Welcome to Off-Season Central. Below you can track every move by every club leading into the 2024 off-season. Here’s everything you need to know about what your team is doing to prepare for 2025.
Watch every game until the Grand Final this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > Round 24 AFL Aug 23 7:40pm AEST Melbourne Collingwood MATCH CENTRE $2.15 $1.
70 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 24 1:45pm AEST Geelong West Coast MATCH CENTRE $1.04 $11.00 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 24 2:10pm AEST Richmond Gold Coast MATCH CENTRE $2.
45 $1.55 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 24 4:40pm AEST Hawthorn North Melbourne MATCH CENTRE $1.05 $10.
00 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 24 7:30pm AEST Brisbane Essendon MATCH CENTRE $1.13 $6.00 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 24 7:40pm AEST Sydney Adelaide MATCH CENTRE $1.
37 $3.10 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 25 12:30pm AEST Bulldogs Greater Western Sydney MATCH CENTRE $1.50 $2.
60 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 25 3:20pm AEST Carlton St Kilda MATCH CENTRE $1.70 $2.15 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES AFL Aug 25 6:10pm AEST Fremantle Port Adelaide MATCH CENTRE $1.
80 $2.00 *Odds are current as of 22nd August 2024, 5:28pm AEST VIEW ALL SCORES IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.
org.au. Jack Viney re-signs with Dees till 2028 | 02:43 AUGUST 22 - TWO-TIME PREMIERSHIP TIGER, EX-BASKETBALLER CALL IT QUITS Veteran Richmond winger Marlion Pickett has announced his retirement from the AFL after five and a half years in the system.
The 32-year-old will play his 91st and final match this Saturday against Gold Coast at the MCG, where he alongside several teammates will say goodbye to the yellow and black faithful. Pickett will be remembered for playing his first ever AFL game in the Tigers’ 2019 Grand Final victory over GWS. Only six days beforehand, he not only won a premiership in the VFL side, but also claimed the Norm Goss Medal for best afield; no doubt aiding his case for selection the following week.
Remarkably, he went from playing his first ever match at the top level in front of 100,014 people, and his second in front of none in Round 1 the next year - due to the COVID pandemic. “To be drafted in black and yellow is an honour and to wear it is even more special,” Pickett said on Thursday morning. “My past and the way I grew up is different to everyone else’s and it was not easy to get drafted.
I got overlooked for six or seven years and 2019 I was about to quit all my dreams. “I had some people in my corner, and they told me to stick at it..
. They told me just to give it another year. Pickett played the first 12 matches of 2024, before succumbing to a calf injury that has seen him sidelined since.
As per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph, the Tigers were open to Pickett playing on in 2025 given his experience, but the journeyman believed his time was up. His two games in the VFL over the last fortnight have allowed him to regain full fitness, allowing for a fitting farewell on Saturday. Richmond’s General Manager of Football Talent Blair Hartley congratulated Pickett on his AFL career through a club statement.
“Marlion arrived at the club mid-way through 2019, along the way, he has made great sacrifices and worked through adversity to carve out his career here at Richmond,” Hartley said. “He is a team-first individual who always puts others before himself and has played a significant role in multiple positions for the club, standing up in big moments in big games. “Marlion is a true Richmond Man.
”Meanwhile, Hugh Greenwood has also retired after 121 senior games across three different AFL clubs. The former basketballer was a late comer to the AFL, having been signed as a 23-year-old by the Adelaide Crows back in 2015. Greenwood, plucked out of the Perth Wildcats in the NBL, was signed as a Category B rookie and went on to play over 50 games for the Crows.
He then made the move to the Gold Coast Suns in 2019 where he played two seasons but was cruelly impacted by a serious knee injury. The Suns delisted Greenwood at the end of 2021 with the intentions of re-listing him, but North Melbourne shocked the competition when they picked him up off the scrap heap. “He’s been a great stalwart of our footy club,” North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said.
“He’s a really, really strong character. He’s got a beautiful wife, two beautiful little kids and he’s been so good for the development of the young guys at the footy club. “Where we’re going at the club, he probably saw the writing on the wall a little bit .
