The top players who are currently without a club for 2024 are the AFL free agents.
AFL clubs will keep one eye on the draft and the other on delisted player free agency, with the window set to open on November 1st.
Several players appear destined for new homes in 2024 while other high-potential players could be on your club’s radar.
Top 9 AFL delisted free agents
1. Trent Bianco
Collingwood midfielder Trent Bianco was unlucky to play just one AFL game this year, having performed well at VFL level.
The talented midfielder made 23 appearances for the Magpies in total, including both finals last year.
Bianco easily collected disposals as he spent time on a wing and at half back for the Collingwood VFL side, but hasn’t been able to translate his skills into an inside midfield role.
Still, Bianco’s young age (22), versatility, and affinity for finding the footy make him an attractive delisted free agency option for a number of clubs.
2. Riley Bonner
Riley Bonner was one of the surprise delistings of 2023, with the Port Adelaide half back boasting a wealth of AFL experience.
The 26-year-old has played 93 games for the Power, rotating between backline and wing duties.
Though Bonner struggled to solidify his position under coach Ken Hinkley, the left-footer could find a permanent spot on another list with his mobility and penetrating kick.
At 190cm, Bonner has good defensive size, although he has yet to add an intercepting layer to his game.
3. Orazio Fantasia
Electric forward Orazio Fantasia is yet to receive a contract, with the 28-year-old’s Port Adelaide career all but over.
It leaves Fantasia as arguably the most talented player in delisted free agency, and GWS has already made moves to acquire the small forward.
The former Bomber has kicked 141 career goals from 99 games but has only made four appearances for the Power in the last two years.
Persistent hamstring issues hinder Fantasia, making him a luxury player to hold on a list.
4. Aiden Bonar
Though Bonar fell out of favour at North Melbourne, clubs could be willing to take a punt on the high-potential defender.
The athletic tall stormed into draft calculations in 2017 with an AFL record standing vertical jump (89cm) and has shown glimpses of his best at the Kangaroos.
Injury complaints have derailed Bonar’s career, but the 24-year-old could yet add to his tally of 34 top-level games.
5. Jack Peris
Gold Coast has already expressed interest in rookie listing Jack Peris, who made his only AFL appearance for St Kilda in round 19 against the Suns.
An extremely athletic and speedy midfielder, Peris is a high-potential player but could be seen as a risky pickup for clubs given his lack of football experience.
Though he started the year on-ball, the 19-year-old has mostly spent time as a pressure forward in the VFL, and impressed with four tackles in his AFL debut this year.
6. Rhys Mathieson
Rhys Mathieson, otherwise known as “Beast Mode”, was an unfortunate cut from Brisbane’s list at season’s end.
The lively midfielder has 72 games under his belt, but couldn’t break into a side that added Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft to its on-ball mix.
While the 26-year-old has performed well in the VFL, he remains a solid depth player and could offer a young side like West Coast or Gold Coast some experience.
7. Brynn Teakle
Brynn Teakle appears the prime candidate for clubs searching for a ruckman, with the Port Adelaide tall making way for the arrivals of Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet.
Teakle played six AFL games since joining the club in the 2022 mid-season draft, but missed nearly half of the 2023 season with a foot injury.
At his best, the 204cm ruckman can challenge AFL-level opponents and is a solid choice for a secondary ruck spot.
8. Tim O’Brien
Western Bulldogs tall Tim O’Brien managed seven games this season as he navigated hamstring troubles and fluctuating form.
Even still, the 193cm key defender has 115 AFL games under his belt and will be on the radar of many clubs searching for backline depth.
O’Brien added a marking presence to the Bulldogs’ backline when needed, but wasn’t able to hold his spot under coach Luke Beveridge.
9. Will Gould
Despite limited opportunities, Sydney defender Will Gould has plenty of AFL potential and looms as a compelling key position signing.
The 22-year-old has managed just four AFL games, twice as a substitute, but in the VFL he showed a little more.
Gould averaged 17.7 disposals at the level, spending time between key defensive and forward line posts.
The 192cm utility’s best game as a forward came late in the season when he kicked four goals from 20 disposals against the Giant’s VFL side.
