AFL 2024: Every club’s off-season ins and outs and list ratings for next year

Pre-season training is in full swing – and there are a number of unlisted players trying to prove their worth on the track. Find out who’s in the mix at your club.

The best are better and the worst should look away now.

The trade period and drafts are now in the rear-view mirror and while a host of clubs still have a slot or two to fill on their lists, most squads are set for 2024.

Collingwood adding forward pocket Lachie Schultz has been a big win, while fellow grand finalist Brisbane Lions have upgraded too.

But the news is not as positive for those near the bottom.

The off-season is all about improving a playing list for the next year and our experts have run the rule on every change to declare who is in better shape to attack 2024.

ADELAIDE

IN: Chris Burgess (Gold Coast), Daniel Curtin, Charlie Edwards, Oscar Ryan (draft)

OUT: Tom Doedee (Brisbane), Shane McAdam (Melbourne), Paul Seedsman, Fischer McAsey (retired), Tyler Brown, Jackson Hately, Andrew McPherson, Tariek Newchurch (delisted)

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The Crows took a swing during the trade period but were unable to land a high-profile recruit as they had the previous two seasons. Burgess is likely a fringe player who may be a regular to start next year because Nick Murray is sidelined with a knee injury. Losing two members of their best 22, Doedee and McAdam, is a blow. As good as Doedee had been, Adelaide was able to cover for him during the back half of last season. Landing Curtin, who filled a need as a tall defender, was a great get.

BRISBANE LIONS

IN: Tom Doedee (Adelaide), Brandon Ryan (Hawthorn), Logan Morris, Luke Lloyd, Zane Zakostelsky, Reece Torrent (draft), Bruce Reville (Cat B rookie).

OUT: Jack Gunston (Hawthorn), Tom Fullarton (Melbourne), Marcus Adams, Daniel Rich (retired), Nakia Cockatoo (retired), Blake Coleman, Rhys Mathieson (delisted), Darryl McDowell-White Jr (delisted).

Tom Doedee will bolster the Brisbane defence in 2024. Picture: Michael Klein

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

Brisbane lost some depth with the departures of Rich and Gunston but importantly the best-22 remained intact. The Doedee acquisition in free agency was a great get and although the former Crow won’t be up to speed until mid-season he looms as a plug and play defensive piece to strengthen the Lions’ finals push. Chris Fagan has his squad in win-now mode and went to the draft with an eye on the future. The return of Will Ashcroft from injury will mean the Lions enter Round 1 stronger than they were on grand final day.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

CARLTON

IN: Elijah Hollands (Gold Coast), Orazio Fantasia (Port Adelaide), Ashton Moir, Billy Wilson (draft), Matt Carroll (rookie draft), Rob Monahan (category B rookie)

OUT: Ed Curnow, Lachie Plowman (retired), Paddy Dow (St Kilda), Zac Fisher (North Melbourne), Josh Honey, Lochie O’Brien, Sam Philp (delisted)

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

Hollands has the potential to be a great recruit for the Blues as a high-impact forward who can go through the midfield. The brother of Carlton wingman Ollie Hollands had limited opportunity at the Suns, playing only 14 games in three seasons, including none in his first year coming off a knee injury. Fantasia is a punt, but can change games if he can stay on the park. A big if, judging on recent history. Although Dow and Fisher did not play in Carlton’s finals campaign, they were still relatively young and on the fringes, featuring in 22 matches between them last season.

Verdict: List neutral for 2024

COLLINGWOOD

IN: Lachie Schultz (Fremantle), Harry DeMattia, Tew Jiath (draft).

OUT: Taylor Adams (Sydney), Jack Ginnivan (Hawthorn), Trent Bianco, Arlo Draper, Will Kelly, Cooper Murley, Trey Ruscoe, Tom Wilson (delisted).

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 3, plus two category B rookie spots

Draftee Tew Jiath. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Some big names have left the reigning premiers in the wake of their victory over Brisbane to claim the 2023 premiership. Vice-captain Taylor Adams made a shock move to Sydney, while Jack Ginnivan has joined Hawthorn. The Magpies have replaced Ginnivan with Lachie Schultz from Fremantle, who is arguably an upgrade on the new Hawk. The Magpies have three spots open on the rookie list and is having plenty of players on trial this pre-season as they prepare for their flag defence. Ex-AFL trio Jack Bytel, Brynn Teakle and Joshua Eyre are among five players who will trial for list spots at the Pies this pre-season. VAFA footballer Sam Sofronidis will also train with the Pies, as will their VFL captain Campbell Hustwaite.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

ESSENDON

IN: Xavier Duursma (Port Adelaide), Ben McKay (Essendon), Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Jade Gresham (St Kilda), Nate Caddy, Luamon Lual, Archie Roberts (draft), Vigo Visentini (rookie draft).

