The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
Jed Adcock
Age: 29
Club: Brisbane Lions (2004-16)
Games: 206
2015 summary: Played 14 games in 2015 and was surprisingly told by the club he wouldn’t be offered another contract, despite being among the Lions’ better players in the latter part of the season.
Pros: Hard as nails and a proven leader, Adcock would add valuable experience to any list.
Cons: Will be 30 heading into the 2016 season and isn’t getting any quicker.
Would suit: Carlton, Gold Coast.
- Adam Curley
Jacob Ballard
Age: 21
Club: Fremantle (2014-1015)
Games: 1
2015 summary: A consistent ball-magnet in the WAFL with Peel Thunder, Ballard regular racked up high possession tallies. Played his only AFL game in round 23 when the Dockers rested players en-masse.
Pros: A great character and hard worker, clubs would know Ballard would do everything to make it. Only just squeezed off the Dockers' list so he's not far off.
Cons: Disposal efficiency is a concern and he needs to improve his speed from hand to foot to make it in a high-pressure AFL midfield.
Would suit: Richmond, Carlton, Brisbane Lions, North Melbourne
- Nathan Schmook
Alex Browne
Age: 23
Club: Essendon (2011-2015)
Games: 11
2015 summary: Coming off a knee reconstruction in 2014, Browne made his AFL return in round 15 and made three appearances with a best of 17 touches against Port Adelaide.
Pros: Has shown the ability to find the footy across half-back, while he was professional and mature throughout his knee rehabilitation.
Cons: Kicking skills and composure with ball in hand have been the knocks on him.
Would suit: Carlton, Melbourne and Sydney Swans
- Travis King
Ayce Cordy
Age: 25
Club: Western Bulldogs (2009-2015)
Games: 27
2015 summary: Played seven games between rounds two and eight, failing to make much impact, and wasn’t selected thereafter
Pros: Has looked great at times at VFL level. Strong in the air and can play forward and in the ruck
Cons: 27 games in seven seasons without setting the world on fire, plus a heap of issues with his body suggest Cordy’s chance has passed
Would suit: Brisbane Lions
- Andrew Lowther
Ryan Crowley
Club: Fremantle (2003-2015)
Games: 188
2015 summary: Did not play at any level after being suspended for breaching the anti-doping code, only becoming available for selection on September 25.
Pros: Has spent the entire year training in a committed effort to resurrect his career and was the game's best tagger when he won a club best and fairest in 2012.
Cons: On the wrong side of 30 and coming off a doping ban, the game has changed and there is less room for specialist taggers.
Would suit: West Coast
- Nathan Schmook
Lauchlan Dalgleish
Age: 22
Club: Essendon (2013-2015)
Games: 3
2015 summary: The former rookie’s career has been blighted by injury and 2015 was no different, spending plenty of time on the sidelines without playing an AFL game for a second consecutive season
Pros: Super quick, beautiful by foot and still young
Cons: Injuries have all but ruined Dalgleish's career
Would suit: Carlton
- Andrew Lowther
Sam Darley
Age: 22
Clubs: GWS (2012-2013), Western Bulldogs (2014-2015)
Games: 20
2015 summary: A hamstring injury delayed the start to his season. Broke into the Bulldogs senior side in round 19, playing two games before being dropped back to the VFL.
Pros: A good user of the football, Darley's attack off half-back saw him become one of the Dogs' more consistent VFL players in 2015.
Cons: Often out-bodied at the contest due to his lean frame. Needs to find more of the ball.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, Melbourne
- Nat Edwards
Matt Dea
Age: 24
Club: Richmond (2009-15)
Games: 31
2015 summary: Couldn't break into the Tigers' senior team but found form across half-back in the VFL and won the team's best and fairest award.
Pros: Attacking defender who can win plenty of the ball while taking on an opponent.
Cons: He's had minor injury issues (calf, hamstring, shoulder and hand) and has struggled to crack into Richmond's back six - he's played just 31 games since being drafted in the third round of the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.
Would suit: Fremantle, Gold Coast, Essendon.
Jennifer Phelan
Josh Deluca
Age: 19
Club: Fremantle (2014)
Games: 0
2015 summary: Arrived at the club with bone bruising and played with Peel Thunder but was sidelined with a stress reaction in his leg for the last two months of the season. Will be re-rookied if available.
Pros: One year in the system and still boasts elite speed and agility Freo saw in him when fit.
Cons: Is coming off injury and didn't play at a great standard in the WAFL after being eased into the season.
