We witnessed one of the busiest AFL off-seasons ever last year, with a number of big name players changing clubs during October's trade and free agency period.
With the home and away season all but over, we have reviewedย the best and worst recruits of season 2017.
It is important to remember that this analysis is based off what we have seen so far. Each player comes with his own set of standards and an expectation of what he is going to bring to his new club.
There may be different fortunes that lie ahead for each player.
Jaeger OโMeara might yet become the star we all thought he was destined to become when he burst onto the scene in 2013.
Brad Hill could struggle to replicate his form in future seasons. Brett Deledio could go on to become a Norm Smith Medalist and help the Giants claim their first AFL premiership.
No one can predict the future, but based off current data and what each player has produced in his first season at his new club these are the players who have been the best and worst additions in 2017.
BEST
Tom Mitchell
Hawthorn fans were celebrating the arrival of Jaeger OโMeara in the off-season, but Tom Mitchell proved to be the better addition. Mitchell joined the elite ranks in 2017, setting the record for the most disposals and most 30 plus disposal games in a season. Free from the tagging roles he played at Sydney, Mitchell seems to have the ball on a string and is a Brownlow Medal and All-Australian contender.
Michael Hibberd
After missing all of 2016 through suspension due to Essendonโs supplement saga, Michael Hibberd is having a career best season in his first year as a Demon. He is averaging a career-high 27.7 disposals per game and ranks first in meters-gained and second in rebound 50s this season. Hibberd has put his hand up for All-Australian selection and his dominance across half back has played a big part in Melbourneโs resurgence this season.
Zach Tuohy
Zach Tuohy has gone from a quality player at Carlton, to one of the most damaging running defenders in the competition as a Cat. Averaging a career-high 25 disposals and 4.7 marks, Tuohy has filled the void at half back left by Corey Enright. Tuohy racks up a ton of uncontested possessions and often controls the tempo of a game with his lethal disposal. In the top 10 players for meters gained and rebound 50s this season.
Brad Hill
Bradley Hill broke through the ceiling that many thought he couldnโt in his first season as a Docker. Previously labelled a role player, Hill made the wide Subiaco wings his own, using his elite pace, run and carry to average a career-high 23.8 disposals and 6.4 marks per game. Hill is flourishing with added midfield opportunities, playing the best footy of his career under Ross Lyon.
Jack Steele
Jack Steele has brought an edge of hardness to St Kildaโs midfield in his third AFL season, after crossing over from GWS in search of more opportunities. Steele featured in 19 games this season and ranks third in the AFL in tackles, also averaging a career-high 21.7 disposals. A tackling machine that thrives in the contest.
Toby Nankervis
Toby Nankervis has been perhaps the most surprising of all of last year's trades. He was the third choice ruckman at Sydney and since crossing to Richmond he has asserted himself as the number one ruckman and has become a key barometer for the side. He is averaging a career-high 14.8 disposals and 23.8 hitouts. Nankervis bullies his opponents with his huge frame and also has great aerial presence around the ground. He has even demonstrated an ability to go forward and kick goals.
Jarryd Lyons
Jarryd Lyons had a breakout season with Adelaide last year, but sought more midfield opportunities at the Gold Coast. He took his game to even greater heights, averaging a career high 24.7 disposals and 4.8 tackles as a clearance specialist. One of the rare bright lights in an otherwise disappointing season for the Suns.
Caleb Marchbank
The Blues were super keen on acquiring Caleb Marchbank from GWS in the off-season, and the rest of the AFL now knows why. Marchbank has played a career-best 16 games this season, establishing himself in Carltonโs back six as one of the gameโs premier intercept markrs. His energy has given Carltonโs defense a newfound identity. In the top three rising stars for rebound 50s, intercepts, marks, contested marks and one percenters.
Marley Williams
Marley Williams cost the Kangaroos a packet of potato chips, but turned in arguably his best AFL season. Patrolling North Melbourne's half back line, Williams shuts down the opposition's best small forward each week and averages 17.5 disposals himself. Often critiqued for his poor disposal, Williams began using his raking left boot for good and penetrated through opposition zones effectively. If not for a season-ending shoulder injury sustained in Round 14, his season would have been more highly regarded.
WORST
Chris Mayne
Chris Mayne joined Collingwood on a four-year deal worth $2 million, a shocking expense for someone who only played three games this season. Mayne was brought over for for his tackling pressure and goal kicking prowess, both of which were unsighted when he got his chance. A 30 plus goal season from Mayne might have changed the Piesโ fate in 2017.
Tyrone Vickery
The much maligned Tyrone Vickery came to a rebuilding Hawthorn side that needed a new key forward. He played just six games and kicked two goals and six behinds, providing little value in the ruck either.
Jack Frost
Jack Frost departed Collingwood for more senior opportunities at the young and inexperienced Brisbane Lions. Frost appeared in just two games this season and struggled to make progress in Brisbaneโs defensive pecking order, which features the younger Harris Andrews, Daniel McStay and Darcy Gardiner.
Travis Cloke
Travis Cloke needed a fresh start and joined the greener pastures of the AFLโs reigning premiers. The Bulldogsโ faster, smarter game plan was expected to help Cloke, but while he had his moments, he certainly did not have the impact he or the club would have liked. A personal battle with mental illness and the sideโs overall decline and poor form were also significant hurdles.
Pearce Hanley
Gold Coast traded for Pearce Hanley to provide them with more dash, dare and smarts with the ball. Unfortunately, his maiden season did not go as planned. The tragic loss of his brother interrupted his start to the season, while a horror run of injuries disabled him from tying games together. He has averaged 19.4 disposals per game, his worst return since 2010.
Brett Deledio
One of the biggest fish landed in the off-season, Brett Deledio could have been a real asset for the Giants, but was cruelled by a calf injury, which saw him miss the first 19 rounds of the season, before playing his first game in Round 20. However, he looks unconditioned and out of sorts. A healthy season out of Deledio could have comfortably put GWS outright first on the ladder.
Jaeger OโMeara
Jaeger OโMeara arrived at Hawthorn with the weight of the world on his shoulders, taking the torch from club legends Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis as the next apex midfielder. Having missed all of 2015 and 2016 through injury, he has disappointed again in 2017, appearing in just five games due to more injury setbacks, leaving question marks over his longevity in the game.
Daniel Wells
The games played column was always going to dictate the success of Daniel Wells' first season at Collingwood. Given a lucrative three-year deal despite being injury prone and 32 years old, Wells only appeared in 10 games for Collingwood after suffering more injuries and niggles. What is most frustrating for Pies' fans is that Collingwood lost just two games with Wells in the team, signifying the impact he could have had if healthy.
