AFL list changes: Retirements and delistings from every club in 2020
After pushing through so much pain, Collingwood defender Tom Langdon has been forced into retirement. SEE EVERY LIST CHANGE
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Collingwood defender Tom Langdon has been forced to retire prematurely in what his club has labelled a “cruel football story.”
The 26-year-old – who was instrumental in Collingwood’s run to the 2018 premiership decider and one of the Magpies’ best in the grand final loss – will finish up with a year remaining on his contract.
He will be taken off the Collingwood list as part of the club’s latest list lodgement, which will leave the Magpies with 34 contracted players ahead of the draft.
Langdon posted on Instagram on Tuesday: “Well, that was fun.
“Thanks to everyone for all the love the past year. This decision has been incredibley hard to come to terms with, but it’s one that I truly believe is the best thing for my long-term physical and mental health.
“I appreciate everyon’e supportive messages along the journey, I’ve had an absolute ball!”
Langdon played 89 games and none since Round 9, 2019 due to a degenerative knee injury, which has ultimately cut his career short.
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Collingwood football boss Geoff Walsh – who also announced his departure from the club on Monday – said the club and Langdon did everything possible in an attempt to return to the game.
“Tom played some wonderful football for Collingwood and it was a sad day when the reality of his premature retirement arrived,” Walsh said.
“We saw him work incredibly hard to get back.
“He pushed himself through so much pain to keep his hopes of a comeback flickering.
“Given his talent and application, his finish is a cruel football story.
“We’re all confident that Tom will make a success of the next phase of his life and we wish him well.”
Langdon was taken at pick No.65 in the 2013 national draft and he played 41 of a possible 44 games in his first two seasons.
A classy intercept-defender, he’ll be best remembered for his hot form in Collingwood’s 2018 grand final year.
That season the 190cm backman played 23 games and was a key cog in a largely undersized and undermanned Magpies’ backline.
Rivals stunned by Tigers’ call on Egg
- Michael Randall
Richmond’s surprising decision to delist Derek Eggmolesse-Smith is sure to create interest among rival AFL clubs.
The classy ball-user played eight games for the Tigers after being drafted in the 2018 rookie draft as a Next Generation Academy selection.
He has many admirers and more than a few were surprised to learn on Wednesday he would not be offered a contract for 2021.
The news was better for key defender Ryan Garthwaite and versatile tall Ben Miller, who have both won new deals.
Garthwaite, 22, inked a one-year deal, while Miller has been kept on the rookie list.
“(It) was a difficult year for players outside of the team. Ryan endured through some injuries but still played an important role,” Richmond’s talent manager Blair Hartley said.
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ANOTHER ROO OUT THE DOOR
A day after unveiling David Noble as its new coach, North Melbourne has continued making list moves, culling a 12th player.
Mid-sized defender Ed Vickers-Willis has been given his marching orders, becoming the 14th player to depart the club via either delisting or trade.
The luckless Vickers-Willis ruptured his ACL in Round 1, 2019 and missed the entire season, later requiring more surgery on his knee last November. His 2020 return was then stunted by a dislocated toe, suffered in training.
He departs the club with just 21 games in six seasons, after the Roos selected him with pick No.36 in the 2014 draft.
Roos footy boss Brady Rawlings said Vickers-Willis had been “a great role model and ambassador” for the club.
“It’s never an easy decision to delist players, particularly Ed who has contributed so much to our program,” Rawlings told North Media.
“Ed endured a few hurdles with injury throughout his time and showed great determination through his rehabilitation.
“We wish him all the best for the next chapter.”
Vickers-Willis follows Majak Daw, Jamie Macmillan, Jasper Pittard, Ben Jacobs, Paul Ahern, Mason Wood, Sam Durdin, Marley Williams, Joel Crocker, Lachie Hosie and Tom Murphy out the door, while Shaun Higgins and Ben Brown traded to other clubs.
HAWKS DELIST THREE, OFFER MOORE LIFELINE
A trio of Hawks have been given their marching orders, among them popular mid-forward Dylan Moore, who is set to be thrown a lifeline by the club.