Would suit: Fremantle
- Nathan Schmook
Max Duffy
Age: 22
Club: Fremantle (2013-2015)
Games: 3
2015 summary: Only one AFL game when the Dockers rested their stars in round 23. Played wing and half-forward serviceably with Peel Thunder before suffering a calf injury in the second half of the season.
Pros: Has the upside recruiters love based on natural talent, goal sense and X-factor.
Cons: Hasn't made the grade after three years with question marks over his ability to adjust to the work rate required at AFL level.
Would suit: St Kilda
- Nathan Schmook
Mitch Golby
Age: 24
Club: Brisbane Lions (2011-15)
Games: 56
2015 summary: Managed just five games in 2015 and didn’t play after round eight.
Pros: Showed with 25 possessions in round four against West Coast last season and 22 against Gold Coast a week later that he can find the footy at senior level.
Cons: Consistency has been an issue for the Victorian who hasn’t been a regular at the struggling Lions since he played 18 games in 2013.
Would suit: Sydney Swans, Essendon.
- Adam Curley
Daniel Gorringe
Age: 23
Club: Gold Coast (2010-2015)
Games: 22
2015 summary: The former No.10 draft pick had an injury-interrupted year after losing his spot in the senior side after round three. Struggled to find form in the NEAFL and couldn't push his way back into the senior side with Tom Nicholls becoming the Suns' No.1 ruckman.
Pros: A fairly mobile ruckman who has good endurance for a big man. Can go forward and take a strong mark.
Cons: Inconsistent and needs to improve workrate off the ball. Needs to learn to use his body strength and size to his advantage.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, North Melbourne
- Nat Edwards
Jarrad Grant
Age: 26
Club: Western Bulldogs (2009-2015)
Games: 81
2015 summary: Looked to have finally cemented a place in the Bulldogs’ line-up, playing across wing and half-forward in 19 games, including every game from round nine until the club’s finals loss to Adelaide
Pros: Improved work rate has Grant looking an AFL player, proving in 2015 he has the versatility to be an asset
Cons: Consistency and impact remain the two knocks on the former No.5 pick
Would suit: Gold Coast, Fremantle
- Andrew Lowther
Sam Grimley
Age: 24
Club: Hawthorn (2009-2015)
Games: 3
2015 summary: Grimley spent the season playing with Box Hill, winning the Frosty Miller Medal for the VFL's leading goalkicker for the second year in a row.
Pros: Often drawing the best defender, Grimley still managed to kick 42 goals in 18 games, which is no easy feat. Can also pinch hit in the ruck.
Cons: His slight frame means he is often out-bodied in a contest, while his workrate needs improvement if he is to play senior football consistently.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Carlton
- Nat Edwards
Nick Holman
Age: 20
Club: Carlton (2014, 2015)
Games: 9
2015 summary: Built on his solitary game from 2014 with eight senior appearances, including five-straight from rounds 13-17 before he was suspended for striking Hawthorn forward Luke Breust.
Pros: At 187cm, the left-footer is a good size for a midfielder and, aged only 20, he has time on his side to prove himself at another club.
Cons: If he couldn't stay on the list at the struggling Blues then it's difficult to see Holman getting another shot at the top level.
Would suit: Gold Coast
- Travis King
Mark Jamar
Age: 32
Club: Melbourne (2003-2015)
Games: 155
2015 summary: Set the tone in round one and showed reasonable form before being squeezed out in round six as the Demons went for youth.
Pros: A ruck craftsman who would be an asset as a teacher as much as a player if he found a spot. When he plays he can hit hard and create space.
Cons: Reserved in his leadership but is a solid citizen. Needs to win more of the ball to play seniors.
Would suit: North Melbourne, the Brisbane Lions, Richmond or St Kilda might look for an experienced big man.
Peter Ryan
Elliott Kavanagh
Age: 22
Club: Essendon (2012-2015)
Games: 12
2015 summary: Played five games after requesting a trade at the end of 2014, his best a career-high 25 disposal game against Geelong in round 10
Pros: A fantastic runner who has looked a quality player in the VFL and shown glimpses at AFL
Cons: Unable to establish a place despite openings in the Essendon midfield, his AFL showings have been inconsistent at best, not up to it at worst
Would suit: Carlton
- Andrew Lowther
Lachlan Keeffe
Age: 25
Club: Collingwood (2011-2015)
Games: 40
2015 summary: Was provisionally suspended in March after returning a positive A-sample for a prohibited substance and accepted a backdated two-year ban in August.
