Who’s in line to be elevated to the senior list at your club, we look at the candidates
CARLTON has upgraded Irish rookie Ciaran Byrne to the senior list. This ridiculous goal might be the reason why. WHO HAS YOUR CLUB PROMOTED?
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CARLTON has promoted Irish rookie Ciaran Byrne to the senior list.
The 21-year-old is in his third season at the Blues and played one game last year after being promoted early in the season, only to suffer a hamstring injury that hampered his season.
He showed on the weekend he has clearly put that behind him with an amazing running goal for Carlton’s VFL team. Byrne took an intercept mark then gave and received two handballs, took two bounces and threaded the goal from 50m.
Simply outstanding from @Ciaran_Byrne94 for @NBluesFC this morning... #BoundByBluehttps://t.co/9QTpbyQRFM
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 12, 2016
Byrne’s promotion makes him elegible for selection in Carlton’s Round 1 team against Richmond.
The Tigers, meanwhile, promoted running defender Jason Castagna, beating Sudanese forward Mabior Chol and mature-age recruit Adam Marcon to the vacancy on Richmond’s senior list.
Collingwood has upgraded 200cm WA goalkicker Corey Gault, edging out US import Mason Cox.
Gault kicked eight goals in the NAB Challenge, equal second-most (with teammate Alex Fasolo) in the pre-season competition behind Drew Petrie’s 10.
Earlier, North Melbourne upgraded Majak Daw from the rookie list.
The move comes a fortnight out from the start of the AFL season with the ruckman-forward a chance to line up against Adelaide.
Has your club upgraded a rookie or is a spot still available? The latest on every club’s rookie stocks below.
ADELAIDE — YES
WHY? Matthew Jaensch shocked the AFL world when he retired a month before the AFL season started but it does open a senior spot on Adelaide’s list. As a result, the Crows can place Jaensch on the long-term injury list and upgrade one of their six rookies.
WHO’S IN LINE: Jonathan Beech, Hugh Greenwood, Paul Hunter, Alex Keath, Reilly O’Brien, Keenan Ramsay.
FRONT-RUNNER: We’d say Reilly O’Brien is first choice at this stage, although Keenan Ramsay might not be far behind. O’Brien has been impressive in his NAB Challenge appearances and would provide depth in the Crows’ ruck department.
BRISBANE LIONS — NO
WHY? The Lions don’t have any long-term injuries or empty places on the senior list at this stage.
WHO’S IN LINE: Hugh Beasley, Billy Evans, Matthew Hammelmann, Cian Hanley, Jackson Paine, Archie Smith, Reuben William
CARLTON — YES
WHY? The Blues have an empty spot on their senior list under the pre-season rookie promotion rules, meaning they can upgrade one rookie before the season starts.
WHO’S IN LINE: Ciaran Byrne, Andrew Galluci, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Billy Gowers, Matt Korcheck, Ciaran Sheehan, Cameron Wood.
FRONT-RUNNER: Irishman Ciaran Byrne got the nod today. Cameron Wood is waiting in the wings if the Blues suffer an injury in the ruck department.
COLLINGWOOD — YES
WHY? The Magpies don’t have an empty senior spot but Matthew Scharenberg is out for the season with a knee injury. The young defender is yet to be put on the long-term injury list but Collingwood can make that decision at any time.
WHO’S IN LINE: Mason Cox, Corey Gault, Tim Golds, Josh Smith, Darrean Wyatt.
FRONT-RUNNER: Gault got the nod after booting eight goals in the NAB Challenge. The key forward has out-performed Jesse White and could be lining up beside Travis Cloke in Round 1.
ESSENDON — YES
WHY? The club was gutted by the 12-month supplement bans and under the AFL rules the Bombers can upgrade two rookies to the senior list. The club can upgrade a third rookie under the pre-season promotion rules.
WHO’S IN LINE: Will Hams, Jake Long, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Conor McKenna, Gach Nyoun, Tom Wallis
FRONT-RUNNER: Conor McKenna played two games in 2015 and would be first choice. Jake Long and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti are the front-runners for the upgrades allowed under the WADA suspension rules.
