Delisted players will be allowed to begin signing with new clubs on Thursday and there are quite a few in the mix for another opportunity.
We’ve gone through all 18 clubs to look at two players who should be considered for your side’s 2021 list.
Whether it’s a young kid worth a second chance, an opportunity to add to depth or a veteran worthy of a final shot, these are the players your team should target.
Mitch Hinge
Brisbane
The Lions delisted Hinge on Wednesday and it appears as though he is set to join the Crows. The Glenelg product will to return to his home city after three games in two seasons with the Lions.
While the Crows have promising youngster Fischer McAsey developing as a key position player, it wouldn’t hurt to have depth in the form of 22-year-old Hinge.
He would slot in playing alongside Daniel Talia and Tom Doedee in Adelaide’s defence when required.
Shane Savage
St Kilda
Now on the hunt for a third club, Savage could perhaps be a good fit for the Crows.
He played in St Kilda’s Semi Final against Richmond this year, indicating he still possesses the ability required to have an impact at the top level.
Coincidentally, Adelaide lost Brad Crouch to the Saints, which may see Rory Laird make a more permanent move into the midfield after some quality outings there during the latter half of the season.
That may open up a half-back position for a player like Savage to fill, or at the very least, provide back-up for within an inexperienced squad.
Andrew Slevison
Majak Daw
North Melbourne
The Lions have a fairly complete list and simply need to add to their depth in case of injuries in 2021.
With Stefan Martin departing for the Western Bulldogs, Marcus Adams’ constant injury issues and the delisting of Matt Eagles and Sam Skinner, the Lions could do with some additional size on their list.
Daw could serve as ruck and key defensive depth for them, helping tick both boxes.
If the ex-Roo has another year left in him to perform in an AFL system, the Lions would benefit from having that additional flexibility on their list.
Lewis Jetta West Coast
It’s only fair with Alex Witherden taking his spot at West Coast that Lewis Jetta jumps onto Brisbane’s list.
The Lions lost the contracted half back flanker and will be relying on someone like Grant Birchall to get through 2021 unscathed, as well as youngsters Noah Answerth, Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich.
Jetta not only provides depth, but pace off half back and through the wings and is a player with experience on the biggest stage.
The Lions are relatively deep at most positions, but Jetta is a player who could break into their best 22 if things work out well.
Nic Negrepontis
Majak Daw
North Melbourne
If Daw has another year of football left in him, Carlton would be smart to throw him another chance.
At his best, Daw proved himself as an intercept marking key defender and while Carlton has a relatively settled backline, they’re in need of depth.
The Blues delisted key defenders Hugh Goddard, Harrison Macreadie and Ben Silvagni, leaving Levi Casboult as their only real key defensive option should something happen to Liam Jones or Jacob Weitering.
A player like Daw may play 22 VFL games in 2021, but would be a capable break-in-case-of-emergency as a key defender and could also serve as a similar role as the third ruck option or even inside 50 if required.
Jackson Trengove
Western Bulldogs
Similarly, Trengove could fill the exact same role for Carlton as Daw.
Carlton needs key defensive depth and also currently only has two ruckmen on their list, making someone like Trengove tempting as he can fill both roles for the price of one.
Trengove faded into obscurity at the Dogs and was clearly out of favour with the coaching staff.
However, he has only just turned 30 and likely has a few years of footy in him, even if it’s just at VFL level as a depth option.
Nic Negrepontis
Cam McCarthy
Fremantle
McCarthy fills a need for Collingwood as a key forward, with Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron as the Pies only tall targets inside 50.
The Magpies failed to land a key forward during the trade period, and after his Dockers exit, McCarthy expressed a desire to play in black and white.
At his best, McCarthy showed glimpses of being a star, displaying his talent for the Giants after he was selected with pick 14 in the 2013 draft.
Collingwood have long been rumoured to target a key forward, and McCarthy is a proven goal kicker with 99 goals from his 70 AFL games.
While he is more likely to continue his career in the WAFL, he presents as a possible option for the Pies.
Brandon Matera
Fremantle
The Magpies have a number of medium sized forwards who play taller in Jordan De Goey, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Jamie Elliott.
The loss of Jaidyn Stephenson to North Melbourne and Travis Varcoe to retirement extenuates the Pies’ need for a ground level crumbing forward, with the inconsistent Josh Thomas and developing Callum Brown the only Magpies adept to playing that role at AFL level.