.. he’s moving on to the next stage of his life.
” Tigers Premiership hero calls time | 01:17 AUGUST 21 - CAT CULT HERO, BATTLING RICHMOND RUCK CALL TIME ON CAREERS Geelong defender Zach Tuohy has announced the 2024 season will be his last; hopeful of finishing his time in the league with a second premiership next to his name. Taken with the 73rd pick in the 2010 Rookie Draft, the Irishman has forged out an incredible career that leaves him as one of the greatest players to come from the region. “While there is a lot of footy left to play this year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all the members and fans for their support.
I knew when I came to the Cats I was in for a treat, and I didn’t think I fully appreciated just how incredible the journey would be,” Tuohy said to fans in a club statement. Currently in his eighth and last season at Geelong, Tuohy has played 166 games at the Cats - as well as 120 games with Carlton between 2011 and 2016. A career highlight for Tuohy was undoubtedly the 2022 premiership,m in which he played his 250th AFL game.
“Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the hoops,” Geelong GM and former teammate Andrew Mackie said of Tuohy. “He will depart as the Irish games record holder, which is a remarkable achievement for someone who made the decision 15 years ago to leave home to travel across the world to play our game.” Tuohy was managed for his side’s Round 23 clash with St Kilda, but is expected to return this weekend against West Coast.
In a similar vein, Richmond second ruck and former Sydney Swans cult hero Sam Naismith has also announced his retirement 11 years after entering the AFL system. Currently on the sidelines after yet another ACL injury earlier this season, the 32-year-old signed with Richmond as a delisted free agent in November last year, hopeful of finally putting his injuries behind him. Unfortunately however, Naismith only added three games to his career tally his season before his dreaded knee injury that ended his season, and subsequently his career.
“After this year, I’m going to be hanging them up,” Naismith told the Tigers playing group on Tuesday. “I have only been here at Richmond for such a short time, but this has been the best year of my football career. It has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding opportunities to come in here and work with you guys and represent the club, and be able to come back and actually play AFL footy again.
“It is probably something that when I was at my lowest of lows, that I did not really think was achievable. Naismith made his debut at the top level in 2014, playing 33 games - 30 of which were at his former club Sydney. Zach Tuohy explains decision to retire | 00:53 AUGUST 21 - VINEY A DEE FOR LIFE AS GOODWIN TAKES CHEEKY CLARKSON SWIPE 2021 Melbourne premiership player Jack Viney has signed on to become a Demon for life, squashing the hopes of North Melbourne and rival clubs alike to lure him away from the red and blue.
Initially running off contract at the end of next year, Viney joined skipper Max Gawn in extending his tenure early - and is now contracted at the club until the end of 2028. “I love my teammates, my coaches, the staff and the passionate Dees fans. I have created some incredibly special memories and relationships over the past decade, and I couldn’t see myself wearing anything but the red and blue,” Viney said to fans in a club media release.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, senior coach Simon Goodwin commented on his please at Viney’s re-signing and the evident respect the competition has for him. “What it shows is the respect that people have for Jack Viney, and the type of payer and person that he is,” Goodwin said when asked about rival interest. “All I’ll talk about is how much we love him, and how much we value him - because he’s ours.
” Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson last week publicly stated his interest in the inside midfielder on SEN , after Channel 9’s Tom Morris first reported the interest coming out of Arden Street for Viney. But Goodwin made it clear that he won’t be seen doing similar to Clarkson anytime soon. “It’s something I wouldn’t do, talk about players from other clubs and where they’re at .
.. every coach is a little bit different in that space,” Goodwin explained.
Viney was taken at Pick 26 in the 2012 National Draft as a father-son recruit by the club; the home of Todd Viney, who ironically was the link between Viney and the Roos’ pursuit of his services. Assuming he remains fit for this weekend’s season-ending clash with Collingwood, the former club co-captain will head into 2025 with 219 AFL games under his belt. AUGUST 20 - ROOS VETERAN AND TRIPLE PREMIERSHIP HAWK TO RETIRE Triple premiership Hawk turned Roos veteran Liam Shiels has announced his retirement from the game after 16 seasons.
