AFL clubs swing the axe with spate of delisting announcements two days after trade deadline

AFL clubs have swung the axe two days after the trade deadline, with several players delisted and one veteran retiring.

Hawthorn acted first with Max Ramsden and Flynn Perez let go, though both have been offered the chance to train with the team during the AFL pre-season supplemental selection period.

The Western Bulldogs then announced they were moving on Ryan Gardner, Lachie McNeil and Nick Coffield .

Former rookie pick McNeil racked up at least 11 appearances in each of his six seasons, kicking 17 goals in 21 games in 2025.

Gardner played the Dogs’ first three finals in 2021 before missing out on the grand final, though he played 22 games in his best season the following year.

Coffield went two full years without an AFL appearance at St Kilda before joining the Dogs ahead of the 2024 season.

He played 12 games in his first two years at Whitten Oval and 13 this year.

“All three players have made fantastic contributions to the Western Bulldogs as dedicated members of our playing group,” Bulldogs football boss Sam Power said.

“We wish them all the best for the future and they will always be welcome back at the Bulldogs.”

Port Adelaide also delisted Ollie Lord and Tom Anastasopoulos on Friday while Will Brodie announced his retirement with a year to run on his contract.

Lord once kicked four goals in an AFL final but was undone by an ACL early in the SANFL season this year.

Brodie began his career at Gold Coast before spending time at Fremantle, joining Port this time last year.

“After a decade in the AFL, now feels like the right time to hang up the boots,” Brodie said.

“I’m thankful to Gold Coast, Fremantle and Port Adelaide for all taking a chance on me, and helping me live out my dream.