Adelaide

Adelaide

Off:

• Mark Bickley - retired
• Ben Marsh - delisted. Pre-season drafted by Richmond.
• Ben Nelson - delisted
• Andrew Crowell - delisted
• Daniel Schell - delisted
• Matthew Smith - demoted to rookie list.

On:

Scott Stevens (Sydney). Tall, lanky half-forward couldn't manage a regular start with the Swans.

Hayden Skipworth. (Rookie list). Back-pocket 'Skippy' was demoted to the rookie list at the end of 2002, but gets another chance on the senior one following a few appearances in 2003.

Fergus Watts (Sandringham Dragons, draft pick 14). The Camrys drafted three tall blokes of varying age and experience. Watts is an 18-year-old key forward who won the obligatory Under-18 All-Australian selection in 2003.

Joshua Kreuger (Glenelg, draft pick 31). Twenty-year-old ruckman who's athletic, can mark and has good endurance. So they say.

Ben Hudson (Werribee, draft pick 58). Something of a smokey, Queensland-born Hudson is an 'old' recruit at 24 and played basketball before switching to footy just three years ago. He's a ruckman, by the way and performed creditably in the VFL against AFL-experienced men like Loats, Allan, Street and Alessio.

Rookie list:

• Aidan Parker. Second year on.
• Tim Hazell (Hawthorn rookie). Tallish half-forward type.
• Rowan Andrews (Tassie Mariners).
• Brad Dabrowski (West Adelaide).
• Matthew Smith.

Brisbane

Off:

• Marcus Ashcroft - retired
• Jason Gram - traded to St. Kilda for draft pick 23.
• Jarrad Wright - delisted
• Shane Morrison - delisted. Drafted by Richmond.

On:

Joel Macdonald (Rookie list). Wingman who's struggled with a knee injury for past coupla years. No senior appearances apart from one pre-season game. Clearly the Lyin's have some faith in him.

Llane Spaanderman (East Perth, draft pick 18). Spaanderman (it's Dutch, apparently) is a hefty 100kg and 198cm for a 17-year-old, a key forward with allegedly good speed, strength and skills.

Matthew Moody (South Fremantle, draft pick 23). Forward-flanker type joins Spandexman in making the longest journey in football. Moody was an U-18 All-Australian in 2003 and vice-captained WA in the U-18 Nationals.

Jed Adcock (Maryborough/North Ballarat, draft pick 33). Physical running defender excelled at draft camp in jumping and 10m-sprinting. Thought by many a certain first-round pick, Adcock played for Vic Country in 2003 U-18 Nationals.

Thomas Logan (Waratah, draft pick 49). The Lions were forced deeper into the draft than usual due to AFL list requirements. Logan is a goal-kicking midfielder from the NT who represented the Territory in the U-18 Nationals last year, winning All-Aussie selection. Also did well at draft camp in agility and endurance tests.

Michael Rischitelli (Western Jets, draft pick 61). Lightly-built, 17-year-old wingman.

Rookie list:

• Daniel Pratt. Tall former North bloke, second year on.
• Matthew Pardew (Morningside).
• Josh Drummond (Northern Eagles).
• Jacob Furfaro (Brisbane Lions (QAFL)).
• Jeremy Stiller (Northern Eagles).
• Leigh Ryswyk (Southport).

Carlton

• Brett Ratten - retired. Assistant coach at Melbourne.
• Andrew McKay - retired
• Adrian Hickmott - retired
• Mick Martyn - retired
• Corey McKernan - traded to North for Digby Morrell and David Teague.
• Matthew Allan - traded to Essadun for draft pick 60.
• Simon Beaumont - traded to Hawthorn in three-way deal for David Clarke.
• Justin Murphy - traded to Essadun for Cory McGrath.
• Andrew Eccles - delisted
• Simon Fletcher - delisted. Drafted by Richmond.
• Scott Freeborn - delisted
• Glenn Manton - delisted
• Adam Mathews - delisted
• Andrew Merrington - delisted
• Jim Plunkett - delisted

On:

Digby Morrell (North Melbourne). Denis Pagan certainly slashed-and-burned the Carlton list, churning through fifteen players. There's some quality in the draftees if you keep reading on down, but most of the new Bluesers are recycled battlers. Morrell is a galumphing key forward of some heart but limited ability. Played 40 games in 3 years and kicked 41 goals.

David Teague (North Melbourne). Gutsy half-back beloved of Pagan, but not of his Norf replacement Dean Laidley, who rarely gave the Teaguester a look-in. Played 33 games all-up.

David Clarke (Geelong). You've heard the saying "He couldn't hit a barn wall - from inside the barn." Clarke's kicking's like that. He is quick, though. Clarke's Dad, also called David, made a similar move from the Cats to the Blues. Perhaps David Jnr will go on to direct a failed building society.

