AFL 2022 offseason moves and rumours: St Kilda sign former Carlton midfielder

Aidan Cellini

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AFL 2022 offseason moves and rumours: St Kilda sign former Carlton midfielder image

Although the trade period is done and dusted, clubs can still add players to their list via the free agency period.

The AFL initially gave teams three separate windows throughout November to acquire any retired or delisted players that they see fit for their lists in the midst of a busy offseason.

Clubs were then given 12 days to sign those looking for a new contract at rival clubs, according to AFL.com.au.

Stay tuned to Sporting News to ensure you don't miss any of the latest news.

Latest AFL offseason news and rumours

St Kilda confirm signing of former Carlton midfielder Liam Stocker

Fri Jan 20

After being delisted by Carlton at the end of the 2022 season, Liam Stocker has officially joined St Kilda for 2023.

The 23-year-old played 28 games as a Blue but will now put on the guernsey of the team he supported as a child.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign on as a Saint,” Stocker said.

“The last few months have reaffirmed to me how much I want this and I really believe I can contribute at AFL level. I’m very thankful to my coaches and those around me for giving me this chance.

“As a lifelong Saints fan, I’m looking forward to seeing what the club’s 150th year will hold and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”

Phillips, Narkle in line for AFL lifeline

Friday Dec 16

Richmond and Essendon have offered hope for delisted duo Tom Phillips and Quinton Narkle.

Reported by AFL.com.au, the Tigers have allowed Narkle to come down to Punt Road and train with the club while the Bombers have done the same with Phillips.

Richmond have also let join country footballer Kaelen Bradtke and youngster Luke Teal.

Anderson officially signs with the Suns

Wednesday Dec 7

Former North Melbourne player Jed Anderson has officially signed with the Gold Coast Suns.

Anderson signs with his third AFL club as a pre-season supplemental pick, shortly after the period opened up on Monday December 5.

The tough midfielder will add some much needed experience at the Suns and will likely become a 100-game player after being stranded on 99.

Shiels, Baker, McKenna officially land at new clubs

Tuesday Dec 6

Former Hawthorn player Liam Shiels, Ex-Melbourne winger Oskar Baker and Irish speedster Conor McKenna have found new homes as the pre-season supplemental signing period opened on Monday, December 5.

Shiels reunited with former coach Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne in a bid to add some much needed experience to the list.

While Baker joined the Western Bulldogs and could fill a void on the wing that was left by Lachie Hunter's departure.

McKenna joined Brisbane since returning from Ireland, opting to go with the Lions instead of re-joining the Bombers.

11 vacant list spots still up for grabs

Tuesday Dec 6

There are still 11 list spots remaining ahead of the 2023 AFL season across nine clubs.

Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs all have a singular spot left.

St Kilda and Gold Coast have two.

According to Fox Sports, seven players have been requested to come down and train at some of these clubs in a bid to snatch the last spots.

Oscar Steene (Collingwood), Liam Serong (Fremantle), Sam Stubbs (Fremantle), Trent Burgoyne (Melbourne), Kye Turner (Melbourne) as well as Josh Eyre (St Kilda) and Liam Stocker (St Kilda) have joined pre-season training programs.

Stocker and Eyre look for Saint lifeline

Monday Dec 5

Ex Blue Liam Stocker and former Bomber Josh Eyre are set to train with St Kilda in a bid to receive an AFL lifeline.

Stocker's shock delisting came as a surprise to many but will get a chance to impress Saints coach Ross Lyon, according to AFL.com.au.

Eyre is under the impression Essendon could sign him during the pre-season but the key forward is keen to look elsewhere to continue his career.

Anderson join Suns

Thursday Dec 1

Delisted North Melbourne player Jed Anderson has joined the Gold Coast as a pre-season supplemental selections.

The Suns haven't been shy in admitting they need some experienced heads in their camp, given they recently added Connor Blakely (Fremantle) and Jake Stein (GWS) through the Rookie Draft.

Anderson has been in the competition for 10 years when he debuted for Hawthorn in 2013.

The tough midfielder is currently stranded on 99 games following seven seasons at the Kangaroos.

Woodcock deserves a lifeline

Thursday Dec 1

Former Port Adelaide player Boyd Woodcock has done everything in his power to earn himself an AFL lifeline.

Reported to train with Gold Coast to fight for a spot on their list, Woodcock is more than ready to enter the league once again.

