Welcome to Off-Season Central.
Below you can track every move by every club in the 2022 off-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2023.
AUGUST 23 - HIRD’S SON AMONG THREE DONS AXED
Essendon has made three delistings with the son of club great and potential new coach James Hird among those departing the club.
Tom Hird, a category B rookie who transitioned from soccer, has left the club along with 2021 draftee Garrett McDonagh. Neither played an AFL game.
Tom Cutler has also been delisted following 30 games at Tullamarine.
A former Brisbane midfielder who played 66 games in Queensland, Cutler was traded to the Bombers after the 2019 season, moving to halfback.
He played nine games this year, his last coming in Round 13 against Carlton.
AUGUST 22 - AMON WANTS OUT, THREE DELISTED AT PORT
Port Adelaide midfielder Karl Amon will explore free agency while three players have been delisted in the first moves of the off-season for 10 clubs.
An unrestricted free agent, Amon has been linked to Victorian clubs including Hawthorn and St Kilda. The Power cannot match an offer for him to guarantee he stays, but may receive compensation if he leaves.
“Karl has been an outstanding clubman in his time with us and he should be commended for his professionalism and maturity this season in particular,” Power list manager Jason Cripps said.
“The club and Karl remained in continual discussion around his future throughout the season, yet his dedication to his preparation and application on game day never wavered.
“We wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
Meanwhile defender Sam Skinner and midfielders Sam Mayes and Taj Schofield have been delisted.
Skinner played twice this season while Mayes featured 20 times in Power colours in total, the pair both moving across from Brisbane.
Schofield, the son of 2004 premiership player Jarrad, never featured at AFL level after being picked in the 2020 rookie draft.
AUGUST 20 - RYDER HANGS UP BOOTS
St Kilda ruckman Paddy Ryder is the latest veteran to call time on his 17-season AFL career
The 34-year old hangs up the boots after 281 games for the Saints, Bombers and Power since making his debut in 2006.
Ryder said he’ll cherish his memories in the AFL system.
“It’s been a really tough decision to come to, but I know it’s the right one,” Ryder said.
“I’ve been lucky to live out my childhood dream, playing at three great clubs with some amazing players, including my cousin Bradley.
“I’ve loved the role it’s enabled me to play in the community and the platform it’s given me to help educate people about Indigenous culture.
“Playing in games like the Dreamtime at the ‘G, and this year running out with six of my brother boys against Hawthorn – they’re the moments I’ll remember forever.
“I want to thank all my current and former teammates, coaches and staff from the Bombers, Power and the Saints, particularly Kevin Sheedy, Matthew Knights, Mark Thompson, James Hird, Ken Hinkley and Brett Ratten. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do my favourite thing week in week out.
“To my community, my family, especially my wife Jess and our children Liliana, Harlan and Sage, I’m excited to share this next part of my life with you all.”
The big man’s career highlights include claiming All-Australian honours and Port Adelaide’s best and fairest in 2017 and the 2009 Anzac Day Medal.
Saints head of football David Rath thanked Ryder for his service to the club since joining it at the end of 2019.
“Ever since he walked through our doors, Paddy has made our club a better place,” Rath said.
“His mentorship of Rowan Marshall and the other rucks has been invaluable for all of them.
“AFL is a tough game, and Paddy has given his whole heart and body to his pursuit of this sport at the highest level.
“I think his efforts in our 2020 elimination final will go down in St Kilda folklore – that exemplifies the passion with which Paddy has played for the past 16 years.
“Paddy and his family will always have a place here at St Kilda.”
AUGUST 18 - INJURY-PLAGUED SAINT ANNOUNCES RETIRMENT
St Kilda veteran Dan Haneberry has called time on his AFL career after a horror run with injuries in recent seasons.
The 31- year old, who’s coming towards the end of a lucrative four-year deal signed with the Saints in 2018, has been restricted to 17 games for the club including two appearances this year.
