AFL free agency has been a decent addition to the AFL player movement landscape, but it certainly hasn’t been spectacular.
Over the last 10 years, 49 players have moved via free agency (not counting delisted free agents) – how many of those have worked out in favour of their new club? And how many have been game changers?
We have decided to go back through each trade period dating back to 2014, and give each free agency move a letter grade – A, B, C or D.
Of those 49, we have found five A-graders. Isaac Smith, who won a Norm Smith Medal at his new club in Geelong, is chief amongst them.
Tom Lynch was pivotal to two Richmond flags and Joe Daniher has been an outstanding pick-up for the Lions.
And all the way back in 2014, Shaun Higgins and James Frawley also earned A grades.
We have graded these free agency moves based on the success the player had at their new club, as well as their output when compared to the length of the deal they signed.
See the gradings below:
(NOTE: They are ordered by year, not by ranking)
A grade
Shaun Higgins (2014)
Restricted free agent move from Western Bulldogs to North Melbourne
Won back-to-back North Melbourne best and fairests across 2017 and 2018 and played 108 games for the club. The quintessential free agency pick-up.
James Frawley (2014)
Unrestricted free agent move from Melbourne to Hawthorn
Played exactly 100 games for the Hawks, including the 2015 AFL Grand Final victory... and got the Dees a top draft pick.
Tom Lynch (2018)
Restricted free agent move from Gold Coast to Richmond
Arguably the biggest free agency move of them all. Tom Lynch has kicked 208 goals for Richmond and helped shape two flags and made two All-Australian sides.
Isaac Smith (2020)
Unrestricted free agent move from Hawthorn to Geelong
Added another premiership and a Norm Smith Medal to an already incredible resume. Played 70 games for the Cats across three seasons in the end.
Joe Daniher (2020)
Restricted free agent move from Essendon to Brisbane
Turned his career around by moving up north to the Lions. Has been a healthy and damaging key forward for Brisbane after consistent issues at Essendon.
B grade
Jarrad Waite (2014)
Unrestricted free agent move from Carlton to North Melbourne
Pretty close to deserving an A grade. Waite played 60 games for the Roos and kicked 125 goals, leading their goal kicking in 2015, where they made a Prelim.
Matt Suckling (2015)
Unrestricted free agent move from Hawthorn to Bulldogs
Played 76 games for the Dogs and was a part of their run to the 2016 Grand Final, though didn't play in the game.
Chris Mayne (2016)
Unrestricted free agent move from Fremantle to Collingwood
After a tough start to life as a Pie, Mayne quickly turned things around and became a very handy player across the next four seasons in various roles.
Steven Motlop (2017)
Restricted free agent move from Geelong to Port Adelaide
Steven Motlop put together a quality second phase of his career between 2018 and 2022 at Port Adelaide, kicking 54 goals across 82 games and had some famous Showdown moments.
Scott Lycett (2018)
Restricted free agent move from West Coast to Port Adelaide
Cashed in after the 2018 premiership, building a nice career for himself at Port Adelaide. Lycett played 71 games for the power before retiring at the end of 2023.
Brandon Ellis (2019)
Unrestricted free agent move from Richmond to Gold Coast
Won his flags with the Tigers before cashing in to play on the sunny Gold Coast, which sounds like a great career arc. Every he chance he plays 100 games for the Suns.
Brad Crouch (2020)
Restricted free agent move from Adelaide to St Kilda
Been a key part of St Kilda's midfield for three years now though injuries have impacted him in 2024. Still been a handy pick-up.
George Hewett (2021)
Restricted free agent move from Sydney to Carlton
A crafty pick-up by the Blues, George Hewett has played almost every game since arriving and provided some much-needed depth for their midfield.
Karl Amon (2022)
Unrestricted free agent move from Port Adelaide to Hawthorn
Has quietly been an excellent pick-up by the Hawks. Played his role and had a consistent impact despite the team's struggles.
Jayden Hunt (2022)
Unrestricted free agent move from Melbourne to West Coast
Similarly to Amon, Hunt has put together a nice run at the Eagles playing across half back and through the wing. Will play out a strong career at West Coast.
Liam Jones (2022)
Unrestricted free agent move from Carlton to Bulldogs
Has been a pivotal figure for the Dogs in defence since returning to the club. Clearly their best key defender and their rock down back.
Dan McStay (2022)
Unrestricted free agent move from Brisbane to Collingwood
Yes, he will miss 2024 with a torn ACL, but do the Pies win the flag without McStay's consistent output in 2023? Hence his B grading.
Ben McKay (2023)
Restricted free agent move from North Melbourne to Essendon
The highest paid player in the AFL in 2024? Seems like he might just be, but has had an excellent start to life as a Don.
Jade Gresham (2023)
Restricted free agent move from St Kilda to Essendon
Statistically one of the most improved players in the AFL this season, which is interesting. Gresham should carve out a decent career at the Bombers.
C grade
Nick Malceski (2014)
Unrestricted free agent move from Sydney to Gold Coast
The Suns got two solid seasons out of Malceski. He played 34 games before retiring due to knee issues.