The 22-year-old was dominant for Southport in the VFL in 2022, which was reflected by his second-placed finish in the J.J. Liston Trophy.

Woodcock played 12 games for the Power before being delisted at the end of 20221.

The Suns have two pre-season supplemental spots on their list with one likely going to veteran Jed Anderson, according to AFL.com.au.

Frankston's Brodie mcLaughlin and academy graduate Brinn Little will join Woodcock in training with the club.

Mullin joins Cats as third Irish recruit

Friday Nov 25

Oisin Mullin officially joined Geelong and becomes the third Irish recruit on their list, linking up with Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor.

Mullin was supposed to sign with the Cats as a rookie for the 2022 season but instead decided to remain in Ireland, according to Fox Sports.

Madgen will join Adelaide's SANFL side

Thursday Nov 24

Delisted Collingwood player Jack Madgen is set to join Adelaide's SANFL side for 2023.

Keen to continue his AFL career, Madgen will continue his football in South Australia and will be ripe for a Mid-Season selection.

Former recruiter Matt Rendell spoke on his nephew's recent signing on SEN.

“It’s my nephew (Jack Madgen)! I’ve got him another job! And I’ve got the Crows another player," said Rendell.

“He’ll be joining their SANFL side and working at the club in development as well.

“I think it’s a really good pick-up by the Crows. I’m really worried if one of their key backs gets injured.

“I think it’s a smart move by the Crows. If they happen to lose one, they can pick Jack in the mid-season draft if they need a key back."

Baker likely to join Dogs

Wednesday Nov 23

Delisted Oskar Baker is set to extend his career at the Western Bulldogs.

Dropped from Melbourne at the end of the 2022 season after 15 games, Baker could receive a lifeline.

The wingman will join the Dogs as a pre-season supplemental selection, following Liam Shiels and Conor McKenna.

Baker will join new recruits Rory Lobb and Liam Jones at the kennel.

Shiels to reunite with Clarkson at Roos

Tuesday Nov 22

Retired Hawthorn player Liam Shiels is set to join Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne as a rookie.

The move has been linked for some time once Shiels announced his retirement at the end of August after 255 games.

Given the midfielder didn't nominate for the draft next week, he will likely sign as a pre-season supplemental selection.

AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey dropped the news on Tuesday.

Conor McKenna is officially a Lion

Friday Nov 18

Conor McKenna has officially joined Brisbane ahead of the 2023.

After returning from Ireland, McKenna is keen to come back into the AFL after a 79-game span over six seasons with Essendon.

The Lions picked up the dashing defender as a pre-season supplemental selection and is excited to be joining the club.

“I wanted to come back to a club that was playing deep into finals pushing for a premiership and Brisbane have been doing that for the last number of years,” McKenna said according to the Herald Sun.

“The club has been great for both myself and my partner Amy in making us feel comfortable and putting foundations in place to make sure the move out goes as smooth as possible.

“I am really looking forward to getting back out and into the swing of things.”

Lions set to acquire McKenna

Thursday Nov 17

Conor McKenna is set to join Brisbane during this offseason, as the speedster has nominated his club of choice.

The Lions weren't the only ones set out to get McKenna, with St Kilda, Port Adelaide and his old team Essendon were also in the race.

However, the relationship with former teammate Joe Daniher, who's up at Queensland, seems to be a winning card Brisbane has played.

McKenna will join Chris Fagan's side as a pre-season supplemental selection, following Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston to the club.

Stocker to train at St Kilda

Thursday Nov 17

Shock delisted Carlton player Liam Stocker has been given a chance by St Kilda, with the midfielder offered an opportunity to train with the club.

The 22-year-old struggled to cement his spot at the Blues in the senior side and is keen to continue his career elsewhere.

Stocker was forced to play in the backline under Michael Voss and David Teague, featuring in 28 games since 2018.

Madgen to continue career at Saints?

Thursday Nov 17

Delisted Collingwood player Jack Madgen has reportedly been in contact with St Kilda, in a bid to continue his AFL career.

Not offered a contract after 49 games with the Pies, the 29-year-old is still seeking a place to play at the elite level according to Code Sports.

However, a deal has not yet been offered to the defender but it seems it's a very real possibility.

Four-club race for Bomber speedster

Monday Nov 14

Conor McKenna's return to the AFL looks all but set to go but a hold up on what colours he wears in 2023 is yet to be decided.

