Where are they now (delistings / retirements since 2005)

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Luke Surman returning to Norwood.

SURMAN TO DON THE RED AND BLUE IN 2018
Published on: Nov 16 2017 | Author: Joseph Marciano |
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The Norwood Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of returning Redleg, Luke Surman.

Surman, returns to the Parade in 2018 after spending two years in Melbourne at the Hawthorn Football Club.

The 20-year-old brings a unique dynamic to Norwood in 2018, standing at 197 centimetres with his versatility a major strength being able to play at either end of the ground as well as in the ruck.

Speaking to Surman since arriving at Norwood, he mentioned how glad he was to be returning to his home state and in particular donning the Red and Blue in 2018.

“I’m stoked to be back at home and playing for Norwood,” said Surman.

“Obviously, I grew up around the area and Norwood was my junior club before leaving so I was pretty keen to get back.”

Surman, returns with the intention of playing senior football regularly knowing full well how hard he will need to work to be part of the League set up.

“I suppose coming back from Hawthorn I guess people aren’t too sure where I sit from the outside,” said Surman.

“There’s an opportunity for me to play a key role in 2018.

“It’s more so about me having belief in the way I go about things and just being confident in working hard and playing my role for the team.”



LUKE SURMAN PROFILE:
Born: December 7, 1997

Age: 20

Position: FWD/DEF/RUCK

Height: 197cm

Weight: 94kg

Previous clubs: Hawthorn, Norwood FC
 

caseman2

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Kade Stewart - half way down the article


Next chapter: Where to now for WA’s ex-AFL contingent?
Jordan McArdleThursday, 30 November 2017 1:06AM
After the dust has settled on the recent AFL national and rookie drafts, we take a look where the delisted and retired West Aussies will play in 2018.

Several WA products are returning to their old WAFL clubs, some have crossed enemy lines and others have opted to remain in their adopted state.

BRISBANE LIONS

Jarrad Jansen (original WAFL club - East Fremantle)

The East Fremantle product is back at his original WAFL club, signing a two-year deal to return to WA.

The 192cm midfielder spent four seasons in the AFL - two with Geelong and the last two at the Brisbane Lions.

CARLTON

Dennis Armfield (Swan Districts)

The former Carlton cult hero looks set to remain in Victoria, despite a cheeky recruitment pitch from former Blues and Swan Districts teammate David Ellard.

Armfield, who called time on his 143-game AFL career this year, has taken up a specialist coaching position with Carlton’s AFLW team.

He is hopeful of playing football at some level in 2018.

Blaine Boekhorst (Swan Districts)

Boekhorst has at least a couple of options in WA, with his original club Swan Districts and East Fremantle both keen on his services.

The 24-year-old finished the year strongly at Carlton and was invited to join pre-season training in a bid to earn a spot on their rookie list, but was unsuccessful.

Rhys Palmer (East Fremantle)

East Fremantle are in discussions with the 2008 AFL rising star about a return to Shark Park.

Palmer’s time in the AFL ended this year after he was released from the final year of his Carlton contract.

The 28-year-old, who made 123 AFL appearances at Frem
Simon White (Subiaco)

White made the most of his opportunity at the top level, making 87 appearances after getting picked up in the 2009 rookie draft.

The 29-year-old played the first eight games of the year for Carlton, but would only play three more after that before getting delisted.

It is understood the Subiaco product is settled in Melbourne and is unlikely to return to Western Australia.

ESSENDON

Ben Howlett (Peel Thunder)

A return to the WAFL looks likely for Ben Howlett after he missed out in the national and rookie drafts.

Howlett, who was cut by Essendon after 124 games in eight years, told The West Australian this month the lure of coming home to WA would be strong if he didn’t get picked up.

The Donnybrook product remains close with Peel Thunder CEO John Ditchburn, while former Essendon teammate Nick Kommer has recently signed with East Fremantle.

Fremantle

Josh Deluca (Subiaco)

Deluca has returned to Subiaco, where he won his first of three WAFL premierships in 2014 before getting drafted to Fremantle.

The classy left-footer had a rollercoaster time in the AFL, with persistent groin problems not helping his cause.

The 21-year-old forced his way into the Dockers’ senior side this year after a string of impressive performances for Peel Thunder, making his debut against Geelong round 14.

He made four AFL appearances in 2017 before finishing the season in the WAFL, where he was a part of the Thunder’s second straight flag.
Jon Griffin (East Fremantle)

Griffin is back at Shark Park after 97 games - 41 at Adelaide and 56 at Fremantle - in 11 years in the AFL.