The 33-year-old will line up for his 288th and final game on Saturday afternoon at UTAS Stadium against his former club, Hawthorn. Shiels was a fan favourite at the Hawks, featuring 255 times in the brown and gold and playing a key role in the club’s premiership three-peat of 2013, 2014 and 2015. He embodied courage and toughness and was integral to supporting Hawthorn’s star-studded midfield brigade during their golden era.
“I’ve been lucky enough to do what I love for the last 16 years and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play out my last couple of years at the North Melbourne Football Club,” Shiels said in a club statement. “I always thought I’d be a one-club player, but I’ll always be proud to have finished my football here. As much as I hoped I could have done more to put more wins on the board, these have been some of the most fulfilling years I’ve had.
“To the North Melbourne Football Club. I’ve only been here two years but it feels like I’ve been here much longer. I’ve made some lifelong friends which I’m so grateful for.
Thank you for the opportunity. “To the Hawthorn Football Club. You gave me my first opportunity when you drafted me as a school kid at the end of 2008.
I was lucky enough to achieve the ultimate success three times over. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. “And to ‘Clarko’.
You’ve backed me in from day dot. You nicknamed me ‘Pup’ when I was 17 and you’ve made sure I’ve squeezed as much out of myself as possible and then some more. “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without your guidance, care and support.
I have loved playing for you and I have learned so much off you about the game but more importantly about life and this has made me a better person, husband and now father.” North Melbourne’s general manager of football Todd Viney thanked Shiels for his contribution to the club, highlighting his professionalism and team-first mentality as key factors in his influence on North Melbourne’s young brigade. AUGUST 20 - TRIPLE-PREMIERSHIP TIGER, EX-SKIPPER CALLS TIME Triple premiership Tiger and former skipper Dylan Grimes has announced his AFL retirement after 15 seasons.
A key member of Richmond’s back six and one of the best defenders in the competition during the Tigers’ recent golden era under Damien Hardwick, Grimes retires after 234 games including winning an All-Australian blazer in 2019 and best and fairest in 2021. The 33-year old, who joined Richmond via the 2009 Pre-Season Draft after being overlooked at the national draft, captained the club alongside Toby Nankervis in 2022 and 2023. Grimes will join Tigers premiership teammate Dustin Martin in getting an opportunity to farewell fans in the club’s clash with Gold Coast at the MCG this Saturday.
“The club had plenty of reasons to throw in the towel with me over many years with surgeries, form slumps or whatever (else),“ Grimes said. “There is a part of me that has had a chip on my shoulder for my entire career to try and repay the debt I felt like I owed the club. “Almost everything good in my life, I have because of here, so thank you.
” Grimes has been limited to just five games this season due to a back injury. Tigers CEO Brendon Gale thanked Grimes for his service to Punt Road as one of its most loved champions. “Dylan arrived at the club via the Pre-Season Draft, and straight away, you could tell that he was going to be a player that got everything out of himself, which 15 years later has certainly come to fruition,” Gale said.
“His importance to our team and club across a long period has been profound, and his contribution to our era of success has been outstanding. “In a role that does not always receive the plaudits, Dylan exemplified, and he was respected and admired across the league as a top-line quality player. “Dylan had a wonderful career and is one of our most decorated players, but his legacy at the club as a great teammate will be the most lasting.
“On behalf of everyone at Richmond, we cannot thank Dylan enough for what he did for our club. He was a heart and soul footballer and will forever be a Richmond man.” AUGUST 19 - CULT FAVOURITE TURNED PREMIERSHIP DEMON TO RETIRE Melbourne’s Ben Brown will take the long run-up into retirement after announcing his AFL exit at the end of the 2024 season.
The former North Melbourne forward, who became a favourite of many footy fans for his famously long goal routine - which helped him kick 60+ majors in three consecutive seasons - and iconic hair will retire after 175 games and 360 goals. The four-time Kangaroos leading goalkicker moved to the Demons after the 2020 season and played in the breakthrough 2021 premiership. Injuries have cruelled Brown’s impact ever since but he has become well-known in the footy world as one of the sport’s nicest people.
