Collingwood, St Kilda headline clubs still to make calls on uncontracted players

Six clubs are yet to make calls on their out-of-contract players as the AFL’s list deadline draws closer. JOSH BARNES examines the state of play.

Collingwood and St Kilda are the two clubs with the most decisions left to make as clubs finalise their lists before next month’s draft.

With the delisted free agency period to open on Friday, the final calls are imminent at six clubs.

The Pies have calls to make on Reef McInnes, Ned Long and Charlie Dean.

Long finished the season well as a big-bodied midfielder, while Dean has hope of landing again on the club’s rookie list.

McInnes could draw some interest in the DFA window if he is cut, as a viable medium forward option.

Reef McInnes’ Magpie future is uncertain.

Ben Paton remains without a deal but has interest from rival clubs.

The 22-year-old has played 20 games since being taken by the Pies in the 2020 draft and played nine games this season, kicking three goals on two separate occasions.

Collingwood has lost eight players off its list from this year, while bringing in Dan Houston and Harry Perryman.

The Pies are expected to scoop up Tim Membrey from St Kilda once the DFA window opens, though Membrey is one of four Saints yet to be officially delisted.

The Pies only hold picks 52, 55 and 58 in the draft so don’t have to keep clear space on the list for many draft prospects.

Aaron Francis is waiting on a deal from Sydney.

Jack Hayes was looked at by the Magpies and the Saints forward also hasn’t been officially cut, with Ben Paton also drawing interest elsewhere.

Olli Hotton also remains in limbo at Moorabbin.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield still hasn’t finalised his contract for next year, while ruck Rhys Stanley and veteran Mitch Duncan will soon have new deals announced.

Sydney’s Aaron Francis, West Coast’s Luke Edwards and Hawthorn’s Josh Bennetts are also waiting on deals.

With clubs salivating over a deep draft next month, list spots have been at a premium this year and several clubs have dropped players off their list under the promise of selecting them again in the rookie draft.

That includes Brisbane pair Darcy Craven and Darragh Joyce, Fremantle ruck Max Knobel and Richmond giant Mate Colina.

Originally published as Collingwood, St Kilda headline clubs still to make calls on uncontracted players