Foxsports says Richmond should consider Xavier Richards, Matt De Boer, Josh Green, Andrejs Everitt, Cam Shenton (St K) and Shaun Edwards (Ess).
The most valuable AFL delisted free agentsBen Waterworth
FOX SPORTS
October 30, 2016THE AFL’s delisted free agency period opens next week, with clubs able to pick up axed players from Tuesday November 1.
And there are several players wanting a lifeline, including three ex-Dockers, who could provide clubs with terrific value.
From ball magnets to ruckmen, as well as nippy forwards to tall goalkickers, there are ample options for clubs to choose from the 2016 delisted free agents
class.
We profile the 15 most valuable free agents, as well as the clubs that should seriously consider picking them up.
1. MICHAEL BARLOWDelisted by: Fremantle
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2016 AFL Numbers (13 games): 6 goals from 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 5 score involvements and 4 clearances
2016 WAFL Numbers (2 games): 3 goals from 42 disposals, 8 tackles and 5 inside 50s
THE most talked about delisted free agent over recent weeks — and rightly so. Barlow is a ball magnet in every sense of the word, while his defensive
pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard shouldn’t be underestimated. While he isn’t blessed with great pace, his excellent decision-making and sheer
volume of possessions would prove valuable for a team pushing into premiership contention.
Clubs who should consider him: Adelaide, Geelong, Western Bulldogs
2. ALEX SILVAGNIDelisted: Fremantle
Age: 29
Position: Key defender
2016 AFL Numbers (5 games): 14 disposals and 6 marks
2016 WAFL Numbers (10 games): 12 disposals and 7 marks
WITH Alex Pearce to return from injury next season, the acquisition of premiership full-back Joel Hamling and Sam Collins set to be given ample opportunity
to grow, the writing was on the wall for Silvagni during the trade period. He had been linked with Collingwood, but that fell through once the Dees struck a
suitable deal for Lynden Dunn. Despite a calf injury plaguing his 2016 campaign, Silvagni finished the season strongly in the Dockers’ senior line-up,
shutting down the likes of Jack Darling and Taylor Walker, even though his team was thumped. A club searching for an experienced, ready-made key defender
could do much worse.
Clubs who should consider him: Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Western Bulldogs
3. XAVIER RICHARDSDelisted by: Sydney Swans
Age: 23
Position: Utility
2016 AFL Numbers (10 games): 13 goals from 13 disposals, 6 marks, 6 score involvements,
2016 NEAFL Numbers (12 games): 26 goals from 13 disposals and 5 marks
FINALLY cemented his spot in Sydney’s senior line-up late in the 2016 season and even played in the Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs. But after not
receiving a new contract from the Swans straight away, Richards requested a trade to another club, preferably one in Victoria. Unfortunately for Richards,
there were no suitors during the trade period. But with the delisted free agency period about to commence, Richards’ manager says there’s been “some
interest” in the utility, who has the ability to play at either end of the ground. A Victorian club in need of a second or third tall forward might be
interested in Richards’ services.
Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon,
Richmond4. MATT DE BOERDelisted by: Fremantle
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
2016 AFL Numbers (4 games): 1 goal from 15 disposals and 7 tackles
2016 WAFL Numbers (17 games): 10 goals from 30 disposals, 8 tackles and 4 inside 50s
LIKE close friend Michael Barlow, de Boer fell out of favour at the Dockers under Ross Lyon in 2016 after being a consistent member of the best 22 in
previous seasons. Despite that, de Boer was prolific at WAFL level, winning Peel Thunder’s best and fairest award. He capped off his stunning season with 30
disposals and 14 tackles in Peel’s successful grand final win. Clubs — need to add to your midfield depth with a 26-year-old ball magnet? This ex-Docker
could be your man.