Matera played just five games for Fremantle in 2020 but is still capable of having an impact, evidenced by his 30 goals in 2019. Matera has played 144 games and has kicked 170, proving his ability to hit the scoreboard.
Lachlan Geleit
Cam McCarthy Fremantle
Essendon is crying out for depth at key forward, losing Joe Daniher and Shaun McKernan from a list that was already thin at the position.
McCarthy has not turned into the player he threatened to become early on with GWS, but he looks the best available key forward on the delisted free agency market and would be capable of stepping in if required.
The Bombers would be hoping that the potential that McCarthy has flashed at stages starts to materialise again, allowing him to play alongside Peter Wright and Jake Stringer regularly.
There’s minimal risk for the Bombers and plenty to gain if it works out.
Cameron Polson
Carlton
Essendon’s best 22 suddenly looks a lot slower without Adam Saad, Conor McKenna and Orazio Fantasia.
Regardless of how, they need to address that and Polson would be a way of going about it.
The delisted Blue showed signs at the end of 2020 in a new role across half back, using his speed and serviceable kicking ability to his advantage after years as a small forward.
However, Carlton’s trade acquisitions added considerable depth at the position and left Polson without a list spot.
The Bombers could throw the 22-year-old an opportunity to add to their depth off half back.
Nic Negrepontis
Dylan Moore
Hawthorn
Fremantle was quiet in the trade period and will continue to back the list they have built, but additional midfield depth couldn’t hurt.
Moore, 21, was delisted by Hawthorn after 10 games in three years, but flashed what his best footy could look like in his final game with the club, picking up 25 disposals, eight marks and five inside 50s against Gold Coast.
The Dockers look strong on the inside, but could do with depth wingmen and Moore could be worth a second shot on an AFL list.
Sam Skinner Brisbane
With Jesse Hogan, Cam McCarthy and Hugh Dixon off the list, Fremantle could use depth at the key forward position.
There aren’t many on the delisted free agency market, but Sam Skinner could be worth a second shot in a new environment.
Skinner’s career has been rocked by three knee reconstructions since 2015, but the 23-year-old managed to break into Brisbane’s side on two occasions in 2020.
Nic Negrepontis
Jackson Trengove
Western Bulldogs
Harry Taylor’s retirement could see Geelong look to dip into the delisted free agent market to beef up their defensive options.
Recruiting someone of Trengove’s ilk would free up Mark Blicavs who could then use his elite endurance to push up the ground.
Veteran Lachie Henderson had a terrific 2020 season, but another key back would give Cats coach Chris Scott additional flexibility.
While he may not be a permanent fixture in the side, Trengove’s ability to play in defence and provide Rhys Stanley valuable support in the ruck would be a handy option to have up the sleeve.
Ryley Stoddart Sydney
Nippy small forwards troubled Geelong’s defence in 2020.
Stoddart, who was delisted by Sydney after playing just six games in three years, could be the answer to that problem.
The 21-year-old is a dashing rebound defender who is rated highly by former AFL recruiter Matt Rendell.
Stoddart has raw talent with plenty of upside and in the right environment, there’s every chance he can resurrect his career if given the opportunity.
He was selected in the 2019 NEAFL Team of the Year and was drafted out of the Eastern Rangers in Victoria.
Alex Zaia
Shane Savage
St Kilda
Savage is looking to join a third AFL club after he was culled by St Kilda despite playing in their Semi Final loss to Richmond.
Gold Coast’s defence is quite solid but there is an argument that more run and drive off half-back is required, and Savage could provide that.
The rebound defender’s penetrative right foot and ability to run and carry the football makes him a high metres gained player.
Savage’s experience would also be valuable in a young Suns defence. The 29-year-old has played 165 games for both the Saints and Hawthorn.
Mason Wood
North Melbourne
Gold Coast lack depth in the forwards department.
Ben King has shown immense promise in his first two years in the AFL with Sam Day offering support as a second tall in attack.
The Suns need another key forward option and Wood is on the market after being delisted by North Melbourne.
Wood is an athletic forward who struggled for fitness and consistency during his stop-start AFL career with the Kangaroos.
The 27-year-old is desperate for another opportunity at a second club and a move north could suit both parties.
Alex Zaia
Jonathon Marsh
St Kilda
The Giants lost Aidan Corr as a free agent so could do worse than replacing him with Marsh.
The 25-year-old played mainly as a forward at St Kilda but has previous experience of playing in defence with Collingwood.
He could operate as a swingman for the Giants who also lost Jeremy Cameron, but added Jesse Hogan.
