Every offseason sees players moving on to new pastures.
This is a look into if each club would want one of those players back.
Note: the player must still be part of an AFL club’s list for the upcoming 2020 season.
Adelaide Crows – Patrick Dangerfield
The Crows’ best player before departing for the Cats at the end of 2015, he was an All-Australian three times (2012,2013 and 2015) and left winning the Crows’ best and fairest in 2015.
Since departing, Dangerfield has gone one to be one the elite midfielders in the AFL, winning the Brownlow medal and Leigh Matthews trophy in his first season at the Cats (2016). He’s been a four-time All-Australian (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019), was the vice-captain once.
In a side that is lacking star-power with many players exiting the club after their grand final appearance in 2017, the Crows would love the star to return.
Brisbane Lions – Elliot Yeo
Having left Brisbane at the end of 2013 playing just 23 games in two seasons, Yeo was an unknown when picked up by the Eagles after requesting a move back to his home state.
Two best and fairest awards (2017 and 2018), two All-Australians (2017 and 2019) and a premiership (2018) later, the Lions would now realise Yeo was the one they let get away.
(Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
In 2020 he would easily break into the Lions’ best 22 and add quality to the side.
Carlton Blues – Josh Kennedy
Having lacked a consistent prolific goal scorer since Brendan Fevola departed at the end of the 2009 season, Kennedy would fill a desperate need for the Blues.
The Eagles’ best and fairest winner (2015), two time Coleman Medalist (2015 and 2016), three-time All-Australian (2015, 2016 and 2017) two of which he was the vice-captain for, six-time leading goalkicker (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017) and a premiership player (2018), he is one of the best forwards in the AFL.
No Blue since Andrew Walker in 2011 has been able to kick 50 goals or more in a season. It’s the classic case of ‘waste not, want not’ as the Blues gave away Kennedy at the end of 2007 in a trade with the Eagles to get Chris Judd.
Collingwood Magpies – Marley Williams
He was a reliable defender during his tenure for the Magpies, playing 68 games between 2012-2016 before moving to the Kangaroos which saw the Pies receive pick 105 – a brilliant piece of business right there.
Since his move to the Kangaroos, he has been one of the better halfbacks in the AFL and a key component of the Kangaroos side with his drive.
He plays a role Collingwood lacks and would slot nicely into their best 22.
Essendon Bombers – Patrick Ryder
The ruck position has been a problem for the Bombers for several seasons. Tom Bellchambers can’t ruck solo and the less said about the Zack Clarke and Matthew Leuenberger experiments, the better.
An All-Australian ruckman in 2017, Ryder is a quality ruckman and would be a welcomed addition if he returned to the Bombers.
Fremantle Dockers – Lachie Neale
One of the best midfielders in the AFL, Lachie Neale has been sorely missed since his departure at the end of 2018.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
As a Docker, Neale was a two-time best and fairest (2016 and 2018), three-time Ross Glendinning Medalist (2014, 2015 and 2018) and two-time Geoff Christian Medalist.
Neale left the dockers as the club’s best player. He proved to be irreplaceable as he has left a hole in the Dockers’ best 22. In his first season at the Lions (2019), Neale averaged 31 disposals a game and earned an All-Australian selection.
Geelong Cats – Tim Kelly
In his first two seasons with the Cats Kelly (2018-2019) was an instant star after being drafted from South Fremantle in the WAFL.
He scored 48 goals in his 48 games at the Cats while averaging 24 disposals and won the AFLPA best first-year player award in 2018 and earned an All-Australian selection in 2019.
Kelly hasn’t even played a game for his new club and his presence is already missed.
Gold Coast Suns – Tom Lynch
The Suns struggled to kick a score during in 2019 with their highest goal scorer being Alex Sexton with only 39 goals.
Lynch kicked 254 goals in 131 games for the Suns, leading their goal-kicking on four occasions (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017), won two best and fairest awards (2015 and 2016) and earned an All-Australian selection in 2016.
Lynch kicked 63 goals in his first season for the Tigers and a key player in the 2019 premiership. He’s a prolific goal-scorer and a quality player even if he left the Suns on bad terms, they’d still love him back.
GWS Giants – Adam Treloar
While at the Giants, Treloar was developing into an exciting prospect.
Wanting a return to his home state of Victoria at the end of 2015, Treloar joined the Magpies and elevated his game.
He is coming off a career-best season in which he amassed a total of 789 disposals (32.9 per game) in 2019 and hasn’t averaged under 30 disposals since his arrival at the Magpies.
He is a quality player that would be a welcome addition to the Giants’ midfield group.
Hawthorn Hawks – Lance Franklin
A once in a generation player, Lance Franklin has lit up the AFL since his debut in 2005.