The 31-year-old will add vital experience to East Fremantle’s ruck stocks after signing a two-year deal.

Garrick Ibbotson (East Fremantle)

Ibbotson announced his AFL retirement after 177 games across 11 years.

The 29-year-old defender recently had hip surgery and is unlikely to play at any level in the near future, but may be enticed to return to East Fremantle in a coaching capacity.

GOLD COAST

Ryan Davis (Swan Districts)

Davis will remain on the Gold Coast, despite getting cut by the Suns after 21 games in two seasons.

The former West Coast and Swan Districts forward has signed with North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) side Southport for next year.

Cameron Loersch (South Fremantle)

Another delisted Sun, South Fremantle product Loersch has joined arch-rivals East Fremantle on a two-year deal.

The 203cm strong-marking forward/ruck failed to register a senior game in two seasons on Gold Coast’s rookie list, despite some impressive performances in the NEAFL including a seven-goal haul.

He was the leading goal-kicker in the WAFL colts back in 2014, booting 57 majors for the Bulldogs.

GWS GIANTS

Tendai Mzungu (Perth)

Mzungu will return to the Dockers as inaugural coach of their Next Generation Academy.

The 31-year-old, who played 102 of his 106 AFL games at Fremantle, will also be the club’s runner.

He is unlikely to play regular footy anywhere due to his off-field commitments.

HAWTHORN

Kade Stewart (South Fremantle)

The 20-year-old from Katanning was cut by Hawthorn after seven games in two seasons.

It is understood Stewart is considering playing back in his hometown for Katanning Wanderers, who won the Upper Great Southern Football League flag last season.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Andrew Swallow (East Fremantle)

Swallow retired from the AFL this month after 224 games in 12 seasons at North Melbourne, winning three Syd Barker medals in the process.

He was contracted for the 2018 season, but came to a mutual agreement with the club to be released from the final year of his deal.

The 30-year-old was hoping to join younger brother David at the Gold Coast Suns but the expansion club opted not to take him on.

The former Kangaroos captain could still end up on the Gold Coast in a coaching capacity.

Matthew Taylor (Perth)

A return to the Demons is on the cards for Taylor, who was let go by North Melbourne after one season.

The 187cm running defender played 19 league games at Perth in 2016 before getting picked up by the Kangaroos as a rookie.

WEST COAST

Tom Gorter (East Perth)

The 191cm left-footed defender couldn’t crack a senior game at West Coast in his only season at the club.

Gorter could end up back at East Perth, where he continued to play this year being the Eagles’ WAFL affiliate.

Josh Hill (Claremont)

The former West Coast and Western Bulldogs forward is yet to decide his future after getting delisted by the Eagles.

It was rumoured Hill might end up at WAFL powerhouse Subiaco, but nothing has been confirmed.

The 28-year-old from Broome played 173 AFL games after starting his career at the Bulldogs.

Jordan Snadden (East Fremantle)

Snadden was one of several former Sharks to commit to the club alongside Jon Griffin and Jarrad Jansen.

The Bullcreek-Leeming product, 20, spent two seasons on West Coast’s rookie list, playing a mix of WAFL seniors and reserve matches.

Simon Tunbridge (Perth)

Like Taylor, Perth are in talks with Tunbridge about a potential return to Lathlain Park.

The luckless utility had a horror run of injuries during his time at West Coast, playing 10 games in four seasons before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last year.

The Dongara product returned late last season for East Perth after opting for LARS, but suffered a hamstring tendon injury in the final home-and-away round which required surgery.

Sharrod Wellingham (Perth)

Wellingham won’t return to his original WAFL club after inking a two-year deal with East Perth.

With 171 AFL games at West Coast (79) and Collingwood (92) under his belt, including the 2010 premiership with the Magpies, the 29-year-old defender will bring a wealth of experience to the Eagles’ affiliate.
 

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Our old mate Beau Dowler


New The Basin coach Justin Stanton lures across five recruits from Beaconsfield
Toby Prime, Knox Leader
November 30, 2017 1:00amJUSTIN Stanton’s ties at Beaconsfield are paying dividends at The Basin.

Former Hawthorn key forward and Sandringham captain Beau Dowler headlines the additions to arrive at the Bears from the South East league club.

Dowler is one of five Beaconsfield players to follow Stanton to the Eastern Football League, with Daniel Galante and brothers Jordan, Kieren and Lachie Roberts also making the move to the Bears.

Stanton, who accepted the coaching position at Batterham Reserve after six years at Beaconsfield, said recruiting had been a priority for The Basin over the summer.