Daniel Harford (Hawthorn). Forgotten midfielder given a last roll of the dice, a typical Carlton pick-up. 'Harf' has played 153 games but only 5 last season as he jogged about with Box Hill most weeks. He's only 26 but seems older. Could help Bendigo Pioneers up the VFL ladder.

Brett Johnson (Hawthorn). Another Hawk midfielder with average speed, 22-year-old Johnson managed some good performances during the 2000 finals, but he's not done much since. Eight senior games last year but played with the magoos most weeks.

Cory McGrath (Essendon). Speedy small forward with flair for the spectacular, inconsistency saw him fail to hold a regular spot with the Bommers.

Heath Scotland (Collingwood). Wandering back-flanker who did rebound work for Collingwood, he does manage to find the ball. Except in last years' Grand Final. Still, not Robinson Crusoe there as far as the Pies were concerned.

Jonathan McCormick (Rookie list). A rare bright spot for the Blooze last year was the performance of this young rover, who debuted in round one and went on to have a decent season.

Andrew Walker (Bendigo Pioneers, draft pick 2). Throughout the trade period Carlton clung onto their consolation draft pick and used it on Walker, instantly hailed as 'the new Kouta'. Not to put any pressure on the boy. Like Kouta, Walker is a tallish, strongly-built midfielder with excellent endurance, leap and speed. Was an U-18 All-Australian in 2003 and voted victorious Vic Country's best player at the U-18 Nationals.

Ricky Mott (Fremantle rookie, draft pick 57). And so to the bargain basement. The Blooze threw a lifeline to this rucking lummox, who played 17 games for Sydney in 2002 but none for Freo last year. As a Swan, Mott became famous for missing vital shots at goal.

Glen Bowyer (Hawthorn, draft pick 63). Tough, talented midfielder broke his leg late in the 2001 season and hasn't played since. Passionate about footy, Bowyer underwent some sort of personal crisis after the leg injury and toured the world solo for a year. One worth watching.

Jordan Bannister (Essendon, draft pick 69). Yet another recycled discard, Bannister's a tall midfielder or forward-flanker who managed 14 games in three seasons with the Bombers, couldn't crack it for a regular berth. Broken collarbone last year didn't help.

Adrian DeLuca (Port Melbourne, draft pick 72). Tap-ruckman for the Borough, aged 21.

Stephen Kenna (Box Hill, draft pick 75). Twenty-two year-old small forward proved dangerous around goals for the VFL's Hawks. Won best first-year player for them last year.

Nick Stevens (Port Adelaide, pre-season draft pick 2). The ol' homesickness syndrome. Stevens preferred his boyhood idols the Magpies but a deal wasn't struck during the trade period so like Jade Rawlings, Stevens ended in the pre-season draft and was forced to Carlton, having the second pick. Stevens was drafted no. 25 in 1997 and was an instant success as a relentlessly running, stat-gathering, goal-kicking centreman. Bit of receiver maybe but hey, you need them too.

Rookie list:

• Laurence Angwin. Second year on for the 'troubled' ruckman/forward.
• Andrew Carrazzo (Geelong). Running midfielder.
• Murray Boyd (Western Jets).
• Adam Bentick (Calder Cannons).
• Sam Pleming (Gippsland Power).
• Sentata O hAilpin (Ireland).

Collingwood

Off:

• Mark Richardson - retired
• Jarrod Molloy - retired
• Glenn Freeborn - retired
• Heath Scotland - traded to Carlton for draft pick 35.
• Rupert Betheras - delisted

On:

Billy Morrison (North Hobart, draft pick 17). Few trades for the Pies, they tried very hard to secure Nick Stevens but Port wouldn't deal. The Maggies then surprised by selecting 17-year-old Morrison with their first draft pick, a 197cm key-position player with the biggest hands since Stewie Loewe, allegedly. Morrison was aged 15 on his debut with North Hobart seniors when he kicked nine goals (9.6, in fact). The classic Tasmanian prodigy. Barely played last year due to a shoulder reconstruction, which is a bit of a worry.

Brayden Shaw (Northern Knights, draft pick 32). First of two father-son deals clearly completed before last year's Grand Final.Brayden is the son of Tony Shaw, captain of the Magpies' last premiership side in 1990. He (Brayden) captained Vic Metro in the National U-18s last year and is described as a 'classic Collingwood six-footer'; unlike his Dad, a rover "built like a doorknob", as Barry Dickins once put it.

Brent Hall (South Fremantle, draft pick 35). Athletic 17-year-old ruckman represented WA in 2003 U-18 Championships.

Heath Shaw (Northern Knights, draft pick 48). Son of Ray and brother of Rhyce.nephew of Tony (and Neville), cousin of Brayden. Heath is described as a half-back flanker 'like his brother'. I'm sure that's intended as a compliment.

Julian Rowe (Oakleigh Chargers, draft pick 60). Quickish wingman with good kicking skills (both feet). Sounds uncomfortably like Brad Rowe.Julian represented Vic Metro in 2003 U-18 Champs.

