Dees’ first list move after finals exit; Ex-pick 5 among Eagles cull: Off-Season Central

Furphy, 24, played one under-18 game for the Northern Knights in 2018 before he opted to pursue a basketball career.

New Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said Furphy was a “raw product” with “very exciting attributes”.

“He has a big leap and other traits that we are keen to develop,” Mackie said.

“Basketball and Australian rules football have a lot of transferable skills and as a club, we are excited to see what Joe can do as part of our development program.

“With Joe already spending time in various different sporting environments, we feel he is well placed to take on the challenge of being an AFL player.”

It comes after Richmond added its own basketball prospect to its list in 208cm Oliver Hayes-Brown.

The 23-year-old Victorian spent two seasons on the Perth Wildcats roster in the NBL before trialling at Punt Road late in the home and away season.

Each club can directly recruit up to three category B rookies without going through the draft.

Australian athletes who are recruited from other sports must not have been registered with a football team at any level for three years.

— NCA Newswire

SEPTEMBER 12 — SAINTS CUT QUARTET

Luckless midfielder Jack Bytel is one of four St Kilda players that have been delisted.

The Saints on Tuesday night confirmed Bytel, Leo Connolly, Jack Peris and Oscar Adams wouldn’t be offered contracts for the 2024 season.

A talented prospect drafted out of the Calder Cannons with Pick 41 in the 2018 draft, Bytel played 22 games across five seasons as he dealt with back, knee, ankle and foot setbacks.

Connolly managed just seven games in four seasons, while Peris played one game this year — his second season as a Category B rookie. Adams didn’t make his AFL debut during his time with the club.

“All four young men have been popular members of our playing list during their time at the Saints, giving their all and living our values,” acting Saints football boss David Misson said.

“We wish Jack, Leo, Jack and Oscar all the best for their future endeavours and they leave knowing they’ll always be part of the St Kilda family.”

SEPTEMBER 11 — DOGS DELIST TRIO

Former Hawk Tim O’Brien is one of three player to have been delisted by the Western Bulldogs.

The Dogs on Monday night confirmed O’Brien, Cody Raak and Robbie McComb had all been told they wouldn’t be offered contracts for the 2024 season.

O’Brien, 29, departs the Dogs just two years after he was picked up as an unrestricted free agent.

After playing 97 games in nine seasons for the Hawks, O’Brien moved to the Bulldogs, but managed only 18 games in the past two years.

Raak, 20, didn’t play a game for the Bulldogs after being drafted out of their Next Generation Academy program in 2021.

McComb, a 2021 rookie draft acquisition, was plucked out of the Bulldogs’ VFL side and played 18 games for the red, white and blue over two seasons.

“We appreciate the dedication and commitment from Tim, Cody and Robbie during their time at the club and wish them all the best for their future endeavours,” Bulldogs list boss Sam Power said.

“They are terrific people who will always be welcome back at VU Whitten Oval.”

SEPTEMBER 11 – EAGLES CLEANOUT BEGINS WITH DEFENDER DELISTED

West Coast has made their first delisting with defender Luke Foley told he won’t be offered a new deal.

Foley played 32 games after making his debut in 2020 – with the Eagles winning just five of those matches.

“Unfortunately, in this industry decisions are made on players’ careers at about this time every year,” Eagles footy boss Gavin Bell said in a statement.

“We have just begun the process of making some tough calls and we have advised Luke that we do not see him as part of the future.

“He has been a solid contributor in the last five years and has certainly created some strong relationships within the club. We wish Luke every success for whatever the future holds.”

The 23-year-old is a WA junior, arriving at the club with pick 31 in the 2018 Draft from Subiaco.

Foley is the first out-of-contract Eagle to be delisted.

Still without a deal for 2024 are Alex Witherden, Connor West, Greg Clark, Jai Culley, Isiah Winder, Jake Waterman, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Xavier O’Neill and Zane Trew.

SEPTEMBER 10 – DEES FLAG DEFENDER TO RETIRE

Melbourne premiership defender Michael Hibberd has announced he’ll retire at season’s end.

Hibberd has played 197 AFL games, including 12 this season and was an All-Australian in 2017 after moving across from Essendon.

“I love the boys and I feel like I could play until I am 40, but I know that‘s not the reality,” Hibberd said.

“The body gets a bit slower as you get older, and although I like to think that I have a little bit left in me, I feel like going out with a little left in the tank is the right way to go about it, and that‘s a decision I am really comfortable with.

“It has been one hell of a ride and I am so thankful to have done it with this playing group.”

SEPTEMBER 7 – ESSENDON YOUNGSTER TO RETURN HOME

The Bombers have confirmed rookie Anthony Munkara will not be at the club in 2024.

The forward was taken in the 2022 Rookie Draft under the Category B system and managed 15 games at VFL level this season.

On Friday, the Bombers announced Munkara would head home to the Tiwi Islands.

“Anthony has learnt a lot during his time at Essendon and has shown good talent and capability at stages this year,” Bombers general manager of performance Daniel McPherson said.

“We wish him the best with his future and his return to Tiwi Islands.”