Mick McGuane: The left-field out-of-contract names your club should target this off-season

There are some key position targets who could be the missing piece in your team’s puzzle. Mick McGuane identifies who they are - and where they might fit best.

Jake Riccardi, Tom Doedee, Harrison Jones

If it gets to this time of year and a player hasn’t signed, it’s fair to say you can more often than not smell a rat.

And while there’s some big fish potentially there to be caught in coming months, what about the lesser lights who could shine at a new home?

Respected football analyst Mick McGuane takes a look at the out-of-contract players – and a couple who are currently under contract – and the clubs that could most benefit from their services.

TOM TIMES TWO

Tom De Koning (Carlton), 23, 50 games

Who could benefit: Geelong, St Kilda, Sydney

He’s played nine games this season and there’s three clubs that should be looking to secure his signature. It’s not about selling the farm, but with the thought of Marc Pittonet penning a four-year deal, he’d be thinking – what does it mean for me? Geelong could have real conversations about playing with his brother as there’s still room for romance in AFL footy when it comes to family being reconnected. But what is more pertinent is Geelong’s current ruck stocks – Rhys Stanley and Jon Ceglar, who have only played five and six games respectively and are both 32 years of age.

Where could De Koning land?

De Koning could be a long-term ruck/forward prospect for them. Rowan Marshall needs support at St Kilda — it’s a no-brainer. Sydney has a shortfall of quality tall players on its list and in particular their ruck stocks need an injection of youth. Tom Hickey’s body looks a little banged up.

Tom Doedee, 26, 82 AFL games

Who could benefit: Brisbane

A restricted free agent who is yet to commit to the Crows, which from their perspective is a concern. But for those teams in the premiership window, the risk versus reward has to be considered. Which club would invest in a player who has ruptured his ACL in Round 12? Doedee is only 26 and with the professionalism and improvement in sports science, Brisbane should be knocking the door down of his manager. It makes perfect sense that the Lions get in the conversation, particularly given Marcus Adams’ concussion issues. He would complement Harris Andrews and the ever-improving Jack Payne perfectly.

MAN THE FORT

Darcy Fort, 29, 26 AFL games

Who could benefit: Port Adelaide, West Coast

With the quality of ruck stocks in the competition being so thin, the Lions will be desperate to keep Fort given they don’t fall out of trees. But surely clubs like the Power or West Coast should consider luring him out of the Lions’ den. He has primarily been a back-up ruckman all his career and with Port having Scott Lycett – who took a while to work into his trademark aggressive style this season – and in all honesty, he is only a serious injury away from his serviceable career ending, the addition of Fort is not as silly as it sounds. From an Eagles perspective the future of Nic Naitanui is clearly uncertain as he battles another injury, so Fort should be entertained as he could relish the responsibility of being the No. 1 man.

THE MONEYBALL MEN

Deven Robertson (Brisbane), 21, 31 AFL games

Who could benefit: West Coast

He’s a WA kid, and the Eagles could look to him to grow their midfield group as some of their stars only get older. His uncle is Darren Glass, so there’s a family connection and while his kicking needs to tidy up, he would add some leadership and competitiveness to the next generation Eagles midfield. He’s got Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey ahead of him at the Lions so a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to allow his career to take off.

Kai Lohmann (Brisbane), 20, 4 AFL games

Who could benefit: Carlton, St Kilda, Hawthorn

He plays on instinct and has an uncanny awareness of what’s around him. His mind is quick and has a high footy IQ. These types of creative forwards are hard to find so clubs like Carlton, St Kilda (if they lose a Jade Gresham) and Hawthorn (a replacement in time for Luke Breust) should be proactive and get on the phone and look to enticing the Ballarat youngster back to Victoria. He is medium sized forward that can take a spectacular mark but also is a sure ball handler below his knees. He is not a Broadway name but rest assured his highlights reel will be pretty special over time.

YOUNG HAWKS CIRCLE

Jake Riccardi (GWS Giants), 23, 38 AFL games

Who could benefit: Hawthorn

He’s established himself this year kicking 13.7 and has taken 20 forward 50 marks. He’s taken eight contested marks so Riccardi is now starting to win his own footy in a variety of ways. Mitch Lewis and Jacob Koschitzke are the Hawks two key forwards and they could do with another tall option to assist them in that area of the ground. He wouldn’t inflict salary cap pain so that lower salary recruitment is wise. Also, at only 23 years of age, Riccardi aligns himself to Sam Mitchell’s youthful and developing team.

Jake Riccardi could suit Hawthorn, Mick says. Picture: Phil Hillyard

WINGING IT

Dylan Stephens (Sydney), 22, 39 AFL games

Who could do with him: Collingwood, Essendon Adelaide, Carlton and St Kilda

A prized number 5 draft pick in 2019 draft, Stephens kicking skills would add to any team’s ball movement so with him out of contract why wouldn’t the above mentioned teams have a crack at him. Effective ball users is what separates games of footy and Stephens can kick the footy. Carlton and St Kilda are screaming for that type ball distributor so why not ask the question.

Liam Henry (Fremantle), 21, 34 AFL games

Who could do with him: St Kilda, Richmond

He had a career-best game last week with 32 possessions against Essendon. But with an eye to the future, St Kilda need to start thinking who is going to replace Bradley Hill. Who is going to play that high half-forward/wing role and cover the ground and use the ball well to do some damage when attacking the game. With the uncertainty hovering over the Marlon Pickett situation, Richmond should get in the conversation.

