A lot of faces have found themselves in new colours in season 2022. From trades, to delistings and free agency moves, fan favourites have now become enemies on another team.
Who's killing it for their new club?
Is there a case of buyer's regret?
The Sporting News take a look at which AFL players have gone where and how they're doing from Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs.
Hawthorn
Max Lynch
After being second fiddle to All-Australian Brodie Grundy and back-up ruckman Darcy Cameron, the former Pie made the move to the Hawks in search of more game time. Debuting for his new club in round 1, Lynch suffered a concussion injury that’s ruled him out indefinitely. Unfortunately, the youngster has been unable to string games at the elite level, managing only four in six years.
Melbourne
Luke Dunstan
Yet to play.
North Melbourne
Callum Coleman-Jones
Switching across from Punt Rd, the former Tiger saw North Melbourne as a suitor, given he fell behind Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt and Noah Balta. Showing glimpses of brilliance in 2021, the Kangaroos had high hopes for Coleman-Jones in his new colours. However, the 22-year-old has only managed one game. His lack of form doesn’t have him banging on the door of selectors, which can be seen as disappointing for ‘Shinboner’ fans.
Hugh Greenwood
Stolen in the 11th hour by North Melbourne, the former Sun and Crow headed to Arden St with 83 games under his belt as a delisted free agent. Known for his toughness and contested ball winning, Greenwood came across with high hopes as another midfielder who can allow Simpkin and Thomas more freedom around the stoppages. Having not missed a game, the 30-year-old has been a handy recruit, averaging 20 touches and five clearances per game.
Port Adelaide
Jeremy Finlayson
Wanting a trade so he could be closer to family, Finlayson requested a move to Port Adelaide from the Giants. After showcasing his talent at GWS, including a 44-goal season in 2019, the move that saw the forward come to the Power was exciting, with yet another dangerous forward on their list. However, like Port Adelaide’s season so far, Finlayson’s output hasn’t been much to rave about, kicking only one goal in three games and struggling to get into games. Despite his potential, the Power’s horrid 0-5 start suggests there are more problems than solutions.
Sam Skinner
Delisted by the Lions after 2021, Skinner was picked up by the Power as another versatile tall who can play at either end. Managing three games at Brisbane, Skinner has added to that since coming across, playing in rounds 2 and 3 before being dropped. Given Port Adelaide’s struggles on field, Hinkley’s been willing to throw names around to see if he can get a different output and so far, hasn’t been successful.
Richmond
Robbie Tarrant
After 14 years service with North Melbourne, Tarrant was traded to the Tigers as of part the Coleman-Jones trade that saw both players swap clubs. The lockdown defender was brought in to free up Noah Balta and replace retiree David Astbury. So far, the veteran has played in all five games, being a part of two wins at his new club. Generally, Tarrant has been able to hold his own, with Taylor Walker and Max King the only ones being able to get a hold of him.
St Kilda
Tom Campbell
Yet to play.
Jarrod Lienert
After falling behind the likes of Ryan Burton, Dan Houston and Tom Clurey as a mid-sized defender at Port Adelaide, Lienert was snaffled by the Saints and has proved to be the perfect replacement to Nick Coffield, who is out for the season with an ACL injury. Lienert is an excellent kick of the ball and his penetrating delivery has been on show, as he averages 19.5 disposals and 6.5 marks in his four matches so far.
Sydney
Peter Ladhams
Falling behind Scott Lycett at Port Adelaide, Ladhams left for more opportunities and thought Sydney was the best fit. Initially brought in as a forward/ruck, the former Power found himself debuting for his new club in round 4 after Tom Hickey went down. The ruckman started slow against the Roos but improved the following week, arguably having his best game of his career in the win over West Coast. Ladhams tallied 24 touches and a goal against the Eagles, making the most of Nic Naitanui’s absence.
West Coast
Sam Petrevski-Seton
Homesick, Petrevski-Seton left Carlton after 94 games. Drafted at pick 6 in 2016, the halfback wanted to move back home to Western Australia in a chance to gain more midfield minutes. A silky and composed ball-user, Petrevski-Seton has only managed three games for the Eagles, as COVID and injuries have kept him out of the side.
Western Bulldogs
Tim O’Brien
Luke Beveridge has managed to lure talent from his old club Hawthorn, with O’Brien making the most recent move. The swingman who can play at either end is seen as an intercept defender at Whitten Oval, with his aerial prowess and marking ability strengths of his. The former Hawk has played the last two games, averaging 15 touches and 7 marks. Bound to play his 100th game this week, O’Brien fits nicely as the Dogs make another push toward premiership glory.
