AFL clubs have swung the axe two days after the trade deadline, with several players delisted and one veteran retiring.
Hawthorn acted first with Max Ramsden and Flynn Perez let go, though both have been offered the chance to train with the team during the AFL pre-season supplemental selection period.
The Western Bulldogs then announced they were moving on Ryan Gardner, Lachie McNeil and Nick Coffield.
Former rookie pick McNeil racked up at least 11 appearances in each of his six seasons, kicking 17 goals in 21 games in 2025.
Gardner played the Dogs’ first three finals in 2021 before missing out on the grand final, though he played 22 games in his best season the following year.
Coffield went two full years without an AFL appearance at St Kilda before joining the Dogs ahead of the 2024 season.
He played 12 games in his first two years at Whitten Oval and 13 this year.
“All three players have made fantastic contributions to the Western Bulldogs as dedicated members of our playing group,” Bulldogs football boss Sam Power said.
“We wish them all the best for the future and they will always be welcome back at the Bulldogs.”
Port Adelaide also delisted Ollie Lord and Tom Anastasopoulos on Friday while Will Brodie announced his retirement with a year to run on his contract.
Lord once kicked four goals in an AFL final but was undone by an ACL early in the SANFL season this year.
Brodie began his career at Gold Coast before spending time at Fremantle, joining Port this time last year.
“After a decade in the AFL, now feels like the right time to hang up the boots,” Brodie said.
“I’m thankful to Gold Coast, Fremantle and Port Adelaide for all taking a chance on me, and helping me live out my dream.
“I’ve met so many amazing people along the journey, many of whom will stay lifelong friends.
“Thank you to my teammates and coaches at all three clubs, and most importantly, to my family, especially my partner Kate and daughter Mila, for the sacrifices they have made for me and my career.
“I’m really looking forward to this next phase of life.”
Richmond later announced ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown and Steely Green had been delisted.
Green missed just seven games over the past two seasons and leaves the Tigers with 32 goals and 45 games to his name.
Hayes-Brown, a former Category B rookie, developed at Old Ivanhoe in the VAFA and in Richmond’s VFL side before playing seven AFL games this year.
But the Tigers have recruited GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs and will now put time into developing another Category B rookie in 217cm ex-basketball player Patrick Carr — the tallest player ever to sign with an AFL club.
“It is always difficult to make these decisions and unfortunately we were unable to offer a list spot for Steely and Ollie,” Richmond list boss Blair Hartley said.
“Both worked incredibly hard across their time at the club. We wish them well for the future.”
