Who is left on the market after major week of AFL re-signings
Some huge names like Hugh McCluggage, Sam Taylor and Will Hayward have all locked down their futures this week. So who’s left for your club to target on the exchange market?
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The doors shut this week by a host of re-signed stars could open others for those left on the market.
With Will Hayward and Hugh McCluggage – plus Archie Perkins – all inking bumper new deals, some others will hope their prices have jumped.
Sam Taylor, too, was removed from any speculation, but he was already contracted for next season before signing a monster seven-year extension.
A slow start to the season won’t have added too many zeros to Cam Zurhaar’s contract so far so the loss of some big names from the market can only help.
Hayward and McCluggage were both restricted free agents – meaning their current club could have matched any offers for them – and their absence slims that market, with Hawk Blake Hardwick, Dog Tim English, Zurhaar and Lion Jarrod Berry standouts.
Berry is keen to stay, Hardwick continues to work on a new deal and English’s market seems to have slowed.
Giant Harry Perryman has emerged over the last two months as potentially the biggest fish in the unrestricted free agency pool, with this masthead reporting last month he was looking at offers from clubs – including both Adelaide sides – of more than $800,000 a season.
Geelong goalsneak Tyson Stengle has also become a standout as a rare proven goalkicking small forward available as a free agent.
Injured Bulldog Bailey Smith remains the must-watch out-of-contract player available, while Jake Stringer is still without a new deal.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Jarrod Berry (Brisbane Lions) – Has been working in good faith with the Lions and has a multi-year offer in front of him, looks like staying.
Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn) – The swingman should stay on a long-term deal but nothing has been agreed to as yet.
Cam Zurhaar (North Melbourne) – Despite reports, Sydney did not make contact early this season to register interest in the forward-midfielder. Only averaging 12.9 disposals and 1.3 goals per game this year and yet to give an indication of whether he wants to stay or go.
Tim English (Western Bulldogs) – Dogs remain keen to lock in the ruck, and discussions remain ongoing.
Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast) – No rush on this one but all signs point to Ainsworth staying put.
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) - Not going anywhere but no real movement on a new contract yet.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Harry Perryman (GWS) – Has become a belle of the free agency ball this year with South Australian sides keen on the defender-midfielder. Could the offers stretch beyond $4 million? No serious traction yet on him sticking around.
Tyson Stengle (Geelong) – Having a strong year and said last month it is his “preference” to stay with the Cats. Clubs in need of goalkicking power with room to move such as St Kilda, Essendon and even Collingwood would have to inquire.
Josh Battle (St Kilda) – There is a lot of salary cap space to fill at Hawthorn and North Melbourne and a desperate need for tall defenders. Could Collingwood come knocking as a Nathan Murphy replacement? As an unrestricted free agent defender at the age of 25, Battle is right in the sweet spot for a big offer.
Conor Nash (Hawthorn) – The big-bodied midfielder says he wants to stay with the Hawks but would be silly not to look at offers.
Elliot Yeo (West Coast) – With McCluggage gone, do those after a midfield boost start hunting Yeo? He put together an exceptional month in the early rounds of the year before a minor injury setback. The Eagles appear keen to keep him and while other offers might be weighty, it’s hard seeing them netting a major free agency compensation pick for the Eagles. Good friends with Harley Reid, so keeping him as a mentor might be ideal for the Eagles.
Isaac Cumming (GWS) – Injury has the rebounder sidelined at the moment and he has only played two VFL games all year. Clubs are always keen for excellent users off half-back and the Giants have no shortage in their senior side, so he could be tipped out.
Jack Graham (Richmond) – Averaging just 15 touches this year – his equal-lowest since his debut season. Still only 26 so a lot of footy ahead of him but with Richmond flailing, could a fresh start be best for both parties?
Others to watch: Elliott Himmelberg, Bailey Banfield, Jake Kolodjashnij, Nick Holman, Kamdyn McIntosh, Tim Membrey, Mason Wood, Harry Cunningham, Jason Johannisen
OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS
Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) – The Dogs conceded recently they would like to have some indication of Smith’s plans early this year. All signs point to him leaving.
Jake Stringer (Essendon) – Is he a difference maker St Kilda is after? Or Adelaide? Stringer told this masthead recently he hasn’t spoken to the club at all about a new deal but he wants to stick around at Essendon.
Liam Baker (Richmond) - Interesting choice ahead of the vice-captain, with West Australian sides lining up for him this year.
Logan McDonald (Sydney) – Has been quiet on his contract front but the West Australian has said he is keen to stick around. Enjoying his best season yet but hasn’t kicked multiple goals in a game since round 8.
Others to watch: Sam Berry, Jack Martin, Jye Caldwell, Ned Moyle, Changkuoth Jiath, Lloyd Meek, Bailey Scott, Thomson Dow
Originally published as Who is left on the market after major week of AFL re-signings
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