Hannebery informed his teammates of the decision on Thursday after meeting with list boss James Gallagher, head of football David Rath, senior coach Brett Ratten and soon-to-be CEO Simon Lethlean to discuss his future earlier this week.
He’ll play a farewell match against his former side Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Hannebery has played 225 AFL games in total since making his debut for the Swans in 2009, winning a premiership for the club in 2012 as well as three All-Australian blazers (2013, 2015 and 2016).
AUGUST 18 - HURLEY CALLS TIME AFTER INJURY-PLAGUED RUN
Essendon veteran defender Michael Hurley has announced his retirement after an injury-plagued end to his career.
Hurley will play a farewell match in Essendon’s clash with Richmond on Saturday night some 700 days after last senior game.
He hasn’t appeared at AFL level since Round 18 of 2020 after being sidelined with a serious hip infection but had been building up to a return in the VFL in recent weeks.
The 32-year old informed teammates of his decision on Thursday.
“Over my time, the club has meant so much to me. The decision has crept up a little bit, and at the start of the year, I really wanted to get back out there and play footy again. It was about the middle part of the year where I got close and in recent weeks, running out there and getting a kick again was just fantastic. Physically and mentally, I am feeling up for the challenge, but such a big operation and a big couple of years, and the uncertainty around whether physically I could still keep up with the rigours of AFL footy, it really set in that it was probably time to hang the boots up,” Hurley said.
“What keeps coming to mind is the relationships I have built here. I’ve been here since 2008 and while I probably haven’t experienced a lot of on-field success, and not everyone in AFL can have that, a different success to me is meeting special people and people from this club I’ll have in my life forever.”
“While it’s hard to name everyone individually, I’d also like to thank the admin staff, the property staff and particularly the medical staff, for patching me up for the last 14 years.
“The most important people at the club to me is my teammates. You come into the club every day and when you’re younger, you don’t fully understand how lucky you are in this job. All you guys in the room hold a place in my heart and my past teammates too.
“Finally, to my wife Chelsea, my immediate family and particularly my parents – I thank you all for your love and support. I started playing footy because of my brothers. To my Mum and Dad, our family has been through a lot and I’m just so proud to have you as my parents. I couldn’t have done it without you and I’ll be forever indebted to you all.”
The backman has played 193 games to date since joining the Bombers with Pick 5 in the 2008 National Draft.
He was one of 32 Essendon players banned for the 2016 season during the infamous supplements saga, claiming All-Australian honours in the year before (2015) and after (2017).
Bombers footy boss Josh Mahoney thanked Hurley for his service to the club.
“Put simply, Michael has been the ultimate clubman at the Essendon Football Club, and we are a better place for his contribution since he arrived in 2008,” Mahoney said.
“His selfless and caring approach has been at the forefront of how Michael has carried himself, day-in and day-out at the club. While he was cruelled by various circumstances across his AFL journey, Michael was always an incredibly positive figure and wanted what was best for the football club.
“Quite remarkably in the weeks following his hip injury, at times it did not look like Michael would be able to run again, let alone train or play VFL so we’re delighted he’s able to line up with his teammates on Saturday. After an extensive training block in recent months, he’s been managing his way back through the VFL and building up his game time. He has now earned the opportunity to be named in our AFL side for Saturday’s game against Richmond at the MCG and we know our members and supporters will want to say goodbye to Michael too.
“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we wish Michael, wife Chelsea and their families all the very best for their journey ahead. They will always be part of the red and black family.”
AUGUST 16 - TIGERS GREAT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Shane Edwards has become the latest veteran to announce his retirement, with the Richmond star to play his final AFL game this week against Essendon.
The three-time premiership midfielder called time on Tuesday, drawing to a close a career spanning more than 300 games and selection in the 2018 All-Australian side.
Edwards finished second in the 2019 best and fairest count and has had a remarkable career since being taken with pick No.26 in the 2006 draft.
He becomes the third premiership Tiger to announce his retirement this season, joining Kane Lambert and Josh Caddy.