James Jordon (Melbourne), 22, 58 AFL games

Who could do with him: Any team

The combination that he’s got is that he can play as an outside wing role but also go inside the contest if he’s needed. He’s got flexibility in his game which adds to his currency and any number of clubs could deal with a player of that ilk. He’s played 11 games of 14 this year in a current top 4 team in Melbourne so that in itself tells you that he is rated at the Demons. They know he’s capable. He probably feels comfortable there, but does he want to assume a more pre-eminent role elsewhere. I’d be surprised if other clubs aren’t currently engaging with his management team.

G, WHAT TALENT

Mitch Georgiades (Port Adelaide), 21, 49 AFL games

Who could benefit: West Coast

Not dissimilar to Tom Doedee, do you invest in a player coming off an ACL? The beauty of the Georgiades discussion is that he’s one game shy of 50 games and has shown that as a third tall, he has the capabilities to be a consistent goalkicker. He’s kicked 65.52 in his career and is only 21 years of age. There’s huge upside to come from Georgiades, and let’s face it, there is a risk involved but the reward might be compelling – so West Coast should look to entice him over. Oscar Allen needs support and Jack Darling’s not getting any younger so why not be aggressive and get Georgiades back over west.

FEELING JADED?

Jade Gresham (St Kilda), 25, 126 AFL games

Who could benefit: Carlton

Two years ago, the Blues had a big go at Sydney’s Tom Papley, so there was great intent to solve their small forward issues by enticing an established small from another club. Carlton didn’t get their man but Gresham just might be on their radar. Ross Lyon doesn’t suffer fools when it comes to consistency of effort. Does Gresham waver at times in that regard? At his absolute best, he’s dynamic and a potential game changer but he hasn’t produced that enough in front of goals this season with just 12 majors. Working at the feet of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, the opportunistic Saint could be the 30-goal-plus small forward the Blues desperately need.

Gresham’s output has been questioned. Picture: Getty Images

CROSS-COUNTRY QUANDARY

Tom Barrass (West Coast), 27, 129 AFL games

Who could benefit: Sydney

Based on the way the Eagles are tracking and what they need to do from a list management standpoint, it seems logical that Barrass needs to be spoken to by Sydney. He’s an Eagle until the end of 2027, but Swans need to be aggressive and creative and look to entice him to play in new colours next year. The Eagles are in desperate need of draft capital and the Swans, due to the health of Paddy McCartin, they’re in need of another key defender to support Paddy’s brother Tom and Dane Rampe, who is 33. Will Gould made his long awaited debut this year but he isn’t the answer to that key defensive role into the future. As much as Barrass might be loyal, the Eagles need to get top end young talent in the door so a deal should be considered. It’s a win/win for both clubs.

ROO ON THE BOUNCE?

Ben McKay (North Melbourne), 25, 62 AFL games

Who could benefit: Essendon

The first question that comes to mind is he worth the big bucks he will demand? A lot of clubs will be asking themselves that. He’s shown significant improvement, but his consistency can be questioned. Does he get comfortable? Is he mentally strong enough to play on the best key forwards each week? Does he need a fresh start? Essendon would be the perfect fit for McKay. The Bombers can now sell their club as a destination club – which they haven’t been able to do for the last decade – so they should seriously think about attracting the Kangaroos key defender. The Bombers are screaming for a big man down back to support Jayden Laverde and Jordan Ridley. The Bombers faithful will say Zach Reid is their answer but when are we going to see him play AFL footy again?

GIANT QUESTION

Harry Himmelberg (GWS Giants), 27, 140 AFL games

Who could benefit: Sydney and Adelaide

His versatility adds a point of difference and we’ve seen how Jordan Dawson left the Swans and Jason Horne-Francis the Roos and how they’ve performed when they’re closer to family — don’t forget his brother Elliott is a Crow. But in saying that, it’s not everything to some. The Giants have been super competitive and are playing a new way – he seems content but the reluctance to re-sign considering a good contract is under his nose, his silence is deafening at the moment. Adelaide Crows would love him and surely Sydney would look at securing his signature as he could play as the third tall at either end. He provides so much flexibility.

Himmelberg’s silence is deafening. Picture: Getty Images

X-FACTOR DON

Harrison Jones (Essendon), 22, 31 AFL games

Who could benefit: Hawthorn and West Coast

Jones has got some real X-factor talent. He’s been injured and has only played 5 games this year. But we know what his attributes are: he is athletic, is a good size and a strong mark and he can certainly play in front of the ball. Those types of players are hard to get. Essendon’s forward setup has been disrupted this year due to injuries, and maybe when they all become available, will his opportunities be limited. The question I’ve got and other clubs will be asking the same — has he got the right attitude and does he prepare like a professional to become the player we know he can become?

TALL TIGER

Ivan Soldo (Richmond), 27, 50 games

Who could benefit: GWS Giants, Port Adelaide, West Coast

Soldo is contracted but has only played one game so far this year. Toby Nankervis is clearly their number one ruck choice and the growth in Samson Ryan’s game has been rapid and there for all to see. If the Giants lose the uncontracted Matthew Flynn to another club, Soldo becomes a back up option for them but I wouldn’t be surprised if other clubs, who are short of ruck stocks might try to entice him out of Tigerland. Interesting times ahead.