James Gwilt (2014)
Unrestricted free agent move from St Kilda to Essendon
Similar to Malceski. Gwilt played 26 games for the Dons across two years, including their top-up season.
Nathan Brown (2016)
Restricted free agent move from Collingwood to St Kilda
Played 53 games for the Saints across three seasons, serving consistently in their best 22.
Tom Rockliff (2017)
Restricted free agent move from Brisbane to Port Adelaide
Leaving Brisbane after entering that year as their captain caused a stir at the time. Rockliff played 54 games for the Power, but was in a different phase of his career.
Jackson Trengove (2017)
Restricted free agent move from Port Adelaide to Bulldogs
Was a handy player for the Dogs for two seasons there across 2018 and 2019 before finding himself out of favour in 2020.
Luke Dahlhaus (2018)
Unrestricted free agent move from Bulldogs to Geelong
Was a borderline star at stages for the Dogs, but became a handy role player at Geelong across 71 games.
Reece Conca (2018)
Unrestricted free agent move from Richmond to Fremantle
Played 46 games for the Dockers across three seasons, finding a nice spot for himself under Ross Lyon and Justin Longmuir.
Adam Tomlinson (2019)
Unrestricted free agent move from GWS to Melbourne
Been a handy depth key defender for the Dees, but has never really cracked into their best side.
Grant Birchall (2019)
Unrestricted free agent move from Hawthorn to Brisbane
Followed Luke Hodge as a veteran Hawk at the Lions. Played 39 games including four finals across two seasons.
Aidan Corr (2020)
Restricted free agent move from GWS to North Melbourne
Was signed to a very lucrative deal by the Roos. Has had to play as a key defender for an underperforming team, which hasn't helped, but it's been a tough few years.
Zac Williams (2020)
Restricted free agent move from GWS to Carlton
On upwards of $900,000 a year and signed with the Blues until 2027. Yet to live up to that value. Missed all of 2023 with a torn ACL.
Jake Kelly (2021)
Unrestricted free agent move from Adelaide to Essendon
Been a consistent part of Essendon's backline since making the move from Adelaide. A handy pick-up.
Mabior Chol (2021)
Unrestricted free agent move from Richmond to Gold Coast
Had one very good season for the Suns, kicking 44 goals from 22 games before finding himself out of favour and now at the Hawks.
Todd Goldstein (2023)
Unrestricted free agent move from North Melbourne to Essendon
Has assumed the number one ruck role at Essendon and been especially handy given Sam Draper's injuries. Could easily rise up a grade if he plays another season at the club.
Zaine Cordy (2022)
Unrestricted free agent move from Bulldogs to St Kilda
Filled a nice role for the Saints in defence and has been a solid depth piece for them.
James Jordon (2023)
Unrestricted free agent move from Melbourne to Sydney
Only early, but has played every game so far the Swans. Especially important given the midfield injuries they have dealt with.
D grade
Dawson Simpson (2015)
Unrestricted free agent move from Geelong to GWS
Played 20 games for the Giants across three seasons after 28 at the Cats. Classic journeyman ruckman.
Matt Leuenberger (2015)
Restricted free agent move from Brisbane to Essendon
Provided a mature body during some tough times for the Bombers during the top-up season and thereafter.
Scott Selwood (2015)
Restricted free agent move from West Coast to Geelong
Looked a future star of the competition in 2012, but injuries kept him from the field at the Cattery, only managing 34 games across four seasons.
Ty Vickery (2016)
Restricted free agent move from Richmond to Hawthorn
Six games for the Hawks in 2017 before retiring at the end of the season.
Daniel Wells (2016)
Unrestricted free agent move from North Melbourne to Collingwood
Could have been absolutely anything and looked like a star whenever he suited up for the Pies, but injuries restricted him to just 15 games across three seasons. One for the 'what if' pile.
Alex Fasolo (2018)
Unrestricted free agent move from Collingwood to Carlton
Three games in one season as a Blue. One of the rare players to suit up for Carlton and Collingwood, though.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (2019)
Unrestricted free agent move from Adelaide to Brisbane
Sat on Brisbane's list for three seasons, but only played the nine games.
Rory Atkins (2020)
Unrestricted free agent move from Adelaide to Gold Coast
Was given a five-year deal by the Suns which felt like a lot at the time and still does now.
Shaun McKernan (2020)
Restricted free agent move from Essendon to St Kilda
Only played the four games for the Saints in 2021 after making the move from the Dons.
Luke Dunstan (2021)
Unrestricted free agent move from St Kilda to Melbourne
Dominated the VFL for two years, but rarely broke into Melbourne's side. A season-ending injury finished his career in 2023.
Tim O'Brien (2021)
Unrestricted free agent move from Hawthorn to Bulldogs
Managed 18 games for the Dogs across two seasons. It pays to be tall.
Not yet applicable
Matt Flynn (2023) - Unrestricted free agent move from GWS to West Coast
Joel Hamling (2023) - Unrestricted free agent move from Fremantle to Sydney
Tom Doedee (2023) - Restricted free agent move from Adelaide to Brisbane