LAST CHANCE SALOON
CLUB list managers are working over- time to top up and complement their playing stocks during the trade period. But some will look outside the square and wait until the “Delisted Free Agency Peri- od” – November 11-12 – before fitting some of the final pieces of their puzzles.
We look at 10 players de- listed this year who could still be thrown a 2022 lifeline.
LUKE DUNSTAN
THE now former Saint gave a revealing interview on 3AW last month, saying he would’ve rejected another contract from St Kilda if he’d been offered one.
He claimed he’d become “stale” at the Saints and that coach Brett Ratten “didn’t rate me”.
He is on the hunt for a new club after he and the Saints agreed to part ways after eight seasons.
He had a solid 12-game campaign in 2021, in which he averaged 25.3 disposals, 11.2 contested possessions and 5.8 clearances.
Dunstan said he wanted to find a new footy home where he felt “valued as a player and as a person and just feel a part of something”. The 26-yearold has attracted some interest from Essendon this past fortnight.
MIGHT SUIT:
Essendon, Gold Coast
LEVI CASBOULT
COULD Casboult be heading north?
The 31 year-old unrestricted free agent, who hasn’t been offered a new contract by the Blues, has been keeping in shape in the hopes of extend- ing his football career. With Brisbane Lions forward Eric Hipwood set to miss most of 2022, there are many who think Casboult would be a perfect stopgap for the Lions in the front half. Casboult also has the versatility to play in the ruck or down back if required. He’s played 154 games and kicked 156 goals for Carlton since being drafted as a rookie in 2010.
Although, a knee injury kept him to 13 games this season. MIGHT SUIT: Brisbane
HAMISH HARTLETT
IS hopeful of playing on but hasn’t gotten too much interest since being told by Port Adelaide his time was up. At his best he can provide plenty off a halfback flank, he was one of Port’s best players in the 2020 prelim loss to Richmond.
Would also come with significant leadership attributes but Hartlett has struggled with injuries this year.
Has sounded out Gold Coast but the Suns need to get rid of players.
MIGHT SUIT:
Gold Coast
DANIEL TALIA
DIDN’T play any footy in 2021 because of foot issues but he’s a two-time All-Australian and Adelaide best and fairest.
Recently turned 30,
Talia says he thinks he still has plenty to offer and if his body is right then it’s hard to argue against him.
Had talks with Richmond but the Tigers are going with Robbie Tarrant.
Would fit the Western Bulldogs but there is still bad blood between him and that club after it accused his brother Michael of sharing game sensitive information with him prior to an elimination final in 2015.
MIGHT SUIT: Geelong, St Kilda
TYSON STENGLE
FRESH off helping Woodville-West Torrens to its second SANFL flag in a row, Stengle has said his goal is to play in the AFL again and has changed his life off the field to return to the big league. After he and the Crows came to a mutual agreement to cancel his contract Stengle did get a lot of interest from Collingwood ahead of the mid-season draft.
Teams crying out for a small forward could do worse with Stengle offering some blistering pace and an ability to know where the goals are. MIGHT SUIT: Essendon, Collingwood, Carlton
JAMES COUSINS
MANY were surprised when Hawthorn cut the ball magnet last month.
He’s only 23 and may have suffered from the Hawks having too many similar players on their list, but plenty of others are crying out for his type. Cousins played 35 games for the club including 10 in 2021 following his selection at pick
No.46 in the 2016 AFL Rookie Draft.
He averaged a tick under 21 touches in his nine full games this year.
MIGHT SUIT:
North Melbourne, St Kilda
AARON VANDENBERG
WHO doesn’t need another tough nut in their side? That’s exactly what VandenBerg brings, but let’s just hope he gets a bit of luck if he can find another home after leaving the Demons.
The 29-year-old managed just four games this year, including two as an unused medical sub, as he again struggled with injury.
He’d be perfect for a club looking to harden up its midfield or half-forward line.
MIGHT SUIT: Gold Coast, North Melbourne
PATRICK NAISH
IT is difficult to see Naish not getting another crack at the big time.
He joined the Tigers as a father-son selection in the 2017 draft, but has managed only nine matches and wasn’t offered a new deal for next season.
Was told by the Tigers he needed to put on weight and
work on his contested game. They’re right, but he is also damaging on a wing, at halfforward and halfback.
At just 22, the son of Chris still has plenty of upside. Could he link back up with new Magpies coach Craig McRae, who coached Naish to a VFL premiership in 2019? MIGHT SUIT:
Collingwood, Adelaide
MATT BUNTINE
STILL just 27 but has never
really been able to string a full season together for the Giants. Could fill a need for a side looking out for a defender who just plays his role. MIGHT SUIT:
Essendon, St Kilda, Geelong
DAMON GREAVES
MANAGED 10 games in three seasons at Hawthorn, the 21-year-old is a weapon down back with his kicking but Hawthorn didn’t picture him as a part of its future.
Could another club that would love some good kicking in their backline take a punt on him?
MIGHT SUIT:
North Melbourne, Collingwood, Richmond, Carlton