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Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Footy's forgotten men: The player at your club who could be looking elsewhere for 2026
Jordan Boyd (two games) Boyd was dropped after an early season appearance before sustaining a concussion in his first game back eight weeks later, so it will be interesting to see if he regains his spot this week after the bye. The 2021 mid-season draftee played 19 games last year, so he will back himself to become a regular part of the Blues' defence again with his neat skills and toughness. Boyd is contracted for another season, so time is in his favour. Contracted until: End of 2026. Collingwood Oleg Markov (two games) It's been increasingly tough sledding for Markov since his breakout season in the Pies' 2023 premiership season, when he played 23 games, including the grand final. That number dropped to 12 last year and the tally is only two this season, including being dropped for the second time last week. On his third club and at age 29, time is running out for Markov, who will forever be part of Collingwood history regardless of what happens from here. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Essendon Jayden Laverde (three games) Laverde's been back in the Bombers' senior side the last three weeks after playing in the VFL until then, including serving a two-week ban for headbutting. Like ex-Bomber Jake Stringer, Essendon refused to offer Laverde an extension last year, but he remained at Tullamarine for his free agency season. Carlton and St Kilda showed preliminary interest in the 29-year-old, and they are potential landing points for him at season's end. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Fremantle James Aish (two games) The ex-Magpie has never played fewer than 16 matches in any of his five seasons as a Docker, including 20 or more in the past four, but has made only two appearances – in rounds three and six – in 2025. The first of those was as the substitute, so he has fallen a long way down the pecking order. Aish turns 30 in November, and faces a significant, but not impossible, battle ahead to earn another contract and extend his 185-game career. Contracted until: End of 2025. Geelong Jhye Clark (six games) Clark's in only his third AFL season after being a top-10 selection out of the Geelong Falcons, and the Cats have a great development record. The 20-year-old midfielder played 15 games last year, and only six to date in 2025, but Bailey Smith's arrival is one significant factor for that. They are also running a tight on-ball rotation including Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes and Oisin Mullin. Clark's winning disposals for fun in the VFL. Contracted until: End of 2026. Gold Coast Malcolm Rosas jnr (three games) Rosas' days as a Sun seem numbered, given his opportunities have dwindled for a second straight season under Damien Hardwick. The goalsneak has attracted opposition interest previously, including from Essendon and Sydney, and can walk to the club of his choice at season's end (if that is his preference). Rosas has kicked 46 goals in 48 games for Gold Coast. Veterans Alex Sexton and Sean Lemmens have played once between them this year. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). GWS Leek Aleer (two games) Aleer told The Age in March that the number of AFL matches he plays would be a factor in whether he re-signs, and he has appeared just twice, although both appearances were in the past fortnight. Aleer will try to maintain his senior spot for GWS as his contract situation bubbles away in the background. St Kilda presented him a long-term, lucrative offer last year and Brisbane also remain interested, so the Giants face a challenge to retain him. Contracted until: End of 2025. Hawthorn Sam Frost (two games) St Kilda and Sydney tried in the off-season to lure ex-Giant and Demon Frost, but the Hawks held firm. The Frost camp's hope that the rival interest might result in more contract security did not eventuate, and now he has played all bar two matches in the VFL. It is not a shocking development, given Tom Barrass and Josh Battle's arrival, but there is a decent chance Frost, who turns 32 in August, could be in the market for a fourth club. Contracted until: End of 2025. Melbourne Blake Howes (four games) Howes did not play a game in his first two seasons, but started last year in the Demons' first-choice defence and kept his spot for most of it. This season started the same way until he was dropped after round three, and he lasted just one match after regaining his spot a month later. Howes has not been seen at the top level since, so he faces a critical second half of this year. The writing is on the wall for Jack Billings, who's played once this year. Contracted until: End of 2025. North Melbourne Bailey Scott (seven games) Scott finished third in the Roos' best-and-fairest count two years ago and played 67 games across the past three seasons, but it's been a different story in 2025. Alastair Clarkson's dropped