2021 AFL draft explained

2021 AFL draft
Date:2 June - Mid-season Draft
24-25 November - National Draft
26 November - Rookie Draft
Location:Marvel Stadium
Sponsor:National Australia Bank
Network:Fox Footy
League:AFL
First:Jason Horne-Francis
Prev:2020
Next:2022

The 2021 AFL draft consisted of the various periods where the 18 clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL) could trade and recruit players during and following the completion of the 2021 AFL season.

The National Draft returned to being a two day event in 2021, after being held on a single night in 2020.[1]

After coming 18th in the 2021 AFL season, the North Melbourne Football Club held the number one draft pick in the National draft for the first time, selecting midfielder Jason Horne-Francis.[2]

Key Dates

Table of key dates[3]
EventDate(s)
Mid-season rookie draft2 June 2021
Free agency periodRestricted and Unrestricted: 1–8 October 2021
Delisted: 3–15 November 2021
Trade period4–13 October 2021
National draftFirst round: 24 November 2021
Second and subsequent rounds: 25 November 2021
Pre-Season and Rookie draft26 November 2021
Pre-season supplemental selection period 10 January 2022 - 9 March 2022

2021 mid-season rookie draft

The mid-season draft was held after the conclusion of Round 11 of the 2021 AFL season on 2 June.[4] The draft was only open to clubs with inactive players on their list and vacancies available, such as long term injuries or retirements.

Mid-season draft selections
RoundPickPlayerClubRecruited fromPick due to
ClubLeague
1 1scope=row Sandringham DragonsNAB LeagueFlynn Perez long-term injury
2scope=row Box Hill HawksVFLJonathon Patton retirement
3scope=row SANFLPassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft
4scope=row Murray BushrangersNAB LeagueTyson Stengle delisting
5scope=row Oakleigh ChargersNAB LeagueJarrod Witts long-term injury
6scope=row VFLCaleb Marchbank long-term injury
7scope=row Sandringham DragonsNAB LeagueDylan Roberton retirement
8scope=row VFLLachlan Keeffe long-term injury
9scope=row VFLIrving Mosquito long-term injury
10scope=row WAFLIvan Soldo long-term injury
11scope=row WAFLDaniel Venables long-term injury
12scope=row VFLPassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft
13scope=row SANFLPassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft
14scope=row WAFLCam Rayner long-term injury
15scope=row WerribeeVFLAaron Nietschke long-term injury
216scope=row Geelong FalconsNAB LeaguePassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft
17scope=row SANFLJames Sicily long-term injury
18scope=row Eastern RangesNAB LeaguePassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft
19PassedRory Thompson long-term injury
20scope=row FootscrayVFLDavid Cuningham long-term injury
21scope=row SANFLJade Gresham long-term injury
22PassedMichael Hurley long-term injury
23scope=row WAFLJarrod Cameron long-term injury
24scope=row Murray BushrangersNAB LeagueMarty Hore long-term injury
325PassedSam Philp long-term injury
26PassedBen Paton long-term injury
427PassedPassed selection at the 2020 Rookie Draft

Previous trades

Since 2015, clubs have been able to trade future picks in the next year's national draft during the trade period. As a result, a total of 30 selections for the 2021 draft were traded during the 2020 trade period. Further trades of future picks can be made before or during the 2020 national draft. The selection order for each of these picks is tied to the original club's finishing position in the 2021 season.

Table of previously traded selections
New ClubAcquired via
1Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
Pick swap[5]
Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
2Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
Jack Higgins trade[6]
via (Jye Caldwell trade)
on-traded to (Jeremy Cameron trade)
[7]
[8]
Jeremy Cameron trade
Adam Treloar trade[9]
Pick swap
via (Aliir Aliir trade)
on-traded to (Tom Hickey trade)
[10]
[11]
Pick swap[12]
3Oleg Markov trade[13]
Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
via (pick swap)
on-traded to (pick swap)
[14]
[15]
Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft
Alex Witherden trade[16]
Tom Hickey trade
Mitch Hannan trade[17]
Orazio Fantasia trade[18]
via (pick swap)
on-traded to (Nakia Cockatoo trade)
on-traded to (pick swap)
[19]
[20]
[21]
4via (Ben Brown trade)
on-traded to (Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft)
Pick swap[22]
via (Kyle Hartigan trade)
on-traded to (Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft)
[23]
via (Jack Higgins trade)
on-traded to (Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft)
Pick swap[24]
Peter Wright trade[25]
via (pick swap)
on-traded to (Ben Brown trade)

