SSP latest: The AFL clubs with list spots and the players in the mix to be signed

With just over two weeks remaining in the Supplemental Selection Period, AFL clubs can still make moves. A few teams are still at home training on prospects, while others may open up slots on their lists or recruit players through the pre-season signing window. On the first day of the SSP, which began in late November, players were signed by the Western Bulldogs (Lachie Bramble), Fremantle (Jeremy Sharp), and Melbourne (Marty Hore). Clubs are allowed to have two train-on players for every free list position, and the Dockers have welcomed four players to train for opportunities under Justin Longmuir. The Dockers could fill two more list spots. In order to create two more list opportunities after Sharp’s acquisition, Fremantle placed injured players Josh Corbett and Sebit Kuek on the inactive list. Former Essendon forward Patrick Voss is one of the players hoping to establish himself at Cockburn. Local forward Sam van Rooyen, Woodville-West Torrens prospect Max Beattie, and delisted St Kilda wingman Dan McKenzie are also vying for a spot in purple. The 2023 VFL best and fairest winner is one of the players hoping to make an impression. After being delisted and having a difficult season last year, McKenzie had the opportunity to train with the Saints; but, due to their draft intentions, they were unable to make room for the 27-year-old.

If a list spot doesn’t open up while he’s with the Dockers, the outside midfielder is also anticipated to train with Gold Coast, as the Suns have two open list spots.

Prior to the new year, Gold Coast did have former North Melbourne defender Aiden Bonar and former St Kilda attacker Jack Peris in training. But the two have since signed with Essendon and Williamstown in the VFL, respectively, suggesting that their time at Carrara is probably over.

The Suns could expand their workout regimen or give McKenzie one more go, since he would provide Damien Hardwick’s team some much-needed experience and running.

Mykelti Lefau, a utility on the VFL list, and Mitch Schofield, a Western Australian, were invited by Hardwick’s former club, Richmond, to train at Punt Road in an attempt to compete for the one list place. Under new coach Adem Yze, the two have persisted in their pursuit of a forward position. In Tom Lych’s absence, the Tigers may take into consideration adding more attacking reinforcement while experimenting with Noah Balta’s transition from defense into the front 50.

Although the club has not verified any train-on talent, North Melbourne only has one list space available for the SSP. Throughout the preseason thus far, the Roos have looked to a variety of VFL players, both new and old, to participate.

Among them are former Hawthorn midfielder Connor Downie, former Demon Deakyn Smith, undrafted prospect Kade De La Rue, and the quartet of Sam Lowson, Tom Cappellari, and Tyler Sellers who are listed for 2023, among others.

Six players from Collingwood are training for three list slots and the chance to play for the reigning premiers, making them the busiest club thus far in the SSP.

Jack Bytel and Brynn Teakle, who were delisted by St Kilda and Port Adelaide, respectively, this off-season, are training in the black and white in the hopes of landing lifelines.

Following the departure of Taylor Adams in the most recent trade window, Bytel is seen as a player who might provide depth to Craig McRae’s midfield unit. Campbell Hustwaite, the captain of the VFL, and Lachie Sullivan, a star player for Footscray, are also vying for the same position.

Teakle, who won his opportunity with Port Adelaide after a stellar stint as a ruck-forward with WAFL team East Fremantle, is capable of playing on all three lines of the field.

Before being delisted last year, the 2022 Mid-Season Draft pick had a trial run as a defender for Port Adelaide in the SANFL.

Joshua Eyre, a former swingman on the Essendon list, has played defense for Collingwood and has shown promise with both his aerial and foot skills. The 21-year-old is trying to earn a second chance after losing out on a training opportunity at Moorabbin to St Kilda a year ago.

Another player who could strengthen the Magpies’ backline is local football player Sam Sofronidis. The agile defender joins Collingwood following a successful season in the WAFA with Collegians.

Due to forward Dan McStay’s ACL injury, the Magpies may need to fill one of their three available list positions in order to maintain a spot free for the Mid-Season Draft. This leaves a fourth space open. The Western Bulldogs may take a same approach after midfielder Bailey Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury that ended his 2024 campaign before it had started. By placing Smith on the inactive list, the former top-10 pick will also free up a roster space for the Dogs.

The Mid-Season Draft, which is most likely to take place in late May or early June, will be the venue for any available list spaces that remain after clubs have until February 19 to sign players through the SSP.

There will be a mid-season trade window under the AFL’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, but this year’s player movement window is unlikely to be used.