the wingman twice, and he remains in the VFL after a combined 11 touches in his last three AFL outings. Scott inked a two-year extension last August, but 10 months later he is out of the senior side. Zac Fisher's played only three games this year after 18 in 2024. Contracted until: End of 2025. Port Adelaide Jordon Sweet (eight games) Sweet requested a trade from Western Bulldogs at the end of 2023 to receive more opportunity after being stuck behind Tim English. He arrived at Alberton at the same time as Ivan Soldo, with Dante Visentini already on the list, and snatched the No.1 ruck role by late April and kept it. Sweet, 27, began this season the same way, but was dropped for Visentini, 22, a month ago, while Soldo, 29, has appeared just once. Soldo is also contracted for 2026. Contracted until: End of 2026 Richmond Samson Ryan (two games) The arrival of forwards Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims means Ryan is purely Toby Nankervis' ruck deputy. Sims is serving as a forward-ruck since making his debut a month ago. Ryan played alongside Nankervis once, but his other match was when the Tigers' skipper was managed – and he was back out the next week. Ryan inked a three-year deal last year, is the clear No.2 ruck, and Nankervis is 31 in August, so he needs to be patient. Contracted until: End of 2027. St Kilda Liam Henry (one game) The Saints traded for Henry at the end of 2023 for effectively a second-round pick, which was viewed as a coup, given the battles they have in bringing in talent. However, a knee injury ended the winger-forward's first campaign after only 12 games – and he has played just once in 2025. The likeliest scenario is that Henry finds a way out of Ross Lyon's doghouse. Dan Butler played his first AFL game this year in Sunday's win over Melbourne. Contracted until: End of 2027. Sydney Hayden McLean (nine games) Sydney dropped McLean two weeks ago, even though Logan McDonald (ankle) remains out, which was a statement from coach Dean Cox. Joel Amartey's suspension meant McLean received an instant recall, and he was the sole Swan to kick multiple goals in the big loss to Adelaide. It is a situation to monitor because Amartey and McDonald will return at some stage, and clubs are constantly looking for forwards who can play in the ruck. Contracted until: End of 2027. West Coast Jack Petruccelle (one game) Petruccelle's sole match under Andrew McQualter was as the substitute in round two. The Victorian speedster has otherwise toiled away in the WAFL, as well as dealing with a shoulder issue. There is always a need for speed in the AFL, and he has 89 games' experience, so opposition clubs will likely keep tabs on Petruccelle. There is the possibility that the 26-year-old forces his way into the Eagles' senior line-up, but this is a situation to monitor. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Western Bulldogs Harvey Gallagher (five games) Gallagher had a breakthrough season in 2024, making his AFL debut and playing 20 games – but it's been more difficult this year, including being dropped twice. He has played down back, through the midfield and on a wing during his time at the Kennel, has won plenty of the Sherrin in the VFL and is only 21, so this looks a temporary challenge for Gallagher. Taylor Duryea has fallen out of favour, too, but is nearing the end of his career. Contracted until: End of 2026.
The Age
3 days ago
- General
- The Age
Footy's forgotten men: The player at your club who could be looking elsewhere for 2026
Jordan Boyd (two games) Boyd was dropped after an early season appearance before sustaining a concussion in his first game back eight weeks later, so it will be interesting to see if he regains his spot this week after the bye. The 2021 mid-season draftee played 19 games last year, so he will back himself to become a regular part of the Blues' defence again with his neat skills and toughness. Boyd is contracted for another season, so time is in his favour. Contracted until: End of 2026. Collingwood Oleg Markov (two games) It's been increasingly tough sledding for Markov since his breakout season in the Pies' 2023 premiership season, when he played 23 games, including the grand final. That number dropped to 12 last year and the tally is only two this season, including being dropped for the second time last week. On his third club and at age 29, time is running out for Markov, who will forever be part of Collingwood history regardless of what happens from here. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Essendon Jayden Laverde (three games) Laverde's been back in the Bombers' senior side the last three weeks after playing in the VFL until then, including serving a two-week ban for headbutting. Like ex-Bomber Jake Stringer, Essendon refused to offer Laverde an extension last year, but he remained at Tullamarine for his free agency season. Carlton and St Kilda showed preliminary interest in the 29-year-old, and they are potential landing points for him at season's end. