List Mgmt. 2023 GWS Giants List Management - Academy, Free Agent, Trade, Draft

[Giant Strides]

Trade Period, October 6–18

• Restricted & Unrestricted Free Agency Period: Friday, October 6, 9am – Friday October 13, 5pm (bid matching ends Monday October 16, 5pm)
• Trade Period (1), picks & players: Monday, October 9, 9am – Wednesday October 18, 7.30pm

Quiet Period, October 19–November 20

• Trade Period (2), picks only: Monday, October 23, 9am – Friday November 10, 5pm
• List Lodgement 1*: Tuesday, October 31, 2pm
• Delisted Free Agency Period (1): Wednesday, November 1, 9am – Wednesday November 8, 5pm
• Delisted Free Agency Period (2): Friday, November 10, 9am–5pm
• List Lodgement 2*: Tuesday, November 14, 2pm

Here's the list of GWS players who are out of contract in 2023 (I'll progressively cross them out as they re-sign):

• Lachie ASH
• Callan WARD (Free Agent)
• Brayden PREUSS
• Tom GREEN
• Finn CALLAGHAN
• Lachlan KEEFFE (Free Agent)
• Jake RICCARDI
• Harry HIMMELBERG (Free Agent)
• Cam FLEETON - delisted (25/9/23)
• Matt FLYNN (Free Agent) - signed by West Coast as an Unrestricted Free Agent
• Xavier O'HALLORAN
• Jack BUCKLEY
• Callum BROWN

Rookie lists:

• Phil DAVIS (Free Agent) - retiring at end of 2023 season
• Jacob WEHR (Free agent)
• Dan LLOYD (Free Agent) - retiring at end of 2023 season
• Cooper HAMILTON
• Wade DERKSEN
• Nick MADDEN (Cat B) - assumed re-signed due to 2 sources of info
• Jason GILBEE (Cat B) - delisted (25/9/23)

Current list sizes (for when we get to list/draft/trade speculation):

• main list = 36 minus 3 (Fleeton, Flynn + Kennedy delisted with a view to be re-selected in the rookie draft)
• rookie A = 6 minus 2 (Davis, Lloyd)
• rookie B = 2 minus 1 (Gilbee)
• total = 44 minus 5

This is the future pick spreadsheet that comes into play only at trade time, as future picks are used in end of season (2023) trading:


Here's the 2023 AFL Academy Squad, so these (roughly) represent the best players for next year as they stand now:

2023 NAB AFL ACADEMY​

NAME	SURNAME	STATE	STATE LEAGUE CLUB	COMMUNITY CLUB
Lachlan	Cabor	NSW/ACT	Sydney Swans Academy	Shellharbour
Nate	Caddy	VIC M	Northern Knights	Yarrambat
Jack	Callinan	TAS	Tasmania Devils	Clarence
Caiden	Cleary	NSW/ACT	Sydney Swans Academy	Sydney University
Daniel	Curtin	WA	Claremont	West Coast
Jack	Delean	SA	South Adelaide	Reynella
Zane	Duursma	VIC C	Gippsland Power	Foster
Mitchell	Edwards	WA	Peel Thunder	South Mandurah
William	Green	VIC M	Northern Knights	Northcote
Riley	Hardeman	WA	Swan Districts	Caversham
William	Lorenz	VIC M	Oakleigh Chargers	Boroondara Hawks
Kane	McAuliffe	SA	North Adelaide	Central Augusta
Colby	McKercher	TAS	Tasmania Devils	Launceston
Ashton	Moir	SA	Glenelg	Plympton
Connor	O'Sullivan	NSW/ACT	Murray Bushrangers	Albury
William	Patton	SA	West Adelaide	Mitcham
Nathan	Philactides	VIC M	Oakleigh Chargers	Blackburn
Ethan	Read	QLD	Gold Coast Suns Academy	Palm Beach Currumbin
Archer	Reid	VIC C	Gippsland Power	Inverloch-Kongwak
Harley	Reid	VIC C	Bendigo Pioneers	Tongala
Archie	Roberts	VIC M	Sandringham Dragons	Hampton Rovers
Jake	Rogers	QLD	Gold Coast Suns Academy	Broadbeach
Ryley	Sanders	TAS	Sandringham Dragons	North Launceston
Cooper	Simpson	VIC C	Dandenong Stingrays	Mount Martha
George	Stevens	VIC C	GWV Rebels	South Warrnambool
Koltyn	Tholstrup	WA	Subiaco	Newtown-Condingup
Orlando	Turner	NT	West Adelaide	South Alice Springs
Jed	Walter	QLD	Gold Coast Suns Academy	Palm Beach Currumbin
Nick	Watson	VIC M	Eastern Ranges	East Ringwood
Darcy	Wilson	VIC C	Murray Bushrangers	Wangaratta Rovers

Happy speculating for 2023!