Rookie list:

• Justin Crow. Second year on.
• Nick Maxwell. Second year on.
• Zane Leonard (Dandenong Stingrays).
• David Fanning (Aberfeldie).
• Dean Benson (Oakleigh Chargers).

Essendon

Off:

• Paul Barnard - retired
• Steven Alessio - retired
• Cory McGrath - traded to Carlton for Justin Murphy.
• Danny Jacobs - traded to Hawthorn in a three-way deal for Mark Alvey and draft pick 6.
• Shane Harvey - refused new contract. Pre-season drafted by Norf.
• Rob Forster-Knight - delisted. Drafted by Port.
• Jordan Bannister - delisted. Drafted by Carlton.
• James Davies - demoted to rookie list.
• Simon O'Keefe - delisted

On:

Justin Murphy (Carlton). Eh? Journeyman 27-year-old midfielder/half-forward spent half of last season with the Blues' reserves. Form over his 10-year-old career has been erratic. Still, Sheeds rarely makes a bad trade so it'll pay to watch this one.

Matthew Allan (Carlton). All-Australian ruckman in 1999 has barely played for three years, a combination of stress fractures in his feet and contractual disputes which left him on the outer at Carlton. If fit, could be more than handy support for Hille.

Mark Alvey (Footscray). Canny trade, Jacobs' departure being forced by his own demands and consequent salary-cap pressure. Alvey is a speedy wingman/half-forward, capable of kicking three or four goals per game. Much depends on his recovery from a knee reconstruction last year.

Ben Haynes (Rookie list). Promoted mid-2003 and stayed on, Haynes proved a very handy goal-creating and goal-kicking midfielder in the latter half of last season.

Courtney Johns (Rookie list). Also promoted mid-2003, Johns is a highly-rated forward who's yet to make his senior debut.

Kepler Bradley (West Perth, draft pick 6). Ideal Sheedy recruit - a ruckman who's played on the wing. Bradley won the Larke Medal for best player at the U-18 Nationals in 2003, a junior All-Australian too of course. Also played in West Perth's senior premiership side in the 'Waffle' last year. And he's named after Kepler Wessels - young Bradley was born the same day Wessels retired from Test cricket (for Australia, at any rate).

Brent Stanton (Northern Knights, draft pick 13). 17-y-o midfielder who may need a year or two to develop. Excelled in speed and endurance tests at draft camp.

Jay Nash (Central District, draft pick 28). Half-back or midfielder played for SA in the last two U-18 Nationals (and he's still only 17). A smart footballer, by all accounts.

Ricky Dyson (Northern Knights, draft pick 44). Speedy midfielder or forward-flanker with long left-foot kick. Anointed by pre-draft press article as 'the junior star'. U-18 All-Australian in 2003, also scored well at draft camp in endurance and agility tests.

Rookie list:

• Adrian Wilson. Second year on.
• James Davies.
• Ben Cosgriff (Murray Bushrangers).
• Nathan Lovett-Murray (Bendigo Bombers).
• Andrew Lovett (East Perth).
• Peter Summers (Northern Bullants).

Footscray

Off:

• Steven Kretiuk - retired
• Paul Dimattina - retired
• Nathan Brown - traded to Richmond for draft picks 6 and 20, pick 6 on-traded for Lochlan Veale and pick 20 on-traded for Peter Street.
• Mark Alvey - traded to Essendon as part of Veale deal.
• Marcus Picken - delisted
• Nick Bruton - delisted
• Brent Colbert - delisted

On:

Peter Street (Geelong). Laconic mop-haired ruckman wanted out of Kardinia Park, where he managed 17 games in 3 years.

Steven Koops (Fremantle). Speedy, spring-heeled half-back lost his place with Freo to the less spectacular but more defensively-minded Dion Woods. A shoulder injury picked up prior to last season, which saw Koops miss the first two months of action, didn't help either. Handy player.

Adam Morgan (Port Adelaide). Vic-born ruckman/forward who managed three games in five years with Port.

Lochlan Veale (Hawthorn). The Dogs traded a first-round draft pick, no. 6 no less, and Mark Alvey for a bloke yet to play a senior game. It was some sort of shenanigan aimed at luring un-contracted Hawk Jade Rawlings to the Bulldogs in the pre-season draft (see below). Veale, a tall defender, was drafted with pick 65 in 2002 and spent last year either injured or with Box Hill.

Matthew Boyd (Rookie list). Solid, speedy half-forward type played a few senior games last year and impressed.

Adam Cooney (West Adelaide, draft pick 1). Physically mature (press: "explosive") 18 year-old goal-kicking midfielder was claimed by the Dogs well ahead of draft day. U-18 All-Australian in 2003, best player in Snaffle U-17s in 2002. Cooney possesses a mane of blonde hair cropped in the traditional SA mullet style and the Pups expect big things from him.