One-game wonder Harry Jones and untried Mathew Walker have been given their marching orders, while the Hawks plan to reselect Moore in the coming weeks.
Moore has played 10 games in three seasons since he was drafted by the Hawks in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.
Hawthorn football boss Graham Wright said of Moore the club had been “in regular dialogue with both him and his management.”
“Dylan made the most of his senior opportunities in 2020 and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow and develop in the brown and gold next year,” Wright said.
The club has promoted Changkuoth Jiath onto the primary list, while Keegan Brooksby has been re-rookied, taking the Hawks list to 37 ahead of the draft.
Wright thanked Jones and Walker for their contribution to the club.
“Both Harry and Mat are great characters, and we are grateful for the commitment and contribution they have made to the Hawks,” he said.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to extend our thanks to both boys and wish them all the best for the next stage of their lives.”
SAINT TWEETS HIS OWN DEPARTURE
The overhaul at St Kilda continues with the club cutting a ninth player, small defender Shane Savage announcing his departure from the club over Twitter.
Savage revealed he’d been delisted on Sunday night, before the Saints confirmed his exit Monday, a victim of the club’s new additions and the league’s cut to list sizes.
The 29-year-old tweeted the Saints’ decision not to offer him a new contract had “hit me a little harder than I thought”.
“I’ve had a few days to process it … but unfortunately I was notified I won’t be offered a contract next year,” Savage wrote.
“Whilst I’m disappointed I’d like to thank the Saints for the opportunity that was given to me over the last 7 years and (to) be able to share most of that journey with my kids is something I’ll always cherish.
“What does the future hold? I’m not sure, but I’m excited for whatever comes next.”
Savage also paid tribute to wife Sarah for her support.
— Shane Savage (@ShaneSavage05) November 22, 2020
Saints list manager James Gallagher said Savage was a “much-loved member of our club and we’re very sorry to see him go”.
“Unfortunately with the reduction in list sizes and the positional make-up of our current list, we’ve made the very difficult call not to offer Shane another contract next year,” Gallagher said.
“His dedication and professionalism has been an asset to this club and we hope this isn’t the end of his footy career.
“To Shane, Sarah, Jett and Willow, thank you for giving so much of yourselves to the Saints. You’ll always be part of the St Kilda family.”
Savage, who has played 165 games across 11 seasons, began his career at Hawthorn, before moving to the Saints.
He becomes the club’s ninth delisting, joining Jonathon Marsh, Ryan Abbott, Logan Austin, Jack Bell, Doulton Langlands, Jack Mayo, Matthew Parker and Ed Phillips on the outer.
DONS DUMP PREMIERSHIP TIGER AS JETTA DEPARTS EAGLES
Essendon has delisted premiership winner Jacob Townsend and backline regular Martin Gleeson as changes continue at the club on the back of a cutting review by chairman Paul Brasher.
And West Coast has made the tough call to axe dual premiership player Lewis Jetta.
Townsend, who came from nowhere to play a huge part in Richmond’s 2017 premiership win, played 12 of 17 games in 2020 after joining the Bombers during the AFL pre-season supplemental period.
It was the most games the 27-year-old played in any of his nine AFL seasons with first GWS, then the Tigers, then Essendon. The Bombers confirmed on Thursday that Townsend wouldn’t be offered another contract.
Gleeson, a Bomber regular before injuries curtailed him over the past two seasons, and Dylan Clarke were also told they would be delisted, but picked up in the rookie draft.
Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro thanked Townsend and Henry Crauford, who was delisted without playing a game, for their services.
“They are both terrific young men and it’s always a difficult part of the year having to say goodbye, so we wish them all the very best for their futures, he said.
“We have also advised Marty and Dylan of our intention to redraft them as rookies via the AFL rookie draft in December, and we look forward to seeing them develop further as footballers.”
The Bombers are still without a football manager, after Dan Richardson was sacked, and a review by Brasher found there were “conflicting philosophies” between outgoing coach John Worsfold and his replacement Ben Rutten in an ugly 2020 for the club.
West coast also announced on Thursday Jetta would not be offered another contract for 2021 after 202 games at the Eagles and Swans including the 2012 and 2018 flags.