[26]
via (pick swap)
on-traded to (pick swap)

[27]
via (Jeremy Cameron trade)
on-traded to (Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft)
on-traded to (Pick swap at the 2020 National Draft)

Player movements

Free agency

2021 AFL free agency period signings
PlayerFree agent typeRecruited fromNew clubCompensationRef
Unrestricted3rd round[28]
UnrestrictedEnd of 2nd round[29]
RestrictedEnd of 2nd round[30]
UnrestrictedNone[31]
UnrestrictedNone[32]
Delisted[33]
Delisted
(SANFL)
[34]
Delisted[35]
bgcolor='#FBCEB1' Delisted
(SANFL)
[36]
Delisted [37]

Trades

Trade!

valign=topto (from)----
  • second round pick
  • third round pick
  • fourth round pick
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #22
  • pick #46
  • pick #58
  • pick #79
  • fourth round pick
[38]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #41
[39]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • third round pick
[40]



valign=topto ----
  • pick #17 (from)
  • pick #37 (from)
  • pick #49 (from)

----to ----

  • pick #23 (from)
  • pick #44 (from)
  • pick #45 (from)
valign=topto ----
  • pick #33 (from)
  • pick #75 (from)
  • first round pick

----to ----

  • pick #62 (from)
  • pick #66 (from)
  • fourth round pick
[41]

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #22
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #27
  • third round pick
[42]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • second round pick
  • fourth round pick
[43]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #6
  • third round pick
[44]


valign=topto (from)----

----to (from)----

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #52
[45]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)---- [46]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #43
[47]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • first round pick
[48]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #50
  • third round pick
[49]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • third round pick
[50]

valign=topto (from)----
  • Jordan Clark
  • fourth round pick
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #22
  • third round pick
[51]

valign=topto (from)---- valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #12
  • third round pick
[52]

valign=topto (from)----
  • Max Lynch
  • third round pick
  • fourth round pick
valign=topto (from)----
  • third round pick
  • third round pick
[53]

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #27
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #38
  • pick #40
  • third round pick
[54]

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #54
valign=topto (from)----
  • third round pick
[55]

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #55
valign=topto (from)----
  • fourth round pick
[56]
Picks swapped at the 2021 National Draft

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #23
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #32
  • pick #34

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #32
  • pick #52
  • third round pick
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #42
  • pick #47
  • third round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #36
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #48
  • third round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #12
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #14
  • second round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #48
valign=topto (from)----
  • fourth round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #43
valign=topto (from)----
  • third round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #55
valign=topto (from)----
  • fourth round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #45
valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #47
  • third round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #51
valign=topto (from)----
  • fourth round pick

valign=topto (from)----
  • pick #62
valign=topto (from)----
  • fourth round pick

List changes

Retirements

Table key
RRookie listed player
BCategory B Rookie listed player
Table of player retirements
NameClub
[57]
(B)[58]
[59]
[60]
[61]
[62]
[63]
[64]
(R)[65]
[66]
[67]
[68]
[69]
(R)[70]
(R)
(R)[71]
(R)[72]
[73]
[74]
(R)[75]
[76]
(R)[77]
[78]
[79]
[80]
[81]
(B)[82]
[83]
(R)[84]
[85]
[86]
[87]
[88]
[89]
(B)
[90]
[91]
[92]
[93]
[94]
[95]

Delistings

Table key
RRookie listed player
BCategory B Rookie listed player
Table of player delistings
NameClub
[96]
(B)[97]
[98]
[99]
[100]
[101]
(R)[102]
(R)
[103]
[104]
(R)
[105]
(R)
(R)
(B)
(R)
(R)
[106]
(R)[107]
(B)
[108]
(R)
[109]
[110]
[111]
(R)
[112]
(R)
(R)
(R)[113]
(R)
(B)
[114]
[115]
(R)[116]
[117]
(R)
(R)[118]
[119]
[120]
(R)[121]
(R)
[122]
(R)
(R)
(R)[123]
[124]
[125]
(R)
[126]
(R)
(R)
[127]
(R)
[128]
[129]
[130]
[131]
(R)[132]
(B)
[133]
[134]
[135]
[136]
[137]

