Players from all 18 clubs who could do with a fresh start elsewhere in 2022

There are players across the AFL who will be looking for a fresh start at a new club this off-season.

The circumstances differ, but the need for opportunity ultimately forces players to look elsewhere.

As we embark on the trade and free agency period, we have identified players from all 18 clubs who could do with a change of scenery.

See our thoughts below:

Developing forward Elliott Himmelberg has played just 27 games across four seasons and could perhaps do with a fresh start elsewhere.

It does appear as though Himmelberg has struggled to establish himself with the Crows, granted it sometimes does take a little longer for these types to develop.

The emergence of no.2 draft pick Riley Thilthorpe in his debut season did deny Himmelberg regular game time. He could not quite crack into the team, often battling it out with Billy Frampton behind Thilthorpe for the tall forward-ruck slot.

He is contracted until the end of 2022 so next season could be a defining one for the 23-year-old. If he doesn’t come on at Adelaide, then perhaps a shift could do him the world of good.

Andrew Slevison

Despite being contracted until 2023, it’s hard to see Rhys Mathieson fitting into Brisbane Lions' best 22 next year.

Mathieson has played just nine, one and eleven games in the past three seasons and a fresh start could do him the world of good if a club is looking to trade in some midfield depth.

Mathieson has struggled to crack into the Lions midfield with the likes of Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Jarryd Lyons, Hugh McCluggage and Mitch Robinson keeping him out.

There’s no doubt the 24-year-old has potential, but he might have more luck finding an inside midfield role at somewhere like Fremantle or Essendon.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Contracted for 2022, it’s hard to know where Will Setterfield fits into the Carlton midfield next year, particularly if they bring in both Adam Cerra and George Hewett.

The Blues attempted to use Setterfield as a wingman this season to give more time inside to Sam Walsh and Paddy Dow, but he ultimately struggled on the outside and was omitted.

Cerra and Hewett will certainly join the likes of Patrick Cripps, Walsh, Dow, Matt Kennedy, David Cuningham and Ed Curnow as part of the Blues’ midfield depth.

Nic Negrepontis

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Collingwood forward Mason Cox is yet to receive a contract offer for 2022 and could be on the move.

While he didn’t have the best of campaigns in 2021, the American big-man could be a shrewd pick up for a club that’s on the hunt for a second-ruck and forward option.

With Darcy Cameron looking to have sewn that spot up at Collingwood, Cox should look elsewhere to extend his career.

Perhaps Brisbane will make a play for him in the trade period.

Former second-round pick Brayden Sier has failed to kick on since his emergence in the 2018 season.

Playing 12 games in that year including the Grand Final, Sier has since played just six, three and seven games in the ensuing next three seasons.

A fresh start could do him the world of good if a club is looking to boost their inside midfield stock.

Lachlan Geleit

Aaron Francis has struggled in recent years through injuries and other factors and a fresh start back in his home state of South Australia could do him the world of good.

Initially drafted as a defender, Francis finished the year playing in the forward line alongside Peter Wright.

A consistent position and more regular game time could benefit the talented swingman greatly.

Laurence Rosen

Still unsigned for next season, Mitch Crowden would offer plenty to another team if the Dockers opt not to recontract him.

Playing 15 of 22 games this season, Crowden’s ability to go to work when the ball hits the ground was a standout, even if he only kicked five goals.

Sides seeking a small forward option could do worse than inquiring about Crowden and whether he’d be open to a move, especially those clubs in his native South Australia.

Laurence Rosen

He’s better than VFL level, but not good enough to force his way into Geelong’s best 22, so where does that leave Charlie Constable?

The talented young midfielder has played in each of his three years at the club but only as a depth player, never staying in the seniors long enough to justify his permanent spot.

The Cats' midfield is certainly ageing, but the 22-year-old might have just about lost patience with his club.

Constable is open to offers, but has attracted moderate interest so far, according to manager Marty Pask.

Seb Mottram

Dynamic forward Alex Sexton has been dropped on numerous occasions in the past 12 months as he’s struggled to lock down his spot in Stuart Dew’s best 22.

A proven goalkicker, the 27-year-old could be a perfect addition for a contending side that’s hoping to add some class in front of the ball.

If he’s made available in the trade period, he wouldn’t have a shortage of potential suitors.

Former top 10 pick Will Brodie is also set to explore his options in the trade period having played just four games this season.

He could fit in at a rebuilding club like Collingwood that’s on the hunt for an inside midfielder.

Lachlan Geleit

Tall forward Jeremy Finlayson has already completed a medical with Port Adelaide having entertained the idea of a trade to a South Australian club for family reasons.

At 25, the talented forward is theoretically set to enter the prime of his career, and could be of value for a club that’s looking to increase their scoring options.

