That’s a wrap on arguably the most active AFL Trade Period we’ve seen. And that means a bunch of high-profile faces in new places.
Some big-name stars of the AFL are changing colours, clubs and cities.
And who knows how it’ll all unfold. But we can take a stab and assess which moves are likely to have the most oomph. There’s certainly no less than 13 players that need tracking. Here they are.
Josh Dunkley – Brisbane
Dunkley’s move from the Western Bulldogs to Brisbane was one of the more drawn-out storylines of the Trade Period, but the midfielder got his trade wish on the final day.
As the Dogs’ reigning Best and Fairest winner, Dunkley’s inclusion will be incredibly beneficial for the Lions, slotting into an already stacked midfield alongside the likes of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey.
Dunkley could well be the inclusion that sends the Lions to the next level in 2023, and the key to unlocking Brisbane’s chances of an elusive premiership.
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Brodie Grundy – Melbourne
Once one of the best ruck match-ups, long-time opponents Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will be teammates at the Dees in 2023.
Grundy’s arrival at Melbourne fills the hole left by Luke Jackson’s departure, and will make the Demons’ ruck lineup arguably the most formidable in the league.
Jackson’s departure stings a little bit less with Grundy’s inclusion, and Melbourne now boasts two versatile, impactful ruckmen who’ll be able to share the ruck load and terrorise opposition sides.
Ollie Henry, Jack Bowes and Tanner Bruhn – Geelong
Fresh off a premiership, the Cats have loaded their list with young talent this Trade Period.
In Henry, they now boast a creative, dynamic medium forward, who’ll slot nicely into their front-half mix alongside the likes of Tyson Stengle and Brad Close.
Bowes joins the club with 83 games of AFL experience behind him, and already seems to be a big piece of the Cats’ 2023 plans. As the most experienced of the trio, Bowes could easily be the next inclusion into the Cats’ midfield following Joel Selwood’s retirement.
As a former Pick 12, Tanner Bruhn is another talented inclusion to the Cats’ list. Likely to play a mix of midfield and forward time, the Geelong-born ex-Giant is undoubtedly right at home at his new club.
Jacob Hopper & Tim Taranto – Richmond
They weren’t moved in the same Trade period deal, but Hopper and Taranto arrive at the Tigers as a package deal.
They’ll slot straight into the Tigers’ best 22 and starting midfield – expect to see them lining up at the first bounce in round one next year.
Both incredibly prolific, Hopper and Taranto will have a huge impact as part of the Tigers’ side next year, and arguably propel their new side to premiership favouritism.
Hopper, Taranto, Prestia, Bolton, Martin & Cotchin – that midfield is a scary prospect.
Embed from Getty ImagesJason Horne-Francis – Port Adelaide
The bombshell of this year’s Trade Period, the Power had to pay up for Horne-Francis, but fans won’t mind at all.
After just one season at North Melbourne, 2021’s number-one pick returns to his home state and has already been locked away long-term, signing a six-year deal with the Power.
He adds to an already impressive young midfield brigade, alongside the likes of Zak Butters and Connor Rozee, and has every chance to shine as he did in his draft year.
On the other hand, Horne-Francis will have the opportunity to learn from the likes of Travis Boak and Ollie Wines, and will have a great opportunity to build a consistent and prolific career at Port Adelaide.
Luke Jackson – Fremantle
One of the biggest fish in the Trade Period, Jackson’s story was interesting to observe from the beginning, expressing his desire to return to his home state of WA without nominating a preferred club.
Despite this, though, Jackson seemed destined for Fremantle, and he’ll be an invaluable addition to the Dockers’ side in 2023.
Having won a flag with Melbourne in 2020, Jackson brings finals and premiership experience to the Dockers, who exceeded many expectations in 2022.
Having lost a few players, the Dockers’ trade period could easily have gone pear-shaped, but with Jackson’s inclusion alongside Jaeger O’Meara from the Hawks, the Dockers could certainly continue on an upward trajectory into 2023.
Tom Mitchell – Collingwood
It’s not every trade period that a club secures a former Brownlow Medallist, but the Pies have done just that with the inclusion of Mitchell.
Adding to a midfield and a side that also vastly exceeded expectations in 2022, Mitchell is a huge boost to Collingwood’s list ahead of 2023.
Mitchell is the cherry on top of a busy trade period for the Magpies, who despite losing young Ollie Henry and Brodie Grundy also added Bobby Hill, Billy Frampton and Daniel McStay.
With Mitchell joining Collingwood for 2023, expect to see the Pies continuing to threaten plenty of sides again next year.
Izak Rankine – Adelaide
Another young gun going home, Adelaide fans have every right to be excited about Izak Rankine.
The small forward is one of the league’s most exciting players, and he matches the excitement with his ability to turn a game and impact a contest.
Rankine is a big boost to the Crows’ forward line, which caused headaches for a few sides in 2022, and he’ll form a nice partnership with the likes of Josh Rachele and Shane McAdam, and will be able to crumb at the feet of Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe.
Don’t be surprised if we’re calling the Adelaide Oval pockets the ‘Izak Rankine pockets’ next year.
Junior Rioli – Port Adelaide
Another small forward who might be claiming a pocket of the Adelaide Oval next season, Rioli joined the Power in the same four-way mega trade that saw Jason Horne-Francis arrive at Alberton. And his inclusion is certainly flying under the radar.
With Robbie Gray and Steven Motlop both hanging up the boots ahead of 2023, Rioli will slot straight into the Power’s starting 22 in their stead.
Alongside Orazio Fantasia and with the likes of Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall as Port Adelaide’s tall forwards, Rioli’s addition makes the Power a formidable forward force to watch out for in 2023. A strong Trade Period for the teal army.
Will Setterfield – Essendon
Starved of opportunity at the Blues due to inconsistent selection, don’t be surprised if Will Setterfield is 2023’s breakout star, as Will Brodie was in 2022.
Finally at the club he supported as a kid, nearly six years after the Bombers considered bidding on him at pick 1 in the 2016 draft, Setterfield could be an underrated addition to Essendon’s midfield.
Providing a tall, big body in the middle, Setterfield will add an extra dimension to the Bombers’ midfield, and his ball-winning ability will be a big benefit alongside his already prolific now-teammates Dylan Shiel and Zach Merrett.