Which of the AFL’s off-season recruits have the biggest shoes to fill at their new clubs?

ALL 18 clubs lost some talented players in the off-season but did they manage to replace them? See who has the biggest shoes to fill at your club in 2018.

These Saints have some big shoes to fill. Picture: Tony Gough

DOES adding Bryce Gibbs make up for losing Jake Lever?

How can the Hawks hope to replace another former captain?

And who is the youngster who is replacing St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt?

Herald Sun footy reporters Chris Cavanagh, Lauren Wood, Sam Edmund, Scott Gullan, Glenn McFarlane and Danny Russell look at which of the AFL’s off-season signings have the biggest shoes to fill at their new clubs.

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ADELAIDE

Does Gibbs make up for the Lever leaver?

There’s no doubt Lever leaves a significant hole in the Crows’ defence, but signing Gibbs could be a premiership-winning move. He adds polish to an already accomplished midfield, complimenting the ball-gathering prowess of Rory Sloane and the grunt of the Crouch brothers. Only concern is that his arrival might be a year too late.

Ins: Bryce Gibbs (Carl), Sam Gibson (Roos), Darcy Fogarty (pick 12), Andrew McPherson (pick 40), Jackson Edwards (rookie), Lachlan Murphy (rookie), Patrick Wilson (rookie)

Outs: Jonathon Beech (delisted), Charlie Cameron (Bris), Dean Gore (del), Jake Lever (Melb), Troy Menzel (del), Sam Shaw (del), Scott Thompson (retired), Harrison Wigg (Suns)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ADELAIDE’S LIST

Bryce Gibbs in action at Adelaide training. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

BRISBANE

Can Charlie Cameron fill Tom Rockliff’s shoes?

This is a massive win for the Lions. Cameron brings class and X-factor to a developing team. His pace and line-breaking ability will make him a highlight reel operator at the Gabba. Rockliff was a ball magnet who to his credit lifted his rating again this year after losing his way but he doesn’t have the tricks of Cameron who is also four years younger.

Ins: Charlie Cameron (Adel), Luke Hodge (Haw), Cameron Rayner (pick 1), Zac Bailey (pick 15), Brandon Starcevich (pick 18), Toby Wooller (pick 41), Connor Ballenden (pick 43), Jack Payne (pick 54)

Outs: Josh Clayton (delisted), Michael Close (del), Jonathan Freeman (del), Blake Grewar (del), Matthew Hammelmann (del), Ryan Harwood (del), Jarrad Jansen (del), Tom Rockliff (Port), Josh Schache (Dogs), Reuben William (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES BRISBANE’S LIST

CARLTON

Is it too early for Paddy Dow to make a Gibbs-like impact?

The loss of Bryce Gibbs as an elite ball-winner at the peak of his powers will hurt a club light-on for established talent. Paddy Dow obviously can’t be expected to fill those shoes so quickly, but for a No. 3 draft pick itching for a crack, he won’t go wanting for opportunity.

Ins: Matthew Kennedy (GWS), Darcy Lang (Geel), Matthew Lobbe (Port), Aaron Mullett (Roos), Paddy Dow (pick 3), Lochie O’Brien (pick 10), Tom De Koning (pick 30), Angus Schumacher (pick 70), Jarrod Garlett (pick 78), Matt Shaw (rookie)

Outs: Dennis Armfield (retired), Blaine Boekhorst (delisted), Dylan Buckley (del), Andrew Gallucci (del), Bryce Gibbs (Adel), Daniel Gorringe (ret), Kristian Jaksch (del), Matthew Korcheck (ret), Rhys Palmer (del), Ciaran Sheehan (del), Billie Smedts (del), Liam Sumner (del), Simon White (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES CARLTON’S LIST

Paddy Dow (middle) has some big shoes to fill at Carlton. Picture: David Crosling

COLLINGWOOD

Can Sam Murray become the defensive replacement for Ben Sinclair?

The Pies specifically targeted Murray, who didn’t play a game in two seasons with the Swans, to take the place of Sinclair — who had to retire because of concussion issues — and to an extent, Jackson Ramsay, in defence. There was much made of what Collingwood was prepared to give up for him — with some trade watchers questioning the deal — but Nathan Buckley has a plan in place for the 20-year-old.

Ins: Sam Murray (Swans), Jaidyn Stephenson (pick 6), Nathan Murphy (pick 39), Tyler Brown (pick 50), Flynn Appleby (rookie), Brody Mihocek (rookie), Adam Oxley (r)

Outs: Lachlan Keeffe (Suns), Liam Mackie (delisted), Mitch McCarthy (del), Jackson Ramsay (del), Henry Schade (del), Ben Sinclair (retired), Jesse White (ret)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES COLLINGWOOD’S LIST

ESSENDON

Can Jake Stringer make up for the loss of Jobe Watson?