After a feast or famine 66 games for the Giants, could a move see him find the level of consistency needed to become a top player at AFL level?

Mid-sized utility Jake Riccardi played just seven games for the Giants in his second season at AFL level.

Having dominated both up forward and down back at state level, Riccardi could be an intriguing prospect for a club that’s looking for either a third tall forward or third tall defender.

Lachlan Geleit

Tim O’Brien will certainly be weighing up his options this AFL trade period, after he’s plateaued in key statistical areas across multiple seasons.

The tall Hawk showed plenty of promise in his first couple of seasons at the club with his aerial abilities, but simply hasn’t been able to take steps forward in his development at Hawthorn despite consistent game time.

Currently out of contract, 27-year-old O’Brien has reportedly attracted interest from Port Adelaide.

Seb Mottram

Still just 29, Jake Melksham found himself out of Melbourne’s premiership-winning side and would be weighing up where he sits in Simon Goodwin’s plans moving forward.

Out of contract at the of 2022, playing just 10 games this season will give him plenty of food for thought about his future plans at AFL level.

Could he look to find a third club? Several clubs could do with the experience that he’d bring.

Laurence Rosen

What does the future hold for Jared Polec at North Melbourne?

Polec will be 29 next season and spent large portions of 2021 on the outside looking in when not injured.

North Melbourne has depth in its midfield, particularly skewing younger, and it’s hard to see how Polec fits into their plans. There are clubs out there who could use a veteran running wingman, the Roos likely aren’t one of them.
Whether a club would willingly take on his hefty contract is the question.

Nic Negrepontis

Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes is yet to make his AFL debut since arriving at Alberton in the 2017 National Draft.

Hayes, 22, is stuck behind Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams in the ruck pecking order and is craving an opportunity at senior level.

The untried 205cm big man has two years to run on his contract with the Power.

Kane Farrell was used sparingly throughout 2021, playing just 10 games.

Farrell, 22, has made just 33 senior appearances across four seasons and is without a contract for next year.

Alex Zaia

It looks as though Josh Caddy’s best at Richmond may be behind him.

He’s only just 29 so still has a couple of good years of footy left in him, but it is unlikely that he will get too many look-ins at the Tigers.

A dual premiership player in the yellow and black, he played only six times in 2021 after just eight appearances in 2020.

There seems to be no defined position for Caddy under Damien Hardwick and despite having another year to run on his contract, could be best suited by a shift to another club.

But would there be any serious suitors?

Andrew Slevison

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After a career-best 2020 campaign, Ben Long has found himself on the periphery at the Saints.

Long lost his spot in defence and fell out of the team completely in the middle of the season, before being used as a pressure forward later in the year.

According to AFL Media's Mitch Cleary, multiple clubs are showing interest in the contracted 24-year-old, including Essendon.

His future could lie away from Moorabbin.

St Kilda has parted ways with Luke Dunstan, while Jack Lonie was on the fringes throughout 2021 and is yet to be offered a new deal by the Saints.

Alex Zaia

The Swans have done incredibly well to re-energise their squad in 2021, defying the odds to make the top eight.

Ryan Clarke fell out of favour with the best 22 this season, the 24-year-old without a contract going into next year.

It seems he’s behind numerous young Swans in the midfield who have a higher potential, but that’s not to say he isn't up to AFL standard and clubs could benefit from his experience.

Seb Mottram

Speculation has swirled around former first round selection Jarrod Brander, a highly touted goalkicker who had to hunt minutes elsewhere with the Eagles’ forwards long-established.

It was there where Brander could provide a point of difference; on accumulators who naturally get sucked into the contest he held his width, and gave the Eagles aerial power in offensive transition.

Over a seven game stretch early in the season, Brander averaged 17.3 disposals, 5.9 marks and four inside 50s, and kicked six goals before injury and form limited him on the run home.

Brander’s game has unfolded into different dimensions because his opportunity has been so limited, but after four seasons it is easy to imagine he’s ready to settle into a team.

With West Coast set to field interest over the trade period, Victorian clubs should be lining up to capture the versatile tall.

Nathan John

One pup has already resolved he needs a fresh start, with Patrick Lipinski having requested a trade to Collingwood after 56 games in five seasons at Whitten Oval.

A move for Mitch Wallis has also been speculated after the vice-captain was selected for just six matches this season.

22-year-old key defender Lewis Young played nine games, his most in a single season, but still wanted for continuity, thrown into the ruck and the forward line.

The Dogs need Young to settle in more than almost any other player on their list, but he hasn’t been given the chance. He may prefer an opportunity to pair with an experienced key back at another club.

Rhylee West didn’t appear ready in his two senior appearances, but could pursue minutes elsewhere with the Dogs’ midfield and forward rotation jammed up with taller, more mature players.

Nathan John