“It is always a very difficult time of the year that has been made more complex this year due to the uncertainties around AFL list sizes. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to offer Lewis an opportunity beyond this year,” football manager Craig Vozzo said.
“Lewis has been a highly valued member of our playing group for the last six years and will always be fondly remembered as a Chris Mainwaring medallist and a premiership player.
“We thank Lewis for his contribution to the club and wish him and his young family every success as he moves into the next phase of his life. His vibrant smile and personality will be missed around the place.”
FOUR BLUES AXED, ONE GIVEN ROOKIE LIFELINE
Carlton has told another four players they will not be offered contracts for 2021.
Harrison Macreadie, Callum Moore, Fraser Phillips and Cameron Polson were delisted on Wednesday, taking the Blues axings to eight.
Hugh Goddard, Darcy Lang, Finbar O’Dwyer and Ben Silvagni had already been axed.
Polson was the most experienced of the latest round of delistings, playing 19 senior games after being recruited in the 2016 draft. Macreadie was recruited in the same draft and played nine AFL games.
Moore was picked up after being cut by Richmond and managed two games in Carlton colours to add to his eight for the Tigers.
Phillips did not make a senior appearance after being recruited in the 2020 rookie draft.
“It has been an incredibly difficult period for these out-of-contract players but Harrison, Cameron, Fraser and Callum have been terrific with how they have handled the situation, which is a real credit to them,” Carlton football manager Brad Lloyd said.
“Their contributions to the club, not only as Carlton players but as Carlton people, were certainly valued. All four of them are quality people who really helped to create the sense of unity felt among the playing group this year, especially during the months spent together in the hub.
“We thank each of them for their hard work and dedication at Carlton.”
The Blues have made a commitment to recontract midfielder Matthew Kennedy via the upcoming rookie draft while Matthew Owies will be retained on the list as a Category B rookie.
2020 LIST OF RETIREMENTS AND DELISTINGS
ADELAIDE
■ Bryce Gibbs — A once-beloved Blue, Gibbs went out with a victory over his former club, after struggling to find a spot in Matthew Nicks’ rebuilding side.
■ Rory Atkins — Emotional 26-year-old broke the news to Crows teammates in late August he would be leaving the club. He has joined Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent.
■ Brad Crouch — Revealed one of footy’s worst-kept secrets when he left for St Kilda as a free agent.
■ Kyle Hartigan — Says he hopes to play for several more years after joining Hawthorn in a trade for a future fourth-round draft pick.
Riley Knight — A member of the Crow’s 2017 losing Grand Final team, managed just one match in 2020 as he battled Achilles issues.
■ Patrick Wilson and Ayce Taylor — Both told they won’t be offered contracts for next year.
■ Jordan Gallucci, Myles Poholke and Ben Crocker — The trio were the latest list changes following the trade period.
BRISBANE LIONS
■ Allen Christensen — called time after 133 games for Geelong and Brisbane, including the 2011 premiership.
■ Cedric Cox — the No. 24 pick in the 2016 draft has asked to move to Western Australia for family reasons.
■ Sam Skinner, Matthew Eagles, Toby Wooller, Jacob Allison and Corey Lyons — delisted after the Lions’ preliminary final exit.
■ Stefan Martin — veteran ruckman will continue his career at the Western Bulldogs.
■ Alex Witherden — defender traded to West Coast on the last day of the trade period.
CARLTON
■ Matthew Kreuzer — Injury cruelled the talented big man throughout his career and his latest mishap helped make up his mind to retire.
■ Kade Simpson — Veteran playing his 342nd and final game after 18 seasons in navy blue.
■ Ben Silvagni — Club says goodbye to the son of legend Stephen Silvagni.
■ Darcy Lang — Former Geelong recruit shown the door.
■ Hugh Goddard — No new contract for the ex-St Kilda defender.
■ Finbar O’Dwyer — 2018 fourth-rounder given marching orders.
■ Harrison Macreadie, Callum Moore, Fraser Phillips and Cameron Polson — told in late November they won’t be offered a playing contract for 2021.
■ Matthew Kennedy — will be retained as a rookie for 2021.
COLLINGWOOD
■ Ben Reid — Finally succumbed to the persistent injuries that plagued his career.