They are different players with a different skill-set. But Stringer’s addition to the forward line and potentially to the midfield in patches will be a bonus for the Bombers. He’s an explosive X-factor when his mind is on the job. Jobe will be missed, but he knew his body had run out of petrol tickets. Stringer has the tickets — it is just a question of if he has the drive and commitment to use them as Watson did so effectively.

Ins: Adam Saad (Suns), Devon Smith (GWS), Jake Stringer (Dogs), Jordan Houlahan (pick 49), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (pick 66), Matt Guelfi (pick 76), Trent Mynott (rookie)

Outs: Craig Bird (delisted), Yestin Eades (retired), Heath Hocking (del), Ben Howlett (del), James Kelly (ret), Alex Morgan (Roos), Brent Stanton (ret), Jobe Watson (ret)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ESSENDON’S LIST

David Zaharakis and Jake Stringer at Essendon pre-season training. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

Was Freo smart to trade Lachie Weller for pick 2, Andrew Brayshaw?

The Dockers had a big win snagging complete midfield package Andy Brayshaw from Sandringham. Young talent is the key for the Dockers and they got it in spades, which could well outweigh the loss of Weller in the long run.

Ins: Nathan Wilson (GWS), Brandon Matera (Suns), Andrew Brayshaw (pick 2), Adam Cerra (pick 5), Hugh Dixon (pick 44), Mitchell Crowden (pick 59), Tom North (pick 65), Lloyd Meek (pick 69), Sam Switkowski (pick 73), Scott Jones (pick 75), Bailey Banfield (rookie), Stefan Giro (rookie)

Outs: Harley Balic (trd), Zac Clarke (del), Sam Collins (del), Hayden Crozier (trd), Zac Dawson (ret), Josh Deluca (del), Jonathon Griffin (del), Garrick Ibbotson (ret), Nick Suban (del), Matthew Uebergang (del), Lachie Weller (trd), Shane Yarran (ret)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES FREMANTLE’S LIST

GEELONG

Can Gary Ablett fill Steven Motlop’s shoes?

Ahhhhhhh, let’s have some think music here. Hmmmmm. YEEEEESSSSSS. That’s not disrespecting Motlop who was a very important player for the Cats and often unfairly maligned. But Gazza is one of the greatest players of the modern era, some would say the best, and don’t for a minute be concerned about his birth certificate. A motivated — and injury free which is the only slight question mark — Ablett will kick 50 plus goals and average 25 plus possessions next year.

Ins: Gary Ablett (Suns), Lachlan Fogarty (pick 22), Tim Kelly (pick 24), Charlie Constable (pick 36), Gryan Miers (pick 57), Stewart Crameri (rookie)

Outs: Josh Cowan (delisted), Darcy Lang (Carl), Tom Lonergan (retired), Andrew Mackie (ret), Steven Motlop (Port), Tom Ruggles (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GEELONG’S LIST

Gary Ablett at Geelong training. Picture: Peter Ristevski

GOLD COAST

Forget Ablett, does Lachie Weller compensate for the loss of Adam Saad?

Saad has been a key cog in the Gold Coast Suns’ defence over the past three years with his run and rebound. His move to Essendon cut deep for the already struggling club but former Fremantle defender Weller shapes as a more than adequate replacement. The Suns gave up pick 2, but 21-year-old Weller is a rising star who is likely to play a key role in defence as well as push into the midfield next year.

Ins: Lachie Weller (Fremantle), Harrison Wigg (Adelaide), Aaron Young (Port Adelaide), Will Powell (pick 19), Charlie Ballard (pick 42), Brayden Crossley (pick 52), Connor Nutting (pick 55), Josh Jaska (rookie), Nicholas Holman (rookie)

Outs: Gary Ablett (Geelong), Adam Saad (Essendon), Brandon Matera (Fremantle), Trent McKenzie (Port Adelaide), Keegan Brooksby (delisted), Daniel Currie (del), Ryan Davis (del), Jarrad Grant (del), Mitch Hallahan (del), Cameron Loersch (del), Matt Shaw (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GOLD COAST’S LIST

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Does Lachlan Keeffe have enough agro to replace Shane Mumford?

At the start of this year Mumford would have loomed as a significant loss for the Giants, given his bone-jarring onfield presence. But by season’s end he was moving every bit as stilted as a black-and-white movie Mummy. So Keeffe appeals as a fitter, more mobile option. Oddly, he joins a club that was often criticised for being top heavy.