EDIT: 11/12/22 - Added Free Agent status to OOC player list
EDIT: 24/2/23 - Crossed out Tom Green

12

Tom Green

Age

23

Ht

192cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.5

3star

K

4.3

2star

HB

7.3

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

2.3

4star

CL

2.8

4star

D

11.5

3star

K

4.3

2star

HB

7.3

4star

M

1.8

2star

T

2.3

3star

CL

2.8

4star

D

11.5

3star

K

4.3

2star

HB

7.3

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

2.3

4star

CL

2.8

5star

from OOC player list! (Woo Hoo!!) & Added 2023 Coates Talent League Fixture Link
EDIT: 27/2/23 - Crossed out Finn Callaghan from OOC player list! (Woo Hoo Hoo!!!)
EDIT: 27/4/23 - Crossed out Jacob Wehr from OOC player list
EDIT: 10/5/23 - Crossed out Jack Buckley from OOC player list
EDIT: 9/7/23 - Crossed out Callum Brown from OOC player list
EDIT: 18/7/23 - Crossed out Lachie Ash from OOC player list
EDIT: 20/7/23 - Crossed out Xavier O'Halloran from OOC player list
EDIT: 3/8/23 - Crossed out Harry Himmelberg from OOC player list
EDIT: 9/8/23 - Crossed out Wade Derksen from OOC player list
EDIT: 17/8/23 - Noted Dan Lloyd retiring at end of season
EDIT: 19/8/23 - Crossed out Jake Riccardi from OOC player list
EDIT: 28/8/23 - Noted Phil Davis

1

Phil Davis

Age

34

Ht

197cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.0

3star

K

7.6

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

5.2

5star

T

1.7

4star

MG

55.5

1star

D

8.5

2star

K

4.4

2star

HB

4.1

3star

M

3.4

3star

T

1.3

2star

MG

55.5

1star

D

14.0

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

6.0

4star

M

5.8

5star

T

1.4

4star

retiring at end of season
EDIT: 25/9/23 - Noted Cam Fleeton & Jason Gilbee delisted
EDIT: 4/10/23 - Noted Flynn, Preuss & Keeffe situations
EDIT: 9/10/23 - Updated Flynn to WCE, removed Preuss from OOC player list
EDIT: 12/10/23 - Updated Madden with 2 sources of information
EDIT: 19/10/23 - Updated Keeffe & Hamilton re-signed
EDIT: 31/10/23 - adjusted main list numbers with Adam Kennedy

40

Adam Kennedy

Age

32

Ht

183cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.9

4star

K

8.4

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.8

4star

MG

245.6

4star

D

1.0

1star

K

1.0

1star

HB

0.0

1star

M

0.0

1star

T

0.0

1star

MG

10.0

1star

D

18.6

5star

K

9.8

4star

HB

8.8

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.4

4star

delisting (with a view to be re-selected in rookie draft)

 

[GWS Goose]

If you were confident that WCE would run bottom 2, that trade is not awful (but still asking a lot), but Im not that confident they do finish bottom 2.
They had terrible injuries last year and showed a bit late.
Im not saying Im sure that they will be much better, Im not, I think they are no hope of making semies, but feel they could be anywhere from 10th to last. If they run 10, 11 or 12 that trade is horrendous. If they run 17th it is probably fairish (as long as we go well). If they run last, than it is a good trade for us.
All the upside is for WCE, we bear all the risk.