OUT: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Port Adelaide), Massimo D’Ambrosio (Hawthorn), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Andrew Phillips (retired), Alastair Lord, Cian McBride, Rhett Montgomerie, Anthony Munkara, Will Snelling, James Stewart, Patrick Voss (delisted).

Jade Gresham is now a Bomber. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2 Category B rookie spots

The Bombers were one of the busiest clubs in the trade and free agency period. McKay comes in on big money to be their No. 1 key defender, Duursma will be looking to breathe some new life into his career after getting away from the graveyard shift that is the wing position at Port Adelaide while Gresham could add some X-factor. At the draft the Bombers traded up to get Caddy who fills their need for a taller forward.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

FREMANTLE

IN: Oscar McDonald (delisted free agent, formerly Carlton), Cooper Simpson, Ollie Murphy, Jack Delean (draft), Jeremy Sharp (SSP, formerly Gold Coast), Odin Jones (rookie draft).

OUT: Joel Hamling (Sydney), Liam Henry (St Kilda), Lachie Schultz (Collingwood), Nathan Wilson, Eric Benning, Travis Colyer (delisted).

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2 on rookie list

The Dockers said goodbye to Lachie Schultz. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

This has been a far from ideal off-season for the Dockers. They’ve lost two of their most consistent performers in Liam Henry and Lachie Schultz after they requested trades to Victoria, and outside of the experience that Oscar McDonald brings in, they didn’t make a whole lot of moves to replace them. Ollie Murphy slid back in the draft and is a handy pick-up, while Jeremy Sharp could have an impact from the Suns. They are also set to open two rookie list spots with Josh Corbett and Sebit Kuek to be moved to the long-term injury list. Fx-Bomber Patrick Voss, Sam van Rooyen, the younger brother of Melbourne’s Jacob, and Woodville West-Torrens forward Max Beattie are training with the club in the hope of taking a spot.

VERDICT: List has gone backwards for 2024

GEELONG

IN: Connor O’Sullivan, Mitchell Edwards, Shaun Mannagh, George Stevens, Lawson Humphries, Oliver Wiltshire (draft), Emerson Jeka (Hawthorn), Joe Furphy (category B rookie)

OUT: Isaac Smith, Jonathon Ceglar (retired), Esava Ratugolea (Port Adelaide), Sam Menegola, Flynn Kroeger, Osca Riccardi, Sam Simpson, Cooper Whyte (delisted)

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

In something of a rarity, the Cats did not trade for any established players and their only recruit from a rival club was seven-game ex-Hawks key defender Jeka. Instead, Geelong brought in six draftees, including O’Sullivan, another tall backman, at pick 11. Ratugolea was a borderline best-22 player but Smith loomed as a significant loss, having played every game this past season, finishing 10th in the best-and-fairest.

VERDICT: List gone backwards for 2024

GOLD COAST

IN: Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers, Will Graham (draft), Sam Clohesy, Will Rowlands (rookie draft), Jack Mahoney (rookie draft, formerly North Melbourne).

OUT: Elijah Hollands (Carlton), Mabior Chol (Hawthorn), Chris Burgess (Adelaide), Connor Blakely, Charlie Constable (retired), Jeremy Sharp (delisted, signed by Fremantle), Jake Stein, Jed Anderson, Brodie McLaughlin (delisted).

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 1

The Suns pulled off an academy haul. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Christmas came early for Damien Hardwick who got to unwrap four brand new stars of the future at the draft via the Suns’ Academy bids. Walter and Rogers could be ready to go for the Opening Round, while Read and Graham should see opportunities throughout the season. It also wouldn’t shock to see former Suns Academy member Clohesy get a look-in on the wing under Hardwick next season. In return for the dramatic draft haul the Suns shipped off a number of VFL regulars. Gold Coast has arguably never been in a better position to challenge for finals than 2024. Jack Peris (ex-St Kilda) and Aiden Bonar (ex-North Melbourne) are training on to vie for the available list spot.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

GWS GIANTS

IN: Phoenix Gothard, James Leake, Joseph Fonti, Harvey Thomas (draft), Nathan Wardius (Cat B rookie).

OUT: Matt Flynn (West Coast), Phil Davis, Daniel Lloyd (retired), Cameron Fleeton, Jason Gillbee (delisted).

Phil Davis has retired and Phoenix Gothard has come in. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The Giants didn’t need to make many changes to their list after reaching the preliminary final, as they boast one of the most balanced squads in the AFL. They have a host of young, talented players set to take their next step up in 2024 and had the luxury of adding to very specific needs in the draft. A few injuries could test their resolve, but all signs point to another competitive year for GWS.

