COULD a forgotten ex-Pie provide a stop-gap for an AFL club as a key defender?
As three clubs – North Melbourne, St Kilda and Sydney – prepare to enter 2019 with reduced defensive stocks, former Collingwood backman Jonathon Marsh has emerged as a potential target.
Under new rules, any previously listed AFL player or prospect overlooked in national drafts can be plucked to fill a vacant AFL list spot prior to March 15 or in the upcoming mid-season draft.
Retiring from Collingwood in 2016 for personal reasons with 15 AFL games under his belt, Marsh is back in Melbourne and rejuvenated having signed for Richmond's VFL side.
After two years as a midfielder and defender back home in WA for East Fremantle, the 23-year-old has expressed his desire to return to the AFL.
A strong showing as an intercept defender in a recent intraclub with the Tigers' senior side proved the 194cm Marsh had qualities to play at the top level.
Now with a number of injuries to key defenders across the competition, Marsh's time at Richmond may be short lived as clubs consider their options.
The Swans' list management team will meet this week after key defender Jack Maibaum was ruled out for the season with a ruptured ACL and will be placed on the long-term injury list.
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As a result, key defensive depth has been reduced to Aliir Aliir, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican and veteran Heath Grundy.
While the ability to add a player to a club's training squad closed last week, the Swans still have nine days to decide before the end of the pre-season supplemental selection period.
AFL.com.au understands Sydney is also circling South Adelaide's Hayden McLean and another ex-Pie in Williamstown's Sam McLarty.
North Melbourne also recently stated its interest in state league players and would need to add Majak Daw to the long-term injury list for the season in order to add a player.
While St Kilda's backline will be severely depleted early in the season, it appears unlikely they would be able to replace Jake Carlisle who will require back surgery.
It is understood the AFL will strictly monitor the process, with an injured player only allowed to be replaced if doctors deem that he will miss the duration of the season.
Hawthorn continue to weigh up the option of replacing Tom Mitchell, who the club have stated will miss the entire 2019 campaign.
However, it is understood that should Mitchell make an against-the-odds recovery and be fit to return, that another Hawk would need to be added to the long-term injury list for Mitchell to take the field.
In last year's off-season, three mature-age key defenders were nabbed from state league competitions - Sam Collins (Gold Coast), Callum Wilkie (St Kilda), Marty Hore (Melbourne).
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READYMADE KEY DEFENSIVE OPTIONS
Jonathon Marsh – Richmond VFL – 194cm – 24yo
Has put his hand up to return to the AFL after two seasons at East Fremantle in the WAFL. Preparing to play under his former Collingwood assistant Craig McRae at Punt Road this season.
Hayden McLean - South Adelaide - 197cm - 20yo
Trained with the Saints at the end of last season in the hope of winning a spot on the club's main list. Seen by many as the most unlucky key position player to miss out last November.
Sam McLarty – Williamstown – 197cm – 20yo
Cut from the Pies after two seasons on the list in November. Started as a key defender before playing forward/ruck in the VFL. Now training as a defender at the Seagulls.
Harry Nolan – Coburg – 195cm – 19yo
Seen to have AFL attributes as an athletic defender. A Vic Metro representative as a junior, Nolan will be given every opportunity in the VFL this season. Runner-up to Jaidyn Stephenson in the Eastern Ranges' TAC Cup best and fairest in 2017.
Michael Talia – Norwood – 194cm – 25yo
Played 31 games at the Western Bulldogs and Sydney before he was cut at the end of 2016. Since moving to Adelaide and spending more time with brother Daniel, he has matured in the SANFL. Has had his off-field queries but enjoyed a strong season for the Redlegs in 2018.
Daniel Nielson – Werribee – 194cm – 22yo
Managed seven AFL games for North Melbourne in 2017 before he was cut at the end of 2018. A lockdown defender who returns to the Roos' former VFL affiliate to play under Mark 'Choco' Williams.
Aaron Black – Geelong VFL – 192cm – 28yo
Played three matches for Geelong last season as a forward-turned-defender before he was struck down with an ACL injury. Now on the mend, may be an option come the mid-season draft.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh – Box Hill – 196cm – 21yo
Spent three seasons at Whitten Oval but was unable to make his senior debut. Crossed to Box Hill and was this week added to the club's leadership group. Speed is his big asset.
