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BIGGEST FREE AGENTS OF 2021
ADELAIDE
MATT CROUCH
Restricted free agent, 125 games
After his older brother Brad secured a move to St Kilda last week as a free agent, Crouch is also set to become a restricted free agent in 2021. The 25-year-old midfielder made his debut with the Crows in 2014 and has played 125 games for the club.
RORY LAIRD
Restricted free agent, 160 games
Runner-up in Adelaide’s best-and-fairest this year, the two-time All-Australian and 2018 club champion is coming up on 10 years’ service with the Crows at the end of next season. Laird has played 160 games since making his debut with the club in 2013.
TOM LYNCH
Restricted free agent, 146 games
The veteran forward, 30, will have given the Crows 10 years of service at the end of next season. Has played 146 games for Adelaide since making his debut with the club in 2012. Kicked six goals from his 13 matches in 2020.
BRODIE SMITH
Unrestricted free agent, 183 games
The 28-year-old is entering his 11th season with the Crows in 2021. The defender and 2014 All-Australian has played 183 games since making his debut in 2011. Had an elite ranking for metres gained in the league this year.
DANIEL TALIA
Restricted free agent, 200 games
The 29-year-old key defender will have clocked up 12 years with the Crows at the end of next season. A two-time All-Australian, Talia joined the 200-club this season.
TAYLOR WALKER
Unrestricted free agent, 203 games
The former captain and veteran forward’s playing future has been the subject of plenty of speculation heading into the final year of his contract. Walker will be entering his 14th season with Adelaide in 2021. In an otherwise forgettable year for the Crows, Walker remained the club’s leading goalkicker in 2020 with 15 majors and became the all-time leading goalkicker for the club.
BRISBANE LIONS
DANIEL RICH
Unrestricted free agent, 222 games
The 30-year-old halfback will be entering his 13th season with the Lions in 2021. He has played 222 games since making his debut with the club in 2009. The veteran of the Lions, Rich ranked among the elite for kicks and metres gained in 2020. Would be unlikely to walk away just as the club is starting to emerge as a contender.
DAYNE ZORKO
Unrestricted free agent, 185 games
The Lions captain is up to 10 years service at the club at the end of next season, but after leading the club to a preliminary finals appearance in 2020, Zorko would also be extremely unlikely to go fishing as his young cubs are coming of age.
CARLTON
ED CURNOW
Unrestricted free agent, 182 games
The midfield veteran signed on for an 11th season with the Blues after inking a one-year contract extension. The deal should take the 31-year-old, who has played 182 games, past the 200-game milestone in 2021. Remains a critical member of the Carlton engine room.
LEVI CASBOULT
Unrestricted free agent, 141 games
The 30-year-old forward penned a one-year contract extension to play on for the Blues in 2021. Casboult has played 141 games for the Blues since his debut in 2012. He kicked 16 goals in 2020.
MARC MURPHY
Unrestricted free agent, 285 games
The former captain and midfield veteran re-signed for a 16th season at the Blues. The one-year extension puts Murphy within reach of the 300-game milestone, currently sitting on 285 games. An unrestricted free agent, the 33-year-old is now unlikely to finish his career anywhere else but in navy blue.
PATRICK CRIPPS
Restricted free agent, 118 games
The Carlton superstar looms as arguably the biggest free agency player in 2021. Yet to play finals with the Blues, club champion and former list manager Stephen Silvagni warned last month the Blues risked losing Cripps if they struggled to make the top eight again next year.
Originally from Western Australia, there has often been speculation of the lure home for the midfield monster.
COLLINGWOOD
JAMIE ELLIOTT
Unrestricted free agent, 123 games
Entering his 10th season at the Magpies, Elliott’s body has finally allowed him to deliver on the field the past two seasons after years of injury setbacks. The small forward spent a large amount of time in the Magpies’ midfield this year and finished the season with 10 goals. Has played 123 games for the Pies since his debut in 2012.
SCOTT PENDLEBURY
Unrestricted free agent, 316 games
After passing Tony Shaw’s club games record this year, Pendlebury will enter his 16th season with the Magpies in 2021. Unlikely to finish his career anywhere other than in the black and white. Sits on 316 career games with the Magpies.
STEELE SIDEBOTTOM
Unrestricted free agent, 243 games
The 29-year-old midfielder enters his 13th season with the Magpies after an interrupted year in 2020. Sidebottom was restricted to just nine games after a four-match ban for a COVID protocol breach and then leaving the team hub after Round 13 for the birth of his first child. Sidebottom has played 243 games for the Magpies.