VERDICT: List neutral for 2024

HAWTHORN

IN: Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood), Massimo D’Ambrosio (Essendon), Mabior Chol (Gold Coast), Jack Gunston (Brisbane), Nick Watson (draft), Will McCabe (draft), Bodie Ryan (draft), Caslher Dear (draft)

OUT: Tyler Brockman (West Coast), Jacob Koschitzke (Richmond), Brandon Ryan (Brisbane), Lachie Bramble (delisted), Fergus Greene (delisted), Ned Long (delisted), Emerson Jeka (delisted), Josh Morris (delisted), Fionn O’Hara (delisted), Max Lynch (retired)

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 1 plus one category B rookie spot

The Hawks’ forward line has received some serious fire power. Ginnivan and Watson as small forwards will be something to keep an eye on, while Chol will be looking to impress at his third club and Gunston upon his return to his former club.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

MELBOURNE

IN: Jack Billings (St Kilda), Tom Fullarton (Brisbane), Shane McAdam (Adelaide), Caleb Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup (draft), Kynan Brown (rookie draft), Marty Hore (SSP - Williamstown).

OUT: Brodie Grundy, James Jordon (Sydney), James Harmes (Western Bulldogs), Luke Dunstan, Michael Hibberd (retired), Deakyn Smith, Kye Turner (delisted).

Shane McAdam has joined the Dees. Picture: Tess Gellie/Melbourne FC

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The Dees have largely made upgrades in positions it already had plenty of cover. Grundy was not needed in the ruck and Fullarton may provide more of a marking target. Harmes wasn’t playing senior footy, Hore is cover for Hibberd and while Jordon was useful, McAdam fills some need across half-forward. Billings is a worthwhile flyer and Windsor and Tholstrup appear ready to play some part. It’s unlikely that any of the additions will really make a huge difference to Melbourne’s flag hopes – that burden will likely rest with the superstars and a game plan tweak – but the Dees took incremental steps forward.

VERDICT: List has improved for 2024

NORTH MELBOURNE

IN: Zac Fisher (Carlton), Dylan Stephens (Sydney), Bigoa Nyuon (Richmond), Toby Pink (delisted free agent, Sydney), Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma, Taylor Goad, Wil Dawson, Riley Hardeman (draft), Finnbar Maley (rookie draft)

OUT: Todd Goldstein, Ben McKay (Essendon), Jack Mahoney (delisted, drafted by Gold Coast), Ben Cunnington, Aaron Hall, Daniel Howe, Jack Ziebell (retired), Aiden Bonar, Jacob Edwards, Flynn Perez, Phoenix Spicer, Kayne Turner, Lachie Young (delisted).

Zane Duursma enters North Melbourne with big expectations. Picture: David Crosling

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 1

A heap of change at Arden Street yet again this off-season. If grading just for 2024, it’s hard to see how North Melbourne’s off-season moves will actually improve the team, given a bunch of experience left and was replaced either by draftees or fringe players. But these were almost universally all the right moves for 2026 and beyond. Duursma and McKercher may have an impact in 2024, and Fisher and Stephens should add run. It is all about how much the young Roos new - new and already on the list - can grow in coming years.

VERDICT: List neutral for 2024

PORT ADELAIDE

IN: Esava Ratugolea (Geelong), Ivan Soldo (Richmond), Jordon Sweet (Western Bulldogs), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Essendon), Thomas Anastasopoulos, Lachlan Charleson, Will Lorenz (draft), Xavier Walsh (rookie draft).

OUT: Xavier Duursma (Essendon), Orazio Fantasia (delisted, signed by Carlton), Riley Bonner (delisted, drafted by St Kilda), Tom Jonas, Scott Lycett (retired), Nathan Barkla, Jake Pasini, Brynn Teakle (delisted).

Former Cat Esava Ratugolea has a big role to play in Port Adelaide’s backline. Picture: Mark Stewart

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2 category B rookie spots open

They aren’t the biggest names around but the Power have addressed the gaping holes on its list. Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher can help a defence that is often under sized, while Soldo and Sweet come at an important time for the Power’s ruck stocks. Duursma’s departure does leave a hole on the wing.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

RICHMOND

IN: Jacob Koschitzke (Hawthorn), Oliver Hayes-Brown (Cat B rookie), Sam Naismith (delisted free agent, formerly Sydney) Liam Fawcett, Kane McAuliffe (draft)

OUT: Bigoa Nyuon (North Melbourne), Ivan Soldo (Port Adelaide), Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Robbie Tarrant, Jason Castagna (retired), Kaelan Bradtke (delisted).