■ Travis Varcoe — Dual-premiership Cat calls time on career at Collingwood.
■ Matthew Scharenberg — Delisted after just 41 games since 2013.
■ Tim Broomhead — Delisted after played only two games in the past three seasons.
■ Dayne Beams — Retired after sitting out the 2020 season to focus on his mental health.
■ Lynden Dunn – retired after 198 AFL games at two clubs.
■ Adam Treloar – traded to the Western Bulldogs in the final moments before the deadline in a controversial move.
■ Jaidyn Stephenson and Atu Bosenavulagi — traded to North Melbourne.
■ Tom Phillips – Now a Hawk after being traded for pick 65.
■ Dayne Beams — Premiership Pie retires after unhappy homecoming.
■ Rupert Wills — Tough midfielder dominated at VFL level, but managed only 23 matches across five seasons as a Magpie.
■ Flynn Appleby — Defender added one match in 2020 for a total of 11 in three seasons at Collingwood.
■ Tom Langdon — Defender forced into retirement with a degenerative knee injury after 89 games.
ESSENDON
■ Conor McKenna — The homesick Irishman retired from the game immediately, midway through Round 16.
■ Tom Bellchambers — The Tasmanian ruckman called time after injuries cruelled another season. Picked No. 8 in 2007 pre-season draft, and pulled together 136 games in 13 seasons.
■ Noah Gown, Mitch Hibberd, Shaun McKernan, Kobe Mutch and Josh Begley — delisted as Bombers trim their list.
■ Joe Daniher — Nominated Brisbane as his destination and there was no issue getting there this time.
■ Adam Saad — Traded to Carlton for pick 8 after some prolonged haggling.
■ Orazio Fantasia — Gets a fresh start at Port Adelaide after a trade.
■ Jacob Townsend — Premiership Tiger now on hunt for fourth club after Bombers axing.
■ Henry Crauford — 2020 pre-season supplemental selection period from SANFL club Norwood leaves Bombers after one year and no games.
■ Martin Gleeson and Dylan Clarke — The pair have been given promises they will be re-rookied by the Bombers.
FREMANTLE
■ Cam McCarthy — The 25-year-old parted ways with the Dockers earlier this month after 49 games in four seasons, leaving before his contract expired after being told he was not going to be offered a deal for 2021.
■ Jason Carter — Fined in April for holding a house party with two teammates then suspended in August for five matches for drink driving, the 20-year-old asked to be released by the Dockers after learning he would not be offered a new deal for 2021.
■ Isaiah Butters — Recruited as a Category B rookie out of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, the small forward wasn’t offered a new contract.
■ Dillon O’Reilly — The East Fremantle product is the son of former Fremantle, Carlton and Geelong defender Stephen O’Reilly and arrived at the Dockers in last year’s mid-season draft. He was not offered a contract for 2021.
■ Jarvis Pinta, Tom North, Brandon Matera, Hugh Dixon — all casualties of Dockers list cuts.
■ Jesse Hogan — after giving up picks 6 and 23 to get him from Melbourne the Dockers swallowed their pride and traded him to GWS for a third-round pick.
GEELONG
■ Gary Ablett — Retires from the game as one of the best to ever pull on the boots, with 357 games and 445 goals to his name for Geelong and the Gold Coast.
■ Harry Taylor — Veteran defender goes out on his own terms after “one hell of a ride”.
■ James Parsons — Played 35 games for the Cats after debuting in 2017, and was in and out of the team as a half-forward. Has been delisted
■ Jacob Kennerley — Delisted having not played a senior game.
■ Blake Schlensog — Category B rookie delisted having not played a senior game.
■ Lachie Fogarty — Injury-prone forward traded to Carlton for a late draft pick.
■ Nakia Cockatoo — Another project for the Brisbane medical staff after being traded to the Lions.
■ Jack Steven — Four-time Saints best and fairest could never quite get right after making move from St Kilda to Geelong at the end of 2019.
GOLD COAST SUNS
■ Pearce Hanley — The Irishman, 31, made his decision in early September to retire, effective immediately.