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
While at the Hawks, Franklin scored 580 goals in 182 games. Along the way he won two premierships (2008 and 2013), received four All-Australian selections (2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012), won two Coleman Medals (2008 and 2011), was the 2008 Hawks best and fairest as well as being the Hawks’ leading goalkicker on six occasions (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).
After departing to the Swans at the end of 2013, Franklin has continued to dominate the league and the Hawks would love to see him go one more time around in the brown and gold.
Melbourne Demons – Jeremy Howe
Howe was a reliable player for the Demons during his time (2011-2015) and could play either side of the ground.
Known for his incredible leap, Howe was a shining light for most of the Demons’ dark times with his great marking abilities earning him the mark of the year in 2012. He led the Demons in goals in 2013 before the arrival of Paul Roos switching to him to defence, where he was a reliable back man for the Demons.
Since jumping ship to the Magpies at the end of 2015, he has continued to perform, being a solid intercept marker in defence. An area which the Demons are lacking in, Howe would fit straight into their best 22 and give the Demons fans a reason to come.
North Melbourne Kangaroos – Levi Greenwood
He played seven seasons (2008-2014) for the Kangaroos, during which he was a solid contributor to their midfield group.
Since his departure to the Magpies at the end of the 2014 season, Greenwood has slotted nicely into their midfield group, notably performing when given the role as a tagger.
The Kangaroos lack that type of player in their side and with Ben Jacobs struggling to get onto the park due to injuries, Greenwood would fit in to the Kangaroos’ best 22.
Port Adelaide Power – Shaun Burgoyne
When Shaun Burgoyne left for the Hawks at the end of 2009 it was determined that we’d seen the best of him, with him having been part of their 2004 premiership side and part of the All-Australian team in 2006.
However, Burgoyne has gone to play career-best football at the Hawks, winning three premierships (2013, 2014 and 2015) and was the Hawks’ most consistent player in 2014, earning him the nickname of ‘silk’ for his clean ball use and ability to stand up in big moments.
Port Adelaide need an experienced head in their midfield and with Burgoyne ageing like a fine wine, he’d be a great acquisition.
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Richmond Tigers – Brandon Ellis
While at the Tigers, Ellis developed into a key role player for his side. Playing on either the wing or the halfback, he was most noted for his run and carry ability in addition to having a long kick.
He came second in the Tigers’ 2014 best and fairest and was part of the Tigers’ premiership side in 2017 before falling out of favour in late 2018. In 2019 Ellis impressed once again, asserting himself back into the Tigers’ best 22 and was part of their premiership side once again.
Leaving to the Suns in the offseason, Ellis would still be a valuable member of the Tigers’ 2020 team had he stayed.
St Kilda Saints – Jack Steven
During his 12-season (2008-2019) tenure at the Saints, Steven was a standout player during the latter years of his stay.
A four-time (2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018) best and fairest winner for the Saints, he was inducted into the Saints’ leadership group in 2016. He was a required player for the Saints as well as being a fan favourite.
Despite the Saints going hard in the offseason to improve their squad, Jack Steven would still have his place and be a key player the Saints would like to have back.
Sydney Swans – Tom Mitchell
During his stay at the Swans Mitchell was developing into one of the best midfielders in the AFL, making an impact since debuting in 2013.
In his last season at the Swans (2016), Mitchell averaged 28 disposals a game and was the Swans’ best player in their losing grand final effort.
Since moving to the Hawks, Mitchell took his game to another level, becoming an elite midfielder of the AFL. Winning two Hawks best and fairest awards (2017 and 2018), two All-Australian team selections (2017 and 2018) and winning both the Brownlow Medal and Leigh Matthews Trophy in 2018.
With the Swans now expected to rebuild, Mitchell would provide some much-needed quality to the Swans’ midfield.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
West Coast Eagles – Scott Lycett
Nic Naitanui has been hampered with injuries for the past three seasons, and the Eagles lack a quality back option in the ruck positions.
Lycett stood up as the number one ruck during the seasons which Naitanui was out, playing a key role on the 2018 premiership side.
Since leaving for the Power at the end of 2018, he was one of Power’s better performers throughout 2019 despite being dropped during the season and overtook Paddy Ryder as the number one ruck.
He would be a great option for the Eagles as a backup ruckman or a number one ruck if Naitanui finds himself in injury trouble again and can also play up forward. He would be a welcomed asset to Eagles.
Western Bulldogs – Shaun Higgins
He spent nine seasons at the Bulldogs (2006-2014) and was a key player rotating through the midfield and forward line.
With the ability to run all game and possessing an ability to find goals while playing in the midfield, Higgins was an important player to the Bulldogs’ structure before leaving at the end of 2014.
Since moving to the Kangaroos, Higgins has been one of their best players, improving his game and demonstrating his running and goal-kicking abilities.
