Free agency list has plenty of high-profile and intriguing options

This year’s free agency list still has some high-profile and intriguing prospects who have much to gain by excellent 2019 seasons. In the countdown to Round 1, JON RALPH breaks down where the biggest free agents are at.

Top free agents in 2019.

If you are an AFL club looking to change your fortunes with a massive free agency raid, you might be searching in the wrong year.

The free agency market is looking slim, in part because clubs such as the Gold Coast have already signed - 2019 free agent David Swallow - players or traded them a year early - sending Steven May to Melbourne - before they hit free agency.

But in this year’s list there are still some high-profile and intriguing prospects who have much to gain by excellent 2019 seasons.

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TODD GOLDSTEIN (North Melbourne)

He only turns 31 in July and is coming off an excellent turn-back-the-clock year as a ruckman who wins the ball, taps it well and can push forward to kick goals. If changes to ruck rules favour 200cm-plus ruckmen and he backs up last year, suitors might start calling. Is coming off a huge long-term contract.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein. Picture: Jay Town

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott. Picture: Michael Klein

JAMIE ELLIOTT (Collingwood)

His management was prudent in signing him to a one-year deal that has upside for everyone. If the 26-year-old can overcome body issues to renew his star billing as a mid-sized forward he is suddenly worth a motza. And the Pies will be happy to pay a player that has always wanted to stay in black and white.

STEPHEN HILL (Fremantle)

Fremantle’s key priority will be to re-sign the 10-year veteran, who turns 29 in May. Now playing with his brother Brad in his home state, and has shown no inclination to move.

Just changed management companies in recent weeks after early talks on a new deal.

STEPHEN CONIGLIO (GWS)

The No.1 target if he were to declare he was interested in moving but as recently as last year said he loved the club, loved Sydney and wanted to stay. GWS believes he and Josh Kelly are staying.

SAM DAY (Gold Coast)

Coming off a serious injury and a three-season contract worth around $500,000 a year, is keen to re-establish himself as a key position pillar before talks start. Managed by former Dogs coach Peter Rohde.

ADAM TOMLINSON (GWS)

St Kilda was firmly rebuffed in 2017 despite strong interest. Since then he has added another 24-game season and evolved into a 194cm running wingman. Is happy at GWS, but that doesn’t mean significant offers couldn’t prize him out of there.

Adam Tomlinson kicks at goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Richmond defender David Astbury. Picture: Mark Stewart

DAVID ASTBURY (Richmond)

A hugely under-rated key position defender who played when ill in the preliminary final and had his colours lowered. Brisbane was interested in 2015. Tigers will be keen to wrap him up early. Turns 28 on Tuesday.

SHANE EDWARDS (Richmond)

Has just come off an All-Australian season and turned 30 in October. His management hasn’t started talks on a new deal but they aren’t far away. Expected to finish his career a well-decorated Tiger.

BRANDON ELLIS (Richmond)

Loves the club, won a premiership there and currently attempting to become a legitimate midfielder after being pushed out of the back six last year. Is the kind of player a smart rival would think has significant upside and is still only 25.

Nic Naitanui is a free agent at the end of the season.

NIC NAITANUI (West Coast)

Has already indicated that he will have to take a pay cut this year given continual knee issues. Might be worth $1.5 million a year given playing and marketing ability if he were fully fit. But he turns 29 in May and has played just 30 games since the end of 2015.

BRAD SHEPPARD (West Coast)

The Eagles have agreed to terms with veterans Shannon Hurn and Josh Kennedy for one-year deals through to 2020. But how much cash do they have for Sheppard, an elite defensive stopper who missed the flag through injury? The Eagles kept Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern, but will they eventually lose a free agent?

TOM LIBERATORE (Western Bulldogs)

The ultimate puzzle. He signed a one-year deal coming off a knee injury, with its short duration more about his off-field question marks than the injury concerns. Turns 27 in May, so needs to get back to his inside midfield best so the club can reward him long-term.