Farren Ray (Peel Thunder, draft pick 4). For reasons unknown, this weedy, extremely pale kid appeared weekly in the summer Hun, sans shirt. An allegedly athletic, creative midfielder, Ray was an U-18 All-Australian in 2003 and voted WA's best player at the U-18 Champs last year. Recorded the best performance in the 'beep test' at draft camp, a measure of endurance.

Iszac Thompson (Woodville-West Torrens, draft pick 50). Another midfielder, fast with a long kick and a decent mark too. Impressed for AIS/AFL Academy against Ireland in that hybrid gamey-thing, but glandular fever prevented much regular footy last year.

Jade Rawlings (Hawthorn, pre-season draft pick 1). It's complicated. Rawlings demanded a hefty long-term contract from the Hawks which they weren't prepared to offer. Rawlings then asked to be traded to North, to join his brother. The Hawks couldn't (or wouldn't) do a deal with the Roos, any chance of the trade effectively sunk when the Dogs completed the 'Veale deal' with Horforn. Rawlings was thus faced with the pre-season draft, where the Bullies had first pick. So he goes to the Bulldogs, for an alleged $1.6 mill over 4 years. The tall, languid bloke has enjoyed two good seasons as either a defender or forward, takes lots of marks.

Rookie list:

• James Condos (Werribee).

Fremantle

Off:

• Trent Croad - traded to Hawthorn for draft pick 10.
• Steven Koops - traded to Bulldogs for draft pick 19.
• Anthony Jones - delisted
• Luke Toia - delisted

On:

Luke Webster (Rookie list). Cool-headed, skilful half-back made his debut round 14 last year. Played his third game round 22 in high-intensity win over the Eegs and held his place for the following week's final. Unfortunately Webster tore knee ligaments in the 'Waffle' preliminary final and had a reco - his third on the same knee. And he's only 21. Geez.

Daniel Gilmore (Rookie list). South Fremantle bloke, yet to play a senior game.

Ryley Dunn (Shepparton/Murray Bushrangers, draft pick 10). Freo drafted heavily from rural Victoria. Dunn is a tough, skilled 18-y-o flanker-type. Represented Vic Country at past two U-18 Nationals, was an All-Australian both years.

Ryan Murphy (Gippsland Power, draft pick 12). Tall (192cm), quick bloke who's played at both ends of the ground. The same description could be applied to Croady.

David Mundy (Seymour/Murray Bushrangers, draft pick 19). Another big bloke, played most of his footy as a key defender where his cool head and long kicking proved handy. Freo recruiting manager Phil Smart described him as "your third tall defender".

Adam Campbell (Hamilton/North Ballarat, draft pick 27). Enzed-born lad played rugger before family moved to Victoria. He's tall again (192cm) but rather light at this stage, quick though and a decent key forward at junior level.

Brett Peake (East Fremantle, draft pick 43). The Dokka's first father-son draftee, his Dad WA legend Brian Peake. Or 'Pasties' Peake as he became known in Victoria following some under-whelming performances for Geelong in the early Eighties. Brett is a midfielder who played all 22 senior games for East Freo last year. Also the only sandgroper drafted by the Eegs or Dockers this year.

Michael Johnson (Perth, pre-season draft pick 8). Key-position player with decent Waffle form.

Rookie list:

• Ben Colreavy (Claremont). Second year on.
• Steven Dodd (East Fremantle).
• Paul Duffield (South Fremantle).
• Dylan Smith (Fremantle).
• Michael Warren (Claremont).

Geelong

Off:

• Aaron Lord - retired
• Mitchell White - retired
• Marc Woolnough - retired
• Peter Street - traded to Footscray for draft pick 20, on-traded for Haynes.
• David Clarke - traded to Carlton in a three-way deal for David Loats.
• Brent Grgic - delisted
• Ben Finnan - delisted

On:

David Loats (Hawthorn). Ruckman who's played most of his footy for the Box Hill Hawks, managing just 11 games with the Horks proper in three years. Direct replacement for disgruntled Street, back-up to King.

David Haynes (West Coast). A forward. Plusses: fast leader and a good mark. Minuses: Not so tall, not an accurate kick. Still, anyone who can kick goals will help the Cats. Haynes could be the new Derek Hall. Or Brett Spinks.

Will Slade (Rookie list). Useful flanker-type best known for being KO'd against Melbun last year. Played 11 games over last two seasons.

Kane Tenace (Shepparton/Murray Bushrangers, draft pick 7). After Cooney (Bulldogs) and Walker (Carlton), Tenace received the most pre-draft attention. He's a very fast winger/rover with excellent ball-handling skills, quite strong in packs too. Won Bushrangers' best and fairest in 2003, was also an U-18 All-Australian same year. Stand by for woeful meedya puns - "Anyone for Tenace?" has appeared a couple of times already.

Cameron Thurley (Tassie Devils, draft pick 22). Described in a pre-draft newspaper article as a 'late developer', Thurley is a 22-year-old midfielder who was considered too light as an 18-year-old - and they were probably right, he was only 64kg. Now stronger and older, he's been a hard-running ball-winner for the Devils in the VFL. Cat coach Bomber Thompson called him an "Akermanis type". Hmm.