2021 national draft

Table of national draft selections
RoundPickPlayerClubRecruited fromNotes
ClubLeague
1 1scope=row SANFL
2scope=row Oakleigh ChargersNAB LeagueFather–son selection (son of Luke Darcy), matched bid by, used picks 34, 42, 43, 44, 45[138]
3scope=row Sandringham DragonsNAB League← (2020)
4scope=row Oakleigh ChargersNAB LeagueFather–son selection (son of Peter Daicos), matched bid by, used picks 38, 40, 42, 44 [139]
5scope=row Dandenong StingraysNAB League
6scope=row Murray BushrangersNAB League
7scope=row Northern KnightsNAB League
8scope=row WAFL
9scope=row GWV RebelsNAB League
10scope=row WAFL
11scope=row SANFL
12Sandringham DragonsNAB League← (draft)
13scope=row GWV RebelsNAB League
14Sandringham DragonsNAB League← (draft)←
15scope=row SANFL
16Northern KnightsNAB League
17scope=row Murray BushrangersNAB League← (2020)
18WAFL
19scope=row WAFL
20GWV RebelsNAB League← (2020)
2 21WAFL← (priority pick)
22scope=row Calder CannonsNAB League
23scope=row GWV RebelsNAB League← (2020)
24scope=row Geelong FalconsNAB League←←←
25scope=row Geelong FalconsNAB League← (draft)←
26scope=row Dandenong StingraysNAB League
27scope=row WAFL
28scope=row Eastern RangesNAB League
29scope=row Tasmania DevilsNAB League←←
30scope=row Dandenong StingraysNAB League← (2020)
31WAFL
32scope=row SANFL← (2020)← (2020)
33Sandringham DragonsNAB LeagueNext Generation Academy selection (Japanese descent), matched bid by, used picks 48 and 54 [140]
34SANFL
35scope=row Western JetsNAB League← (draft)← (draft)← (2020)
36Eastern RangesNAB League←← (2020)
37WAFL← (2020)← (2020)
38scope=row Dandenong StingraysNAB League← (draft)← (2020)
39Sandringham DragonsNAB League←← (2020)
3 40WAFLFree agency compensation pick (Hewett)
41WAFL←←
42Queanbeyan TigersAFL CanberraAcademy selection, matched bid by, used picks 47 and 89 [141]
43← (draft)←← (2020)
44Calder CannonsNAB League← (draft)←
45SANFL
46SANFL
47Sandringham DragonsNAB LeagueNext Generation Academy selection (Indigenous), matched bid by, used pick 57 [142]
48Eastern RangesNAB League←← (2020)
49SANFL← (draft)← (draft)←←← (2020)
50VFL← (2020)
51SANFL← (draft)← (2020)
52SANFL←← (2020)← (2020)← (2020)
4 53Gippsland PowerNAB League← (2020)← (2020)
54WAFLNext Generation Academy selection (Indigenous)
55SANFL← (2020)← (2020)
56Sandringham DragonsNAB League← (draft)
57WAFL
58Oakleigh ChargersNAB League
59Northern KnightsNAB LeagueFather–son selection (son of Glenn Archer)
← (2020)← (2020)
60SANFLFather–son selection (son of Peter Burgoyne)
← (2020)← (2020)← (2020)
61Sandringham DragonsNAB League
62WAFL← (draft)
63AFL
64Geelong FalconsNAB League
65WAFLFather–son selection (son of Shane Woewodin)

Rookie elevations

Clubs were able to promote any player who was listed on their rookie list in 2021 to their 2022 primary playing list prior to the draft.

2022 pre-season draft

Table of pre-season draft selections
RoundPickPlayerClubRecruited fromNotes
ClubLeague
1 1scope=row Passed
2scope=row Passed
3scope=row AFL
4scope=row Sandringham DragonsNAB League
5scope=row Passed

2022 rookie draft

Table of rookie draft selections
RoundPickPlayerClubRecruited fromNotes
ClubLeague
1 1scope=row AFL
2scope=row WilliamstownVFL
3scope=row AFL
4scope=row AFL
5scope=row Northern KnightsNAB League
6scope=row AFL
7scope=row AFL
8scope=row Oakleigh ChargersNAB League
9scope=row Passed
10scope=row Passed
11scope=row Oakleigh ChargersNAB League
12AFL
13scope=row Bendigo PioneersNAB League
14AFL
15scope=row Old Carey GrammariansVAFA
16
17scope=row SANFL
18scope=row WAFL
2 19scope=row Passed
20scope=row AFL
21scope=row AFL
22scope=row Passed
23scope=row Passed
24scope=row
25scope=row AFL
26scope=row Passed
27scope=row Passed
28Passed
29scope=row AFL
30scope=row Passed
31AFL
32scope=row FootscrayVFL
333Passed
34AFL
35Passed
436scope=row WAFLAcademy selection
537scope=row BroadbeachQAFLAcademy selection