TOM LANGDON
Restricted free agent, 89 games
Coming into his eighth season at the Magpies, Langdon didn’t play a game in 2020 due to knee problems. Langdon, who has played 89 games for the Magpies, has not played since Round 9 in 2019.
ESSENDON
PATRICK AMBROSE
Restricted free agent, 87 games
The 29-year-old defender didn’t play a game in 2020 after injuring his knee in a pre-season practice match. Ambrose has played 87 games for the Bombers since making his debut in 2014.
CALE HOOKER
Unrestricted free agent, 201 games
The 32-year-old defender is entering his 14th season at the Bombers after passing the 200-game milestone this season. The 2014 All-Australian and 2015 club champion was restricted to just eight games in 2020.
DAVID ZAHARAKIS
Unrestricted free agent, 217 games
A 217-game veteran with Essendon, the midfielder will be entering his 13th season with the Bombers in 2021. Zaharakis was restricted to 11 games in 2020 after his season ended in Round 11 after injuring his quad in a three-goal performance against the Gold Coast.
ZACH MERRETT
Restricted free agent, 142 games
The 25-year-old midfield star enters his eighth season at the Bombers after making his debut in 2014. Merrett was a runner-up in the Bombers best-and-fairest this year and was ranked among the elite in the league for disposals, kicks, handballs and marks.
FREMANTLE
MATTHEW TABERNER
Restricted free agent, 87 games
The 27-year-old forward enters his ninth season with the Dockers after making his debut in 2013. Taberner kicked 29 goals in his 16 games in 2020 with an elite ranking for goals, marks and disposals. Has played 87 games for the Dockers.
STEPHEN HILL
Unrestricted free agent, 218 games
The 30-year-old midfielder has played 218 games in his 12 seasons with the Dockers. Hill played 12 games in 2020 after struggles with injury and form. It followed a three-game season in 2019.
GEELONG
CAM GUTHRIE
Unrestricted free agent, 182 games
The 28-year-old midfielder capped off a strong individual season by winning his first club best-and-fairest award. Guthrie was also recognised during the season with his first All- Australian selection. Guthrie has played 182 games in his 10 seasons for the Cats.
JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
Restricted free agent, 110 games
The 25-year-old defender was handed some big jobs for the Cats during the finals, lining up on Jordan De Goey, Charlie Cameron and Dustin Martin. Kolodjashnij, taken in the 2013 draft, has played 110 games for the Cats since making his debut in 2015.
JED BEWS
Unrestricted free agent, 103 games
Entering his 10th season at the Cats, Bews brought up the 100-game milestone at the club this season. The defender has played 103 games since his debut in 2014 after originally being taken as a father-son selection in 2011.
JOEL SELWOOD
Unrestricted free agent, 310 games
The Cats’ captain courageous enters his 15th season with the Cats after leading the team into a Grand Final, only to miss out on adding a fourth flag to his resume. Selwood this year brought up the 300-game milestone at the club.
GOLD COAST
SAM DAY
Unrestricted free agent, 137 games
Next year will be the rucking key forward’s 11th season in the Suns’ colours. Had a solid season in 2020, playing 17 games (his most in a season since 2016) and kicked 12.7 in front of goals. The 28-year-old picked up two Brownlow votes in the Gold Coast’s impressive Round 2 44-point win over West Coast.
SEAN LEMMENS
Restricted free agent, 93 games
The small mid-forward fell out of favour with Suns’ coach Stuart Dew who twice dropped him during the 2020 season as players like Izak Rankine came into the line-up. The 26-year-old South Australian played six games this year, his fewest games in a season since he debuted in 2014, averaging just eight disposals and kicking four goals.
GWS
MATT BUNTINE
Unrestricted free agent, 59 games
This year, in his ninth season at the Giants, the Victorian defender couldn’t crack into the side at all, after playing nine games in the side’s premiership year in 2019. Having debuted in 2012, the 27-year-old wasn’t part of the Giant’s 2019 grand final loss to Richmond, and hasn’t played a senior game since Round 17 of that year.
PHIL DAVIS
Restricted free agent, 176 games
After playing his first two seasons in the AFL with the Crows in 2010 and 2011, next year will mark Davis’s 10th season with GWS. The former captain had a frustrating 2020, playing 10 games, but knee injuries ruling him out for the season after his side’s Round 10 win over Essendon in early August. A key part of the Giants’ backline, he is also credited with helping sculpt the team’s culture.