Mark Blake (Geelong Falcons, draft pick 38). Son of 1980s Cat ruckman Rod Blake, like his Dad a big (198 cm), galumphing follower. Did some nice tap-work in two games for Vic Country in the U-18 Nationals before injury struck.

Matthew Spencer (Swan Districts, draft pick 42). Strong key forward captained WA in National U-18s, 2003 - leadership potential.

Paul Koulouriotis (Port Adelaide, pre-season draft pick 5). Midfielder, drafted in first round 2001 but didn't get much of an opportunity with Port.

Rookie list:

• Jeff Smith. Second year on.
• Shannon Byrnes. Second year on.
• Luke Buckland (Geelong Falcons).
• James Allan (Geelong Falcons).

Hawthorn

Off:

• Kingsley Hunter - retired
• Simon Cox - retired
• Jade Rawlings - refused new contract, pre-season drafted by Bulldogs.
• Daniel Harford - traded to Carlton for draft pick 51.
• Brett Johnson - also traded to Carlton for draft pick 51.
• Lochlan Veale - traded to Footscray for draft pick 6, on-traded for Jacobs.
• David Loats - traded to Geelong as part of three-way deal for Simon Beaumont.
• Glen Bowyer - delisted. Drafted by Carlton.
• Daniel Elstone - delisted

On:

Danny Jacobs (Essendon). Key defender will slot handily into the hole left by Rawlings - although Jacobs doesn't see it that way. He's been around six years but is only 23. Played every home-and-away game for the Bommers last year before back injury prevented finals participation.

Trent Croad (Fremantle). Hawk fans went mad when rising star Croady was traded to Freo two years ago, in exchange for the no. 1 draft pick. Following an unhappy time of it in Perth, the talented key-position man returns to Glenferrie a wiser man. Maybe. He'd struggle to be less wise.

Simon Beaumont (Carlton). Why the Hawks would want this fairly average utility player is a mystery. Perhaps it's a club rule.Hunter last year, Matthew Dent the year before. Beaumont once kicked 8 goals in a half against Collingwood. That'll be his (football) epitaph.

Ben Kane (Rookie list). Speedy, muscular wingman made senior debut last season, played 5 games in total.

Brad Sewell (Rookie list). Yet to make senior debut but enjoyed very good 2002 with Box Hill Hawks, led the club in total disposals and finished second in their B & F.

Harry Miller (Port Adelaide (SANFL), draft pick 25). Hawk folks very excited by this fella. Miller is not the Sydney-based entrepreneur, but a small forward described as having great speed and a great leap - he is pretty small though at 174 cm. Played for SA in the 2003 U-18 National Champs, topped the draft camp class in 'flexibility'. "This one time, at draft camp, the other boys discovered I was really flexible."

Zac Dawson (Calder Cannons, draft pick 41). Mobile, 17-year-old ruckman, played for TAC Cup premiers the Cannons in 2003.

Matthew Ball (Rookie list, draft pick 51). 21-year-old Ball is a defensive midfielder or back-flanker who won the Box Hill Hawks' best-and-fairest in 2003 and proved an extremely popular team-man and leader. The family club etc.

Doug Scott (Box Hill Hawks, pre-season draft pick 7). Son of formidable Hawk ruckman and premiership captain Don Scott. Doug is a 23-year-old key defender.

Rookie list:

• Ben Clifton (Calder Cannons).
• Michael Rix (Box Hill Hawks).
• Josh Thurgood (North Ballarat Rebels).
• Shaun Bergin (Bendigo Pioneers).
• Paul Shelton (Morningside, Qld.). Was on the Lyin's rookie list.

Melbourne

Off:

• Andrew Leoncelli - retired
• Craig Ellis - retired
• Gary Moorcroft - delisted
• Daniel Breese - delisted
• Aaron Rogers - delisted. Rookie-listed by Sydney.
• Luke Molan - demoted to rookie list.

On:

Ben Holland (Richmond). Versatile big bloke, enjoyed outstanding 2001 season as a CHB before snapping ligaments at Knee Graveyard (i.e. Subiaco) early 2002. Mildly disappointing comeback last season combined with hefty contract prompted the Tiges to off-load him. Could be a useful key backman for the Dees if he gets fit, can also play at CHF and do a bit of rucking.

Nathan Carroll (Rookie list). Bloke from Claremont with magnificent peroxide mohawk and 'tails', but can play footy - he's an aggressive defender who played alright following senior debut last season, played seven games. Younger brother of Weegle Trent Carroll.

Colin Sylvia (Bendigo Pioneers, draft pick 3). The Dees require toughness and went for it with their first coupla draft picks. Sylvia is known as a hard-tackling, hard-working, highly competitive midfielder. U-18 All-Australian, TAC Cup coaches' award-winner and Pioneers' best-and-fairest in 2003. He has to be tough, there's this song about his mother.