The former Bomber toured St Kilda's facilities last week but it's understood that Port Adelaide, Essendon and Brisbane are also in the mix.

McKenna spoke to 7News about his potential return to the competition.

“I’m talking to four, five clubs and it’s getting into the small details,” McKenna told 7NEWS.

“Myself and my girlfriend (Amy McAuley) is coming out, have to keep her in mind so it’s a tough decision.

“I went home and won the premiership which is sort of what I wanted to do, after I ticked that box, I was confident I was going to come back at some stage.

“Having two years out, I’ve probably learnt to appreciate it a bit more and what mistakes I made and what I did well and keen to get back in the swing of things."

Ex-Pie, Hawk wanting AFL lifeline

Monday Nov 14

Delisted Hawthorn wingman Tom Phillips is wanting an AFL lifeline, as he looks for his third club during his career.

Speaking on SEN, Phillips believes he is in a "really good spot" despite being moved on by the Hawks, which hasn't deterred him from his desire to continue his time in the league.

“I feel I’m in a really good spot and I’m super keen to get back to being what I think is one of the best runners in the game at my best," Phillips said.

“That’s the main priority for me at the moment, to get back, I’m running really well.

“I think I can play a role for any club going forward in 2023 or beyond.”

Phillips is in talks with multiple clubs and could be picked up as a delisted free agent.

“Yeah, there is, there is enough confidence at the moment so I’m keeping at it,” Phillips said.

“As I said, as we know in the AFL environment, it can be unpredictable at the best of times.

“There’s always movement, there’s always a lot of different things going on.

“You’ve got to be able to keep working and moving in the right direction without any 150 per cent guarantee.

“That’s been my mindset since the start of September and it’s the same until now.

“I’m focused on staying on that path until genuine decisions are made and beyond that as well.

“I’m committed to getting back.” 

Hannebery not done with yet?

Monday Nov 14

Dan Hannebery appears not to be done with yet, despite retiring whilst at St Kilda.

The former Sydney premiership player has struggled with his body over a number of years but is contemplating a shock return to the system as Gold Coast circles.

Third times a charm for Anderson?

Monday Nov 14

Jed Anderson looks likely to join his third AFL club, Gold Coast, after a surprise delisting by North Melbourne.

Anderson previously spent time at Hawthorn before joining the Kangaroos for the 2016 season.

According to Fox Sports, the Suns are keen to add some mature-aged players to help with the young group led by Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell.

Stack confident on getting another go

Monday Nov 14

Sydney Stack is confident on getting another crack at AFL level after being delisted by Richmond.

Stack struggled to make an impact in 2022 despite bursting onto the scene as in 2019 as a pre-season supplemental selection.

Now the utility is keen to continue his career and reports have led to believe multiple clubs are interested, including Gold Coast.

Manager Paul Peos is also quietly confident that Stack will be running around in the AFL in 2023.

“He is preparing to be an AFL player in 2023. So hopefully someone steps forward and provides him with an opportunity. He's pretty open to going anywhere for a chance,” Paul Peos said.

“He has had some pretty good discussions with teams so hopefully that progresses forward.

“On a list of 40 it's a pretty low financial risk and clubs would be weighing up the pros and cons.

“Sydney has been through some tough periods but he's certainly learned some lessons.”

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Quinton Narkle receiving interest from rivals

Monday Nov 14

After a shock delisting from Geelong, Narkle seems likely to be scooped up by rival clubs.

Originally from Western Australia and West Coast has been named a suitable destination for the midfielder.

However, Empire Sports Management director Anthony Van Der Wielen believes there's more than one club after Narkle but the details are yet to be worked through yet.

“I'm relatively confident that he finds another home,” Van Der Wielen said, according to ZeroHanger.

“We've got interest from a number (of clubs) and we're working through those details at the moment.

“We're working through things with clubs at the moment and it will be an intricate thing between now and the draft.

"He's keen to go wherever he can get an opportunity.

“He's very keen to play and there's a healthy level of interest in him."

Stocker to Essendon?

Monday Nov 14

Liam Stocker's disappointing delisting from Carlton has fans confused given he wasn't given a proper go at AFL level.

However, this has opened up the ability for rival clubs to snatch the former first-round pick for close to nothing.

It was reported that Essendon met with Stocker not long ago about the potential to move across to an arch rival of the Blues.

With one delisted free agency period down, time is running out for the midfielder but there are other avenues like the draft or pre-season supplemental period on the eve of the 2023 season.