JOSH KELLY
Restricted free agent, 132 games
Much speculation about Kelly’s future at the Giants already weighs on the 25-year-old’s shoulders. Next year will be season No. 8 for him at GWS, but the star midfielder’s name is thick in trade whispers as his side’s salary cap tightens. The Victorian could seek a move home, after a solid season that saw him finish equal-fourth in the club’s best and fairest count. He averaged 22 disposals in his 14 games in 2020.
CALLAN WARD
Restricted free agent, 224 games
The team’s former skipper had an injury interrupted 2020 – his comeback year after undergoing a knee reconstruction that sidelined him for Round 4, 2019. He suffered a knee strain after the Giants loss to Port Adelaide in Round 6, returned for Round 10, but was then sidelined again from Round 13 with a fractured finger. The midfielder played seven games this year, averaging 14 disposals and kicked three goals.
HAWTHORN
LUKE BREUST
Unrestricted free agent, 220 games
The 30-year-old forward has spent a decade in Hawks’ colours, having kicked more than 400 goals in that time. In 2020 he played 13 games, and kicked 16 majors, and it’s so far unclear whether Breust would fit into Hawthorn’s rebuild, with former club great Shane Crawford suggesting his name could be worth something on the trade table.
SHAUN BURGOYNE
Unrestricted free agent, 389 games
The superstar might be heading into free agency territory in his 20th season in the AFL, but has already announced 2021 will be his final year on the field, after which he’ll head into an advisory role for the Hawks. The four-time premiership player will leave the game as one of its all-time greats, potentially notching up 400-plus games.
BEN MCEVOY
Restricted free agent, 222 games
Approaching his 14th season in the AFL (and his eighth at the Hawks), McEvoy finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest after a solid showing in 2020 after an otherwise disappointing year for Hawthorn. He played 16 games, in a new role down back, but still pinch-hit in the ruck when required. Earlier this year the 31-year-old quietly signed a contract extension is contracted till the end of 2021.
TIM O’BRIEN
Restricted free agent, 78 games
The 26-year-old South Australian defender played 16 games for the Hawks in 2020, kicking 12 goals and averaging seven disposals per game. He might be entering free agency next year, but the fact he wears the No. 23 on his back – the guernsey number made famous by champion Lance Franklin – means he’s held in high esteem by the club.
MELBOURNE
MAX GAWN
Unrestricted free agent, 134 games
It was a tough season for Gawn in his first as stand-alone captain – as it was for the Demons as a cub – but he remains one of the best ruckman in the business and was duly given All Australian honours for 2020. Played 14 games this season while battling injury, and still averaged a whopping 32 hit-outs per game. Can’t imagine him going anywhere.
NEVILLE JETTA
Unrestricted free agent, 154 games
Coming up to his 13th season with the Demons, the 30-year-old defender played six games in 2020, averaging six disposals and less than one rebound-50 for those games. Rumours persist that the Magpies are interested in Jetta’s talents as he approaches free agency.
CHRISTIAN SALEM
Restricted free agent, 106 games
The half-back flanker will next year enter free agency for the first time in his career. Seventh in the this year’s club best and fairest count, the 25-year-old played 16 games averaging close to 19 disposals per game, on top of his three round-50s, two inside-50s and two tackles. Since his introduction to the club has always been viewed as an important piece in the puzzle.
NORTH MELBOURNE
SHAUN ATLEY
Unrestricted free agent, 214 games
Approaching his 11th season with the Kangaroos, the 28-year-old defender played every match in 2020, averaging two rebound-50s per game. Has been a consistent member of the Roos side since he debuted in 2011. But as North Melbourne looks to rebuild, it’s unclear whether he’s part of longer term plans.
TRENT DUMONT
Restricted free agent, 99 games
Another mainstay in the Roos side in 2020, the 25-year-old midfielder averaged 20 touches in his 17 games and finished fifth in the best and fairest medal count. Will more than likely play his 100th milestone game in the Kangaroos colours, but the South Australian will then be eligible for free agency for the first time from there.
LUKE MCDONALD
Restricted free agent, 126 games
This season the 25-year-old took out the Kangaroos’ best and fairest count after he played every game in 2020, averaging 20 disposals per game, which almost equalled his career-best average of 21 disposals/game in 2017. The 189cm father/son defender had a career-high 35 disposals against Adelaide in Round 9.
ROBBIE TARRANT
Unrestricted free agent, 164 games
Next year will be the 14th season for Tarrant at the club, with the 31-year-old key defender now one of the clear veterans in the side following a big clean-out post the disappointing 2020 season. Played 16 games this year, and was the club’s best in the rebound-50s count, with 91 to his name (McDonald finished second with 85), averaging close to six per match.