Ben Brown after the 2021 Grand Final. Photo by Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia “This decision wasn’t an easy one to come to, but I feel it’s right time for my family and I that I hang up the boots after 11 seasons,” Brown said. “I’ve had the chance to reflect in recent weeks, and have an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
To be able to live out my childhood dream, and represent two amazing clubs, is something I will forever cherish. “To the North Melbourne Football Club, thank you for giving me an opportunity, and for creating some special memories across seven seasons. I am so thankful for my time there and for the wonderful people I met along the way.
“To Melbourne, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. The past four seasons have been some of my most cherished, and I’ve enjoyed every opportunity to represent and play for this great club. “To be able to hold the premiership cup aloft with my teammates is something I will remember forever.
It’s an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. I look forward to reflecting on it further in retirement, and maintaining a special bond with all involved in years to come. “To my teammates and coaches, both past and present, and all the members and supporters from both North Melbourne and Melbourne, I sincerely thank you.
You have helped to make this journey unforgettable. “And finally, to my family. To Hester, Aila and Esme, my parents and siblings, and my extended family.
The past 11 years wouldn’t have been possible without all of your support, through the highs and lows. I am excited for this next chapter of our lives together.” AUGUST 13 - HEPPELL TO RETIRE AT SEASON’S END Bombers veteran and former skipper Dyson Heppell has announced he will retire at the end of the season following a stellar 14-year career.
Joining the Bombers with Pick 8 in the 2010 National Draft, Heppell won the Rising Star award in his first year and captained the club from 2017 to 2022 . The 32-year old’s other career achievements include winning Essendon’s best and fairest and an All-Australian blazer in 2014. playing his his 250th game for the club earlier this year.
Heppell has long stayed loyal to the Bombers across his career despite rival interest as he will officially depart the game a one-club player. Heppell will retire at season’s end (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Source: FOX SPORTS “I’ve been wrestling with the decision for a number of weeks and it’s a decision that certainly hasn’t come lightly or been an easy one but one that I’m super content with,” Heppell said. “In my own mind I always wanted to call it a day while I was still playing decent footy and that if it got to a point where we’ve got other boys primed and ready to play my role then I know it’s time.
No doubt there’s a little competitive dog part of me that’s in my ear telling me to go one more but after considering all possibilities and having the opportunity to go out on my own terms it just feels like the right call. “Once it’s all said and done if I’ve managed to have a positive impact on my teammates, coaches, staff and the broader club and hopefully I’ve inspired some little tackers to chase their dreams along the way then I say a job well done and if that’s my success, I’ll take it. “The beauty about this game and this club is that it provides opportunities to meet some incredible people that I’ve fostered great friendships with over the years.
There’s too many to name but I will get to you all in time to say a massive thanks for the impact you’ve had on me. “They all say it, but it does go bloody fast. I’m envious of our young boys embarking on your careers.
I’d go back there and do it all again if I could. I’m so happy with where the club is at and the culture that we’re building and the bold possibility that we have set, and I wish for nothing more than to see this group strive towards that possibility. Let’s tear in for whatever is left for us this year.
I love you all - up the Dons!” AUGUST 7 - VETERAN EAGLE CALLS TIME West Coast Eagles superstar Andrew Gaff has today called time on his AFL career. Gaff informed teammates today that he would not be playing on into a 15th AFL season. Since being drafted by the Eagles with pick 4 in the 2010 draft, Gaff has gone on to play 278 games in the blue and gold.
While an ankle injury has severely hampered his ability to take to the field over the past two seasons, Gaff has played an integral role in helping and teaching the club’s next crop of youngsters. The Eagles intend to play Gaff against North Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday before a fitting final farewell at Optus Stadium against Carlton in round 23. That would mean Gaff would have played 280 AFL matches during his career, placing him fourth for all-time games played at the club behind Shannon Hurn (333), Jack Darling (295*) and Dean Cox (290).
