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.
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Farewell Dusty – Legendary Tiger retires | 06:38
AUGUST 13 – HEPPELL TO RETIRE AT SEASON’s
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.
“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.”
JULY 31 – SUNS VETERAN, DUAL FLAG TIGER BRANDON ELLIS CALLS TIME
Gold Coast Suns veteran and two-time premiership Tiger Brandon Ellis has announced his AFL retirement, effective immediately.
Ellis, who turns 31 this week, calls time after 251 games since being drafted by Richmond with Pick 15 in the 2011 AFL Draft.
It includes 176 appearances for the Tigers as part of a golden era under Damien Hardwick before moving to Gold Coast at the end of 2019.
The midfielder thanked both clubs and Hardwick, who he played for at both stops, for making his journey so special.
“I’m honoured to have had such an amazing journey in the AFL and to have met some incredible people who will be a part of my life forever,” Ellis said.
“I’d like to thank the Richmond Football Club for changing my life and giving me the opportunity to live my dream.
“To my Gold Coast Suns family, it’s been a great adventure to move our life up here and it has been the best decision we’ve ever made. Gold Coast is home now and we can’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon.
“To Dimma, thank you for everything from the very beginning to the end. You have had a massive impact on my life and I can wholeheartedly say I am a better man because of you.
“To my family and partner Sarah – you are the most important people to me and I am forever in debt to you. Thank you for your unwavering support to allow me to live my dream.”
Suns footy boss Wayne Campbell thanked Ellis for his contributions to the club.
“We’d like to congratulate Brandon on all he has achieved throughout his decorated career with both Richmond and the Gold Coast Suns,” Campbell said.
“To attract a player of Brandon’s quality and with premiership experience was a significant result for our club and we are grateful for everything Brandon has given us in five years at the Suns.
“Brandon’s infectious personality and smile, game sense and ability to kick a goal when his team needed it will be how he is remembered.
“He will retire as a champion of two clubs, and we’d like to wish Brandon and Sarah all the best for the next chapter of their lives.”
Sam Reid hangs up the boots | 01:06
JULY 23 – SWANS PREMIERSHIP FORWARD RETIRES AFTER LONG INJURY BATTLE
Sydney premiership forward Sam Reid has announced his immediate retirement after suffering a fresh injury setback in the VFL.
Reid, 32, will step away from the game after booting 183 goals in 181 games which included the Swans’ 2012 premiership triumph.
He informed teammates of his decision on Tuesday as he said he “couldn’t thank the club enough” for its loyalty to him after he was drafted with pick 38 in 2009.
“I have called the Sydney Swans home for the past 15 seasons and I’m so grateful for the time I have had here at the club,” Reid said.
“Since arriving from Victoria all those years ago I’ve grown up from a 17-year-old school kid to now having a wife and two kids of my own. The club has looked after me and my family so well and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity I’ve been given.
“I will look back with so many great memories of playing here – the people I’ve been able to work with have been incredible and a big reason why I lasted 15 years. Of course, the 2012 premiership sticks out in my mind as the footballing highlight.
“I want to say thank you to the entire football club, the players past and present, the coaching staff, and of course all the Swans members who have supported me along the journey.”
Reid was unable to play a senior game in 2023 due to a severe pre-season hamstring injury but was redrafted as a rookie on a one-year deal for 2024.
He has not played since the 2022 Grand Final when he was named after a brilliant season while carrying an injury, and was quickly forced out of the contest.
Swans coach John Longmire praised his commitment to overcoming injuries, which also sidelined him for all of 2016 and all but one game in 2018.
“Sam has been a highly valued member of our team, it has been a privilege and pleasure to coach him,” Longmire said.
“Sam has played several roles for the team and has always been valued for his football smarts and team-first ethos.
“He has faced many challenges with injuries over the years, and his commitment and dedication to rehab has always been of a very high standard.
“We are grateful for all Sam, Kim, Saxon and Harley have given to our club and wish them all the very best for the future.”
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 18): 5, 31, 43, 61
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 15, 53, 62
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
CARLTON
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 17, 37, 64, 65, 70
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 18): 26, 44, 45
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ESSENDON
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 13, 33
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
FREMANTLE
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 7, 10, 14, 24, 60
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GEELONG
Who’s leaving: Tom Hawkins (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 16, 36, 54, 72
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 8, 9, 20, 28, 35, 51, 71
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
GWS GIANTS
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 12, 32, 50, 55, 68
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
HAWTHORN
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 6, 27, 73, 74
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: Angus Brayshaw (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 11, 38, 42, 47, 67
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who’s leaving: Tarryn Thomas (delisted)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 2, 22, 40, 58, 69
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 30, 48
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
RICHMOND
Who’s leaving: Dustin Martin (retired)
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 1, 21, 34, 39, 41, 52, 57, 63, 66
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
ST KILDA
Who’s leaving: TBC
Who’s arriving: TBC
Draft picks (as of end of Round 18): 4, 25, 49
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 18): 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 18): 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 18): 29, 46
Promoted rookies: TBC
Retained rookies: TBC
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