Collier-Dawkins not giving up on AFL dream

Monday Nov 14

Delisted Richmond midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins says he is not done with the AFL just yet, after being squeezed out by Giants pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.

Collier-Dawkins revealed that there has been some initial discussions with rival clubs but nothing is set it stone.

“There’s preliminary discussions with a fair few clubs, which has given me a lot of hope but until something’s official you never know," Collier-Dawkins told 7News.

“I’m just going to be ready."

Collier-Dawkins has had an impressive offseason already and is keen to continue on his path of improvement.

“I certainly have felt and got some evidence to take out of (my time at Richmond) that I can (play at AFL level) and I know what it takes to get there,” Collier-Dawkins said.

“I’ve got a lot of speed and power and I think that’s something in the modern game that really separates the best teams from the good teams."

Cats keen to add third Irish recruit

Monday Nov 14

Geelong have their sights on Oisin Mullin despite denying their offer and returning to Ireland for 2022.

“It is understood the two-time Young Footballer of the Year stayed in contact with the current AFL champions throughout the year and the Cats have re-tabled their offer,” the Irish Examiner reports, published by Fox Sports.

“The 22-year-old is set to commit as a category B rookie.”

Mullin would join fellow Irishmen Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor if he were to take a spot on the rookie list at the Cats.

Mitch Wallis keen to continue playing

Monday Nov 14

Wallis was delisted by the Bulldogs at the end of the season but is still keen on continuing his career elsewhere.

Filled with leadership and a good training dedication, the 29-year-old would suit most young clubs like a Gold Coast or Adelaide.

“It’s still pretty raw, I haven’t totally moved on from the Bulldogs yet... we’ll explore (the interest) over the coming weeks and see what’s out there,” the ex-Bulldog said on SEN.

“I’m keen to keep playing but at the end of the day, we’ll let the dust settle and acknowledge a club that’s been so kind to me and take the next step in due course.

“I love footy… I’m open to all offers and all ideas."

AMT returns home to Bombers

Friday Nov 11

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has officially returned to Essendon, accepting a one-year contract.

Bomber GM Josh Mahoney is thrilled to have McDonald-Tipungwuti back at the club.

“We are thrilled that Anthony has decided to come back to the Bombers. Anthony took time away from the club in 2022 to focus on life outside of footy. We’re comfortable he has taken the time he needs to bring a renewed enthusiasm to return to the AFL and play for Essendon,” Mahoney said.

"He is a committed Essendon person who loves playing football and our conversations with Anthony recently led us to believe there was a realistic chance he would come back to Essendon.

“Once we knew he was keen to return we worked with the AFL on the right pathway back to the club including approval from a list management perspective.

“He is loved by players, coaches, staff and fans and we look forward to him returning to Essendon."

Evans finds new home at the Power

Monday Nov 7

Geelong delisted Francis Evans as they believed he couldn't warrant a spot on the list, with Port Adelaide swooping on the youngster.

Starved of opportunities at the Cats, the 21-year-old is hoping a fresh start at a new club is what he needs.

Power list manager Jason Cripps said Evans has been on their radar for some time, reported by the Herald Sun.

“Going into the off-season we recognised a need to bolster our small forward stocks and Francis is a player we identified as suiting that need," Cripps said.

“We know he has an eye for goal but is also not immune to working hard to win the ball and keep it in the forward line.

“We look forward to getting him to the club in the coming weeks as our players return for pre-season training.”

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Greene gets second chance at AFL level

Monday Nov 7

Hawthorn has given Fergus Greene an AFL lifeline after his initial stint at the Western Bulldogs didn't amount to much.

Featuring in Box Hill's team in 2022, Greene proved his worth, slotting 53 goals for the season and leaving no choice but for the Hawks to pick him up.

The departure of Jack Gunston (Brisbane) as well as other veterans in Tom Mitchell (Collingwood) and Jaeger O'Meara (Fremantle) has breathed a new air of youth into Sam Mitchell's side that the 24-year-old will suit.

Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie was convinced of Greene's talent and felt it was the right move, says the Herald Sun.

“We’re really thrilled to have secured the services of Ferg; he’s an exciting player with a lot of potential,” McKenzie said.

“We identified we needed more forward line support, and Ferg’s attributes suit the way Sam and our coaching group want to play.

“With some exposure already at AFL level and a really impressive two seasons in the VFL; we believe Ferg will be a great fit for our young and developing group.”

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.