Daniel Galante in action for Beaconsfield. Picture: Jason Sammon
“The club needed to because they’ve been pretty poor the past couple of years in results and so forth only winning five games this year,” Stanton said.

“It was important we addressed some issues and we’ve certainly tried to bring some new talent into the team, which was our main focus and we have achieved that.”

Dowler played 16 games for Hawthorn from 2006 to 2009 and played in Noble Park’s 2011 premiership before returning to the VFL.

Experienced midfielder Galante spent a decade at Noble Park before spending the past three seasons at Beaconsfield but will return to the EFL in 2018.

Stanton said Jordan Roberts would provide leadership for The Basin’s defence, while twins Kieren and Lachie will provide tall options at either end of the ground.

Stanton said the Bears needed to add an experienced core to their young list.

“From what we had this year there was a lot of young guys and we had a fairly decent gap with regards to on-field leaders,” he said.


“I’m realistic that they’re not going to be the difference between us winning five games and all of a sudden winning 15 games.

“We’re going to need the existing personnel that are young and have had a year or two of senior footy to step up.”
 

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Kade Stewart - Country WA

Delisted Hawthorn forward Kade Stewart eyes Katanning return
Jordan McArdle
Friday, 22 December 2017 4:00PM Jordan McArdle

A return to original club Katanning is the likely destination for delisted Hawthorn forward Kade Stewart as he looks to re-ignite his passion for footy alongside family and friends.

The 20-year-old was considered unlucky to be cut by the Hawks after seven AFL appearances in two promising seasons as a rookie.

Stewart performed well in the VFL during his final season on Hawthorn’s list, averaging 19 disposals, five marks and six tackles to go with 19 goals in 15 matches.

The 180cm small forward also added four AFL games, but admits there was “not much” contact from the club about his chances of getting another year on their list in 2018.

He was left in limbo until after the trade period, when his fate was revealed.

“It went a bit downhill the last couple of months there when I was unsure about my future,” Stewart told The West Australian.

“The dream of playing AFL is still there, but I just want to go back to enjoying my footy without everything to think about.”
Stewart recently moved back to his hometown in the Great Southern, where he plans to finish his electrical apprenticeship working for his dad’s company.

But he wasn’t ruling out a return to the WAFL after a season of country footy.

“I’m halfway through my (electrical) apprenticeship so I’ll just focus on that for now and then re-assess where I’m at,” he said.

Stewart, who received interest from several WAFL clubs including his former team South Fremantle, will link up with fellow ex-AFL player Josh Bootsma at the reigning Upper Great Southern premiers.

The Wanderers broke a 31-year flag drought last season, knocking off Narrogin by 43 points in the grand final.

Stewart’s older brother Tim, also a former South Fremantle player, won the George Warren Medal for best on ground.

Bootsma, a 14-game AFL player at Carlton, had a huge impact in his first season at Katanning after signing from Peel Thunder, booting 40 goals in 17 appearances.
 
Glad Dowler is still having a crack.
Beau Dowler spent the last two years playing senior footy at Beaconsfield played some good footy but lacked the dominance one would expect from a former AFL player.
 
What happened with Stewart? Started off so promising being upgraded off the rookie list and didn’t seem to have a noticeable drop off (as far as I could tell) but somehow fell out of favour for opportunities. Was it attitude or did the club just come to believe his ceiling was far too low?
 
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Beau Dowler spent the last two years playing senior footy at Beaconsfield played some good footy but lacked the dominance one would expect from a former AFL player.

In Beau's defence, it is pretty marginal when the term 'former AFL player' is used...

He really was a VFL player on an AFL list for mine.
 
What happened with Stewart? Started off so promising being upgraded off the rookie list and didn’t seem to have a noticeable drop off (as far as I could tell) but somehow fell out of favour for opportunities. Was it attitude or did the club just come to believe his ceiling was far too low?

I have no inside running on this - but the games I saw him play at Box Hill this year led me to believe he has plateaued and didn’t have another gear. Would seem the 17 other clubs agreed. Found the article saying he was ‘unlucky to be delisted’ as amusing on that basis.
 
I have no inside running on this - but the games I saw him play at Box Hill this year led me to believe he has plateaued and didn’t have another gear. Would seem the 17 other clubs agreed. Found the article saying he was ‘unlucky to be delisted’ as amusing on that basis.
Just seems weird to cut him loose so soon relative to a guy like Willsmore.
 