Clubs who should consider him: Adelaide, Carlton,
Richmond, Geelong
5. JACK GRIMESDelisted by: Melbourne
Age: 27
Position: Half-back/Midfielder
2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 24 disposals, 7 marks and 4 rebound 50s
2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 13 goals from 28 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 marks and 4 inside 50s
TWO years ago, Grimes was Melbourne’s co-captain. Now, he’s looking for a new club, after falling out of favour with former coach Paul Roos and, seemingly,
new Dees coach Simon Goodwin. But at 27, Grimes still has ample to give a club, if his VFL season is anything to go by. He polled 11 votes in the JJ Liston
Trophy count to finish equal-ninth. Grimes could either fill a chasm across half-back, or even drift into the middle to provide midfield depth at another
club.
Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Brisbane, Gold Coast Suns
6. JOSH GREENDelisted by: Brisbane Lions
Age: 24
Position: Small forward
2016 AFL Numbers (11 games): 10 goals from 13 disposals, 6 score involvements and 4 inside 50s
2016 NEAFL Numbers (3 games): 8 goals from 27 disposals and 5 inside 50s
THE Lions’ mosquito fleet has been cut to two, after Green departed the Lions and left Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor behind. But what Green lacks in height
(176cm) he undoubtedly makes up for in ability to hit the scoreboard, topping Brisbane’s goalkicking in 2014 (33) and 2015 (25), while finishing third in
2013 (24). Injuries and patchy form plagued his 2016 campaign, but clubs looking to add a dangerous small forward to their already established attacking 50
set-ups should consider Green.
Clubs who should consider him: Essendon, Collingwood, Carlton,
Richmond, Port Adelaide
7. WILL MINSONDelisted by: Western Bulldogs
Age: 31
Position: Ruck
2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 1 goal from 7 disposals and 16 hit-outs
2016 VFL Numbers (20 games): 13 goals from 16 disposals, 31 hit-outs, 5 tackles and 4 marks
CLEARLY the best pure ruck option for a club needing a big man to take ball-ups and boundary throw-ins next season. A member of the 2013 All-Australian team,
Minson never cemented his spot in the Bulldogs’ best 22 since coach Luke Beveridge took the reins in 2015. There are a couple of clubs who could do with his
tap-work.
Clubs who should consider him: West Coast Eagles, Brisbane Lions
8. ANDREJS EVERITTDelisted by: Carlton
Age: 27
Position: Forward
2016 AFL Numbers (13 games): 17 goals from 14 disposals and 5 marks
2016 VFL Numbers (5 games): 5 goals from 17 disposals, 7 marks and 4 inside 50s
THAT’S now three clubs that have delisted Everitt — but the latest chopping might have been a bit harsh. After topping Carlton’s goalkicking in 2015 with 31
goals from a full 22 games, Everitt managed just 13 games in 2016 to boot 17 goals. He was axed from the Blues’ list last week as Stephen Silvagni continued
his brutal list cull. Everitt is still only 27, plus he still has the ability to hit the scoreboard. If a club needed a third forward — a similar role that
Tim Membrey plays at St Kilda — they could do worse than Everitt, who could be handed a fourth AFL lifeline.
Clubs who should consider him: Gold Coast, Port Adelaide,
Richmond9. CAM SHENTONDelisted by: St Kilda
Age: 26
Position: General Forward
2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 41 goals from 16 disposals and 5 marks
SHENTON’S story of persistence at the Saints ended this month when he was cut from the list after four seasons at the club. He spent two years on the rookie
list, was elevated ahead of 2015 but lost his spot in October after only two decent runs in the seniors across 2014 and 2015. Shenton proved, though, in 2016
that he has the potential to be a dangerous forward should a club need that player type. He booted 41 goals on his way to winning the Neil Bencraft best and
fairest award at Sandringham.
Clubs who should consider him:
Richmond, Port Adelaide
10. SHAUN EDWARDSDelisted by: Essendon
Age: 22
Position: Forward/Wingman
2016 AFL Numbers (3 games): 16 disposals and 3 inside 50s
2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 16 goals from 21 disposals, 4 tackles and 4 inside 50s
HE has supreme talent and pace, but Edwards severely struggled for consistency at the Bombers. His best glimpses are outstanding, but that’s all they’ve been
so far — glimpses. But if a club can get the best out of Edwards consistently, he could be a very handy inclusion, especially for a team in need of run and
carry heading inside 50.