FREMANTLE — NO
WHY? The Dockers senior list is full and the club doesn’t have any long-term injuries. Rookie Dockers will have to bide their time.
WHO’S IN LINE: Josh Deluca, Sean Hurley, Anthony Morabito, Ryan Nyhuis, Tanner Smith, Matthew Uebergang.
GEELONG — YES
WHY? The Cats don’t have space on the senior list to upgrade a rookie but sadly Jackson Thurlow look’s to be out for the season after injuring his knee in the NAB Challenge on Saturday.
WHO’S IN LINE: Zac Bates, Jock Cornell, Cameron Delaney, Padraig Lucey, James Parsons, Tom Read, Tom Ruggles.
FRONT-RUNNER: Tom Ruggles has already put his hand up to replace Thurlow and showed promise in his NAB Challenge appearances. Cameron Delaney has AFL experience after crossing from North Melbourne but is yet to play a game for the Cats.
GOLD COAST — YES
WHY? The Suns have now upgraded veteran Danny Stanley under the pre-season promotion rules but can could still open up one more spot. David Swallow is expected to miss a large portion of the season and could also be placed on the long-term injury.
WHO’S IN LINE: Ryan Davis, Jesse Joyce, Tom Keogh, Cameron Loersch, Darcy McPherson, Danny Stanley.
FRONT-RUNNER: Midfielder Ryan Davis played 14 games for West Coast several years ago and has impressed Gold Coast coaching staff. Darcy McPherson is also in the running after an impressive NAB Challenge.
GWS GIANTS — NO
WHY? The Giants don’t have a senior spot available under the pre-season promotion rules and don’t have any long-term injuries.
WHO’S IN LINE: Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid.
HAWTHORN - YES
WHY? While the Hawks don’t have an opening on the senior list, the club could decide to place Jarryd Roughead on the long-term injury list. While they haven’t yet, they may make the move if they decide a rookie is worthy.
WHO’S IN LINE: Conor Glass, Lachlan Langford, Jermaine Miller-Lewis, Kade Stewart, Luke Surman, Shem-Kalvin Tatupu, Alex Woodward.
FRONT-RUNNER: Alex Woodward would be but he’s recovering from a knee reconstruction. New Zealand project player Shem Tatupu has done some nice things when given the chance in the NAB Challenge. However, given his bloodlines, Lachie Langford is the most likely upgrade.
MELBOURNE — YES
WHY? The Demons have a spot open after trade-period pick up Jake Melksham was suspended for 12 months as a result of the Essendon supplements saga.
WHO’S IN LINE: Max King, Viv Michie, Joel Smith, Josh Wagner, Mitch White.
FRONT-RUNNER: At this stage it looks a two horse race between Viv Michie and Josh Wagner. Although Wagner was somewhat disappointing in the Demons’ last NAB Challenge hit out. Michie was on the senior list last year and played 11 games.
NORTH MELBOURNE — YES
WHY? The Kangaroos had two places open on the senior list and Majak Daw has taken one of them. Brad Scott can still make moves with Ed Vickers-Willis on the long-term injury list.
WHO’S IN LINE: Majak Daw, Will Fordham, Robin Nahas, Brayden Preuss, Farren Ray.
FRONT-RUNNER: Daw has taken the first spot. Robin Nahas and Farren Ray both have claims for the second vacancy but only one can be upgraded. Nahas played 18 games last year and Ray is coming back from injury but has plenty of senior experience after crossing from St Kilda.
PORT ADELAIDE — YES
WHY? Due to the 12-month suspensions of Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder, the Power can upgrade two rookies. The club was also able to upgrade a rookie under the pre-season promotion rules and has already elevated Nathan Krakouer.
WHO’S IN LINE: Cameron Hewitt, Dan Houston, Nathan Krakouer, Kane Mitchell, Will Snelling.