Marsh was called up for St Kilda’s Semi Final against Richmond, showing he has the competence to contribute in big games.
Jasper Pittard
North Melbourne
While the Giants are sorted for intercept defenders, perhaps they could do with some rebound out of defensive 50.
There is a Heath Shaw sized vacancy there and a player with 159 games has the experience to fill the void, even though they are slightly different players.
Things didn’t quite work out for Pittard at North Melbourne but a change of pace at a club intent on bouncing back from a disappointing year could work for him.
Andrew Slevison
Jordan Gallucci
Adelaide
The Hawks lack pace through the middle of the ground and Gallucci could provide just that should they look to bypass a midfield option in this year’s AFL Draft with their first or second round pick.
He is a former first-round selection and is only 22 years old, so he has plenty of potential and fits the right age profile that the Hawks are looking to build with their list.
The Hawks will add some running ability should they acquire Academy player Connor Downie in the draft but could still do with a player like Gallucci on the list.
Riley Knight
Adelaide
Hawthorn severely lacked forward 50 pressure in 2020 and Knight would certainly improve that area for the club if given the chance.
The Hawks left Paul Puopolo out for much of the 2020 season before his retirement and were hopeful Darren Minchington could fill that role when called upon.
Minchington has now been delisted so whether Hawthorn go down the path of recruiting a delisted player like Knight for that role once again is questionable.
The need is there and with the Hawks looking at youngster Oliver Hanrahan to pontentially play that role, a player like Knight could provide some cover should Hanrahan fail to cement his spot in the team.
Cody Lane
Lewis Jetta
West Coast
The Demons require some class and experience on the outside which makes recently delisted Eagle Jetta an ideal candidate.
The 202-game Jetta is capable of operating off half-back with his quality ball use and line-breaking run and carry. He would also be useful on a wing.
The perfect player for the Dees if they choose to add further experience.
Jacob Townsend
Essendon
The Demons added Ben Brown but some extra forward depth might be a clever thing to have.
Townsend played 12 of 17 games for Essendon and might provide some strength as a medium sized forward for the Dees.
While the forward line, on paper, looks in fairly good nick since the arrival of Brown, a point of difference like Townsend, who was forced to play more of a central role with the Bombers, might be shrewd business.
You wouldn’t bank on him playing frequently but he would bring a physicality that would enhance Melbourne’s attack depending on the opponent.
Andrew Slevison
Ryley Stoddart
Sydney
North Melbourne has overhauled its list and could go one of two ways in the delisted free agency market.
They could continue to stockpile young talent and take a risk on a player like Ryley Stoddart, who was highly rated and didn’t quite get a consistent run at it in Sydney, or they could go for veterans to build standards and protect younger bodies.
Stoddart only managed two games for the Swans in 2020, but made the NEAFL Team of the Year in 2019 and could be worth a few more years of development.
The Roos have delisted 14 players and have numerous list spots to play with.
Rupert Wills
Collingwood
Rupert Wills was surprisingly cut by Collingwood and could step straight into North Melbourne’s midfield rotation.
The big-bodied midfielder at the very least would serve as insurance in case Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell’s injury issues persist.
The 27-year-old played 17 games for the Magpies across 2019 and 2020 and found a place on-ball for them, predominantly as a contested possession winner.
North Melbourne still has a decent depth of inside midfielders, but a player like Wills is good enough to still be in an AFL system and the Roos should consider him to flesh out their list.
Nic Negrepontis
Mason Wood
North Melbourne
Wood showed glimpses of his talent but mostly frustrated at North Melbourne.
The injury-prone forward was culled by the Kangaroos after playing 67 games but maintains he has more to give at AFL level.
Port Adelaide could do with another forward to support spearhead Charlie Dixon and Wood, who is available as a delisted free agent, is a potential target for the Power.
Dixon often shouldered a heavy burden in attack for last year’s minor premiers and the former Roo would provide another goalkicking option if thrown an AFL lifeline.
Oscar McDonald
Melbourne
Port Adelaide acquired utility Aliir Aliir from Sydney during the trade period, but another tall defender would be a nice option to have heading into 2021.
Bringing in another key defender like McDonald would free up Trent McKenzie and provide further flexibility depending on the opposition.
The Power were often undersized down back last season and the 196cm former Demon would add more height to their back six.
McDonald, 24, was delisted by Melbourne at the conclusion of the 2020 season and has plenty of good football left him in him.
