The 2023 AFL trade period has shaken things up in the world of Australian rules football, big-time. Several players have made headlines, from retirements of seasoned veterans to strategic delistings aimed at reshaping team rosters. And Luke Breust, who has been an integral player for years, has just retired. Furthermore, a number of clubs (including the Demons) have already completed three or more delistings.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the decisions made during this trade period are expected to have lasting impacts on their performance moving forward. The AFL community, both in Australia and abroad, is watching these developments very closely indeed, as they may herald significant changes to competitive dynamics.
Significant Retirements Shake Up the League
At the end of this trade period, the AFL also underwent a dramatic class of retirements. It is losing many of its most iconic and recognizable players to retirement. Luke Breust, known for his impactful performances and leadership on the field, announced his retirement after years of dedication and success. Breust’s departure leaves a huge void in his club’s front half. Understandably, it now leaves many to wonder how they’ll be able to replace his exceptional talent and vast experience.
Jayden Hunt retires after being one of his team’s most reliable players. The man widely regarded as one of the best in the air had a reputation he carved as a rock defensively. Dom Sheed declared his retirement — an end of an era for him and his club. These retirements illustrate the changing tide among the teams themselves. Richmond’s grand final triumphs and subsequent plight are symptomatic of major shifts within the AFL, as older stars are replaced by younger ones.
The league had one of the largest outfluxes of retiring players, which further reconfigured many teams. Except now, as a result, teams are furiously trying to rebuild or fortify their rosters. As stars leave for greener pastures, teams are left to reshuffle their rosters and new clubs into a new season full of unknowns and new recruits.
Key Delistings Impact Team Dynamics
Policies regarding the delisting of players is another significance major driving force shaping the AFL trade period. Sam Frost and Jasper Scaife were the unfortunate duo to fall under the axe. This decision marks a real turning point in the direction that their clubs are taking. Frost’s delisting especially caused a stir, considering his massive impact in developing the team’s defensive structure.
Callum Jamieson was also delisted, furthering the theme of reassessing performance vs potential within clubs. Like I said, these clubs are moving with a purpose. They want to shorten their rosters, put more focus on developing younger players while directly competing against each other in a chase for talent through trades or drafts.
The Melbourne Demons had a huge trade period, bringing in some big names. They replaced them with players they traded for instead, like Campbell Chesser, Liam Ryan, and Oscar Allen, who all departed through free agency. These decisions reflect a long-term tactical change as they look to establish a new competitive advantage in the league. The moment that teams trade for other established players, they inject some new juice into their line-ups. This approach can stockpile repeatable draft luck that could deliver championship-caliber talent over the next few years.
Rising Stars and Established Talent
Though the major news of the day has been retirements and delistings, many players are still enjoying the peak of their careers. One such player is Oliver, who at 28 years old has established himself as one of the league’s top talents. The 29-year-old has earned three All-Australian selections in his career. He’s been recognized as a two-time AFLCA champion player of the year, cementing his status as an indispensable resource for his team.
Moreover, Oliver’s accolades extend to being a four-time best and fairest winner, showcasing his consistent performance and dedication to excellence on the field. His development is critical in maintaining the team’s competitiveness as the previous core of veteran stars depart. He brings stability and experience, a comfort that younger players can lean on.
With clubs facing these challenges over the next few years, being able to retain or attract talent like Oliver will be crucial. His experience and skill set definitely enhances on-field production right away. On top of all that, they work to mentor up-and-coming players on their own team. The balance between retaining established stars and integrating new talent will define how well teams adapt in the upcoming seasons.
