Champion Data rate 32 players on the trade table in season 2023
Champion Data has found there are a lack of players on the trade table rated as elite or above average in their position this year. So where are the bargain recruits? We look at all 32 players.
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Where are the bargain recruits?
After Collingwood scooped up four important players – Bobby Hill, Billy Frampton, Tom Mitchell and Dan McStay – during last season’s player movement period, all other clubs are looking to emulate the reigning premier this year.
But among the 32 names we have picked that could be on the trade table, there are few that stand out by the numbers.
Last season, players like Josh Dunkley and Izak Rankine were seen by Champion Data as ‘elite’ in their position and went on to make big impacts at a second club.
And then others such as Blake Acres and Tim Taranto were seen as ‘above average’ and were big successes after a trade.
Champion Data has provided exclusive stats on the 32 players, with a number rated for their position, while a large swath of potential tradees simply didn’t play enough AFL football to receive a rating, showing a lack of high-quality depth on the market.
Check out how each player rates.
ABOVE AVERAGE
TOM DOEDEE (ADELAIDE)
Age: 26 2023 games: 11 Position: General defender Status: Out-of-contract (restricted free agent)
Before suffering another major knee injury, Doedee had dropped away from his one-wood: his intercept play. The defender dropped more than 20 per cent on his 2022 output for intercept marks and more than 10 per cent on intercept possessions. Still, he was rated as above average among general defenders. Top-ranking sides Brisbane Lions and Collingwood have shown interest in Doedee and he remains a good option as a bonus, third tall defender.
BRANDON ZERK-THATCHER (ESSENDON)
Age: 25 2023 games: 22 Position: Key defender Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Just about to hit his prime as a tall defender and has shown he can be a useful rebounder, having been rated above average for intercept possessions this year. But he has been torn apart at times in one-on-one duels – Tom Hawkins will give him nightmares. Port Adelaide is his landing spot and the Power have been crying out for a big, lockdown man. But is BZT just another second or third tall?
TODD GOLDSTEIN (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Age: 35 2023 games: 20 Position: Ruck Status: Out-of-contract (unrestricted free agent)
Age has finally slowed Goldstein down as his numbers fell across the board this year. But he remained a more-than-useful ruck even with 315 games in his back pocket. He was above average in both contested possessions and hithouts to advantage and if he is happy to play 15-18 games for a Essendon, he could be a valuable contributor.
AVERAGE
ZAC FISHER (CARLTON)
Age: 25 2023 games: 12 Position: General forward Contract ends: 2025
Fisher was rated ‘average’ as a general forward but it was a stretch between rounds 21 and 24 that could show his future. He was sent to the half-back line and was exceptional, collecting 27 disposals a came, with much of that uncontested. Always been a speedy runner with a classy left-foot, Fisher is contracted but has been eyed by North Melbourne. Brownlow medallist Nathan Buckley pondered whether the half-back time was about “fattening up” his trade value. He would be a great fit for the Roos.
DYLAN SHIEL (ESSENDON)
Age: 30 2023 games: 12 Position: Midfielder Contract ends: 2024
Seemed to be finding his feet in a new role playing a bit more forward – which explains his drop in clearances and contested ball this year. But Shiel then injured his foot. Whispers have linked him to St Kilda and he would be a useful explosive runner out of contests there. Fitness has been a concern but he still has plenty to offer.
LIAM HENRY (FREMANTLE)
Age: 22 2023 games: 16 Position: Wing Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Disparaging Fremantle fans will tell you that Henry’s kicking is poor and he rated average this year, with an efficiency of 61.2 per cent. But he took a big step forward in most other areas and he can set up goals – ranking elite for assists.
TYLER BROCKMAN (HAWTHORN)
Age: 20 2023 games: 15 Position: General forward Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Brockman will turn 21 in November and has shown signs of being a very handy forward. He manages to find the ball inside-50 and his score assists were above average. The Hawk wants a trade to West Coast and would be a good fit next to Liam Ryan.
BRODIE GRUNDY (MELBOURNE)
Age: 29 2023 games: 17 Position: Ruck Contract ends: 2027
Will Sydney get the Grundy of 2018-19? That player – then a Magpie – was on the game’s best rucks and was incredible at finding the footy for a big man. This year he still rated above average for disposals despite seeing his actual ruck time slashed while playing with Max Gawn. Sydney is crying out for a reliable ruck and Grundy could be a star there.
JAMES JORDON (MELBOURNE)
Age: 22 2023 games: 18 Position: Mid-forward Status: Out-of-contract (unrestricted free agent)
Jordon will walk to Sydney as an unrestricted free agent after a solid season at half-forward. He improved radically in pressure and score involvements as a forward but dropped in his disposals numbers while he was out of the engine room. More midfield time beckons with the Swans.