Alex Zaia
Matt Parker
St Kilda
The Tigers are highly unlikely to get involved with delisted free agents given the current strength of the list. If anything, some added depth in the forward line wouldn’t hurt.
Perhaps a punt on a player like Matt Parker could work.
He has plenty of raw ability and showed in his 17 games in his debut season in 2019 that his best is more than competitive at the elite level.
While it is fairly implausible that he will end up at Richmond, Parker is the type of player who could potentially prosper at a great club.
Andrew Slevison
Oscar McDonald
Melbourne
With St Kilda on the market for a key back, McDonald is a player the Saints could look at to bolster their defensive stocks for 2021.
St Kilda is interested in retired Hawthorn premiership defender James Frawley but McDonald, who stands at 196cm tall, has a younger profile and multiple years left in the tank.
The former Demon has the potential to be a long-term replacement for veteran defender Jake Carlisle who is in the twilight of his career.
McDonald, 24, played 81 games during his six seasons at Melbourne and was a solid performer during the club’s run to a preliminary final in 2018.
Robbie Fox
Sydney
Another defensive option the Saints could potentially pursue.
Sydney’s decision to delist Fox surprised many Swans fans following a solid 14-game 2020 campaign where he played the final 12 matches.
The versatile 27-year-old is also capable of pinch hitting as a forward and can play on the wing if need be but looked comfortable in a key defensive post last season.
He was named on the wing in the 2016 VFL Team of the Year when playing for Coburg.
Fox was rookie listed by the Swans in 2016 and gained 38 games worth of AFL experience during his four seasons in the Harbour City.
Alex Zaia
Paddy McCartin
St Kilda
The former Saint is a chance to join his brother Tom at the Swans.
McCartin is looking to resurrect his AFL career following several bouts of concussion and has held discussions with Sydney over a possible move as a delisted free agent.
With the Swans looking for another key forward to support veteran star Lance Franklin, McCartin fits the bill but his concussion history remains a concern.
The former No.1 draft pick and talented tall forward last played in 2018 after sitting out the last two years due to multiple head knocks.
He played 35 games during his unfilled time at St Kilda.
Jackson Trengove
Western Bulldogs
Sydney’s key back stocks have diminished following the delisting of Robbie Fox and Aliir Aliir’s trade to Port Adelaide.
Trengove, who was let go by the Western Bulldogs after falling out of favour in 2020, could do a job for the Swans playing down back and also in the ruck – another area in need of replenishing.
The 30-year-old is available as a delisted free agent and Sydney could do worse than take a punt on the former Dog and Power utility.
Brings a wealth of experience having played 186 games over 12 seasons.
Alex Zaia
Oscar McDonald
Melbourne
West Coast possess an already strong defence, but the acquisition of Oscar McDonald could provide them with some flexibility.
Will Schofield offered depth for the Eagles in defence before retiring, and the possible arrival of the 24-year-old McDonald could help bolster their stocks.
At 196cm the former Demon has a proven ability to play on talls, allowing Jeremy McGovern and Jackson Nelson to play peel-off roles and free up Liam Duggan for more midfield minutes.
With 81 games under his belt and yet to come into his prime years, McDonald could prove to be a shrewd pick up for Adam Simpson’s side.
Ryan Abbott
St Kilda
West Coast lost ruckman Tom Hickey to Sydney during the trade period, and Ryan Abbott could provide the depth needed at that position.
Abbott played two seasons at Geelong and one at St Kilda, earning six games throughout.
The 200cm ruckman offers an AFL-ready body to any club looking to pick him up, and would sit nicely behind Nic Naitanui, Oscar Allen and Bailey Williams if any are to go down with injury.
The Eagles have often opted for a two-ruck option over the last few seasons, and Abbott provides Adam Simpson with the ability to stick to that structure if either Naitanui or Allen is unavailable.
Lachlan Geleit
Oscar McDonald
Melbourne
Dumped by the Dees after 81 games in red and blue, McDonald can plug into a key defensive role at Whitten Oval. At 196cm and 100kg, he has the build to take the number one forward from interceptor Alex Keath and stopper Zaine Cordy.
The 24-year-old’s spoiling, distribution and experience will fit snugly with a side that needs to age up.
Sam Skinner
Brisbane
The luckless former Lion has endured three knee reconstructions in five years, and managed only three senior games.
His crisp marking skills were on display in 2020, with 13 in two appearances. The 197cm swingman can offer Luke Beveridge height in defence, and further flexibility in his key position stocks. He can also compete in the ruck.
Nathan John