Demonland

The small defender known for his efficient ball use was Melbourne’s lucky charm for 17 consecutive games from the time he made the team late in 2021 until Round 11, 2022. Finally ran out of luck and was omitted late in the season. Still considered vital to the team’s chances going forward. "After winning a premiership in his seventh game last year, Bowey was named Melbourne’s best young player in his second season in the AFL. Bowey played 17 games for the Demons in 2022, earning a Rising Star nomination for his career-best 34-disposal performance in round 2 against Gold Coast. Signed a two-year contract extension at the end of last year." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 12 September 2002 Height: 176cm Weight: 72kg Games MFC 2022: 17 Career Total: 24 Goals MFC 2022: 2 Career Total: 2 Games CDFC 2022: 4 Goals CDFC 2022: 2

The premiership midfielder consolidated his place in the main 22 where he remained the second fiddle to an outstanding midfield but he had some fine moments during the season. "Won the coaches’ award after his best season yet at AFL level. In his fourth year at the Demons, Sparrow played a career-high 23 games, averaging 16 disposals and 3.4 tackles with his stints in the midfield. Signed a two-year contract extension in March to tie him to the club until 2024." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 31 May, 2000 Height: 183cm Weight: 85kg Games MFC 2022: 23 Career Total: 51 Goals MFC 2022: 7 Career Total: 17

LIST OF 2023 AFL FREE AGENTS (Yet to be confirmed by AFL) *Can qualify as a restricted free agent, as they’re in their 8th or 9th year of service, but only if in the top 25% of payments at the club ADELAIDE CROWS Matt Crouch Paul Seedsman* Rory Sloane Taylor Walker Tom Doedee* BRISBANE LIONS Daniel Rich Dayne Zorko Eric Hipwood* Rhys Mathieson* CARLTON David Cunningham* Ed Curnow Jack Silvagni* Lachie Plowman* Sam Docherty COLLINGWOOD Jack Crisp* Jeremy Howe* Mason Cox* Scott Pendlebury Steele Sidebottom ESSENDON Darcy Parish* Dyson Heppell Mason Redman* FREMANTLE DOCKERS Michael Walters Nathan Fyfe GEELONG CATS Mark Blicavs Rhys Stanley* Sam Menegola* Tom Hawkins GOLD COAST SUNS Alex Sexton Brayden Fiorini* Charlie Constable Rory Thompson Sam Day GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY Callan Ward Daniel Lloyd* Harrison Himmelberg* Matthew Flynn* Phil Davis HAWTHORN Nil MELBOURNE Alex Neal-Bullen* NORTH MELBOURNE Ben McKay* Jack Ziebell Todd Goldstein PORT ADELAIDE Charlie Dixon* Riley Bonner* Tom Jonas Travis Boak RICHMOND Dylan Grimes Jack Riewoldt Jason Castagna* Kamdyn McIntosh Nathan Broad* Trent Cotchin ST KILDA Dan McKenzie* Jade Gresham* Jimmy Webster Seb Ross SYDNEY SWANS Dane Rampe Lance Franklin Lewis Melican* Sam Reid WEST COAST EAGLES Jamie Cripps Jeremy McGovern Luke Shuey WESTERN BULLDOGS Bailey Williams* Roarke Smith* Tom Liberatore Toby McLean*

The key position premiership defender missed the start of 2022 due to surgery but didn’t miss a beat on return and improved his game to an even higher level. Now an important cog in the Demons’ backline although some feel he could go forward to fill a gap there. "The key defender didn’t play until round 5 after a pre-season procedure on his calf, but was then a regular in Simon Goodwin’s defence. Was in the spotlight late in the season after an on-field sledge from Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko left him in tears. Locked away until 2025 after signing a contract extension at the end of last year." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 11 December 1999 Height: 197cm Weight: 93kg Games MFC 2022: 18 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2022: 1 Career Total: 7 Games CDFC 2022: 1 Goals CDFC 2022: 0

Slotted back into the team after a run of injuries early in the season and played some big roles in silencing opposition danger men. "The veteran defender is one of two remaining Demons out of contract at the end of this year, but is expected to sign an extension for next season. Hibberd played 12 senior matches in 2022, missing the first half of the season with a calf issue." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 1 March 1990 Height: 186cm Weight: 94kg Games MFC 2022: 12 Career Total:185 Goals MFC 2022: 0 Career Total: 14

Collingwood has announced they have delisted defender Jack Madgen and wingman Caleb Poulter. The pair will not be offered contracts for the 2023 season.

I absolutely agree. I did not watch any of Schache's matches at VFL level but going by those stats it appears that at least two of the 12 games were played in defence. In addition in his last 2 matches he kicked 2 bags of 7 goals. One of those games was against 13th placed GWS and the other was against 19th placed Coburg. It should also be noted that the Bulldogs finished 11th and only won 9 of 18 matches. I don't know the win/loss record of Schache's matches but Weid and Brown only played in 1 loss for the season.