Brock McLean (Calder Cannons, draft pick 5). Another rugged midfielder, voted best afield in the Cannons' comfortable TAC Cup Grand Final win, achieved in torrential rain. Strong at the contest and a good leader, also collected the other usual accolades last year - U-18 All-Australian, AIS/AFL Academy member etc.

Chris Johnson (East Fremantle, draft pick 36). Drafted under father/son - Dad is Alan Johnson, a classy winger and dual best-and-fairest winner for the Dees. Chris played for WA in National U-18s but has had shoulder problems.

Phil Read (West Coast, pre-season draft pick 3). Another attempt by the Dees to toughen their list, Read is a strongly-built, aggressive half-back or midfielder who's come back from successive knee reconstructions. Not the quickest around, thanks to those ops.

Rookie list:

• Adam Fisher. Second year on.
• Dale Carson. Second year on.
• Aaron Davey (Port Melbourne). Farmer-like small forward.
• Paul Newman (Kyabram). Never knew he lived in Kyabram.
• Luke Molan.
• Joel Campbell (Pioneers, NT).

North Melbourne

Off:

• Jason McCartney - retired
• Matthew 'Spider' Burton - retired
• Digby Morrell - traded to Carlton for McKernan.
• David Teague - traded to Carlton as part of McKernan deal.
• David Bourke - delisted
• Shannon Motlop - delisted
• Dylan Smith - delisted
• Rod Crowe - delisted

On:

Corey McKernan (Carlton). Big Mac is back after a two-year stint at Carlton where he collected a best-and-fairest in 2002 before arrival of nemesis Pagan last year saw McKernan stumble about the field with all the confidence of a blind man in a minefield. Roo fans will hoping the veteran-class big-man can bolster thin ranks in their teams' ruck and forward-line.

Jeremy Clayton (Rookie list). Feisty small forward debuted round one last year and managed five games, with four goals.

Michael Firitto (Rookie list). Strongly-built midfielder type who managed two senior games last season.

David Trotter (Calder Cannons, draft pick 9). Hard-running flanker who's a natural footballer, apparently. Played for NSW/ACT in the U-18 Nationals, so I'm guessing he didn't grow up in Melton.

Chad Jones (Claremont, draft pick 24). Some adulatory notices in the press for this bloke, a 19-year-old tall (196cm) who's played at both ends (oo err, etc.). Has some pace too and a decent kick. Sounds tailor-made for full-forward.

Edward Sansbury (Central District, draft pick 40). Goalsneak, aged 19, who bagged 5 goals in 2003 Snaffle Grand Final. Kicked four of 'em with (Footscray) Bulldogs' no. 1 draft pick Cooney as opponent.

Brent Le Cras (West Perth, draft pick 56). The paper describes this 192cm, 95kg key defender as a "nuggety type". Eh? Le Cras is 22 years old and has spent four years trying to get drafted, won BOG in last year's Waffle Grand Final as he outpointed David Sierakowski. Gosh.

Shane Harvey (Essendon, pre-season draft pick 6). Like brother Brent, a lively rover or small forward. Used mostly in the latter role by the Bombers, but became frustrated at lack of opportunity there and asked to leave.

Rookie list:

• None. Can't afford 'em.

Port Adelaide

Off:

• Nick Stevens - refused new contract. Pre-season drafted by Carlton.
• Adam Morgan - traded to Footscray for draft pick 34.
• Brent Guerra - traded to St. Kilda for draft pick 39.
• Stephen Paxman - delisted
• Che Cockatoo-Collins - delisted
• Paul Koulouriotis - delisted. Pre-season drafted by Geelong.

On:

Troy Chaplin (Maryborough/North Ballarat, draft pick 15). Port spent the trade period demanding the earth in exchange for Nick Stevens. In the end, he left for nothing in the pre-season draft. Chaplin is a big 17-year-old (194 cm) who's played both key forward and defensive roles. In 2003 was voted Australia's best player in U-17 international faff-about against Ireland, also U-18 All-Australian at actual football.

Bradley Symes (Central District, draft pick 30). Skilful half-back or midfielder captained SA in 2003 National U-18s and was voted their best player, also an U18 All-Australian of course. Played in Centrals' reserve-grade premiership side in 2003.

Luke Peel (Sandringham Dragons, draft pick 34). Hard-running half-back with excellent endurance, clean hands and a decent mark. Sounds like your ideal 'rebound' man.

Robert Forster-Knight (Essendon, draft pick 39). Hefty lump of a bloke played only 4 times for the Dons last year for a career total of 31. Used as a defender mostly by Sheedy and that seems to be where he'll play for Port.

Michael Pettigrew (West Perth, draft pick 46). Tall sandgroper (193cm) played in defence mainly. Topped sprint class at draft camp and also excelled at jumping.