Gaff is a two-time All-Australian representative and 2015 Club Champion. “Andrew has been an amazing contributor to our club for a decade and a half and we will take the opportunity to appropriately acknowledge him in the next two weeks,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell said in a club statement. “It will be sad to see one of our great players end his career, but Andrew leaves a lasting legacy.
He is highly respected across the football club, not just within the playing group and the football department. “Importantly our members and fans on both the east coast and in Perth will get the opportunity to farewell him in the next two weeks. There will be a large contingent of Melbourne-based members and supporters in Hobart and we’re hoping for close to a full house for our last home against Carlton.
” How Cats were 'blindsided' by sly Tigers | 02:56 AUGUST 6 - THREE-TIME PREMIERSHIP TIGER, CAT RETIRE IN TANDEM In a monumental morning for retirements across the league, three-time premiership heroes Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins have announced their respective retirements from the game. Martin, who compiled 302 games and 338 goals at the club announced his retirement with immediate effect. “It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin told Richmond teammates and staff on Tuesday morning.
“I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here. “To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most as well as the bond with the staff and coaches..
. thank you to all of you. “To my family and friends thank you for your unconditional love and support.
“To the Tiger Army, I have always felt so loved and supported throughout my career and for that I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.
” Martin has been hampered by a back injury in recent weeks that’s limited him to two appearances since playing his 300th game against Hawthorn in June. It comes amid ongoing speculation around Martin’s future including the possibility of linking up with Hardwick again at the Suns, hampered by a back injury in recent weeks. As for rival Cats champion Tom Hawkins, the end may not quite be as sudden as the Cats stay in the hunt for another premiership.
Hawkins also announced his retirement on the Tuesday morning, but unlike Martin, not with immediate effect. The 36-year-old is currently recovering from a nasty foot injury that has him ruled out until at least Round 24. “Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years, with his ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career,” Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie said in a statement.
“He is a generational player who will rightly be celebrated for his achievements on field, as well as the role he has played shaping our club into what it is today. “We thank Tom, his wife Emma, and their children Arabella, Primrose and Henry for all they’ve given our club.” EVERY AFL CLUB’S 2024 OFF-SEASON MOVES AND ASSETS ADELAIDE CROWS Who’s leaving: Rory Sloane (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 4, 27, 42, 60 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC BRISBANE LIONS Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 14, 52, 68 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC CARLTON Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 11, 31, 61, 66, 69 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC COLLINGWOOD Who’s leaving: Nathan Murphy (retired), Josh Carmichael (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 32, 47, 50 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC ESSENDON Who’s leaving: Dyson Heppell (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 8, 28 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC FREMANTLE Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 9, 10, 17, 26, 62 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC GEELONG Who’s leaving: Tom Hawkins (retired), Zach Tuohy (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 15, 35, 53, 71 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC GOLD COAST SUNS Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 5, 13, 20, 25, 34, 46, 70 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC GWS GIANTS Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 16, 36, 49, 54, 72 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC HAWTHORN Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 12, 29, 67, 74 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC MELBOURNE Who’s leaving: Angus Brayshaw (retired), Ben Brown (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 7, 38, 44, 51, 63 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC NORTH MELBOURNE Who’s leaving: Tarryn Thomas (delisted), Liam Shiels (retired), Hugh Greenwood (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 2, 22, 40, 58, 64 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC PORT ADELAIDE Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 37, 55 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC RICHMOND Who’s leaving: Dustin Martin (retired), Dylan Grimes (retired), Sam Naismith (retired), Marlion Pickett (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 1, 21, 30, 39, 41, 48, 57, 65, 73 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC ST KILDA Who’s leaving: TBC Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 6, 24, 45 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC SYDNEY SWANS Who’s leaving: Sam Reid (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 18, 19, 56 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC WEST COAST EAGLES Who’s leaving: Andrew Gaff (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 3, 23, 59 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC WESTERN BULLDOGS Who’s leaving: Aiden O’Driscoll (retired) Who’s arriving: TBC Draft picks (as of end of Round 23): 33, 43 Promoted rookies: TBC Retained rookies: TBC.