Because Willsmore is contracted for a year...
Yes willsmore has good endurance and height. But his time is running short. Stewart needed to improve his ball handling in close. He wasnt a one grab player. He needed to show something valuable
 
Dec 22, 2007
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I mean Willsmore has been kept around for years now and doesn’t seem to be getting much better.

Despite much effort, Clarko has been unable to retrieve the photos Willsmore has. Further failed attempts may see a new contract offered to the chagrin of many.
 

Bumps"N"Grins

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Kade Stewart - Country WA

Delisted Hawthorn forward Kade Stewart eyes Katanning return
Jordan McArdle
Friday, 22 December 2017 4:00PM Jordan McArdle

A return to original club Katanning is the likely destination for delisted Hawthorn forward Kade Stewart as he looks to re-ignite his passion for footy alongside family and friends.

The 20-year-old was considered unlucky to be cut by the Hawks after seven AFL appearances in two promising seasons as a rookie.

Stewart performed well in the VFL during his final season on Hawthorn’s list, averaging 19 disposals, five marks and six tackles to go with 19 goals in 15 matches.

The 180cm small forward also added four AFL games, but admits there was “not much” contact from the club about his chances of getting another year on their list in 2018.

He was left in limbo until after the trade period, when his fate was revealed.

“It went a bit downhill the last couple of months there when I was unsure about my future,” Stewart told The West Australian.

“The dream of playing AFL is still there, but I just want to go back to enjoying my footy without everything to think about.”
Stewart recently moved back to his hometown in the Great Southern, where he plans to finish his electrical apprenticeship working for his dad’s company.

But he wasn’t ruling out a return to the WAFL after a season of country footy.

“I’m halfway through my (electrical) apprenticeship so I’ll just focus on that for now and then re-assess where I’m at,” he said.

Stewart, who received interest from several WAFL clubs including his former team South Fremantle, will link up with fellow ex-AFL player Josh Bootsma at the reigning Upper Great Southern premiers.

The Wanderers broke a 31-year flag drought last season, knocking off Narrogin by 43 points in the grand final.

Stewart’s older brother Tim, also a former South Fremantle player, won the George Warren Medal for best on ground.

Bootsma, a 14-game AFL player at Carlton, had a huge impact in his first season at Katanning after signing from Peel Thunder, booting 40 goals in 17 appearances.
I hope Bootsma is using TeamApp to keep in touch with his players and not Snapchat.:rolleyes::thumbsu:
 
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Have a player on a list for absolute minimum chips so you can spread TPP elsewhere

And one easy to delist at year's end if they do not take a huge step, to free up a spot for the super draft.

What is more, with losing Hartung, we are very light on for outside players, which Dallas does provide.

Good idea by the Hawks.
 
http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2018-01-15/fitzys-focus

Looks like Fitz is going to be doing some work for the Hawks this year - really great to see him involved with the club still, also great to see him able to talk about how much he loves the club. It's a shame that concussion ended his career - but how good is it that a guy who grew up loving the Hawks got to have that moment against Collingwood. Boyhood dream come true.
 

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Good article on ex-Rookie Luke Surman. Great to see he has rediscovered his passion. Was always a polite and well mannered lad as well


Luke Surman shines at Norwood after returning to SANFL following AFL stint at Hawthorn
Rob Greenwood, The Advertiser
May 17, 2018 12:24am

LOWERING expectations of himself and rediscovering his love for football have allowed Luke Surman to shine, a year after walking away from an AFL career.

The Norwood forward has kicked goals in each of the Redlegs’ six matches this season, helping them rise to the cusp of a top-five berth.

But Surman’s success comes 12 months on from quitting Hawthorn to return to SA and re-evaluate his future.

“I think there’s always elements of regret in any decision you make, but I don’t regret coming to play for Norwood,” Surman, 20, said.

“I was always just focused on putting everything into my footy, but I think that really uptight, strict sort of behaviour can backfire.

“It really impacted my footy (at Hawthorn) because I was too wound-up and I was so over footy when I came home.

“But I’m starting to get back to that point where I can say that I love playing footy again.

“That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned: footy is meant to be an enjoyable aspect of your life.”
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Surman rose to prominence as part of the 2015 SA under-18 side, predominantly as a running defender.

The basketball-convert was taken at pick 18 in that year’s AFL Rookie Draft, but struggled to process the demands associated with the elite competition.

“A lot of it was self-inflicted,” the former Rostrevor College student said.

“It was a tricky situation, because obviously there’s a level of professionalism you have to adhere to and that comes with the territory.

“But they (Hawthorn) were trying to get me to relax and play freely, because you’ve still got to have a life outside of football.