Can Jacob Koschitzke fill Jack Riewoldt’s shoes? Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 1

It’s hard to see much automatic improvement in Richmond’s list based on the players brought into the club. Koschitzke struggled for much of 2023 at Hawthorn, Naismith has been in fine form in the VFL but hasn’t played AFL since 2020 and the others will likely take time. Riewoldt will be missed, Cotchin was probably done and the Tigers got nothing out of Tarrant, Nyuon or Castagna this year. While Soldo was probably surplus to requirements, he was still a useful back-up ruck. A bunch of second and third year Tigers will need to step up for Adem Yze to make finals in year one. The Tigers have opened the doors to East Perth’s Mitch Schofield and Richmond VFL’s Mykelti Lefau to claim the open spot on the list.

VERDICT: List has gone backwards for 2024

ST KILDA

IN: Liam Henry (Fremantle), Paddy Dow (Carlton), Riley Bonner (Port Adelaide), Darcy Wilson, Lance Collard, Angus Hastie, Hugo Garcia, Arie Schoenmaker, Liam O’Connell (category B rookie)

OUT: Jack Billings (Melbourne), Jade Gresham (Essendon), Nick Coffield (Western Bulldogs), Oscar Adams, Leo Connolly, Jack Bytel, Tom Highmore, Dan McKenzie, Jack Peris (delisted)

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The Saints have brought in two former top-10 draft picks who could blossom at their new clubs in Henry and Dow. Henry is the type of player that will suit a St Kilda team that needs a little more outside run and should benefit from the quick deck at Marvel Stadium. Dow showed promising signs at times last season. Both are coming into their primes. While the Saints will miss Gresham’s smarts, Billings (three games in 2023) and Coffield (none since 2021) have not been part of the club’s revival under Ross Lyon 2.0. Bonner adds wing and half-back depth.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

SYDNEY

IN: Taylor Adams (Collingwood), Brodie Grundy, James Jordon (Melbourne), Joel Hamling (Fremantle), Will Green, Caiden Cleary, Patrick Snell (draft), Indhi Kirk (Cat B rookie).

OUT: Dylan Stephens (North Melbourne), Lance Franklin, Tom Hickey, Paddy McCartin (retired), Ryan Clarke, Will Gould, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Cameron Owen, Lachlan Rankin, Marc Sheather (delisted).

Ex-Magpie Taylor Adams is now a Sydneysider. Picture: Michael Klein.

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The Swans have been one of the busiest clubs this off-season with eight new players coming in through the doors at Moore Park. Grundy and Adams will bring experience to the side and transform their midfield, while Hamling and Jordon offer plenty of upside with very little risk. While their defence still looks a little bit light, they have also picked up some players with huge potential in the draft. The premiership window is open for Sydney and they’re going all in.

VERDICT: List improved for 2024

WEST COAST

IN: Tyler Brockman (Hawthorn), Matt Flynn (GWS), Harley Reid, Archer Reid, Clay Hall, Harvey Johnston (draft), Loch Rawlinson (rookie draft), Coen Livingstone (Cat B rookie).

OUT: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn (retired), Greg Clark, Luke Foley, Xavier O’Neill, Samo Petrevski-Seton, Connor West, Isiah Winder (delisted).

A whole bunch of experience is out the door at West Coast. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 0

The rebuild starts now, or again, for the Eagles, whichever way you want to look at it. They’ve lost the best part of 800 games of experience with the retirement of Nic Nat, Shuey and Hurn, so regardless of the new recruits, they will need their remaining leaders to step up. Harley Reid will come straight into the side for round one, and Flynn is a very handy ruck option. But this is a long-term plan, and West Coast fans will have to remain patient because their fortunes aren’t going to turn around immediately.

VERDICT: List has gone backwards for 2024

WESTERN BULLDOGS

IN: Lachie Bramble (SSP - Hawthorn), Nick Coffield (St Kilda), James Harmes (Melbourne), Ryley Sanders, Joel Freijah, Lachlan Smith, Aiden O’Driscoll, Joel Freijah (draft).

OUT: Jordon Sweet (Port Adelaide), Josh Bruce (retired), Toby McLean, Mitch Hannan, Hayden Crozier, Cody Raak, Robbie McComb, Roarke Smith, Tim O’Brien (delisted).

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 1 category B rookie spot

The Bulldogs are looking to some under the radar players from their rivals as they look to get back into finals. Harmes might be able to add something to the Dogs’ potent midfield while Bramble and Coffield look set to be role players. Sanders arrives as a consistent midfielder but where will Luke Beveridge play him?

VERDICT: List neutral for 2024

Originally published as AFL 2024: Every club’s off-season ins and outs and list ratings for next year