THE AFL’s free agency period is over — but there are still several free agents left in limbo and up for grabs.

Overall, five free agents found new clubs during the free agency period, with Tom Lynch’s move to Richmond the most publicised one. Others included Reece Conca (Fremantle), Scott Lycett (Port Adelaide), Luke Dahlhaus (Geelong) and Alex Fasolo (Carlton).

St Kilda great Leigh Montagna said free agency worked well this year.

“There was this whole drama that it was going to ruin the competition and players are going to want to go to the best teams. But it’s worked as it’s meant to do,” Montagna told Fox Footy’s The Trade Lowdown.

“These players at top teams that were fringe players that can’t get a game have gone to the bottom half of the ladder teams because they know they’ll be a regular player there. It helps even out the competition.

“I know Tom Lynch was a bit of an anomaly, otherwise it’s had its effect.” AFL free agency wrap

However there are still 12 free agents that remain uncontracted for next season.

These players now have four options: Sign on with their club, get traded by Wednesday, be picked up as a delisted free agent or take a punt and go to the draft.

Here’s where all 12 sit and what might happen to them over the next month.

Jordan Roughead (Western Bulldogs)

The only restricted free agent who didn’t re-sign or find a new home during the free agency period. He’d been linked to West Coast, but that possible move fell through earlier this week, while the Eagles secured another ruckman in Tom Hickey from the Saints. However reports from Fairfax Media and 7 News Melbourne on Friday night suggested Collingwood was considering throwing Roughead a lifeline to boost its key-position stocks. For him to land at the Magpies, a trade would now have to be done, which the Dogs won’t have high demands for.

George Horlin-Smith (Geelong Cats)

Has been linked to the Suns for a few months, but was never going to join the club as a free agent as that would’ve diluted the juicy compensation (Pick 3) the Suns got in return for losing Tom Lynch to the Tigers. Expect Horlin-Smith to land at Gold Coast before Wednesday, although many thought a deal would’ve been done by now.

Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)

While Liberatore has been linked to Essendon, he’s set to sign a one-year deal to remain at the Bulldogs. However, that’s provided he ticks certain boxes regarding his commitment and recovery from his Round 1 ACL rupture. Liberatore attended the Dogs’ best and fairest and was said to be in good spirits.

Daniel Menzel (Geelong Cats)

Things were looking promising when St Kilda was pondering a two-year offer for Menzel, but they’ve since withdrawn their interest. And there hasn’t been much interest for the dynamic forward this off-season, despite kicking 104 goals in his past 52 games. Menzel won’t get his ideal wish of a two-year offer, so if he’s in the AFL next year, he’ll only be on a one-year contract. And like last year, he might have to settle for a one-year contract with the Cats.

Taylor Duryea (Hawthorn)

The left-footed Hawk attracted interest from both Sydney and the Western Bulldogs during recent months, even undergoing a medical at the Swans. But it’s now more likely that Duryea may have to wait until late in the off-season to find out his future. There’s also a chance he remains at the Hawks.

Tyson Goldsack (Collingwood)

His future really depends on what happens with Tom Langdon and Steven May. On the off chance Langdon stays and May is traded to the Pies, Goldsack might be forced out. However the most likely option is that he gets another deal but on a minimal wage. What should also be noted is that Goldsack likely would’ve retired if Collingwood won the Grand Final.

Mark LeCras (West Coast)

The now-premiership Eagle has been weighing up retirement since his club’s Grand Final triumph over Collingwood. It’s understood he’s more keen to play on than hang up the boots, but it would likely be on a short-term deal.

Jarryd Blair (Collingwood)

It was reported on Friday night that the premiership small forward was still some chance of being picked up by a rival club. While the trade period is a possibility, it’s more likely Blair would be taken as a delisted free agent. However it’s unlikely he’ll be at Collingwood next year.

Brendan Whitecross (Hawthorn)

The veteran is keeping a close eye on the exchange period, but his future remains unclear. As a Queensland native, Whitecross has been linked to moves to Brisbane in the past, but nothing has eventuated this off-season. He’s a beautiful kick and would benefit a young list.

Ryan Schoenmakers (Hawthorn)

Arguably more likely than Whitecross to get a new contract after he featured in seven of the Hawks’ final eight games of the 2018 season. If he does go on, it’ll be on a short-tern deal.

Sam Gilbert (St Kilda)

The veteran Saint remains hopeful of earning a one-year deal with another club, but hasn’t received much interest over recent months. Unlikely to be playing in the AFL in 2019.

Rohan Bewick (Brisbane Lions)

Not much talk around Bewick. However he did reply to a comment on his post-delisting Instagram post that he was “100% getting fat and I can’t wait”.

Note: Michael Rischitelli is an unrestricted free agent — and hasn’t retired — but is set to be picked up as a rookie by the Gold Coast Suns.
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