“It is time for me to step aside and move on just as players did for me when I started,” Edwards said.
“I am trying to play to the best of my ability out there, but it is pretty obvious to me that I won’t be helping us move forward next year.
“The Club has given me everything, it has changed my life forever and I will always be connected to the Richmond Football Club.
“My teammates are what I will miss the most, we have been through so much together and always had fun. I will miss putting the jumper on before a game and when we really flick the switch. I love the 15 minutes after a win as well, it is the best feeling.
“When I look back on my career, what I think of is how lucky I have been; on the injury front- I have never really had a big injury, and I got to come to a big club with really passionate supporters.
“I am lucky the Korin Gamadji Institute emerged upstairs a couple of years into my career as well, and I (am grateful to) have seen so many sides of the game as a player.
“I have won premierships and a few wooden spoons and finished everywhere in between as well.”
AUGUST 16 — GRAY CALLS TIME ON DECORATED CAREER
Port Adelaide champion Robbie Gray has called time on his disintuighsed career that’s spanned across 16 seasons.
Gray has booted 365 goals — ranked second-all time at the club— from 270 games — the fourth-most — since making his debut in 2007 and will go down as one of the Power’s greatest ever players.
The 34-year old career highlights include winning three best and fairests, four All-Australian blazers and five Showdown Medals while twice leading the club’s goalkicking.
Power coach Ken Hinkley said Gray would go down as an all-time Port Adelaide legend.
“I said last week that in my opinion Rob has been the greatest player at our football club in the AFL era and I stick by that. His record demands that kind of recognition,” Hinkley said.
“I have never seen anyone who can make our great game look so simple, and do such difficult things with such ease.”
“We have been able to count on him to deliver in the big moments and he has won so many awards and accolades, yet he remains the most humble, team-first player who focusses so much attention on making others around him better.
“He has played such a valuable role in helping develop our younger players in recent years and we’re starting to see that pay dividends.
“It’s a mark of his talent and extraordinary impact that many others have been described as the next Robbie Gray but I think it is fair to say there will never be another Robbie Gray.”
Gray informed his teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning, with the veteran fittingly set to play his last game against the Crows in Saturday’s Showdown — a stage he’s dominated so many times in his career.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the journey with this club,” Gray said. “I’ve got some amazing friends and memories that I’ll take with me forever, but it’s time for others to get their chance now.
“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches and all the volunteers and support staff that have been there along the way for me.”
AUGUST 12 — INJURIES FORCE BOMBER AND EX-GIANT TO RETIREMENT
Essendon midfielder Devon Smith has decided to hang up the boots after struggling to overcome a degenerative knee injury.
Smith departs with a year to run on his deal after 182 AFL appearances for the Giants and Bombers since getting drafted by GWS with Pick 14 in 2014.
He joined Essendon at the end of 2017 and made an immediate impact at the club, winning its best and fairest in his first year in a campaign where he laid 184 tackles — the most ever in a home and away season in league history.
The 29-year old announced the decision to his teammates on Friday in an emotional address.
“While it wasn’t an easy decision to come to, unfortunately I couldn’t quite get the body to where it needed to be to perform week-in and week-out,” Smith said.
“I’ve loved my AFL journey and I’ve had the true privilege of representing two fantastic football clubs.
“I want to thank all my past and present teammates for all their support across the journey. As players, your time in the AFL goes by so quickly and my message to them this morning was that they shouldn’t lose sight of the fact it is a privilege to run out with your best mates every week. I’ll miss that the most.
“I wish everyone the best for the journey ahead and I look forward to watching the boys on next season with a beer in hand.”
Bombers general manager of footy Josh Mahoney thanked Smith for his service to the club.
“While we’re sad to see Devon hang up the boots, we congratulate him on a wonderful career across two clubs over 11 seasons,” Mahoney said.