JACK ZIEBELL
Unrestricted free agent, 218 games
Having never played fewer than 10 games in a season (and that was in his debut year in 2009), 2020 was disappointing for the 29-year-old midfielder who was plagued by soft tissue injuries and played only eight games. As a comparison, the captain played all minor round games in both 2019 and 2018. Since season’s end has been vocal in thanking Roos’ members for sticking by the club.
PORT ADELAIDE
ROBBIE GRAY
Unrestricted free agent, 237 games
The veteran forward has proved a matchwinner on the field this season as well as a continued much-loved fan favourite off it. Was one of seven Power players to play all 19 games in 2020, kicking 15 goals for the season and averaging 16 disposals per game. In 2021 he will play his 15th season in Port colours and it’s difficult to imagine the 32-year-old wanting to be anything other than a one-club player.
HAMISH HARTLETT
Unrestricted free agent, 183 games
You get the feeling there’s some unfinished business for the 30-year-old defender, with a premiership beckoning at Port. Considering he played in every game for the Power in 2020, all going well next year, Hartlett will play his 200th AFL game, and as he’s done in the past, will more than likely dust off any approaches from other clubs.
RICHMOND
SHANE EDWARDS
Unrestricted free agent, 265 games
Will be 33 at the end of next year and should be by then just shy of 300 games. Looms largely as one-club Tigers great.
NICK VLASTUIN
Restricted free agent, 161 games
The triple premiership Tiger will be in hot demand. Hard to see the defender leaving Punt Rd but will attract plenty of interest.
Kamdyn McIntosh – restricted free agent, 108 games
Finished fifth in this year’s Tigers best and fairest count. Not bad in a flag year. Expect some nibbles.
JACK RIEWOLDT
Unrestricted free agent, 283 games
With 283 games to his name, will 2020 be jumping Jack’s final year? Chance, but we hope not. Regardless, he’s going nowhere.
DYLAN GRIMES
Unrestricted free agent, 171 games
Would attract interest from any club looking for a gun defender, but will be difficult to entice the triple premiership backman out of Tigerland.
DAVID ASTBURY
Unrestricted free agent, 138 games
With a lot of Tigers players coming out of contract in 2021, will Astbury be squeezed out? There are always a few casualties from star sides.
ST KILDA
DYLAN ROBERTON
Restricted free agent, 129 games
Managed just the opening game of the season before he was sidelined for the remainder of the 2020 season. Needs a big 2021.
JACK BILLINGS
Restricted free agent, 126 games
Billings enjoyed a very solid year in 2020, but his kicking in the finals let him down. The forward will attract interest.
LUKE DUNSTAN
Restricted free agent, 104 games
A frustrating 2020 season ended with just one game under his belt after tearing his pectoral early in year. Will want a big 2021.
SEB ROSS
Restricted free agent, 140 games
Enjoyed yet another top-10 finish in the club best and fairest after another solid year. His ball-winning ability would be attractive to many clubs.
SYDNEY SWANS
LUKE PARKER
Restricted free agent, 212 games
The Swans co-captain finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest this season. Will he want to finish his career back home in Victoria?
SAM NAISMITH
Restricted free agent, 30 games
The Swans ruckman suffered a season-ending knee injury back in Round 4. It was his second ACL injury. Would a club take a punt?
SAM REID
Unrestricted free agent, 153 games
The 2012 premiership player’s body remains a concern. Injury prone forward who is a lot closer to the end than he is to the start.
WEST COAST
DOM SHEED
Restricted free agent, 119 games
Will be in high demand, but as a West Australian it is hard to see him leaving the Eagles’ nest.
JOSH KENNEDY
Unrestricted free agent, 260 games
2021 looms as the final year for the champion forward. Will be 34 by the end of next season.
SHANNON HURN
Unrestricted free agent, 286 games
The veteran defender is another Eagle who’ll be 34 by the end of next year. 2021 looms as his swan song. Should become the first Eagle to reach the 300-game milestone.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Restricted free agent, 145 games
Arguably the biggest fish of all next year. Can the superstar be lured away from the Whitten Oval? Would take a mighty offer but surely you’d ask the question.
MITCH WALLIS
Unrestricted free agent, 151 games
Brisbane all but thought they had him the last time he was out of contract. Will there be a second bite?
TOM LIBERATORE
Unrestricted free agent, 148 games
Hard to see his son of a Bulldogs great – who also lives in Melbourne’s west – leaving the kennel. Will be more than one suitor if he decides to look around though.
