The opening day of the AFL free agency period was marked by a flurry of activity as players announced they would be on the move to new clubs. Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning coming to the headlines! Both will move to St Kilda as unrestricted free agents. The official signing period opened on Friday morning. This is an exciting window for teams who are looking to change the makeup of their roster.
Silvagni, who declared his intention to go to St Kilda late last month, has now officially completed the move. His presence should add a new dimension to St Kilda’s forward line as they settle in for what looks to be an exciting 2024 season. Teammate Tom De Koning has pledged his future to St Kilda. These transfers are just the latest examples of the club’s broader strategic objectives as they look to the future.
Along with the moves to St Kilda, the next biggest player moves have been officially announced. Jacob Wehr will be heading to Port Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent, adding even more depth to their defensive stocks. Charlie Spargo has signed with North Melbourne. Still only 31 years old, he now takes his talents to a former powerhouse American club looking to regain its competitive sharpness.
Another major development has been James Worpel, who now enters the offseason as a Restricted Free Agent. Worpel has signed a four-year deal to join Geelong. Hawthorn now has a very short window of just three days. They have to either match the competing offer or release him. Unfortunately, this situation puts Hawthorn in a tough spot as they consider their prospects for Worpel’s future.
With the free agency period extending until October 10, teams are closely examining their needs and pursuing potential signings. A trade period will run from October 6-15, giving clubs more time to negotiate player movements. Brody Mihocek is drawing interest from Melbourne, indicating that several clubs are actively pursuing talent to enhance their squads.
Brayden Fiorini is in a good space, having just pledged during the trade period to head to either Essendon, Port Adelaide or Gold Coast. What he does will go a long way toward setting the tone in these clubs as they all seek to put the finishing touches on their roster.
In a purely procedural matter, Carlton’s compensation for Silvagni will be set after the AFL processes the deal. This continues to be a big key for Carlton as they continue to make the turns that free agency has forced upon them.
These early events of AFL free agency period point to an exciting and confusing new era for players and teams. Teams are hungry for fresh talent and to shore up their pick-up lines. Let’s just say that the next several days will be filled with excitement and political drama!