BEN MCKAY (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Age: 25 2023 games: 19 Position: Key defender Status: Out-of-contract (restricted free agent)
Dubbed ‘Buckets’ at North Melbourne, McKay does one thing incredibly well: marking. His marking numbers are strong across the board and he is elite at intercept grabs, one of footy’s most valuable skills. But he isn’t a great user of the ball and lost 23.9 per cent of his one-on-one contests this year, a number that puts him outside the top 100 key defenders in 2023. If he can fix that part of his game up he can be an extremely valuable tall back when he is expected to play for Essendon on big money.
JADE GRESHAM (ST KILDA)
Age: 26 2023 games: 23 Position: General forward Status: Out-of-contract (restricted free agent)
The question about Gresham is his disposal. Among forwards he gathered the ball at an elite rate but his kicking can let him down and he converted at just 38.9 per cent this year. Had he kicked more of his chances he would have had an excellent season but inaccuracy is part of his makeup. Gresham is a dangerous player at his best and while St Kilda wants to keep him, he’s expected to move to Essendon in 2024.
BELOW AVERAGE
DEVEN ROBERTSON (BRISBANE LIONS)
Age: 22 2023 games: 15 Position: Mid-forward Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Still only 22, but Robertson has shown few glimpses he can be much more than a seventh or eighth midfielder in a good side. Has not had more than 19 disposals in any of his 40 games and while his clearances bumped up this year – only a jump from 1 per game to 2.1 – his other numbers haven’t risen. Plenty of growth still in Robertson though, with West Coast chasing hard to lure him back home.
ESAVA RATUGOLEA (GEELONG)
Age: 25 2023 games: 16 Position: Key defender Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Whichever way you slice the numbers, Ratugolea is not worth a hefty, long-term deal. A superb athlete and hard worker, he was useful as a key forward and in 2023 he battled to find the ball. He is generally decent in the air – and was a good intercept marker – but is shaky with ball in hand and made some errors in defence. Yet, Ratugolea still has awesome potential and is a good character. He could easily become a star interceptor in years to come as he hits is peak. Port Adelaide won the battle for his preference but Geelong is set to play hard ball on him.
JACOB KOSCHITZKE (HAWTHORN)
Age: 23 2023 games: 12 Position: Key forward Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Not pretty numbers for the Hawk who wants to be a Tiger. He wasn’t great at getting the ball and was bad in front of goal, kicking a major from just 38 per cent of his shots this year. That explains who he managed just nine goals from 12 games. Koschitzke couldn’t deliver as a second banana to Mitch Lewis, but Richmond will be hoping he can as Tom Lynch’s offsider.
SCOTT LYCETT (PORT ADELAIDE)
Age: 31 2023 games: 14 Position: Ruck Status: Out-of-contract (unrestricted free agent)
Lycett battled in 2023, taking just one mark per game and struggling to get his hands on the ball. He projects as only a depth option at this stage of his career but could provide some handy minutes in the ruck.
HUNTER CLARK (ST KILDA)
Age: 24 2023 games: 19 Position: Midfielder Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Clark had the best season of his career and improved across the board but he was still a below average midfielder according to Champion Data’s rating system. He lifted markedly in disposals, uncontested possessions and score involvements per 100 minutes on his 2022 numbers. If Clark continues to improve he can be a good onballer but at this stage he frames as a depth player.
UNRATED (Did not play enough AFL games)
PADDY DOW (CARLTON)
Age: 23 2023 games: 10 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Hitting the target has been his issue for years but there is no doubt Dow can get the ball and get it forward. In his 10 appearances this year, he rated elite for metres gained (523 per game) and above average for clearances (6.3) and score involvements (6.3). Seems a plug-and-play inside midfielder. St Kilda is keen and he would fit perfectly with their need for more drive from the middle.
ELLIOTT HIMMELBERG (ADELAIDE)
Age: 25 2023 games: 3 Contract ends: 2024
Playing largely as a key forward in Adelaide’s SANFL team, Himmelberg didn’t have a big impact but was rated elite for score involvements. GWS is keen on Elliott to partner brother Harry, and he could slip in Lachie Keefe’s role as a Mr. Fix-it.
JORDON SWEET (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Age: 25 2023 games: 0 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Long seen around the league as possibly the best ruck who doesn’t play regularly, Sweet is stuck behind Tim English and won’t be getting past him any time soon. He wants to get to Port Adelaide and was excellent in the VFL this year, ranking highly in disposals, hitouts to advantage and score involvements.
BUKU KHAMIS (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Age: 23 2023 games: 1 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Has hardly got a look in at the Dogs despite being a talented tall who can play at both ends. Khamis averaged 2.3 goals per game in the VFL this year and was generally a very strong target for a team that made the finals.
FINLAY MACRAE (COLLINGWOOD)
Age: 21 2023 games: 1 Contract ends: 2024
An emergency for the grand final, does he look for a fresh start after years being stuck down the pecking order at Collingwood? There is no doubt he can find the pill. Consider VFL stat lines like this: 34 disposals, 13 contested possessions, nine clearances and a goal against Coburg or 38 disposals, 14 contested, nine clearances, 11 score involvements against Footscray. There might not be a better ball winner on the market if Macrae wants to move.
