WITH trade and draft period out of the way, player movement remains active in the AFL with the ongoing supplementary signing period (SSP). Seven clubs still have list spots to fill and can do so in two seperate windows though to February 21. Carlton is the only team with two availabilities.

Two players – Jaxon Prior (Essendon) and Quinton Narkle (Fremantle) – have already been signed up, while 14 others are currently staking their claims as train-ons ahead of the deadline. We profile each prospect vying for an SSP lifeline across the 2025 preseason.

Clubs with list vacancies: Carlton (two), Essendon, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast, Western Bulldogs

Clubs who have filled vacancies: Essendon (Jaxon Prior), Fremantle (Quinton Narkle)

CARLTON

Two list spots available

Matthew Carroll (Carlton)
Defender | 190cm | 28/11/2005

Still somewhat of an unknown to Blues fans, Carroll was selected with pick 15 in the 2023 Rookie Draft and was delisted at the end of 2024. Despite Carlton recruiting somewhat of a replacement in rebound defender Harry Charleson via the most recent rookie intake, Carroll is working towards a lifeline. While hampered by a groin injury this year, the left-footer is a dashing type with promising athletic traits and likes to attack with his run and foot skills. At 190cm, he competes in the air and at ground level.

Sam Durdin (Carlton)
Key Defender | 199cm | 06/06/1996

Durdin landed at Carlton with pick 13 in the 2022 mid-season draft, managing just two appearances in navy blue since. The key defender, who was a first round selection to North Melbourne in 2014, has struggled with soft tissue injuries and managed eight VFL appearances this year. Having been delisted, he’ll have to compete with Denver Grainger-Barras to provide readymade defensive cover with two list spots available. The Blues also drafted a key back in Harry O’Farrell, who looms as a long-term prospect.

Denver Grainger-Barras (Hawthorn)
Key Defender | 194cm | 17/04/2002

Grainger-Barras struggled to break through for consistent games across four seasons at Hawthorn. He turned out 28 times at AFL level after being selected with pick six in the 2020 AFL Draft, but an injury to start the year meant he made no further appearances in 2024. Instead, he cut his teeth in 13 VFL games from Round 7 onwards. As a draft prospect, he was renowned as a shrewd reader of the play who could impact aerially or perform lockdown roles. The West Australian has also been trialled as a forward.

Liam McMahon (Carlton VFL)
Key Forward | 198cm | 02/05/2002

McMahon has been gunning for a second shot at AFL level since being delisted by Collingwood in 2022. The key forward spearheaded Carlton’s VFL side in a breakout season, booting 45 goals from 16 games and taking out the club’s best and fairest award. He kicked multiple goals in every appearance, including a high of seven against Geelong in Round 20. Such performances recaptured the attention of AFL scouts after he landed at the Pies with pick 31 in the 2020 draft. His age profile suits the Blues.

Note: Delisted Hawthorn key defender Ethan Phillips has also been sighted training with Carlton during preseason, but is signed to the club’s VFL side.

ESSENDON

Signed Jaxon Prior, one list spot available

Kaine Baldwin (Essendon)
Key Defender | 193cm | 30/05/2002

Baldwin has been invited to train and earn his spot back on Essendon’s list after being axed at the end of 2024. Considered unlucky by many fans to be let go initially, the South Australian has played eight games in the red and black since being picked up as an SSP signing in 2020. He made no senior appearances this year after suffering a navicular stress injury early in the piece, but has already worked through significant setbacks having had two ACL injuries before even being listed by the Bombers.

Will Hoare (Essendon VFL)
Key Defender | 196cm | 09/05/2000

Having spent three years on Essendon’s VFL list, Hoare burst onto the scene this season with 16 of his 21 career games. The key defender is considered one of the state league’s premier interceptors, and will be directly competing with Baldwin to provide the Bombers with another key defensive option. A product of Pascoe Vale in the EDFL, Hoare averaged 13.5 disposals and 3.5 intercept marks this season and used the ball neatly by foot. The 24-year-old has also garnered interest from other AFL clubs.

Note: Delisted North Melbourne tall Tyler Sellars has been training with the Bombers’ senior group, but is a VFL player not part of the SSP train-on group.