ADELAIDE
MATT CROUCH
Restricted free agent, 125 games
After his older brother Brad secured a move to St Kilda last week as a free agent, Crouch is also set to become a restricted free agent in 2021. The 25-year-old midfielder made his debut with the Crows in 2014 and has played 125 games for the club.
RORY LAIRD
Restricted free agent, 160 games
Runner-up in Adelaide’s best-and-fairest this year, the two-time All-Australian and 2018 club champion is coming up on 10 years’ service with the Crows at the end of next season. Laird has played 160 games since making his debut with the club in 2013.
TOM LYNCH
Restricted free agent, 146 games
The veteran forward, 30, will have given the Crows 10 years of service at the end of next season. Has played 146 games for Adelaide since making his debut with the club in 2012. Kicked six goals from his 13 matches in 2020.
BRODIE SMITH
Unrestricted free agent, 183 games
The 28-year-old is entering his 11th season with the Crows in 2021. The defender and 2014 All-Australian has played 183 games since making his debut in 2011. Had an elite ranking for metres gained in the league this year.
DANIEL TALIA
Restricted free agent, 200 games
The 29-year-old key defender will have clocked up 12 years with the Crows at the end of next season. A two-time All-Australian, Talia joined the 200-club this season.
TAYLOR WALKER
Unrestricted free agent, 203 games
The former captain and veteran forward’s playing future has been the subject of plenty of speculation heading into the final year of his contract. Walker will be entering his 14th season with Adelaide in 2021. In an otherwise forgettable year for the Crows, Walker remained the club’s leading goalkicker in 2020 with 15 majors and became the all-time leading goalkicker for the club.
BRISBANE LIONS
DANIEL RICH
Unrestricted free agent, 222 games
The 30-year-old halfback will be entering his 13th season with the Lions in 2021. He has played 222 games since making his debut with the club in 2009. The veteran of the Lions, Rich ranked among the elite for kicks and metres gained in 2020. Would be unlikely to walk away just as the club is starting to emerge as a contender.
DAYNE ZORKO
Unrestricted free agent, 185 games
The Lions captain is up to 10 years service at the club at the end of next season, but after leading the club to a preliminary finals appearance in 2020, Zorko would also be extremely unlikely to go fishing as his young cubs are coming of age.
CARLTON
ED CURNOW
Unrestricted free agent, 182 games
The midfield veteran signed on for an 11th season with the Blues after inking a one-year contract extension. The deal should take the 31-year-old, who has played 182 games, past the 200-game milestone in 2021. Remains a critical member of the Carlton engine room.
LEVI CASBOULT
Unrestricted free agent, 141 games
The 30-year-old forward penned a one-year contract extension to play on for the Blues in 2021. Casboult has played 141 games for the Blues since his debut in 2012. He kicked 16 goals in 2020.
MARC MURPHY
Unrestricted free agent, 285 games
The former captain and midfield veteran re-signed for a 16th season at the Blues. The one-year extension puts Murphy within reach of the 300-game milestone, currently sitting on 285 games. An unrestricted free agent, the 33-year-old is now unlikely to finish his career anywhere else but in navy blue.
PATRICK CRIPPS
Restricted free agent, 118 games
The Carlton superstar looms as arguably the biggest free agency player in 2021. Yet to play finals with the Blues, club champion and former list manager Stephen Silvagni warned last month the Blues risked losing Cripps if they struggled to make the top eight again next year.
Originally from Western Australia, there has often been speculation of the lure home for the midfield monster.
COLLINGWOOD
JAMIE ELLIOTT
Unrestricted free agent, 123 games
Entering his 10th season at the Magpies, Elliott’s body has finally allowed him to deliver on the field the past two seasons after years of injury setbacks. The small forward spent a large amount of time in the Magpies’ midfield this year and finished the season with 10 goals. Has played 123 games for the Pies since his debut in 2012.
SCOTT PENDLEBURY
Unrestricted free agent, 316 games
After passing Tony Shaw’s club games record this year, Pendlebury will enter his 16th season with the Magpies in 2021. Unlikely to finish his career anywhere other than in the black and white. Sits on 316 career games with the Magpies.
STEELE SIDEBOTTOM
Unrestricted free agent, 243 games
The 29-year-old midfielder enters his 13th season with the Magpies after an interrupted year in 2020. Sidebottom was restricted to just nine games after a four-match ban for a COVID protocol breach and then leaving the team hub after Round 13 for the birth of his first child. Sidebottom has played 243 games for the Magpies.