Jacob Surjan (South Fremantle, pre-season draft pick 10). Midfielder given the overused adjective "explosive". Handy for a Port player given the side self-destructs every September.

Josh Mahoney (Williamstown, pre-season draft pick 12). Journeyman having his fourth crack at an AFL career following stints with the Pies, Bulldogs and Bombers. Mahoney isn't the most skilful bloke around but he's an on-field leader and there are few who attack the ball harder. On the downside, he's 26 and hasn't played a senior AFL game in four years.

Rookie list:

• Joe Patfull (Norwood). Second year on.
• Adam Grocke (North Adelaide).
• Salim Hassan (West Adelaide).
• Dale Ellis (Woodville/West Torrens).

Richmond

Off:

• Leon Cameron - retired. Assistant coach with the Bulldogs.
• Ben Holland - traded to Melbourne for draft pick 20, on-traded to Bulldogs for Brown.
• Craig Biddiscombe - delisted
• Clinton King - delisted
• Royce Vardy - delisted
• Daniel Sipthorp - delisted
• Andrew Mills - delisted
• Mark Dragicevic - demoted to rookie list.
• Martin McGrath - delisted

On:

Nathan Brown (Footscray). Tiger manager Greg Miller's promised 'big name' arrived in the form of the very handy midfielder/forward from the Pups. Brown is regarded as a self-interested mercenary, prompting the Leigh Matthews comment "I hope Nathan Brown isn't a 400-thousand-a-year player". If Brown maintains his 2003 average of 20-odd touches and 3 goals per game, I don't care if he wears fatigues.

Alex Gilmour (Tassie Mariners, draft pick 21). The Tiges traded their first two draft picks for Brown but still did a helluva lot of drafting with a bucket-load of late selections. Gilmour is a lightly-built on-baller with good skills, but as the youngest player drafted (17 years and fifty-odd days), he's a way off yet. Made senior debut for Wynyard aged 13 and comes from a huge Tiger-supporting family.

Thomas Roach (Carey Grammar/Oakleigh Chargers, draft pick 37). Son of legendary Tiger full-forward Michael Roach. Tom isn't a spring-heeled goal-kicking machine like Dad, but a tough running player.

Daniel Jackson (Oakleigh Chargers, draft pick 53). Half-forward who played a grand total of seven TAC Cup matches last year. Somebody must've seen something.

Shane Morrison (Brisbane, draft pick 64). 22-year-old key forward found himself in the shadow of Jonathan Brown, ageless Al Lynch and a super-successful team, managing just three games in four seasons with the Lions. Word is Morrison's not especially quick.

Brent Hartigan (Calder Cannons, draft pick 70). Half-back or midfielder won the TAC Cup premiers' best-and-fairest in 2003.

Shane Tuck (West Adelaide, draft pick 73). Son of Hawthorn legend and AFL games record-holder Michael Tuck. Shane Tuck was drafted by the Hawks a few years ago but suffered an irregular heartbeat and was delisted, then came back with Snaffle club West Adelaide, coached by former Hawk Shaun Rehn.

Andrew Raines (Southport, draft pick 76). Another son-of, this time Tiger champion Geoff Raines. Like Gilmour, Andrew Raines is young (17) and thin (70kg) - he's what they call a 'project player' nowadays. By the way, Rainesy's other son, Nick, didn't set the world on fire with Brisbane.

Simon Fletcher (Carlton, draft pick 79). Battling half-back Fletcher spent two years on Geelong's list without playing a senior game. He forced his way into footy via Carlton's rookie list and managed 84 appearances in five years with the Blooze, without ever really being a regular. Fletcher proved unpopular with Pagan, who demands hardness at the ball. Now the Tiges have drafted Fletcher. What does that tell you?

Kyle Archibald (Belconnen, draft pick 81). The last man selected in November's national draft, Archibald is a physical, hard-working 190cm forward who represented NSW/ACT in the U-18 Nationals in 2003.

Ben Marsh (Adelaide, pre-season draft pick 4). Giant ruckman/forward played in the Camrys' 1998 premiership-winning team but hasn't appeared often since, a combination of injury and the emergence of Clarke and Biglands for the Cows. Plugs a hole for the Tiges.

Luke Weller (Brisbane rookie, pre-season draft pick 11). Hefty bloke made a few senior appearances as a defender during the last season. But didn't do enough to stay on the Lyin's rookie list, it would seem.

Rookie list:

• Kelvin Moore. Second year on.
• Mark Dragicevic.
• Nathan Foley (Geelong Falcons).

St. Kilda

Off:

• Nathan Burke - retired
• Steven Lawrence - delisted
• Chris Oliver - delisted
• Matthew Capuano - delisted

On:

Jason Gram (Brisbane). Solidly-built midfielder from Sale (Vic) drafted by Brisbane in 2001, made senior debut last year thanks to Lyin's mid-season injury crisis. Played two games in total.

Brent Guerra (Port Adelaide). Tough midfielder, modestly skilled but with plenty of grunt. Kicks the odd goal, too.