 

[captainMyCaptain]

Curtin supposedly a pretty big flight risk which would be something we consider heavily I assume

If at this stage the only slider is a flight risk, and next best fit in Caddy is also. It's no wonder we're looking at Leake

 

[PMBangers]

If at this stage the only slider is a flight risk, and next best fit in Caddy is also. It's no wonder we're looking at Leake

Leakes not that far off Caddy in terms of ceiling and I'd argue he's got a higher floor, people talking about Leake like he's a dramatic step down are exaggerating the gap

 

[PaythePerryman]

Leakes not that far off Caddy in terms of ceiling and I'd argue he's got a higher floor, people talking about Leake like he's a dramatic step down are exaggerating the gap

I really like Leake as a fit. Clearly versatile and damaging.
I guess it kinda depends where we see our list build ATM.
Clearly we are confident we will be contesting for a flag next year...maybe that doesn't affect drafting coz they aren't expected to come in for a bit...but if we are looking at a window of then next 3-4 years then locking in some future mids I think is important.
I think it'll take 2 years at least for Caddy or Gruz to be able to take a spot in the fwd line.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

ABC’s analysis of the draft prospects

AFL draft top 30 — ranking the best prospects set to take the league by storm

The 2023 AFL draft is just around the corner, and a new crop of young guns are ready to make their mark at your club. Here are our rankings of the 30 best talents set to be drafted this year.

www.abc.net.au

 

[PaythePerryman]

Great question, we’ve discussed this a while back. The trade would have to assume our F1 is pick 1 or 2 so the deal would be
WCE OUT: F1,58
GWS OUT:7,16,F1
How does that sit? I know most of our board would not be keen.

Wow...as much as we love death riding teams I feel like all the risk if taken on by the Giants....it'd be a failed trade if you guys are even slightly better next year....WCE would get good talent in and expedite the rebuild.

I think there's enough talent in our current picks that this isn't worth the risk.

Neither club supporters keen....makes sense

 

[PMBangers]

I really like Leake as a fit. Clearly versatile and damaging.
I guess it kinda depends where we see our list build ATM.
Clearly we are confident we will be contesting for a flag next year...maybe that doesn't affect drafting coz they aren't expected to come in for a bit...but if we are looking at a window of then next 3-4 years then locking in some future mids I think is important.
I think it'll take 2 years at least for Caddy or Gruz to be able to take a spot in the fwd line.

There's still a chance the likes of Demattia or Edwards, maybe even Tholstrup if we view him as a midfielder long term, are available at our second pick, and given our tendency to shock the public with 'bolter' selections I wouldn't rule out some of the mids talked about for more 30+ being in our thinking for Pick 16.

 

[Orange crush]

There's still a chance the likes of Demattia or Edwards, maybe even Tholstrup if we view him as a midfielder long term, are available at our second pick, and given our tendency to shock the public with 'bolter' selections I wouldn't rule out some of the mids talked about for more 30+ being in our thinking for Pick 16.

How about a bid on Cleary for our second pick?

 

[PaythePerryman]

There's still a chance the likes of Demattia or Edwards, maybe even Tholstrup if we view him as a midfielder long term, are available at our second pick, and given our tendency to shock the public with 'bolter' selections I wouldn't rule out some of the mids talked about for more 30+ being in our thinking for Pick 16.

We do love a bolter.....
Listening to the Caruso interview it sounds like personality is even more important for us....given that it takes a certain type to come and build something new/stay for success.

 

[PMBangers]

How about a bid on Cleary for our second pick?

ehhhhh, I'm really not high on him to be honest and if we were to bid, would hope it's our pick in the 30's onwards, he's a real high floor but low ceiling type so I certainly think he's likely to become a best 22 player, but in the mould of a lesser Taylor Adams. It's no secret I'm high on Luamon Lual and think he could realistically transition into the midfield, but the guys I'd be looking at with proven midfield form are moreso for that 3rd pick; Clay Hall, Cooper Simpson, Kane McAuliffe as inside options (although McAuliffe is the only one of those 3 that'd genuinely excite me), Ry Cantwell and Joel Feijah as more outside leaning types.