TOM LANGDON
Restricted free agent, 89 games
Coming into his eighth season at the Magpies, Langdon didn’t play a game in 2020 due to knee problems. Langdon, who has played 89 games for the Magpies, has not played since Round 9 in 2019.
ESSENDON
PATRICK AMBROSE
Restricted free agent, 87 games
The 29-year-old defender didn’t play a game in 2020 after injuring his knee in a pre-season practice match. Ambrose has played 87 games for the Bombers since making his debut in 2014.
CALE HOOKER
Unrestricted free agent, 201 games
The 32-year-old defender is entering his 14th season at the Bombers after passing the 200-game milestone this season. The 2014 All-Australian and 2015 club champion was restricted to just eight games in 2020.
DAVID ZAHARAKIS
Unrestricted free agent, 217 games
A 217-game veteran with Essendon, the midfielder will be entering his 13th season with the Bombers in 2021. Zaharakis was restricted to 11 games in 2020 after his season ended in Round 11 after injuring his quad in a three-goal performance against the Gold Coast.
ZACH MERRETT
Restricted free agent, 142 games
The 25-year-old midfield star enters his eighth season at the Bombers after making his debut in 2014. Merrett was a runner-up in the Bombers best-and-fairest this year and was ranked among the elite in the league for disposals, kicks, handballs and marks.
FREMANTLE
MATTHEW TABERNER
Restricted free agent, 87 games
The 27-year-old forward enters his ninth season with the Dockers after making his debut in 2013. Taberner kicked 29 goals in his 16 games in 2020 with an elite ranking for goals, marks and disposals. Has played 87 games for the Dockers.
STEPHEN HILL
Unrestricted free agent, 218 games
The 30-year-old midfielder has played 218 games in his 12 seasons with the Dockers. Hill played 12 games in 2020 after struggles with injury and form. It followed a three-game season in 2019.
GEELONG
CAM GUTHRIE
Unrestricted free agent, 182 games
The 28-year-old midfielder capped off a strong individual season by winning his first club best-and-fairest award. Guthrie was also recognised during the season with his first All- Australian selection. Guthrie has played 182 games in his 10 seasons for the Cats.
JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
Restricted free agent, 110 games
The 25-year-old defender was handed some big jobs for the Cats during the finals, lining up on Jordan De Goey, Charlie Cameron and Dustin Martin. Kolodjashnij, taken in the 2013 draft, has played 110 games for the Cats since making his debut in 2015.
JED BEWS
Unrestricted free agent, 103 games
Entering his 10th season at the Cats, Bews brought up the 100-game milestone at the club this season. The defender has played 103 games since his debut in 2014 after originally being taken as a father-son selection in 2011.
JOEL SELWOOD
Unrestricted free agent, 310 games
The Cats’ captain courageous enters his 15th season with the Cats after leading the team into a Grand Final, only to miss out on adding a fourth flag to his resume. Selwood this year brought up the 300-game milestone at the club.
GOLD COAST
SAM DAY
Unrestricted free agent, 137 games
Next year will be the rucking key forward’s 11th season in the Suns’ colours. Had a solid season in 2020, playing 17 games (his most in a season since 2016) and kicked 12.7 in front of goals. The 28-year-old picked up two Brownlow votes in the Gold Coast’s impressive Round 2 44-point win over West Coast.
SEAN LEMMENS
Restricted free agent, 93 games
The small mid-forward fell out of favour with Suns’ coach Stuart Dew who twice dropped him during the 2020 season as players like Izak Rankine came into the line-up. The 26-year-old South Australian played six games this year, his fewest games in a season since he debuted in 2014, averaging just eight disposals and kicking four goals.
GWS
MATT BUNTINE
Unrestricted free agent, 59 games
This year, in his ninth season at the Giants, the Victorian defender couldn’t crack into the side at all, after playing nine games in the side’s premiership year in 2019. Having debuted in 2012, the 27-year-old wasn’t part of the Giant’s 2019 grand final loss to Richmond, and hasn’t played a senior game since Round 17 of that year.
PHIL DAVIS
Restricted free agent, 176 games
After playing his first two seasons in the AFL with the Crows in 2010 and 2011, next year will mark Davis’s 10th season with GWS. The former captain had a frustrating 2020, playing 10 games, but knee injuries ruling him out for the season after his side’s Round 10 win over Essendon in early August. A key part of the Giants’ backline, he is also credited with helping sculpt the team’s culture.