Pros: The 204cm big man is versatile enough to play at either end and sticks to his task.
Cons: Two years out of the game is a long time for anyone and Keeffe will be turning 27 at the start of the 2017 campaign.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Melbourne and Carlton
- Travis King
Harry Marsh
Age: 21
Club: Sydney Swans (2012-2015)
Games: 0
2015 summary: Had a strong year in the NEAFL after a move from the midfield to defence and was named in the league's 'team of the year'.
Pros: Has done the extras to improve his fitness over the past few years. Can play deep in defence and also through the midfield and in attack.
Cons: Untried at senior level, has had a few hamstring issues and was unable to crack a senior debut in three years in the system.
Would suit: The Swans have indicated they will take him as a rookie, Carlton.
Jennifer Phelan
Brodie Martin
Age: 26
Club: Adelaide (2009-15)
Games: 38
2015 summary: Didn’t manage a senior game after playing 17 the previous season.
Pros: Has shown he can play at the highest level and has leg speed, something many clubs are looking for.
Cons: Apart from the 2014 season, injuries plagued the midfielder in his time at the Crows, so clubs might shy away from a player who has been unable to string games together.
Would suit: West Coast, Sydney Swans
- Adam Curley
Jordie McKenzie
Age: 25
Club: Melbourne (2009-2015)
Games: 79
2015 summary: Played just one game as a substitute and has not found a place under Paul Roos. Was a very effective onballer with Casey Scorpions.
Pros: With taggers back in vogue he has value. Great clubman, hard worker and did a job against the best in 2014.
Cons: Disposal by foot lets him down but he can find the ball and tackles hard.
Would suit: Adelaide, Fremantle, Essendon, West Coast
Peter Ryan
Kane Mitchell
Age: 25
Club: Port Adelaide (2013-2015)
Games: 31
2015 summary: Was OK in the first six weeks but fell victim to Port Adelaide's need for a change. Was outstanding at SANFL level.
Pros: Hard worker, team oriented and knows his way around a contest.
Cons: His decision-making is not elite which means he can be prone to skill errors when the heat is on.
Would suit: St Kilda, Fremantle
Peter Ryan
Andrew Moore
Age: 24
Club: Port Adelaide (2010-2015)
Games: 55
2015 summary: Just five senior games but was very good in the SANFL. Frustrated with lack of opportunity.
Pros: Good inside midfielder who has performed well in big games and is entering his prime.
Cons: Disposal lets him down at times and he can drift in and out of games.
Would suit: Richmond
Peter Ryan
Anthony Morabito
Age: 24
Club: Fremantle (2010-2015)
Games: 26
2015 summary: Suffered bone bruising on his troublesome left knee and did not play a game, travelling overseas before returning and being told the Dockers would re-rookie him.
Pros: Great character who has tried endlessly to get his body right, he looked a star in the making in his debut season.
Cons: Three knee reconstructions have all but killed off his chances of being the player he promised to be.
Would suit: Fremantle
- Nathan Schmook
Zac O'Brien
Age: 25
Club: Brisbane Lions (2014-15)
Games: 13
2015 summary: Managed just eight senior games and had a mid-season altercation with Lions coach Justin Leppitsch during half-time of a NEAFL match. Won the reserves best and fairest.
Pros: Fitness levels are a strong point and with the sub rule gone for next season, he could be a valuable addition.
Cons: Incident with the senior coach would put a lot of clubs off taking a chance.
Would suit: Carlton, Richmond.
- Adam Curley
Farren Ray
Age: 29
Clubs: Western Bulldogs (2004-2008), St Kilda (2009-15)
Games: 205
2015 summary: A hamstring tendon injury sustained in the summer ate into his season and he didn't get back to AFL level until round 10. Played eight games after that with another stint in the VFL for an average of more than 17 touches.
Pros: Would bring professionalism and leadership to a young team and has experience across two clubs and in three Grand Finals.
Cons: Can have some quiet games and appears to have gradually trailed off with his effectiveness, although has played a more attacking role in recent years. Turns 30 in March.
Would suit: St Kilda is open to taking him as a rookie, Greater Western Sydney.
Jennifer Phelan
Ahmed Saad
Age: 26
Club: St Kilda (2012-13, 2015)
Games: 33
2015 summary: His first season back at the Saints after serving an 18-month suspension for testing positive to a banned stimulant, was elevated to the senior list early and played four games but was overtaken by fellow rookies Jack Sinclair and Adam Schneider.