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Fremantle James Aish (two games) The ex-Magpie has never played fewer than 16 matches in any of his five seasons as a Docker, including 20 or more in the past four, but has made only two appearances – in rounds three and six – in 2025. The first of those was as the substitute, so he has fallen a long way down the pecking order. Aish turns 30 in November, and faces a significant, but not impossible, battle ahead to earn another contract and extend his 185-game career. Contracted until: End of 2025. Geelong Jhye Clark (six games) Clark's in only his third AFL season after being a top-10 selection out of the Geelong Falcons, and the Cats have a great development record. The 20-year-old midfielder played 15 games last year, and only six to date in 2025, but Bailey Smith's arrival is one significant factor for that. They are also running a tight on-ball rotation including Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes and Oisin Mullin. Clark's winning disposals for fun in the VFL. Contracted until: End of 2026. Gold Coast Malcolm Rosas jnr (three games) Rosas' days as a Sun seem numbered, given his opportunities have dwindled for a second straight season under Damien Hardwick. The goalsneak has attracted opposition interest previously, including from Essendon and Sydney, and can walk to the club of his choice at season's end (if that is his preference). Rosas has kicked 46 goals in 48 games for Gold Coast. Veterans Alex Sexton and Sean Lemmens have played once between them this year. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). GWS Leek Aleer (two games) Aleer told The Age in March that the number of AFL matches he plays would be a factor in whether he re-signs, and he has appeared just twice, although both appearances were in the past fortnight. Aleer will try to maintain his senior spot for GWS as his contract situation bubbles away in the background. St Kilda presented him a long-term, lucrative offer last year and Brisbane also remain interested, so the Giants face a challenge to retain him. Contracted until: End of 2025. Hawthorn Sam Frost (two games) St Kilda and Sydney tried in the off-season to lure ex-Giant and Demon Frost, but the Hawks held firm. The Frost camp's hope that the rival interest might result in more contract security did not eventuate, and now he has played all bar two matches in the VFL. It is not a shocking development, given Tom Barrass and Josh Battle's arrival, but there is a decent chance Frost, who turns 32 in August, could be in the market for a fourth club. Contracted until: End of 2025. Melbourne Blake Howes (four games) Howes did not play a game in his first two seasons, but started last year in the Demons' first-choice defence and kept his spot for most of it. This season started the same way until he was dropped after round three, and he lasted just one match after regaining his spot a month later. Howes has not been seen at the top level since, so he faces a critical second half of this year. The writing is on the wall for Jack Billings, who's played once this year. Contracted until: End of 2025. North Melbourne Bailey Scott (seven games) Scott finished third in the Roos' best-and-fairest count two years ago and played 67 games across the past three seasons, but it's been a different story in 2025. Alastair Clarkson's dropped the wingman twice, and he remains in the VFL after a combined 11 touches in his last three AFL outings. Scott inked a two-year extension last August, but 10 months later he is out of the senior side. Zac Fisher's played only three games this year after 18 in 2024. Contracted until: End of 2025. Port Adelaide Jordon Sweet (eight games) Sweet requested a trade from Western Bulldogs at the end of 2023 to receive more opportunity after being stuck behind Tim English. He arrived at Alberton at the same time as Ivan Soldo, with Dante Visentini already on the list, and snatched the No.1 ruck role by late April and kept it. Sweet, 27, began this season the same way, but was dropped for Visentini, 22, a month ago, while Soldo, 29, has appeared just once. Soldo is also contracted for 2026. Contracted until: End of 2026 Richmond Samson Ryan (two games) The arrival of forwards Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims means Ryan is purely Toby Nankervis' ruck deputy. Sims is serving as a forward-ruck since making his debut a month ago. Ryan played alongside Nankervis once, but his other match was when the Tigers' skipper was managed – and he was back out the next week. Ryan inked a three-year deal last year, is the clear No.2 ruck, and Nankervis is 31 in August, so he needs to be patient. Contracted until: End of 2027. St Kilda Liam Henry (one game) The Saints traded for Henry at the end of 2023 for effectively a second-round pick, which was viewed as a coup, given the battles they have in bringing in talent. However, a knee injury ended the winger-forward's first campaign after only 12 games – and he has played just once in 2025. The likeliest scenario is that Henry finds a way out of Ross Lyon's