Eight AFL clubs caught up in 2023 calendar blunder

With AFL fans looking to find the perfect Christmas gifts for their loved ones and fellow footy fans, there might be one piece of paraphernalia they may want to avoid.

While it's not the first time the issue has been present, AFL club calendars have begun hitting the shops while including players who won't be playing for them in 2023.

Hawthorn, who saw a clearance of senior talent depart either through retirement or the trade period, would most likely want to reissue their calendar for next year, with retired captain Ben McEvoy and departed duo Jaeger O'Meara and Tom Mitchell featuring on the front cover of their 2023 edition.

James Worpel remains the only 2023-listed Hawk on the front cover of the calendar, which is likely to have been manufactured prior to the off-season player movement period.

McEvoy's retirement was announced in early August however, with calendar designs perhaps given the tick of approval earlier in the year.

Maybe went a little early with the 2023 calendar!! At least Worpel is still there. #Oops #AFL #HawthornFC pic.twitter.com/STlOdyWpK5

— Richard Squibb (@rick_squibb) December 20, 2022

North Melbourne also had a calendar cover star depart, with 2021 No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis stunningly departing through the trade period in favour of a move home.

The Roos and Hawks weren't alone in having errors riddled in their club calendars for next year, with a further six clubs having departed players feature within their calendars.

Calendars for Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs also include past players from their 2022 lists following a busy off-season of player movement.

Another eyebrow-raising issue occurred in the Kanagroos' calendar for 2023, with delisted midfielder Jared Polec included under the month of February, while Horne-Francis' picture comes under January, giving North Melbourne fans a frustrating start to the new year.

Calendar manufacturers may be excused for the Polec inclusion given the three-club player was contracted for next year before seeing his time at Arden Street come to an abrupt end.

The issue of ex-players in calendars isn't new however, with editions as old as 2015 coming under the "curse".