Ins: Lachlan Keeffe (Coll), Aiden Bonar (pick 11), Brent Daniels (pick 27), Sam Taylor (pick 28), Zac Giles Langdon (pick 56), Nicholas Shipley (pick 64), Dylan Buckley (rookie)

Outs: Tom Downie (retired), Steve Johnson (ret), Matthew Kennedy (Carl), Shane Mumford (ret), Tendai Mzungu (ret), Joel Patfull (delisted), Devon Smith (Ess), Nathan Wilson (Freo)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GWS’S LIST

Lachlan Keeffe has joined GWS. Picture: Supplied

HAWTHORN

Just how much of a deal is losing veteran Luke Hodge?

A former captain departing hurts any side and leaves a big hole. Luke Hodge is no different and will be missed giving direction across half-back. The speedy Jarman Impey is a handy inclusion for the Hawks, but Hodge’s value both on and off the field will be sorely felt.

Ins: Jarman Impey (Port), James Worpel (pick 45), Dylan Moore (pick 67), Jackson Ross (pick 71), Harrison Jones (rookie), David Mirra (rookie), Dallas Willsmore (rookie)

Outs: Jack Fitzpatrick (retired), Josh Gibson (ret), Luke Hodge (Lions), Billy Hartung (Roos), Kade Stewart (delisted), Luke Surman (ret), Ty Vickery (ret)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES HAWTHORN’S LIST

MELBOURNE

Should Dees fans be cheering for Jake Lever coming in and Jack Watts going out?

Most Melbourne fans did not shed too many tears over the loss of Watts. Having failed to reach his potential at the Demons the 26-year-old was sent packing to Port Adelaide over the trade period. What came back across the border was Lever, a 21-year-old key-position player from Adelaide. In his third season, Lever averaged more than six marks and nine intercept possessions. His inclusion in the Demons’ defence will be a big one and could also help free up Tom McDonald to spend more time forward. A big win.

Ins: Jake Lever (Adel), Harley Balic (Freo), Charlie Spargo (pick 29), Bayley Fritsch (pick 31), Harrison Petty (pick 37), Oskar Baker (pick 48)

Outs: Jack Watts (Port), Jack Trengove (Port), Colin Garland (retired), Liam Hulett (delisted), Ben Kennedy (del), Heritier Lumumba (retired), Jake Spencer (del), Mitch White (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES MELBOURNE’S LIST

NORTH MELBOURNE

Does high draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke have any shoes to fill?

Andrew Swallow might have been low on profile, but he was high on work ethic and coalface grunt in the Kangaroos engine room for a decade. It’s a big ask, but Luke Davies-Uniacke might just be able to fill the hole straight away. He has the size — 187cm, 86kg — and a burst of speed that Swallow never had to complement his contested ball thirst.

Ins: Luke Davies-Uniacke (pick 4), Will Walker (pick 23), Kyron Hayden (pick 62), Tristan Xerri (pick 72), Billy Hartung (Haw), Thomas Murphy (rookie), Gordon Narrier (rookie)

Outs: Will Fordham (delisted), Sam Gibson (Adel), Lachlan Hansen (del), Aaron Mullett (Carl), Andrew Swallow (retired), Matthew Taylor (del), Lindsay Thomas (Port), Corey Wagner (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: BUCKENARA ANALYSES NORTH MELBOURNE’S LIST

PORT ADELAIDE

Is Tom Rockliff a better fit for Port than the outgoing Jackson Trengove?

Of all the big name arrivals at Port Adelaide, Rockliff makes the most sense. He’s a ball magnet, former captain and less inclined to drift in and out of the action in the same way as Steven Motlop and Jack Watts. So while Trengove was a loyal servant who played 153 games for the Power, they have definitely traded up.

Ins: Tom Rockliff (Bris), Steven Motlop (Geel), Jack Watts (Melb), Sam Hayes (pick 47), Kane Farrell (pick 51), Jack Patmore (pick 58), Joel Garner (pick 60), Dom Barry (pick 61), Jack Trengove (rookie), Trent McKenzie (rookie), Lindsay Thomas (rookie)

Outs: Brendon Ah Chee (WC), Logan Austin (St K), Brett Eddy (delisted), Jarman Impey (Haw), Nathan Krakouer (retired), Matthew Lobbe (Carl), Angus Monfries (ret), Jesse Palmer (del), Jackson Trengove (Bulldogs), Matthew White (del), Aaron Young (Suns)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES PORT ADELAIDE’S LIST

Tom Rockliff and Robbie Gray at Port Adelaide training. Picture: AAP Images

RICHMOND

Can Callum Coleman-Jones slot into Todd Elton’s role?