“Despite his body letting him down at times with his injuries, Devon was always hungry to get the best out of himself. He was an ultimate competitor and was selfless in his role when the side required it. Devon added immense tackling pressure and his ability to hit the scoreboard always strengthened our side when he was at his prime.
“We wish Devon, fiancée Simone and their families the very best for the next chapter of their lives.”
AUGUST 11 — END OF THE ROAD FOR GIANTS VETERAN
GWS Giants veteran Matt De Boer has called time on his AFL career.
The Giants confirmed on Thursday that the 32-year old would hang up the boots after 223 games across 14 seasons since joining Fremantle in the 2009 rookie draft.
De Boer made 138 appearances for the Dockers over eight campaigns before moving to GWS at the end of 2016 where he developed into one of the game’s top taggers and was added to its leadership group in 2018.
The midfielder played in both the 2013 and 2019 Grand Final sides for the Dockers and Giants respectively.
“The Giants organisation and its people are truly a special place and have had a profound impact on not only me but my wife, family and friends,” de Boer said.
“My heart is unequivocally full of gratitude and love for the friendships, memories and opportunities that playing in the AFL has availed me.
“I’d particularly like to thank Leon Cameron for believing in me and challenging me always to be the best version of myself.
“I’d also like to thank the Fremantle Dockers for first recruiting me and, in particular, Mark Harvey and Ross Lyon for teaching me the abnormal effort and football IQ required to perform at the highest level.”
Giants footy boss Jason McCartney thanked de Boer for his service to the club.
“Matt is the ultimate clubman and epitomises everything you want in a leader,” McCartney said.
“He’s diligent and resilient and got the most out of himself as a footballer, while contributing enormously to team standards and culture.
“Most AFL players never reach 200 AFL games and Matt’s career is a testament to his hard work, sacrifice and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Drafted as a rookie, delisted and starting again in Sydney – Matt could have easily given up at any point but his determination and drive to make himself, and others, better is unquestionable.
“While we’re sad to see Matt depart, he’ll always be a Giant and he leaves an incredible mark upon all those he played alongside.
“His dedication to his football has been matched by his preparation for life after football and he’s already had incredible success off the field with his company, Athletic Ventures.
“We wish him and wife Rachael all the best for the next chapter of their lives.”
AUGUST 10 — BYE ‘BIG BOY’
Hawthorn captain and dual premiership ruckman Ben McEvoy has announced he’ll retire at season’s end.
McEvoy, who was appointed Hawks skipper in 2021, told teammates and coaches of his decision on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old, who played his 250th AFL game in Saturday’s win over Gold Coast, was traded to the Hawks at the end of 2013 after being selected by St Kilda with Pick 9 in the 2007 draft. St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt on the weekend described his former club’s decision to trade away McEvoy to Hawthorn as “mind-boggling”.
McEvoy said he had “an enormous amount to be grateful for across my whole journey”.
“Football can be a selfish existence at times and I am incredibly thankful for the unconditional support I have had from my family,” McEvoy said.
“I also want to thank my teammates, coaches, fitness staff, volunteers, and supporters, who have all contributed to me being able to perform at my best.
“I feel very privileged to have played out the career I have and still pinch myself as to how fortunate I have been.”
Hawks football boss Rob McCartney said McEvoy’s consistency across his nine years at the Hawks had been “quite remarkable”, adding he’d be “remembered among Hawthorn’s greats”.
“Ben has made an enormous contribution during his nine years at Hawthorn,” McCartney said.
“He will be remembered as a player who had a strong desire to compete.
“More importantly, Ben has always been totally selfless in nature, always willing to put the team in front of any individual benefit.
“I have no doubt through deeds and actions Ben has left the No. 7 in a better place than when he received it.”
AUGUST 9 — CHAMPION SWAN CALLS TIME
Sydney veteran Josh Kennedy — one of the most decorated and consistent on-ballers of this century — has announced he’ll retire at the end of this season.
The Swans on Tuesday released a statement confirming Kennedy had earlier told his teammates this year would be his last. He’ll address reporters, alongside coach John Longmire, on Tuesday afternoon.