Raphael Clarke (St. Mary's, draft pick 8). Very little trading and drafting by a club already stuffed with young talent. The drafting of Clarke was the main story, he's the younger, taller brother of Xavier Clarke and like bro', Raphael has outstanding speed and a huge leap - U-18 All-Australian in 2002, injury prevented him playing much in 2003. "Raphael's a lovely, graceful player," says the Stains' recruiting manager John Beveridge. Nice Catholic names the lads have, too.

Samuel Fisher (West Adelaide, draft pick 55). The Saints' second and third-round picks were traded for Gram and Guerra, respectively. Fisher is an older draftee (21), a 193cm key forward who played for West Adelaide seniors in 2003. Pre-season injury may hamper his immediate progress.

Rookie list:

• Dylan Pfitzner (Central Districts).
• Nick Stone (Hawthorn rookie). Hawks were hoping this bloke would blossom into a CHB, but he didn't. Has senior experience.

Sydney

Off:

• Daryn Cresswell - retired. Assistant coach at Geelong.
• Daniel McPherson - retired
• Scott Stevens - traded to Adelaide along with draft pick 31 for draft picks 29 and 45.
• Daniel Hunt - demoted to rookie list.
• Brad Seymour - delisted

On:

Heath James (Rookie list). In the last three years, James has been drafted (2000), delisted (2001), added to the rookie list (2002) and is now back where he started, on the Bloods' senior list. Terrible hamstring problems have been the root cause, but he seemed to overcome them last year.

James Meiklejohn (Rookie list). Teenage ruckman who made senior debut round 5 last season, showed a bit of ability.

Joshua Willoughby (Glenelg, draft pick 16). Described in a newspaper article as a 'misfit', Willoughby is diminutive (175cm, 70kg) but an effective rover and small forward with aggression and speed. "I trained with Fremantle last pre-season and Peter Bell was great.," says Willoughby. U-18 All-Australian in 2003.

Tim Schmidt (West Adelaide, draft pick 29). With Willoughby, was joint best-and-fairest at the U-16 National Champs in 2002. He's a 17-year-old midfielder who's a good mark, apparently.

Andrew Eriksen (Sandringham Dragons, draft pick 47). Perhaps the Swans are being deliberately quirky. After taking the second-shortest player in the draft with Willoughby, they drafted the tallest in 205cm ruckman Eriksen. Like many modern ruckmen he's a basketball background and it may surprise you to learn he recorded the highest standing-jump at draft camp. Played for Vic Metro in 2003 National U-18s.

Matthew Davis (North Adelaide, draft pick 59). Only 17 but a heftily-built lad (190 cm, 90kg), plays as a key defender in the Snaffle. The AFL's national talent manager, Kevin Sheehan, described Davis as "the biggest smokey in the draft".

Rookie list:

• Paul Bevan. Second year on.
• Scott McGlone. Second year on.
• Daniel Hunt.
• Aaron Rogers (Melbourne). First-round draft pick by the Dees last year.
• Luke Taylor (Murray Bushrangers).
• Nick Potter (Pennant Hills).

West Coast

Off:

• Peter Matera - retired
• Ashley McIntosh - retired
• David Sierakowski - retired
• David Haynes - traded to Geelong for draft pick 20.
• Troy Wilson - delisted
• Philip Read - delisted. Pre-season drafted by Melbourne.

On:

Zac Beeck (Rookie list). Not much list-change action for the Weegs, who did the necessary in replacing retiring or delisted oldies (Haynes apart). The Beeckster is a ruckman/forward with a history of injury, strung a few Waffle games together towards the end of last season and did enough to earn promotion.

Mark Nicoski (Rookie list). Slight but speedy wingman with raking left boot. Weegs have probably been waiting for him to bulk up a bit.

Beau Waters (West Adelaide, draft pick 11). One of five players drafted from the Shaun Rehn-coached West Adelaide. Waters is a midfielder or half-back flanker with exceptional endurance. Was the obligatory U-18 All-Australian in 2003 and also made senior debut with West Adelaide. The Weegs rate him and expect him to play in 2004.

Samuel Butler (Central District, draft pick 20). Like Waters a 17-year-old South Australian midfielder, good skills and a football brain. Won a Snaffle reserve-grade premiership with the Bulldogs in 2003.

Daniel McConnell (Eastern Ranges, draft pick 26). Taller junior (190cm) with great endurance, played both defensive and forward key possies for the Ranges. Surely 'Ranges' has to be the worst nickname ever. It comes from the Dandenong Ranges, but really. McConnell was also a member of the AIS/AFL Academy in 2003.

Rookie list:

• Aaron Edwards. Second year on.
• Brett Jones (Claremont).
• Michael Embley (Swan Districts). Andrew's brother.
• Jaymie Graham (South Fremantle).
• Clancy Rudeforth (Claremont). The Rudester! Back for another crack.