Look, Richmond didn’t have any major outs, with every premiership player backing up again in 2018. Forward Todd Elton played six games this year — the most of any of the seven retirees and delisted players. But the forward and back-up ruck role the Tigers hoped Elton would succeed in now looks up for grabs for Coleman-Jones in coming years. Selected at Pick 20 in the national draft, the 18-year-old models his game on Port Adelaide ruck/forward Paddy Ryder — exactly the type of player Richmond has been searching for.

Ins: Jack Higgins (pick 17), Callum Coleman-Jones (pick 20), Noah Balta (pick 25), Patrick Naish (pick 34), Ben Miller (pick 63), Liam Baker (rookie)

Outs: Todd Elton (delisted), Jake Batchelor (del), Taylor Hunt (del), Ben Lennon (del), Ivan Maric (retired), Steven Morris (del), Chris Yarran (ret)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES RICHMOND’S LIST

ST KILDA

Can anyone fill the shoes of a legend?

Nick Riewoldt’s retirement after 16 years and 336 games will be felt both on and off-field by the Saints. A big focus now shifts to the club’s highest draft pick, Hunter Clark (pick 7) — not to mention their pick 8 Nick Coffield. But can he offset the departure of an all-time great? Nearly impossible. Best let Clark be Clark.

Ins: Hunter Clark (pick 7), Nicholas Coffield (pick 8), Oscar Clavarino (pick 35), Ben Paton (pick 46), Logan Austin (Port), Doulton Langlands (rookie)

Outs: Nick Riewoldt (retired), Leigh Montagna (ret), Sean Dempster (ret), Joe Baker-Thomas (delisted), Nick Coughlan (del), Jason Holmes (del), Nick O’Kearney (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ST KILDA’S LIST

SYDNEY

Did the Swans go on holidays during the trade/draft/rookie draft period?

Because Sydney has gone about its business by flying underneath the radar it’s hard to nominate a significant loss. But let’s plump for defender Sam Murray, as at least Collingwood saw enough in his ability to lure him south. Murray didn’t enjoy much game time with the Swans so it’s safe to say new kid on the block and former Geelong Falcons defender Matthew Ling is a more than adequate replacement.

Ins: Matthew Ling (pick 14), Tom McCartin (pick 33), Ryley Stoddart (pick 53), Joel Amartey (rookie), Angus Styles (rookie)

Out: Shaun Edwards (retired), Sam Fisher (del), Brandon Jack (del), Jeremy Laidler (ret), Sam Murray (Coll), Michael Talia (del), Tyrone Leonardis (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES SYDNEY’S LIST

WEST COAST

Can Brendon Ah Chee compensate for the lost midfield grunt of Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis?

Ah, no. How do you replace a player of Priddis’ quality? The short answer is, you can’t. But at least former Port inside mid Ah Chee will provide a contest and will add to his 27 games across six seasons. He is no star, but was at least a bargain trade pick-up for the Eagles. His former teammate Paul Stewart reckons the Power will live to regret giving him up so freely.

Ins: Brendon Ah Chee (Port), Jarrod Brander (pick 13), Oscar Allen (pick 21), Liam Ryan (pick 26), Brayden Ainsworth (pick 32), Jack Petruccelle (pick 38), Hamish Brayshaw (pick 68), Ryan Burrows (rookie), Callan England (rookie), Tony Olango (rookie)

Outs: Paddy Brophy (retired), Sam Butler (ret), Jonathan Giles (ret), Tom Gorter (delisted), Josh Hill (del), Tom Lamb (del), Sam Mitchell (ret), Drew Petrie (ret), Matt Priddis (ret), Jordan Snadden (del), Simon Tunbridge (del), Sharrod Wellingham (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES WEST COAST’S LIST

Josh Schache at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: Nicole Garmston

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Can Josh Schache have the same forward line impact as Jake Stringer?

In the short term the answer is a clear no given a motivated and slim-downed Stringer will have an instant impact at Essendon. But for those willing to play the long game, Schache could be a very shrewd investment. The 20-year-old was the No. 2 draft pick for a reason back in 2015. He’s got talent but was homesick in Brisbane which clearly stalled his development. Get him right and the Bulldogs have the key forward they’ve dreamed about for years.

Ins: Hayden Crozier, Josh Schache, Jackson Trengove, Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards, Callum Porter, Billy Gowers

Outs: Matthew Boyd (retired), Travis Cloke (ret), Stewart Crameri (delisted, Geel), Declan Hamilton (del), Robert Murphy (ret), Josh Prudden (del), Jake Stringer (Ess), Tristan Tweedie (del)

LIST ANALYSIS: BUCKY ANALYSES WESTERN BULLDOGS’ LIST

Originally published as Which of the AFL’s off-season recruits have the biggest shoes to fill at their new clubs?