More realistically though I think we go for a mid/fwd given there's a few more options in that mould; Koen Sanchez (probably goes closer to 30), Harvey Johnston, Lachie Charlson would fit the mould as athletic guys with defensive work ethic for that rotation that Bedford and Daniels have been in

 

[Orange crush]

ehhhhh, I'm really not high on him to be honest and if we were to bid, would hope it's our pick in the 30's onwards, he's a real high floor but low ceiling type so I certainly think he's likely to become a best 22 player, but in the mould of a lesser Taylor Adams. It's no secret I'm high on Luamon Lual and think he could realistically transition into the midfield, but the guys I'd be looking at with proven midfield form are moreso for that 3rd pick; Clay Hall, Cooper Simpson, Kane McAuliffe as inside options (although McAuliffe is the only one of those 3 that'd genuinely excite me), Ry Cantwell and Joel Feijah as more outside leaning types.

More realistically though I think we go for a mid/fwd given there's a few more options in that mould; Koen Sanchez (probably goes closer to 30), Harvey Johnston, Lachie Charlson would fit the mould as athletic guys with defensive work ethic for that rotation that Bedford and Daniels have been in

Thanks for the completeness of the answer! I’ve read a few things pumping Cleary up as a potential gun inside mid …. I can see where that comes from with his apparent high floor, but the low ceiling doesn’t attract

 

[PMBangers]

Thanks for the completeness of the answer! I’ve read a few things pumping Cleary up as a potential gun inside mid …. I can see where that comes from with his apparent high floor, but the low ceiling doesn’t attract

Tends to happen when kids get big numbers (Stevens, Schoenmaker, etc.) that they get pumped up beyond belief and would have you believe they should be Pick 1s. It's not that any of these guys are bad, but there's a reason that they're unlikely to be top 20, or even top 30 selections.

The game in general, and specifically our game plan, is heading towards running capacity and high effort repeat running becoming a massive focus, so for a guy like Cleary, Stevens, even Sanders to a degree, they're going to have to be dominant first possession winners that can consistently hit precision handballs under pressure (ala Libba), improve their speed/ acceleration off the mark, or they're going to be essentially non-contributors at the top level

 

[dlanod]

How about a bid on Cleary for our second pick?

Seems pretty committed to the Panthers but worth a try.

 

[Teeso]

The more I watch Leake's highlights the more I warm to him. When playing midfield, the disposal from congestion is a bit wild at times but really hunts the ball/player both offensively and defensively. Has goalkicking sense in front of goals and holds his position well, playing stronger than he appears when pulling some big grabs.

I think his skills suit being a mid-forward type more than his medium defender role. Needs to work on his disposal in congestion and pack on the kgs but that will come with a few preseasons. Hate comparing players in general but looks more in the mould of a young Fyfe with his hunt of the ball/marking albeit physically more advanced and better kicking in front of goal when comparing both at time of drafting. For reference Fyfe was 187cm 75kg in his draft year, now 190cm 88kg. Leake is 187cm and 77kg. Hard to say how he develops but definitely has a high ceiling. I feel he would vy with Rowston for Wardy's role after he retires and if picked at 7, should be developed as a mid-fwd.

Does anyone have any info on Leake's speed, acceleration and endurance base? Can only see in game footage which looks pretty good, no numbers I could find though.

If Caddy/Curtin are flight risks, Leake and O'Sullivan would be great alternatives. Would prefer to just hold our first pick at this stage.

 

[GWS Goose]

The more I watch Leake's highlights the more I warm to him. When playing midfield, the disposal from congestion is a bit wild at times but really hunts the ball/player both offensively and defensively. Has goalkicking sense in front of goals and holds his position well, playing stronger than he appears when pulling some big grabs.

I think his skills suit being a mid-forward type more than his medium defender role. Needs to work on his disposal in congestion and pack on the kgs but that will come with a few preseasons. Hate comparing players in general but looks more in the mould of a young Fyfe with his hunt of the ball/marking albeit physically more advanced and better kicking in front of goal when comparing both at time of drafting. For reference Fyfe was 187cm 75kg in his draft year, now 190cm 88kg. Leake is 187cm and 77kg. Hard to say how he develops but definitely has a high ceiling. I feel he would vy with Rowston for Wardy's role after he retires and if picked at 7, should be developed as a mid-fwd.

Does anyone have any info on Leake's speed, acceleration and endurance base? Can only see in game footage which looks pretty good, no numbers I could find though.

If Caddy/Curtin are flight risks, Leake and O'Sullivan would be great alternatives. Would prefer to just hold our first pick at this stage.

Ive seen a few people make the Fyfe/Leake comparison.