SHANE MCADAM (ADELAIDE)
Age: 28 2023 games: 7 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
McAdam only played seven games this year but put up some great numbers, thanks in part to his work kicking seven goals in a fortnight in rounds 21 and 22. Outside of that, he is a low-possession player. Melbourne is the suitor for McAdam and he may be earmarked to fill in for the injured Jake Melksham.
MATTHEW FLYNN (GWS GIANTS)
Age: 26 2023 games: 9 Status: Out-of-contract (unrestricted free agent)
Flynn has played 33 games over the past three years and now seems third in line at the Giants behind Kieren Briggs and Braydon Preuss. West Coast has come for him and he can walk there without a trade. He proved good around the grounds in the VFL, rating elite for marks and goals this year, but was only OK in the hitouts.
ELIJAH HOLLANDS (GOLD COAST)
Age: 21 2023 games: 9 Contract ends: 2024
The midfielder seems destined for Carlton and Blues fans need look no further than his exceptional VFL grand final outing to see what they will get. He dominated with 33 disposals, 17 contested possessions, eight clearances, and 10 score involvements. He showed through the VFL this year he is terrific at creating scores as a midfielder and an attacking onballer would fit in nicely alongside Sam Walsh at Ikon Park.
JAMES HARMES (MELBOURNE)
Age: 27 (TURNS 28 on OCT 5) 2023 games: 9 Contract ends: 2024
The premiership midfielder can count himself pretty stiff to be frozen out of Melbourne’s midfield this year. He dominated in the VFL, rating elite in disposals and score involvements. Harmes is contracted next year at the Demons but he could surely find himself more playing time if he moves on.
ORAZIO FANTASIA (PORT ADELAIDE)
Age: 28 2023 games: 3 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Fantasia has played just four AFL games in the last two years and whispers of him being keen to get back to Essendon earlier this year have been quiet since. Its been six years since he bagged 39 goals in an excellent 2017 season and he hasn’t really shined since. Fantasia was strong at SANFL level last year, does another club come after goalkicking support?
IVAN SOLDO (RICHMOND)
Age: 27 2023 games: 8 Contract ends: 2024
How hungry is Soldo for more ruck minutes? He played each of Richmond’s last seven games and showed some signs of capability in front of centre, faring well in score involvements and kicking six goals. Having never played more than 14 games in a season, it might be time for a second club. But whether he is better than a second-ruck is yet to be seen.
JACK BILLINGS (ST KILDA)
Age: 28 2023 games: 3 Contract ends: 2025
Billings is keen to move on and Ross Lyon clearly didn’t value his talents this year given he was virtually locked out of the side. It hasn’t quite come together for the talented junior and at age 28, his next decision is crucial for his career. He put up strong VFL numbers in a mid-forward role.
MASSIMO D’AMBROSIO (ESSENDON)
Age: 20 2023 games: 8 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
Fascinating case of his value as an out-of-contract rookie who is just 20 and has shown stark improvement since being taken as a mid-season recruit last year. The Bombers wanted to keep him but he wants to get to Hawthorn. He has taken a step up this year, lifting in his numbers across the board and there is no reason he can’t keep getting better.
DYLAN STEPHENS (SYDNEY)
Age: 22 2023 games: 13 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
After breaking into Sydney’s side in the second half of last year and playing in a grand final, Stephens stagnated this season. He had 27 disposals and a goal in round 1 but didn’t top 20 touches in a game after that and his numbers were generally similar to 2022. A classy left-footer, Stephens was a high pick and would be a smart investment for North Melbourne. But what would Sydney want for a talent like that?
TOM FULLARTON (BRISBANE LIONS)
Age: 24 2023 games: 0 Status: Out-of-contract (non-free agent)
The promising tall didn’t play a game this year and has drawn interest on the trade market in the past. He had some big games in the VFL – booting six goals against Essendon and five against GWS Giants – and knows how to find the ball as a forward. Fullarton is stuck down the queue at Brisbane and is deserving of another chance elsewhere.
MABIOR CHOL (GOLD COAST)
Age:26 2023 games: 8 Contract ends: 2025
Chol bagged 44 AFL goals last year but was frozen out by Ben Kings return this season. He is too good to be playing VFL – rating elite in marks inside 50, goals and score involvements in the state league this year. A host of clubs are after Chol and for good reason, he is a strong mark and good kick for goal.
CHRIS BURGESS (GOLD COAST)
Age: 27 2023 games: 0 Contract ends: 2024
Has played only one AFL game this year but booted 61 VFL goals so has to be on the radar of clubs across the league. His numbers are like gold across the board – elite in the air and in front of the goals. He’s hoping to get to the Crows in the off-season.
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Originally published as Champion Data rate 32 players on the trade table in season 2023
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