2025 List Management Thread

[GVGjr]

This is from SEN a few months back

VFL star getting prepared in case second AFL chance comes his way

By Andrew Slevison



Southport co-captain Brayden Crossley would absolutely jump at another AFL opportunity if it came his way.

The 25-year-old ruckman has starred in the VFL for the Sharks across the last few seasons, coinciding with the premiership in 2023 and a Grand Final appearance this year.

Delisted by the Gold Coast Suns in 2019 after an irregular drugs test on a NEAFL match day, Crossley says he would love another chance at the elite level if an AFL club was to show any interest.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Crossley said when asked on AFL Trade Radio if he’d consider another AFL chance.

“It’s really cool that you guys (Damian Barrett and Brad Johnson) and a few other people have been talking about me and throwing my name in the ring.

“Obviously I’m not playing state league level for the money because there’s not much in the state leagues at the moment.

“It’s to play at the highest level that I possibly can for as long as I can. Obviously AFL is the next step after that and my hat being thrown in the ring is really cool.

“If something came knocking and clubs were calling me asking if I’m ready to step up then absolutely I would take it with two hands. I’d absolutely love it.”

Crossley, who is also a disability support worker at Being Mentors, says as yet there has been no contact forthcoming.

He continues to hold hope as AFL clubs work on their 2025 list builds in the middle of the trade period and will prepare himself just in case it falls that way.

“I haven’t had anyone reach out just yet,” he added.

“In my position and being the player I am I dare say a few teams would be waiting to see how this trade period plays out. They’d be seeing what depth they can get from other clubs.

“Maybe the calls will start coming then, but I’m certainly not sitting on my palms waiting for that. I’m back training already and ready to step up if it’s required that I’m at (an AFL) pre-season in three or four weeks’ time.

“I’m getting prepared for that if that’s the case because obviously this is a long couple of weeks and list managers can change their mind quite quickly.

“I would absolutely love the opportunity to get on a list again.”

Crossley played 22 games in the VFL in 2024, averaging 43 hit-outs, 14 disposals and six tackles while kicking 12 goals.

He was initially drafted by the Suns with Pick 52 in the 2017 draft and played 10 AFL games for the club.

[GVGjr]

So I think BT and Sedat have been pushing the Crossley case for a while. The window is now open.

[GVGjr]

Someone might need to check in with BAD

Former Suns ruckman invited to train with Bulldogs


Former Suns ruckman Brayden Crossley has been invited to train with the Bulldogs

By Josh Gabelich
Just now

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have invited former Gold Coast ruckman Brayden Crossley to play in Sunday's intraclub in Maroochydore during the club's pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast.

Crossley underwent a medical with the club on Wednesday and will be permitted to train with Luke Beveridge's squad under pre-season supplemental selection period rules.

It is understood that Crossley has only been offered the opportunity to join the captain's run on Saturday and scratch match on Sunday, but the Bulldogs are open to extending the trial for the duration of the camp – and potentially back in Victoria.

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the premier ruckmen outside the AFL across the past few years, leading Southport to a Grand Final this year after being included in the VFL Team of the Year squad.

Crossley played 10 games for Gold Coast after being recruited from the Suns' Academy, before being delisted at the end of 2019 after being handed a 12-month anti-doping suspension.

Since joining Southport for the 2021 season, the 198cm ruckman has become a star in the VFL, putting his hand up for another AFL chance in 2024 during a phenomenal finals series where he amassed 69 hitouts in the Grand Final, a week after registering 71 against Footscray in the preliminary final win.

[NAUGHTY100]

Yes, but it’s Fine Cotton and besides that Mullet Boy has such a Bold Personality, I’m sure there’s nothing underhanded going on.

Nah absolutely nothing is going on down at sleepy hollow, funny isn't it that the likes of Cameron , Dangerfield , and now Smith own half of geelong in real estate , only joking , but am i ?

[josie]

Not sure the AFL have begun to cotton on to what happens down here.

Yes, but it’s Fine Cotton and besides that Mullet Boy has such a Bold Personality, I’m sure there’s nothing underhanded going on.

[jazzadogs]

Yes - Bacchus Marsh is a suburb of Geelong so unfortunately we miss out. He will be in bed in a Geelong bathrobe next to Baz in no time.

#BonerBros

[Brody23]

Not sure the AFL have begun to cotton on to what happens down here.

[jeemak]

How will Geelong make it happen?

Apparently they just show a bit of leg and players pay them to play.....because they're so well run and definitely don't have any dicey third party deals at their disposal to entice talent.

[FrediKanoute]

I have also heard this, Geelong are leading the way unfortunately at this stage if he were to leave.

How will Geelong make it happen?

[Grantysghost]

I have also heard this, Geelong are leading the way unfortunately at this stage if he were to leave.

Yes - Bacchus Marsh is a suburb of Geelong so unfortunately we miss out. He will be in bed in a Geelong bathrobe next to Baz in no time.

[Brody23]

Not sure if you want rumors in this thread or another one.

Spoke with my player manager friend, but according to him the Dogs are heavily chasing Zak Butters from Port, we have met with his management this year and have outlined a substantial offer to bring him over at the end of 2025.
Port have also offering him a ''huge'' contract in both money and years.
And Geelong are also in his ear, with their endless cap, farms, land, etc...

My gut feeling is if Port have a crap year, he might be open to leaving.

I have also heard this, Geelong are leading the way unfortunately at this stage if he were to leave.

[NAUGHTY100]

Re: 2025 List Management Thread



Aren't Collingwood really...OLD?

Elliot, Mitchell, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Crisp, Hoskin-Elliot, Howe, Mihochek, Membrey and Cox are already 30 and;
De Goey, Moore, McStay and Cameron all will be before the season is out.

That's 14x players. Which seems like a lot...not exactly all at the peak of their powers either.

I mean, they added Houston I guess but I don't get it.

Agree as we all know the older you get the longer the recovery period is after an injury , so the Collingwood faithful would have their fingers and toes crossed that they don't have many injuries because looking through their list there's not a great deal of younger players coming through, example West coast great side when their older and better players were going but when they slowed down or some got injured they had nothing coming through and look at them now total rebuild languishing on the bottom of the ladder , that's why its so important to have a balanced list , with players in the seconds banging on the door of the senior side which equals competition

[azabob]

List analysis: How your club has built its list
Check out how your club has put together its list heading into the 2025 season

Western Bulldogs

AFL Draft: 26 (equal fourth most)
Trade: 6 (equal 10th most)
Free agency: 1 (equal 11th most)
Rookie Draft/Cat B rookies: 4 (equal 12th most)
Pre-Season Draft/SSP: 3 (equal most)
Mid-Season Draft: 2 (equal eighth most)

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1262971/list-analysis-how-your-club-has-built-its-list

[Smads57]

Totally agree about Jaques , his intercept marking is very strong , he knows when to jump and when to stay back , very good vision aswell, he is the modern day footballer, great anticipation, and precision on the rebound , has a bright future.

This is what we are seeing on the training track as well. Good summation.

[NAUGHTY100]

Totally agree about Jaques , his intercept marking is very strong , he knows when to jump and when to stay back , very good vision aswell, he is the modern day footballer, great anticipation, and precision on the rebound , has a bright future.