It comes after Kennedy suffered another hamstring setback on the weekend, with the midfielder limping from the ground during the Swans’ VFL clash against North Melbourne.
After being drafted by Hawthorn under the father-son rule — Kennedy is the son of John Kennedy Jr, who was a four-time premiership Hawk, and the grandson of the late John Kennedy Senior, who’s a legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame — Kennedy played 13 games across three seasons before being traded to the Swans.
A former club captain, three-time All-Australian and member of the Swans’ 2012 premiership side, Kennedy will now leave the game as a Swans champion renowned for his unwavering attitude at the coalface. He won three best and fairests for the Swans, including in the club’s premiership year of 2012.
Between 2012 and 2017, Kennedy averaged at least 27 disposals in every season. In 2016, he won the Gary Ayres award for best finals player and finished second to Jason Johannisen in Norm Smith Medal voting.
EVERY CLUB’S LIST CHANGES AND DRAFT PICKS
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who is leaving: TBA
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 3, 21, 75
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
BRISBANE LIONS
Who is leaving: TBA
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 16, 34, 44 (via Port Adelaide), 70, 88
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
CARLTON
Who is leaving: Tom Williamson (delisted)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 12, 30, 62 (via Port Adelaide), 66, 84
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
COLLINGWOOD
Who is leaving: Jordan Roughead (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 15, 42 (via Hawthorn), 45 (via Richmond), 47 (via Western Bulldogs), 87
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
ESSENDON
Who is leaving: Michael Hurley (retired),Devon Smith (retired), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (retired), Tom Cutler (delisted), Tom Hird (delisted), Garrett McDonough (delisted)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 5, 23, 41, 59, 77
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
FREMANTLE
Who is leaving: David Mundy (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 14, 72 (via Geelong), 86
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
GEELONG CATS
Who is leaving: TBA
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 18, 36, 48 (via Carlton), 52 (via Brisbane), 54, 60 (via Hawthorn), 90
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who is leaving: TBA
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 7, 25, 32 (via Fremantle), 33 (via Collingwood), 43, 51 (via Collingwood), 68 (via Fremantle), 69 (via Collingwood), 79
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
GWS GIANTS
Who is leaving: Matt De Boer (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 4, 22, 40, 57 (via Adelaide), 58, 76
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
HAWTHORN
Who is leaving: Ben McEvoy (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 6, 24, 50 (via Fremantle), 61 (via Gold Coast), 78
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
MELBOURNE
Who is leaving: Majak Daw (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 35, 39 (via Adelaide), 53, 64 (via St Kilda), 71, 89
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who is leaving: Tom Lynch (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 1, 55, 63 (via Richmond), 73
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
PORT ADELAIDE
Who is leaving: Steven Motlop (retired), Robbie Gray (retired), Sam Skinner (delisted), Sam Mayes (delisted), Taj Schofield (delisted), Karl Amon (free agency)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 8, 49 (via Sydney), 56 (via West Coast), 80
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
RICHMOND
Who is leaving: Josh Caddy (retired), Kane Lambert (retired), Matthew Parker (delisted), Shane Edwards (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 9, 19 (via North Melbourne), 27, 81
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
ST KILDA
Who is leaving: Paddy Ryder (retired), Dan Hannebery (retired), Jarryn Geary (retired), Josiah Kyle (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 10, 28, 46, 82
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
SYDNEY SWANS
Who is leaving: Josh Kennedy (retired)
Who is arriving: Josh
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 13, 17 (via Melbourne), 31, 67, 85
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who is leaving: Josh Kennedy (retired)
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 2, 20, 26 (via Port Adelaide), 38, 74
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who is leaving: TBA
Who is arriving: TBA
Indicative 2022 draft picks (as of July 26): 11, 29, 37 (via North Melbourne), 65, 83
Promoted rookies: TBA
Retained rookies: TBA
