THE CONTINENTAL Tyres AFL Trade Period is always full of hope for supporters.
Maybe your team just needs that one last piece of the puzzle to contend for the flag, or are on the hunt for some much-needed midfield depth, or a senior head to help guide the next generation.
WHO'S CALLED IT QUITS 2021's retirements and delistings
With some clubs now firmly in list management mode, a growing group of delisted players are on the hunt for a new home.
Who could be worth a punt?
Daniel Talia
One of the most experienced delisted players on the market, the key defender was unable to add to his tally of 200 games at Adelaide this year due to knee and foot injuries. If his body is right, Talia could well be the icing on the cake for a side, able to lock down on some of the most powerful key forwards in the competition. At 29, the two-time Therabody AFL All-Australian should still have plenty to give.
Tom Lynch
Lynch had the best audition possible for any potential suitors at the tail-end of the 2021 season, averaging an astonishing 22.3 disposals and kicking six goals in his final six matches. The mobile key forward covers the ground with ease, was a strong conduit in scoring chains at the Crows and has 164 games under his belt.
Levi Casboult
A much-loved figure at Carlton, Casboult wasn't offered a contract for 2022 but has yet to officially hang up the boots. A versatile tall, the 31-year-old can line up at either end or pinch-hit in the ruck if required. Could prove a handy foil for a developing forward line for a year or two.
Reece Conca
A new home would be Conca's third AFL club, having played 150 games for Richmond and Fremantle. His strengths are his versatility and leadership, having joined the Dockers' leadership group in his first season at the club. Can play across all three lines as a mid-sized player, and while his endeavour can never be questioned, his disposal can be a bit iffy at times.
Patrick Naish
The father-son selection played nine games over the past three years for Richmond, including six this year as injuries hit the squad hard. A pacy outside runner, he has teetered somewhat on the edge of "too good for VFL, not quite AFL level". Provides plenty of dash on the wing or off half-back. As revealed by AFL.com.au, Collingwood has previously shown interest in Naish and he now has another strong link there with former Richmond VFL coach Craig McRae the new Magpies boss.
James Cousins
Didn't look out of place across his 35 games at the top level with Hawthorn, but it was played over a five-year period. Ten of those matches came in 2021, where the midfielder found plenty of the ball to average 18.7 touches. Unlikely to revolutionise a team, but will provide some nice midfield depth.
Mark Hutchings
A premiership Eagle, Hutchings built a reputation as a fierce defensive midfielder, known for shutting down some of the stars of the game during the club's glory days. Now 30, injuries have hit hard over the past two years, but he returned for the last portion of this season. If his body is right, Hutchings provides a strong work ethic and plenty of experience gleaned from 120 games over nine seasons.
Brett Bewley
A star for VFL side Williamstown, Bewley got his chance at the top level as a mature-age recruit for Fremantle. Injuries have made the going tough in the past few years, but he's still a noted ball-winner with an excellent work ethic.
David Zaharakis
The 31-year-old was an Essendon favourite in his prime, and it’s difficult to imagine him in rival colours, especially with his Anzac Day heroics etched into football folklore. Despite that, he has plenty to offer with 226 games under his belt and was a strong leader during the top-up player period for the club. Capable of running through the midfield or providing that link across half-forward.