■ Jacob Dawson, Corey Ellis, Sam Fletcher, Jacob Heron, George Horlin-Smith, Jesse Joyce, Anthony Miles, Mitch Riordan, Josh Schoenfeld — all cut from the Suns’ list. Miles had the most accomplished AFL career, playing 88 games for GWS, Richmond and Gold Coast.
■ Peter Wright — The No. 8 pick in the 2014 draft was traded to Essendon in exchange for a future fourth-round pick.
GWS GIANTS
■ Sam Jacobs — Big man has announced he won’t play on in 2021.
■ Heath Shaw — Former Collingwood premiership hero was delisted after 325 games. He says the word “retirement” doesn’t sit well but has ruled out playing under his brother Rhyce at North Melbourne next year.
■ Tom Sheridan — Former Tiger calls time after nine years in the AFL.
■ Zac Williams — The free agent signed a lucrative long-term contract with Carlton.
■ Aidan Corr — North Melbourne beat Hawthorn for the restricted free agent’s services.
■ Jeremy Cameron — Traded to Geelong in a blockbuster deal just before deadline after the Giants matched the Cats’ free agency bid.
■ Jye Caldwell — Requested a move back to Victoria and joined Essendon in a last-minute trade.
■ Zac Langdon — Returns home to WA in a trade to West Coast.
HAWTHORN
■ James Frawley — Hanging up the boots after 100 games for the Hawks — including the 2015 flag — and 139 for the Demons.
■ Ricky Henderson — Called time on his 12-year career at Adelaide and Hawthorn.
■ Ben Stratton — Stout defender Stratton steps away as captain of the Hawks.
■ Paul Puopolo — The diminutive forward dynamo had lost his place in Alastair Clarkson’s side and calls it time after a stellar career.
■ Conor Glass — Managed 21 games after moving over from Ireland five years ago. Heads back home to play Gaelic football for County Derry.
■ Darren Minchington, Jackson Ross and Will Golds — the trio have not been offered contracts for next year.
■ Isaac Smith — triple premiership player has left for Geelong as a free agent.
■ Dylan Moore — Cut, but Hawks plan to redraft developing mid-forward.
■ Harry Jones — One-game wonder will seek new club.
■ Mathew Walker — Pick No.63 in the 2018 draft never played a game for the Hawks.
MELBOURNE
■ Corey Wagner — Came across from North but couldn’t get a game this year.
■ Josh Wagner — Managed two games this year but joins his brother in being delisted.
■ Kyle Dunkley — Couldn’t crack the team this year and the brother of Bulldogs star Josh has been delisted as a result.
■ Harley Bennell — Super talented midfielder’s career didn’t end the way he would have liked. Has announced his retirement after being cut by the Demons.
■ Mitch Hannan — Traded to the Western Bulldogs, where he played in the VFL before being recruited by the Demons.
■ Braydon Preuss — After serving as a back-up to Max Gawn, Preuss will now be the No. 1 ruckman at GWS.
■ Oscar McDonald — The defender has managed just 19 games in the past two seasons.
■ Aaron Nietschke — Will be redrafted by the Demons as a rookie.
■ Kade Kolodjasnij — Concussion issues force Demon out.
NORTH MELBOURNE
■ Majak Daw — delisted after an incredible struggle to return to football after a fall from the Bolte Bridge.
■ Jamie Macmillan — Delisted after Round 18 following 167 games over 11 seasons.
■ Jasper Pittard — Former Port Adelaide defender delisted after Round 18.
■ Ben Jacobs — Delisted after a two-year battle with concussion.
■ Paul Ahern — Former Giants No. 7 draft pick delisted.
■ Mason Wood — Forward delisted after Round 18.
■ Sam Durdin — Delisted after Round 18.
■ Marley Williams — Delisted after 128 games with Collingwood and North Melbourne.
■ Joel Crocker — Father-son draft pick cut without playing a game.
■ Lachie Hosie — Mid-season draft recruit delisted after five games and three goals.
■ Tom Murphy — Defender played nine games from 2018-20 including Round 18 against the Eagles.
■ Shaun Higgins — Traded to Geelong.
■ Ben Brown — Now a Demon after a deal on the last day of the trade period.
