The AFL’s full list of top-up players for the 2022 season have been revealed.
While the majority of the 360 players named are those already on various state leagues, some have been added specifically for top-up purposes.
We’ve gone through the full list to highlight a few that appear particularly interesting.
These players may not see the AFL stage this year, pending COVID chaos, but if they do, it will certainly provide a point of interest.
Port Adelaide’s signings
Port Adelaide clearly went all-out to ensure their top-up list was fully stocked with ex-AFL talent in case it is needed. 2021 Magarey Medallist and former Crow/Blue Bryce Gibbs headlines the list, alongside delisted Power veteran Hamish Hartlett. They have ex-AFL ruckmen there in Connor Ballenden, Matthew Lobbe and Keegan Brooksby, key defenders in former Tiger Ryan Garthwaite, former Saint Oscar Clavarino and former Swan Kaiden Brand. They also have a pair of intriguing forwards in Daniel Menzel and Troy Menzel. Daniel had a successful career at the Cats, while Troy was a former first-round pick for Carlton.
Shane Mumford is back?
Maybe the spectre of Shane Mumford will forever loom over the Giants at this point? He carried the ruck load for the club for many years beyond his prime, but finally hung up the boots last year. However, Mumford has indeed been added to the club’s top-up list for 2022. The Giants also have a few interesting names in former first-round pick for the Crows Jordan Galluci and ex-AFL talent James Cousins, Taylin Duman, Josh Begley and Sam Frost.
Melbourne add veterans
Melbourne’s top-up list is rather standard, bar three names brought in to add experience as a break in case of emergency. Former veteran Bomber David Zaharakis and former Docker Reece Conca could comfortably step into the side if needed. GWS stalwart Sam Reid meanwhile could find himself receiving another AFL lifeline after multiple delistings.
Nathan Freeman still fighting for a chance
After dominating the VFL in 2021, Nathan Freeman was ultimately overlooked in the mid-season draft. He then trained with Gold Coast over summer in the hopes of a pre-season supplemental selection period spot, but the Suns went with James Tsitsas. Freeman signed with Adelaide’s SANFL side and has now been named as a top-up player for them.
Others of interest (in no particular order)
- Neville Jetta (Collingwood)
- Shaun McKernan (Essendon)
- Ollie Hanrahan (Sydney)
- Fletcher Roberts (Brisbane)
- Michael Hartley (Collingwood)
- Tobe Watson (West Coast)
- Steve Morris (Richmond)
- Will Hayes (Carlton)
- James Cousins (GWS)
- Harry Morrison (Sydney)