 

[captainMyCaptain]

ABC’s analysis of the draft prospects

AFL draft top 30 — ranking the best prospects set to take the league by storm

The 2023 AFL draft is just around the corner, and a new crop of young guns are ready to make their mark at your club. Here are our rankings of the 30 best talents set to be drafted this year.

www.abc.net.au

Thoughts from the abc guy who put this together

 

[Giant Pete]

Jeepers. Lance Collard. I’d be taking him with our second pick for sure.

 

[Giant Pete]

Jeepers. Lance Collard. I’d be taking him with our second pick for sure.

He would fit into our system perfectly.

 

[Teeso]

Jeepers. Lance Collard. I’d be taking him with our second pick for sure.

Love the idea of Collard for some X-factor. Would think if we went smaller with our 2nd pick, would be going for O'Sullivan with our first pick. Again with only Aleer and Haynes as KPD in defence, would likely need to draft 1 more key position player to supplement our stocks.

Collard would be great X-factor up forward and is similar to Hill in that point of difference small forward role who has creativity and flare. Different to Daniels and Bedford who are balanced-defensive small forwards. Would complement really well actually long term in my opinion especially as Greene gets older.

Collard, Jones, McMullin and Stone developing alongside Bedford, Daniels, Greene, Brown and O'Hallaran creates quite some buzz and speed up front. Looking dangerous.

However, if we go with Leake/Sanders with our first pick then may be worthwhile chasing a KPD with our 2nd pick. Not a massive fan of Murphy myself, lacks the aggression/competitiveness I'd expect to see in a 200cm KPD. Would rather us go for Zane Zakostelsky with our 2nd pick if looking for key position stock. Also can pinchhit in the ruck which would be a bonus.

A lot of optimism for this draft whichever way we decide to go!

 

[Giant Strides]

PMBangers, so what primary role do you see Leake ending up in at AFL level?

 

[Andre the Giant]

There should be some slight concern about the star Tassie kids, not so much in the short term however let’s face it, the AFL is the king of managed outcomes, you can bet your life they will have the kitchen sink thrown at any Tassie born talent for their new clubs with all sorts of under the table ambassadorial shite.

Yes there will be compensation but it will happen and it will be disruptive.

We ourselves were the beneficiaries of this during our build and the Devils or whatever they are called will be the same.

That said, we are in the window now and I suspect our prime tilt will be over the next 3 years so it may not matter? Leake does look interesting!

 

[Giant Strides]

There should be some slight concern about the star Tassie kids, not so much in the short term however let’s face it, the AFL is the king of managed outcomes, you can bet your life they will have the kitchen sink thrown at any Tassie born talent for their new clubs with all sorts of under the table ambassadorial shite.

Yes there will be compensation but it will happen and it will be disruptive.

We ourselves were the beneficiaries of this during our build and the Devils or whatever they are called will be the same.

That said, we are in the window now and I suspect our prime tilt will be over the next 3 years so it may not matter? Leake does look interesting!

We've got 4 years until Tassie comes in, and 3 years contract for a first round selection. If they don't sign more than 1 year extension in that time, we'll know they're planning to leave.

I would think we're up to our eyeballs in flag contention for the next 4 years. Green, Cogs, Whitfield, Kelly & Hogan hit that 32 to 34 mark, so if Leake/Sanders could help us get a flag and then leaves ... I can live with that (as Bulldogs live with Tom Boyd retiring).

Of course, we want/need them to stay beyond that, but you would expect that whatever system the AFL uses, there will be reasonable compensation to the losing club.

 

[PMBangers]

PMBangers, so what primary role do you see Leake ending up in at AFL level?

Depends on where he ends up, I'd hazard a guess we see him as a mid/fwd

 

[captainMyCaptain]

Jeepers. Lance Collard. I’d be taking him with our second pick for sure.

His certainly a talent but would be more open to grabbing him if that pick stayed in the top 20 and was locked straight into 3 year deal.

But if we wanted that type of player and our pick was outside the top 20 would look more at Gothard.

 

[Giant Strides]

His certainly a talent but would be more open to grabbing him if that pick stayed in the top 20 and was locked straight into 3 year deal.

But if we wanted that type of player and our pick was outside the top 20 would look more at Gothard.

NSW lad, too. Good leap and quick 20m results in the AFL combine too.