“I’m still really grateful for the opportunity that Hawthorn gave me and I learnt a tremendous amount over there.”

The 195cm, 85kg talent trained occasionally with junior club Norwood last year, but began studying commerce at Adelaide University instead of playing football.

He returned reinvigorated for the Redlegs’ pre-season and has kicked 14 goals so far this campaign, including bags of four in each of his side’s past two victories.

“For me it’s a matter of crashing packs and doing the team things.

“The goals are a bit of a reward for doing that harder work.

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Luke Surman was taken in the 2015 AFL Rookie Draft by Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media
“It was a pretty easy decision (to return to Norwood) because it was home for me.

“We’ve got a very talented group, but we’re still in the process of trying to gel as a team and get some chemistry among us.

“The exciting thing for us is we haven’t hit top gear yet.”

Surman praised the influence of Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton, as well as senior teammates such as Brady Dawe, Alex Georgiou and Jace Bode, in rekindling his passion for the game.

He drew inspiration from Redlegs gun Mitch Grigg, who won the Magarey Medal last season after being delisted by the Crows the previous year.

“Having spent a bit of time around some good quality midfielders, he’s certainly right up there with the best that I’ve ever seen up close,” Surman said.

“He gives you a bit of an insight into what you’re capable of when you’re mentally in tune with the club and the game that you’re playing.”
 

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Good article on ex-Rookie Luke Surman. Great to see he has rediscovered his passion. Was always a polite and well mannered lad as well


Luke Surman shines at Norwood after returning to SANFL following AFL stint at Hawthorn
Rob Greenwood, The Advertiser
May 17, 2018 12:24am

LOWERING expectations of himself and rediscovering his love for football have allowed Luke Surman to shine, a year after walking away from an AFL career.

The Norwood forward has kicked goals in each of the Redlegs’ six matches this season, helping them rise to the cusp of a top-five berth.

But Surman’s success comes 12 months on from quitting Hawthorn to return to SA and re-evaluate his future.

“I think there’s always elements of regret in any decision you make, but I don’t regret coming to play for Norwood,” Surman, 20, said.

“I was always just focused on putting everything into my footy, but I think that really uptight, strict sort of behaviour can backfire.

“It really impacted my footy (at Hawthorn) because I was too wound-up and I was so over footy when I came home.

“But I’m starting to get back to that point where I can say that I love playing footy again.

“That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned: footy is meant to be an enjoyable aspect of your life.”
6eebbdd86035e7b3629cab66a74a5231


Surman rose to prominence as part of the 2015 SA under-18 side, predominantly as a running defender.

The basketball-convert was taken at pick 18 in that year’s AFL Rookie Draft, but struggled to process the demands associated with the elite competition.

“A lot of it was self-inflicted,” the former Rostrevor College student said.

“It was a tricky situation, because obviously there’s a level of professionalism you have to adhere to and that comes with the territory.

“But they (Hawthorn) were trying to get me to relax and play freely, because you’ve still got to have a life outside of football.

“I’m still really grateful for the opportunity that Hawthorn gave me and I learnt a tremendous amount over there.”

The 195cm, 85kg talent trained occasionally with junior club Norwood last year, but began studying commerce at Adelaide University instead of playing football.

He returned reinvigorated for the Redlegs’ pre-season and has kicked 14 goals so far this campaign, including bags of four in each of his side’s past two victories.

“For me it’s a matter of crashing packs and doing the team things.

“The goals are a bit of a reward for doing that harder work.

7ac06a6af64520dad956a017d9200444

Luke Surman was taken in the 2015 AFL Rookie Draft by Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media
“It was a pretty easy decision (to return to Norwood) because it was home for me.

“We’ve got a very talented group, but we’re still in the process of trying to gel as a team and get some chemistry among us.

“The exciting thing for us is we haven’t hit top gear yet.”

Surman praised the influence of Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton, as well as senior teammates such as Brady Dawe, Alex Georgiou and Jace Bode, in rekindling his passion for the game.

He drew inspiration from Redlegs gun Mitch Grigg, who won the Magarey Medal last season after being delisted by the Crows the previous year.

“Having spent a bit of time around some good quality midfielders, he’s certainly right up there with the best that I’ve ever seen up close,” Surman said.

“He gives you a bit of an insight into what you’re capable of when you’re mentally in tune with the club and the game that you’re playing.”

I think a lot of us had high hopes for Luke and were sad to see him go.
Great to see him back enjoying his football.
I just hope he doesn’t find his way onto the Crows or Power lists
 
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