■ Ed Vickers-Willis — Oft-injured clubman managed just 21 games in six seasons.
PORT ADELAIDE
■ Justin Westhoff — Much-loved swingman hanging up the boots after debuting as a 20-yearold in 2007.
■ Joe Atley — 2016 draft pick struggled to cement a spot at Port, managing just four career matches.
■ Riley Grundy — Brother of Collingwood star Brodie Grundy only lasted two years on the Power list.
■ Tobin Cox — 2018 Rookie draft pick who never made an AFL debut.
■ Wylie Buzza — Ex-Cat shown the door before finals.
■ Jack Watts — Former No. 1 draft pick has called time on his career after injury cruelled his time at the Power.
■ Brad Ebert — Retired after a concussion in the club’s preliminary final loss.
■ Cam Sutcliffe — Former Docker was given a lifeline by the Power in last year’s Mid-Season Draft but was delisted after Port’s finals exit.
■ Jake Patmore — Injury-plagued 21-year-old was delisted after trade period without playing an AFL game.
RICHMOND
■ Luke English – the No. 62 pick from the 2018 draft didn’t play a senior game and has been delisted.
■ Fraser Turner – the No. 58 pick from the 2018 draft didn’t play a senior game and has been delisted.
■ Oleg Markov – traded to Gold Coast in search of greater opportunities.
■ Jack Higgins – the Tigers relented and traded Higgins to St Kilda.
■ Derek Eggmolesse-Smith — The 2018 rookie draftee from Richmond’s Next Generation Academy wasn’t offered a new contract.
ST KILDA
■ Nathan Brown — After departing St Kilda’s Queensland hub for family reasons, Brown penned a letter to teammates confirming he had called time on his career. A Pies’ premiership player who owns the scalp of Nick Riewoldt in the 2010 replay.
■ Ryan Abbott, Logan Austin, Jack Bell, Doulton Langlands, Jack Mayo — The Saints trimmed five names from their list after their finals exit.
■ Matthew Parker — The high-marking mature-age recruit was delisted in the middle of trade period after playing 19 games in two seasons.
■ Nick Hind — Speedster traded to Essendon, where he made his mark as a VFL player.
■ Ed Phillips — Wasn’t offered a new contract after 15 games in four seasons.
■ Jonathon Marsh — Ex-Pie leaves the Saints after 11 games following his arrival at the club in the 2019 supplemental selection period.
■ Shane Savage — Former Hawk tweeted his own delisting after seven years at the club.
SYDNEY SWANS
■ Michael Knoll, Jack Maibaum, Harry Reynolds, Brady Rowles, Ryley Stoddart — The Swans culled five names after their season ended.
■ Aliir Aliir — Traded to Port Adelaide.
■ Jackson Thurlow, Robbie Fox, Zac Foot and Sam Gray — Delisted before list lodgement deadline.
■ Elijah Taylor — youngster sacked after pleading guilty to assaulting his former girlfriend.
WEST COAST EAGLES
■ Will Schofield — Ahead of another finals campaign, the rugged premiership defender announced this season will be his last.
■ Hamish Brayshaw, Nic Reid, Mitch O’Neill, Anthony Treacy and Francis Watson — Brayshaw and Reid were among five names delisted despite making their Eagles debut this year.
■ Tom Hickey — Traded to Sydney after being stuck a few places back in the Eagles’ ruck queue.
■ Lewis Jetta — Two-time premiership player delisted after five seasons at the Eagles.
■ Daniel Venables — Premiership forward has been delisted but the Eagles say they will work towards finding away to keep him at the club.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
■ Tory Dickson — Sharpshooting premiership Dog hangs up the boots.
■ Billy Gowers, Fergus Greene and Brad Lynch — 2018 leading goal kicker Gowers headlined three delistings by the Dogs.
■ Lachie Young — Traded to North Melbourne after managing just two games in 2020.
■ Matt Suckling — Premiership Hawk shown door.
■ Jackson Trengove — Port Adelaide recruit delisted after underwhelming spell at Dogs
■ Callum Porter — Cut after the trade period.
Originally published as AFL list changes: Retirements and delistings from every club in 2020
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