JOSH KELLY
Restricted free agent, 132 games
Much speculation about Kelly’s future at the Giants already weighs on the 25-year-old’s shoulders. Next year will be season No. 8 for him at GWS, but the star midfielder’s name is thick in trade whispers as his side’s salary cap tightens. The Victorian could seek a move home, after a solid season that saw him finish equal-fourth in the club’s best and fairest count. He averaged 22 disposals in his 14 games in 2020.
CALLAN WARD
Restricted free agent, 224 games
The team’s former skipper had an injury interrupted 2020 – his comeback year after undergoing a knee reconstruction that sidelined him for Round 4, 2019. He suffered a knee strain after the Giants loss to Port Adelaide in Round 6, returned for Round 10, but was then sidelined again from Round 13 with a fractured finger. The midfielder played seven games this year, averaging 14 disposals and kicked three goals.
HAWTHORN
LUKE BREUST
Unrestricted free agent, 220 games
The 30-year-old forward has spent a decade in Hawks’ colours, having kicked more than 400 goals in that time. In 2020 he played 13 games, and kicked 16 majors, and it’s so far unclear whether Breust would fit into Hawthorn’s rebuild, with former club great Shane Crawford suggesting his name could be worth something on the trade table.
SHAUN BURGOYNE
Unrestricted free agent, 389 games
The superstar might be heading into free agency territory in his 20th season in the AFL, but has already announced 2021 will be his final year on the field, after which he’ll head into an advisory role for the Hawks. The four-time premiership player will leave the game as one of its all-time greats, potentially notching up 400-plus games.
BEN MCEVOY
Restricted free agent, 222 games
Approaching his 14th season in the AFL (and his eighth at the Hawks), McEvoy finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest after a solid showing in 2020 after an otherwise disappointing year for Hawthorn. He played 16 games, in a new role down back, but still pinch-hit in the ruck when required. Earlier this year the 31-year-old quietly signed a contract extension is contracted till the end of 2021.
TIM O’BRIEN
Restricted free agent, 78 games
The 26-year-old South Australian defender played 16 games for the Hawks in 2020, kicking 12 goals and averaging seven disposals per game. He might be entering free agency next year, but the fact he wears the No. 23 on his back – the guernsey number made famous by champion Lance Franklin – means he’s held in high esteem by the club.
MELBOURNE
MAX GAWN
Unrestricted free agent, 134 games
It was a tough season for Gawn in his first as stand-alone captain – as it was for the Demons as a cub – but he remains one of the best ruckman in the business and was duly given All Australian honours for 2020. Played 14 games this season while battling injury, and still averaged a whopping 32 hit-outs per game. Can’t imagine him going anywhere.
NEVILLE JETTA
Unrestricted free agent, 154 games
Coming up to his 13th season with the Demons, the 30-year-old defender played six games in 2020, averaging six disposals and less than one rebound-50 for those games. Rumours persist that the Magpies are interested in Jetta’s talents as he approaches free agency.
CHRISTIAN SALEM
Restricted free agent, 106 games
The half-back flanker will next year enter free agency for the first time in his career. Seventh in the this year’s club best and fairest count, the 25-year-old played 16 games averaging close to 19 disposals per game, on top of his three round-50s, two inside-50s and two tackles. Since his introduction to the club has always been viewed as an important piece in the puzzle.
NORTH MELBOURNE
SHAUN ATLEY
Unrestricted free agent, 214 games
Approaching his 11th season with the Kangaroos, the 28-year-old defender played every match in 2020, averaging two rebound-50s per game. Has been a consistent member of the Roos side since he debuted in 2011. But as North Melbourne looks to rebuild, it’s unclear whether he’s part of longer term plans.
TRENT DUMONT
Restricted free agent, 99 games
Another mainstay in the Roos side in 2020, the 25-year-old midfielder averaged 20 touches in his 17 games and finished fifth in the best and fairest medal count. Will more than likely play his 100th milestone game in the Kangaroos colours, but the South Australian will then be eligible for free agency for the first time from there.
LUKE MCDONALD
Restricted free agent, 126 games
This season the 25-year-old took out the Kangaroos’ best and fairest count after he played every game in 2020, averaging 20 disposals per game, which almost equalled his career-best average of 21 disposals/game in 2017. The 189cm father/son defender had a career-high 35 disposals against Adelaide in Round 9.
ROBBIE TARRANT
Unrestricted free agent, 164 games
Next year will be the 14th season for Tarrant at the club, with the 31-year-old key defender now one of the clear veterans in the side following a big clean-out post the disappointing 2020 season. Played 16 games this year, and was the club’s best in the rebound-50s count, with 91 to his name (McDonald finished second with 85), averaging close to six per match.