GOLD COAST

One list spot available

Ben Jepson (Southport)
Defender | 184cm | 10/10/2001

Southport knew it had landed a big fish when it signed Coburg’s 2023 best and fairest ahead of season 2024. Jepson spent three seasons at the Burgers after graduating from the Oakleigh Chargers program and was in consideration during this year’s mid-season draft. The dashing defender hit new heights this year and represented Victoria against the SANFL, averaging 24.7 disposals at 82.9 per cent efficiency in 22 VFL appearances this year.

Hewago Oea (Gold Coast)
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 13/11/2001

Nicknamed ‘Ace’, Oea made history in 2022 as the first player from Papua New Guinea to make a senior AFL appearance. He managed 13 games overall before being delisted at the end of 2024, despite taking out the Suns’ VFL Player of the Year award. The 23-year-old offers serious pace and x-factor as a midfielder-forward, capable of breaking the lines and taking the game to the opposition. Suns fans will be familiar with his potential, having already come a long way in his short career.

PORT ADELAIDE

One list spot available

Josh Lai (Cheltenham)
Wing | 185cm | 01/10/2005

A surprise packet plucked out of local footy, Lai may have been overlooked by the prolific Sandringham Dragons program but instead won a Southern League flag with Cheltenham this year. In just 12 senior appearances, the 19-year-old showcased speed, power, and competitiveness which caught Port’s attention. He was on Richmond’s radar too, having signed to the Tigers’ VFL team for 2025. Lai is also renowned for his gutsy aerial work at 185cm, but dashing run-and-carry is his forte.

Jack Watkins (North Melbourne VFL)
Midfielder | 178cm | 18/12/2000

Watkins’ ability is no secret to avid VFL watchers. The North Melbourne captain has won back-to-back best and fairest with the Roos and fits a nice age profile for clubs looking to elongate their premiership window. The 23-year-old midfielder averaged 24.9 disposals across 18 VFL appearances this year and was a graduate of the Western Jets program. With 61 state league games under his belt, Watkins is also represented his state against the SANFL this year. He’s competitive and can hit the scoreboard.

ST KILDA

One list spot available after Brad Crouch retirement

Harry Boyd (Norwood)
Ruck | 198cm | 11/02/1998

Boyd is widely considered to be one of the best state league players going around, and is certainly among the best non-AFL rucks. A solidly built unit at 198cm, the 26-year-old tied for this year’s Magary Medal and helped Norwood take out the 2022 flag in a best and fairest year. Boyd averaged 20.1 disposals, 10.0 clearances, and 41.8 hitouts this season, looming as readymade fold for Rowan Marshall after the Saints parted with Tom Campbell and missed out on Ivan Soldo.

WEST COAST

One list spot available

Sandy Brock (Gold Coast)
Key Defender | 198cm | 14/12/2002

After being drafted out of Peel Thunder in 2021, Brock is heading back to Perth in hopes of earning another AFL opportunity. The Northern Territory native spent three years with Gold Coast having signed as part of the club’s concessional links to the NT. Brock failed to make a senior appearance with the Suns but at 21-years-old, is seen to have plenty of upside. He moves well for a 198cm player and has the versatility to play anywhere on the ground – most likely as a defender.

Coby Burgiel (West Coast)
Utility | 185cm | 09/09/2004

West Coast selected Burgiel with pick 29 in the 2022 AFL Draft but the Gippsland Power graduate hardly got a clean run at it in his two years at the Eagles. Repeat hamstring injuries restricted him to just three WAFL appearances in 2023 and although he looked on track for a 2024 debut, again faced setbacks. Having played 12 state league games this year, the Eagles have seen his potential. His line-breaking speed and ability to play in each third of the field will appeal after being delisted.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

One list spot available

Dom Brew (Werribee)
Midfielder | 180cm | 23/01/1997

Potentially one of the feel-good stories of the offseason, Brew has left nothing in the tank in hopes of being given a chance at AFL level. The Werribee premiership captain is renowned for his work ethic and team-first approach, setting a terrific example with relentless defensive efforts and strong contested craft. In an age where many flashy midfielders go one way, he averaged 9.6 tackles this season to go with 28.6 disposals. He’s a genuine heart-and-soul player who could add to the Dogs’ midfield depth.