doghouse. Dan Butler played his first AFL game this year in Sunday's win over Melbourne. Contracted until: End of 2027. Sydney Hayden McLean (nine games) Sydney dropped McLean two weeks ago, even though Logan McDonald (ankle) remains out, which was a statement from coach Dean Cox. Joel Amartey's suspension meant McLean received an instant recall, and he was the sole Swan to kick multiple goals in the big loss to Adelaide. It is a situation to monitor because Amartey and McDonald will return at some stage, and clubs are constantly looking for forwards who can play in the ruck. Contracted until: End of 2027. West Coast Jack Petruccelle (one game) Petruccelle's sole match under Andrew McQualter was as the substitute in round two. The Victorian speedster has otherwise toiled away in the WAFL, as well as dealing with a shoulder issue. There is always a need for speed in the AFL, and he has 89 games' experience, so opposition clubs will likely keep tabs on Petruccelle. There is the possibility that the 26-year-old forces his way into the Eagles' senior line-up, but this is a situation to monitor. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Western Bulldogs Harvey Gallagher (five games) Gallagher had a breakthrough season in 2024, making his AFL debut and playing 20 games – but it's been more difficult this year, including being dropped twice. He has played down back, through the midfield and on a wing during his time at the Kennel, has won plenty of the Sherrin in the VFL and is only 21, so this looks a temporary challenge for Gallagher. Taylor Duryea has fallen out of favour, too, but is nearing the end of his career. Contracted until: End of 2026.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Port stun Hawks in Gather Round grudge game upset
Port Adelaide have produced a near-perfect hour of football in an stunning 30-point upset of Hawthorn in Gather Round's grudge game. The unfancied Power raced to a 71-point lead in the second term in their 18.13 (121) to 14.7 (91) victory on Sunday night at Adelaide Oval. Hawthorn crashed to their first defeat of the season as Port's Zak Butters (33 disposals, eight clearances) and Connor Rozee (28, two goals) ran amok. Port's first-half onslaught created an astonishing 12.7 to 1.2 scoreline before a 47,671-strong crowd for the clash of the new-found fierce foes. Port coach Ken Hinkley fanned the rivalry flames last May in celebrating the Power's greatest escape, when Darcy Byrne-Jones soccered the winning goal with two seconds remaining. The fire escaped containment lines after their semi-final in Adelaide when the Power pipped the Hawks by three points. Hinkley taunted Hawthorn players post-game and was fined $20,000 by the AFL - a sanction which still has the Power privately fuming. WHAT IS HAPPENING AT ADELAIDE OVAL?!Rozee makes it SEVEN in a row for the Power 🤯#AFLPowerHawks — AFL (@AFL) April 13, 2025 The AFL grabbed the grudge and made it the Sunday night finale to another wildly successful Gather Round in Adelaide and surrounds. And the on-field theatre began with a Port bang: six goals to one in the first quarter. The Power's dual All Australian Butters - the AFL's most fined player - sparked a small melee and the pro-Power crowd repeatedly jeered Hawk captain James Sicily, who was central to last year's finals stoush with Hinkley. With ex-Magpie Jack Richards slotting two goals and setting up Mitch Georgiades for another, Port were slick in their 6.3 to 1.2 opening. But that proved a mere entree to Port's main course: a match-defining second-term feast of six consecutive goals. Power skipper Rozee, revelling in a new halfback role, twice drifted up-field to goal. And his teammates Sam Powell-Pepper and Willem Drew scored with remarkable snaps in Port's party which created a 71-point lead, 12.7 to 1.2. The hapless Hawks mustered two late goals to reduce their deficit to 59 points at halftime and were 47 down at the last change. Hawthorn made a belated five-goal charge to sneak within 22 points with eight minutes remaining. But Powell Pepper soon snapped accurately again and the fixture finished with a flashpoint. Port's Willie Rioli, running into an open goal, showed the ball to Hawthorn's Changkuoth Jiath before scoring. The Hawk promptly pushed Rioli over, triggering another melee - and a free kick to the Power forward who converted from the goal square. A late double goal for Willie Rioli as tensions rise once again.#AFLPowerHawks — AFL (@AFL) April 13, 2025 Port, now with a 2-3 win-loss record, were brilliantly led by Butters and Rozee, who starred with a strong support cast featuring Jason Horne-Francis (29 possessions), Drew (26, one goal) and Ollie Wines (26). And the Power attack fully exploited their plentiful supply, with Georgiades (three goals), Rioli (three), Powell-Pepper (two) Rozee, Richards and Jackson Mead (two goals) multiple scorers. Hawk midfielder Jai Newcombe (29 disposals, one goal) and skipper Sicily battled against the flow, while veteran Jack Gunston kicked six goals and ruckman Lloyd Meek scored two.