Pros: Precise kicking ability and possesses strong work ethic, as was proven when he kept himself in top shape while serving his suspension.
Cons: Can go missing and needs to be more consistent with the defensive side of his game.
Would suit: Richmond, Gold Coast, Carlton.
Jennifer Phelan
Jonathan Simpkin
Age: 28
Clubs: Sydney Swans (2006-2007), Geelong (2011-2012), Hawthorn (2013-2015)
Games: 37
2015 summary: Managed just the one game for Hawthorn in round seven against Melbourne but was the sub. Due to the Hawks' strong midfield stocks was unable to cement a spot.
Pros: A premiership player, Simpkin has experience on the big stage. Knows how to find his own ball, and is strong at the stoppages.
Cons: Slight question mark over his disposal efficiency.
Would suit: Essendon, Brisbane Lions, Carlton
- Nat Edwards
Mathew Stokes
Age: 30
Club: Geelong (2006-2015)
Games: 189
2015 summary: Output dropped in his 10th season and appeared to lose his zip, playing 14 games including a farewell match in round 23.
Pros: A two-time premiership player who uses the ball brilliantly, he could be reinvigorated by a new environment and add two years of class and experience to a developing team.
Cons: Has an eye on future opportunities in indigenous affairs so has said his arm would need to be twisted to play on.
Would suit: Gold Coast, Brisbane Lions
- Nathan Schmook
Josh Thomas
Age: 24
Club: Collingwood (2013-2015)
Games: 32
2015 summary: Was provisionally suspended in March after returning a positive A-sample for a prohibited substance and accepted a backdated two-year ban in August.
Pros: Is a hard-at-it inside midfielder who relishes the tough stuff at the stoppages.
Cons: Coming off two years out of the game and keeping fitness to an elite level will be a challenge.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Gold Coast and St Kilda
- Travis King
Robbie Warnock
Age: 28
Clubs: Fremantle (2007-2008), Carlton (2010-2015)
Games: 88
2015 summary: Appeared in rounds five and eight but suffered season-ending multiple shoulder dislocations in his second match.
Pros: Experienced depth ruckmen can be good value if clubs get them on the cheap and Warnock has shown he does have talent.
Cons: Is coming off a bad shoulder problem, and has had injury issues which have knocked his confidence.
Would suit: North Melbourne, Brisbane Lions and St Kilda
- Travis King
Matthew Watson
Age: 23
Club: Carlton (2011-2015)
Games: 23
2015 summary: Played only four games, including the final three of the season, and couldn't save his career at Carlton after five years on the list.
Pros: Tall forwards taken as first-round selections in their draft year don't grow on trees. Watson is a strong mark and has a booming left boot.
Cons: Hasn't grabbed ample opportunities and admits he only realised this year how hard he needs to work to make it at the top level.
Would suit: Brisbane Lions, Melbourne, Essendon and St Kilda
- Travis King
Spencer White
Age: 21
Club: St Kilda (2012-15)
Games: 2
2015 summary: Wasn't able to capitalise on the two breakthrough AFL games he managed at the end of 2014 and spent the season at VFL level, sometimes in the development league.
Pros: Started his career with massive wraps, given his Under-18s highlights reel featured attributes that Lance Franklin boasts – pace, leaping ability and knack for clever goals.
Cons: His fitness and aerobic capacity has always been an issue, with his management of an asthmatic condition a contributing factor.
Would suit: Fremantle, North Melbourne, Gold Coast
Jennifer Phelan
Alex Woodward
Age: 22
Clubs: Hawthorn (2012-2015)
Games: 2
2015 summary: Played 11 games for Box Hill in the VFL, dominating in the midfield, before tragically rupturing the ACL in his right knee for a third time. Hawthorn delisted the youngster but is hopeful of redrafting him as a rookie.
Pros: Competitive, in and under midfielder who dominates at VFL level. Superb clearance player who can go forward and kick goals.
Cons: Injury prone. After three right knee reconstructions, recruiting Woodward is a risk.
Would suit: Essendon, Carlton, North Melbourne
- Nat Edwards
Matthew Wright
Age: 25
Club: Adelaide (2011-15)
Games: 94
2015 summary: Played 16 games in 2015 but averaged just over seven possessions per game.
Pros: Played 94 games in five seasons at the Crows and kicked 63 goals as a half-forward, showing plenty of footy smarts inside 50.
Cons: Not blessed with a lot of pace or great finishing skills.
Would suit: Carlton
- Adam Curley