JACK ZIEBELL
Unrestricted free agent, 218 games
Having never played fewer than 10 games in a season (and that was in his debut year in 2009), 2020 was disappointing for the 29-year-old midfielder who was plagued by soft tissue injuries and played only eight games. As a comparison, the captain played all minor round games in both 2019 and 2018. Since season’s end has been vocal in thanking Roos’ members for sticking by the club.
PORT ADELAIDE
ROBBIE GRAY
Unrestricted free agent, 237 games
The veteran forward has proved a matchwinner on the field this season as well as a continued much-loved fan favourite off it. Was one of seven Power players to play all 19 games in 2020, kicking 15 goals for the season and averaging 16 disposals per game. In 2021 he will play his 15th season in Port colours and it’s difficult to imagine the 32-year-old wanting to be anything other than a one-club player.
HAMISH HARTLETT
Unrestricted free agent, 183 games
You get the feeling there’s some unfinished business for the 30-year-old defender, with a premiership beckoning at Port. Considering he played in every game for the Power in 2020, all going well next year, Hartlett will play his 200th AFL game, and as he’s done in the past, will more than likely dust off any approaches from other clubs.
RICHMOND
SHANE EDWARDS
Unrestricted free agent, 265 games
Will be 33 at the end of next year and should be by then just shy of 300 games. Looms largely as one-club Tigers great.
NICK VLASTUIN
Restricted free agent, 161 games
The triple premiership Tiger will be in hot demand. Hard to see the defender leaving Punt Rd but will attract plenty of interest.
Kamdyn McIntosh – restricted free agent, 108 games
Finished fifth in this year’s Tigers best and fairest count. Not bad in a flag year. Expect some nibbles.
JACK RIEWOLDT
Unrestricted free agent, 283 games
With 283 games to his name, will 2020 be jumping Jack’s final year? Chance, but we hope not. Regardless, he’s going nowhere.
DYLAN GRIMES
Unrestricted free agent, 171 games
Would attract interest from any club looking for a gun defender, but will be difficult to entice the triple premiership backman out of Tigerland.
DAVID ASTBURY
Unrestricted free agent, 138 games
With a lot of Tigers players coming out of contract in 2021, will Astbury be squeezed out? There are always a few casualties from star sides.
ST KILDA
DYLAN ROBERTON
Restricted free agent, 129 games
Managed just the opening game of the season before he was sidelined for the remainder of the 2020 season. Needs a big 2021.
JACK BILLINGS
Restricted free agent, 126 games
Billings enjoyed a very solid year in 2020, but his kicking in the finals let him down. The forward will attract interest.
LUKE DUNSTAN
Restricted free agent, 104 games
A frustrating 2020 season ended with just one game under his belt after tearing his pectoral early in year. Will want a big 2021.
SEB ROSS
Restricted free agent, 140 games
Enjoyed yet another top-10 finish in the club best and fairest after another solid year. His ball-winning ability would be attractive to many clubs.
SYDNEY SWANS
LUKE PARKER
Restricted free agent, 212 games
The Swans co-captain finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest this season. Will he want to finish his career back home in Victoria?
SAM NAISMITH
Restricted free agent, 30 games
The Swans ruckman suffered a season-ending knee injury back in Round 4. It was his second ACL injury. Would a club take a punt?
SAM REID
Unrestricted free agent, 153 games
The 2012 premiership player’s body remains a concern. Injury prone forward who is a lot closer to the end than he is to the start.
WEST COAST
DOM SHEED
Restricted free agent, 119 games
Will be in high demand, but as a West Australian it is hard to see him leaving the Eagles’ nest.
JOSH KENNEDY
Unrestricted free agent, 260 games
2021 looms as the final year for the champion forward. Will be 34 by the end of next season.
SHANNON HURN
Unrestricted free agent, 286 games
The veteran defender is another Eagle who’ll be 34 by the end of next year. 2021 looms as his swan song. Should become the first Eagle to reach the 300-game milestone.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Restricted free agent, 145 games
Arguably the biggest fish of all next year. Can the superstar be lured away from the Whitten Oval? Would take a mighty offer but surely you’d ask the question.
MITCH WALLIS
Unrestricted free agent, 151 games
Brisbane all but thought they had him the last time he was out of contract. Will there be a second bite?
TOM LIBERATORE
Unrestricted free agent, 148 games
Hard to see his son of a Bulldogs great – who also lives in Melbourne’s west – leaving the kennel. Will be more than one suitor if he decides to look around though.