FRONT-RUNNER: Nathan Krakouer has already been upgraded to the senior list, meaning two spots are still up for grabs. Kane Mitchell has plenty of AFL experience - having played 14 games last year - and would be first choice to replace Monfries. Will Snelling captained South Australia at last year’s Under-18 National Championships and was a member of West Adelaide’s 2015 premiership team.
RICHMOND — YES
WHY? The Tigers can apply to the AFL to promote a rookie as the club has space under the salary cap.
WHO’S IN LINE: Jason Castagna, Mabior Chol, Adam Marcon, Callum Moore, Jayden Short, Ivan Soldo.
FRONT-RUNNER: The Tigers opted for the pace of Castagna, who improved out of sight in the VFL last season, ahead of excitement machine Chol who has wowed Tigers and neutral fans alike with some of his performances in the NAB Challenge.
ST KILDA — YES
WHY? The Saints are another club impacted by the Essendon supplements bans. Jake Carlisle will miss 12 months and the club can upgrade a rookie as a result.
WHO’S IN LINE: Nick Coughlan, Jason Holmes, Nick O’Kearney, Brenton Payne, Josh Saunders.
FRONT-RUNNER: Given Carlisle’s absence, Nick Coughlan looks the obvious choice. The former Albury Tiger spent time with Footscray in the VFL last year and is a key position player who can play at either end. Nick O’Kearney was surprisingly overlooked in the national draft and could get upgraded if the club is looking for midfield depth.
SYDNEY SWANS — YES
WHY? While the Swans don’t have an open spot on the senior list they have moved Gary Rohan to the long-term injury list.
WHO’S IN LINE: Jordan Foote, Kyle Galloway, Harry Marsh, Lewis Melican, Sam Murray, Nic Newman, Colin O’Riordan, Tom Papley.
FRONT-RUNNER: The Swans have got eight rookies to choose from. We suspect Nic Newman could be the first choice after the midfielder after impressing in the NEAFL last season and seeing significant game time during the NAB Challenge. Sam Murray and Harry Marsh are also in the conversation.
WEST COAST — NO
WHY? The Eagles’ list is full and at the moment they don’t have any long-term injury list.
WHO’S IN LINE: Corey Adamson, Paddy Brophy, Brant Colledge, Kane Lucas, Jordan Snadden, Simon Tunbridge, Alec Waterman
WESTERN BULLDOGS — YES
WHY? The Dogs will be without Stewart Crameri this season as a result of the Essendon supplement saga and can upgrade a rookie as a result. Clay Smith’s knee injury also opens up a long-term injury elevation.
WHO’S IN LINE: Jed Adcock, Luke Goetz, Brad Lynch, Roarke Smith.
FRONT-RUNNER: Jed Adcock - the former Brisbane Lions captain - is expected to be first choice should the club decide to upgrade a rookie. Adcock’s leadership and experience has been a welcome addition to the young team.
Originally published as Who’s in line to be elevated to the senior list at your club, we look at the candidates
Ch7 star raises eyebrows over X-rated video
A football great couldn’t hold his tongue after Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli was stitched up by some revealing footage.
Numbers prove Ross has bigger problems than the crowd – just
After Thursday night’s drubbing, Ross Lyon was involved in a tense exchange about the crowd – but, as JOSH BARNES finds out, the other St Kilda numbers are more concerning.
‘Fantasy land’: Bulldogs can’t rely on Darcy alone
He’s arguably the most special talent in the AFL and made a brilliant return from injury and Sam Darcy could be the difference for the Western Bulldogs in 2025.
No ‘magic bullet’ to fix Saints disaster
Two losses by a total in excess of 150 points to a team only on the fringe of the eight has raised some alarm bells for St Kilda.
Hawks ‘clicked’ without Sicily? Mitchell defends under-fire skipper
Sam Mitchell is adamant the best 2025 version of captain James Sicily will appear when he returns from injury, dismissing talk the Hawks backline finally clicked last week without the skipper.
Crows’ 20-year first: Stunning numbers driving finals push
Adelaide’s forwards or midfielders have got much of the credit for the club’s rise up the ladder. But stunning statistics show how the Crows’ low-profiled defensive unit has become an AFL leader.