — adding Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, James Jordon and Joel Hamling — the Swans boast an elite line-up for 2024 as a result. The only name in the above side that won’t be there Round 1 is Callum Mills due to injury, though Sydney has reasonable cover after the addition of Adams (who moved for more midfield time). Jordon is the unlucky sub here, though you could see John Longmire going in a several different directions. Joel Hamling replaces Paddy McCartin’s old role in a key defensive post – though he’s got his own perennial injury issues to overcome – while at the other end of the ground, who stands up post the Buddy Franklin era will be intriguing in what shapes as a big year for Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean. Amartey shone brightest at times, McDonald has the draft pedigree (and interest from WA) while McLean is the most consistent. It’s an exciting time to be a Swans fan, with the majority of the budding list only coming into its prime.
How can Paddy Dow impact the Saints? | 01:31
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: Alex Witherden, Tom Barrass, Tom Cole
HB: Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern, Brady Hough
C: Jayden Hunt, Dom Sheed, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jake Waterman, Jack Darling, Liam Henry
F: Liam Ryan, Oscar Allen, Tyler Brockman
FOLL:Matt Flynn, Tim Kelly, Elliot Yeo
I/C: Bailey Williams, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, Jack Petruccelle (sub)
Key off-season ins: Matt Flynn, Tyler Brockman, Harley Reid?
Key off-season outs: Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey Nic Naitanui, Sam Petrevski
WE SAY: If West Coast can avoid the injury bug in 2024, there’s potential for the club to be more competitive even if it’s lost a plethora of experience. The Eagles add Matt Flynn as their likely No.1 ruckman plus Tyler Brockman to provide more zip and a spark in the forward. Of course, West Coast also holds the all valuable Pick 1, and should that remain the case, it’ll also have Harley Reid in the mix. If not, it’ll have a suite of first-round draftees, so it’s a win-win regardless. As such this 23 will definitely chance after draft night – Reid would start at half-forward for sure. The club’s only long-term injury is Jai Culley’s ACL, and he’ll get his chances once he returns. Speaking of injuries, key for the Eagles will be the likes of Jeremy McGovern, Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo staying healthy.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B:Nick Coffield, Liam Jones, Bailey Dale
HB: Ed Richards, James O’Donnell, Jason Johannisen
C: Caleb Poulter, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams
HF: Caleb Daniel, Aaron Naughton, Bailey Smith
F: Cody Weightman, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb
FOLL: Tim English, Adam Treloar, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Sam Darcy, Jack Macrae, James Harmes, Taylor Duryea, Laitham Vandermeer (sub)
Key off-season ins: Nick Coffield, James Harmes
Key off-season outs: Josh Bruce, Tim O’Brien, Mitch Hannan, Toby McLean, Jordon Sweet
WE SAY: The Dogs should again be bullish about their prospects and climbing back into the top eight, with a list as talented as any in the competition. The club only made small tweaks during the trade period, adding Nick Coffield and James Harmes to round out its depth, with both players featuring in the above 23. Coffield in particular, after a terrible run with injury, could really help the back six – much in the way Bailey Williams did when he was on his tremendous run of form (which has since dropped off). The key defensive stocks still feel a little thin despite the club’s plethora of running backs, given how James O’Donnell was raw in his first year and Alex Keath clearly fell out of favour. We’ve included both Rory Lobb and Sam Darcy, but you sense there’s only room for one of them in the same team, unless Darcy plays back. It’ll meanwhile be fascinating how Luke Beveridge runs his midfield rotation this year, with Harmes and Bailey Smith likely to feature more prominently. But at the expense of who? Surely Jack Macrae can recover from his down year. The club also has Pick 5, which it’s likely to use on Nick Watson, Colby McKercher or Ryley Sanders, who should all compete for a spot.
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