Clubs who should consider him: North Melbourne, Geelong, Melbourne,
Richmond, Brisbane
11. MARK WHILEYDelisted by: Carlton
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
2016 AFL Numbers (1 game): 16 disposals
2016 VFL Numbers (10 games): 5 goals from 26 disposals, 4 marks and 4 tackles
GOT a good run in the seniors under caretaker coach John Barker, but managed just one match under Brendon Bolton in 2016 and was seemingly never a big chance
to play much AFL footy at the Blues. However Whiley proved in the VFL that he has seriously ability to find the footy, especially around stoppages. A club
needing midfield depth, in particular a player that can win contested ball consistently, could do with Whiley as midfield depth.
Clubs who should consider him: Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Fremantle
12. ELI TEMPLETONDelisted by: St Kilda
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
2016 AFL Numbers (2 games): 1 goal from 9 disposals and 4 marks
2016 VFL Numbers (18 games): 12 goals from 26 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s and 4 tackles
WAS seemingly set for a big debut season at St Kilda after an excellent five-game stint at the start of 2014. Then Templeton broke his arm — and barely got a
look-in at senior level from there, playing just eight games in two seasons. Templeton, though, continued to work hard for VFL-affiliate Sandringham in the
midfield, finishing equal-fifth in this year’s JJ Liston Trophy count with 13 votes. With a great work ethic, a knack for finding the pill and excellent
decision-making skills, Templeton could provide handy midfield depth.
Clubs who should consider him: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns
13. DREW PETRIEDelisted by: North Melbourne
Age: 34
Position: Forward/Ruck
2016 AFL Numbers (23 games): 27 goals from 11 disposals and 5 marks
BIG Drew was one of four Kangaroos veterans suddenly axed on the eve of Round 23 this year, despite playing every game for the club in 2016. Numbers wise,
Petrie might have hit the wall, but he seemingly has the passion to play on next year. He probably only has one year — two at the absolute maximum — left in
him, so if a club wanted him, it’d want to be right in the premiership window.
Clubs who should consider him: West Coast Eagles
14. ALEX WOODWARDDelisted by: Hawthorn
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
2016 VFL Numbers (4 games): 4 goals from 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 marks and 4 inside 50s
OF the 15 players on this list, Woodward is arguably the unluckiest. His talent is unquestionable, highlighted by his JJ Liston Trophy triumph in 2014 after
averaging 23 disposals and six tackles across the season for Box Hill. But three knee reconstructions in four years at Hawthorn meant the hard-nosed on-
baller constantly struggled for opportunities. All he needs is a second lifeline and some darn luck. Should he get both, he could surprise a few.
Clubs who should consider him: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Fremantle, Port Adelaide
15. NICK DAL SANTODelisted by: North Melbourne
Age: 32
Position: Midfielder/Wingman
2016 AFL Numbers (22 games): 6 goals from 25 disposals, 6 score involvements, 4 marks and 3 clearances
IN the modern-day game, accurate disposal by foot has never been more important. Dal Santo epitomises that, winning most of his footy on the outside but
hitting the target most of the time. He was heavily linked to Collingwood in the immediate aftermath of his shock delisting, but ex-Roos teammate Daniel
Wells ultimately got there before him. Going by his credentials and skill, he’d be a more than handy acquisition for a club needing a good ball-user off
half-back or on a wing. But Dal Santo’s passion to play on seems very limited.
Clubs who should consider him: Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Melbourne
Five other delisted players who could provide some valueLuke Lowden (delisted by Adelaide)
Jonathan Simpkin (Essendon)
Nick Kommer (Essendon)
Angus Litherland (Hawthorn)
Tom Lee (St Kilda)
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/the-15-most-valuable-delisted-free-agents-for-2016-afl-offseason/news-story/090791b9c95a869325dabc52f82a9ce7