A two-time best and fairest winner (2017 and 2018) and first-time All-Australian selection in 2018, Higgins is a quality player that would slot nicely into the Bulldogs’ best 22.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Ah yes Col, hindsight sees the Pies giving up on Tony Lockett who was ready to sign with us after his st kilda stint. What could have been...
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
They didn’t want to let him go Pete, but when you are chasing a champion like Judd you have to give up big. West Coast wanted picks 1 & 3 for Judd but with a young bloke in Kreuzer rated as the best draftee that year Carlton decided to give up Kennedy who has played 22 games over 2 seasons and only kicked 11 goals. In hindsight with what Kennedy has done at West Coast and the injuries that affected Kreuzers career, perhaps giving up picks 1 & 3 might have been the best for the Blues. As the saying goes ‘hindsight is a beautiful thing’.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I agree. JK is an all time great that the Blues let go.
Scott
Guest
Pretty stoked how well the Eagles have done at pinching players. Yeo, Kelly and Kennedy on this list. Jamie Cripps could very easily be St Kilda’s one theyd want back as well. Cost a pick in the 40s
The Hyphen
Roar Rookie
I agree Col... I am so tired of the obsession with the Josh Kennedy trade... Personally I can't think of anyone I would prefer to have back... apart from Kenny Hunter!! :silly:
Slane
Guest
If that's accurate, it's shades of Richmond circa 1983 levela of stupidity.
Captain Obvious
Roar Rookie
Much rather have Brad Hill back at the Hawks than Franklin.
Big AL
Roar Rookie
Not before I'd have him back at the Hawks!!
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Yeah, I don’t understand why Carlton would want Josh Kennedy back when they have much younger tall forwards. Of the former Carlton players still playing at other clubs I think I would prefer Zac Touhy.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
If this is a question posed about today, not the past, I'd say Jared Polec is the one we want back.
Redbacks fan
Guest
Very interesting article. I agree with the others who have noted that it reads more as "who your clubs would want to have retained". From an Adelaide perspective, I disagree. Dangerfield is probably the best player to have left the club but the net loss to the side having him leave wan't enormous due to the depth and make up of the Adelaide midfield. It has meant Sloane played more as an inside midfielder and you could make a decent argument that the midfield unit performed better once Dangerfield left. A similar case could be made for Gunstan as if he had of stayed Tom Lynch likely wouldn't have reached the heights that he has. The biggest net loss (not factoring in the trade return for each of these players) would be Phil Davis by a fair way. Not only did he leave very early in his career but he would be playing centre-half-back which has been the weak link in the side for a number of years. It would be replacing a position of weakness with a position of strength therefore Davis leaving has resulted in the greatest net loss.
WCE
Roar Rookie
I disagree with the Scott Lycett suggestion for the Eagles. Yes he is a premiership player but he was never consistent and was inaccurate in front of goal and took ages to develop . He had his moments and did play some good games for us but consistency is the key. Im glad JK never went back to the blues. Kennedy is such an integral part of our game plan and pivotal to the teams success. This maybe his last season with West Coast but what a brilliant player, awesome talent.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yep, Fyfe is unbeatable in the standing of Freo’s best player. I’d also add B.Hill as someone I (already) want back, he was in fine form in last night’s clash.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yeo will always hurt. if Garry Lyon was actually telling the truth with what he heard about Yeo's salary demand back in 2014 - that he would have stayed for $250,000/year and we wouldn't go over $225,000, that has to be one of the most boneheaded examples of tight fistedness from any club in the past decade, particularly given the sort of player Yeo has become.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
And Kennedy moved to Sydney very early in his career. He's been a superstar at the Swans, but when players are starting out it's not always obvious how they're going to turn out. Whereas the Swans letting Mitchell go (as one example) was more perplexing as he'd already proven himself.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Good read - I love speculation like this. What’s surprising reading the list is that there’s few genuine clangers where a club really dropped the ball.
AD
Guest
Some of these are a bit questionable just on the basis of age if nothing else. Ryder and Burgoyne in particular, are both near the end of their careers, and I doubt either fits the profile of player that either club would want to bring in now. They certainly might wish they'd never lost them in the first place, but that's not the same as wanting them back now.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Marley Williams is about the same player as when he left and would struggle to penetrate a back line containing Crisp, Maynard, Moore, Howe, Roughead and emerging defenders Quaynor and Kelly. He is a tad short too so needs some extra tricks he doesn’t have.
Chancho
Roar Rookie
Interesting article, and from my Hawks perspective, you can't go past Buddy. But one name that did come to mind was Josh Kennedy... in the long run going to Sydney was better for him than staying at the Hawks, but he'd have been quite handy to have around. This article did make me think of a reversal of the question: "which player would have wanted to stay" and Brett Deledio comes straight to mind
maurice
Guest
Fyfe was injuried for most part 2018 if not recovering from a injury. Brad Hill will be missed just as much if not more than Neale. Saints the big risers for the season on that fact.