Category B rookie selections

Table of Category B rookie selections
NameClubOriginNote
Northern Knights (NAB League)Next Generation Academy selection (Sudanese descent)[144]
Westmeath GAAInternational selection (Ireland)[145]
NT Thunder (NAB League)Next Generation Academy selection (indigenous)[146]
Sandringham Dragons (NAB League)Next Generation Academy selection (indigenous)[147]
Dandenong Stingrays (NAB League)Next Generation Academy selection (indigenous)
Western Jets (NAB League)Next Generation Academy selection (indigenous)[148]

Pre-season supplemental selection period

Table of Pre-season supplemental selection period signings
PlayerClubRecruited fromNotes
ClubLeague
WilliamstownVFL[149]
SANFLSon of Gavin Wanganeen[150]
WAFL
SANFL[151]
AFL[152]
SANFL[153]
AFL[154]
SydneyVFLPreviously listed with [155]
WAFLPreviously listed with [156]
WAFLPreviously listed with [157]
AFL
AFL

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Two-day draft returns after 2020 marathon. Callum. Twomey. 12 May 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra. 12 May 2021.
  2. Web site: North's number one priority. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20220322085447/https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/1024743/norths-number-one-priority. 2022-03-22. live.
  3. Web site: . Key Dates - Trade Period. AFL.com.au . . 13 September 2019.
  4. News: Will there be another Marlion? Mid-Season Draft back in 2021. Mitch. Cleary. 1 December 2019. afl.com.au. Telstra. 26 March 2019.
  5. Web site: Dees nab two first-round picks in blockbuster swap with Lions. Schmook. Nathan. 12 November 2020. 13 November 2020.
  6. Web site: Destined to be a Saint: Jack joins club of childhood dreams. 12 November 2020. 13 November 2020. AFL Media.
  7. Web site: Dons land another Giant: Young gun mid gets his Vic move. 12 November 2020. 12 November 2020. AFL Media.
  8. Web site: Cats cave, Giants score historic draft bounty for Jezza. 12 November 2020. 12 November 2020. AFL Media.
  9. Web site: Last-minute drama: Treloar becomes a Bulldog at the death. 12 November 2020. 12 November 2020. AFL Media.
  10. Web site: Hoff replacement on: Power strike deal for versatile Swan. 11 November 2020. 11 November 2020. AFL Media.
  11. Web site: Cats top up with another veteran midfielder in bid for premiership. 11 November 2020. 11 November 2020. AFL Media.
  12. Web site: Dees swap picks with Crows in bid to unlock Big Ben trade. Cleary. Mitch. 10 November 2020. 10 November 2020. AFL Media.
  13. News: Dashing Tigers defender joins Suns for future pick. 4 November 2020. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 4 November 2020.
  14. AFL_House. 1331121815750643714. 24 November 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Sydney Swans have traded its Rd 2 (31) Selection to Carlton for its Rd 3 (48) and Future Round Three Selection..
  15. AFL_House. 1331123578289283075. 24 November 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Sydney Swans have traded its Future Round Three Selection (tied to Carlton) to the Gold Coast SUNS for its Rd 2 (37) Selection..
  16. Web site: What a bargain: Eagles swoop on talented Lions defender. Whiting. Michael. AFL Media. 12 November 2020. 13 November 2020.
  17. Web site: Crafty forward enters Kennel for future pick. Schmook. Nathan. 10 November 2020. 10 November 2020. AFL Media.
  18. Web site: Power deal: Electric Bomber off to Port. AFL Media. Whiting. Michael. 13 November 2020. 12 November 2020.
  19. Web site: First pick swap done as Lions, Demons trade late and future selections. 6 November 2020. 10 November 2020. AFL Media. Whiting. Michael.
  20. Web site: Lions land former No.10 pick from Cats. 11 November 2020. 11 November 2020. AFL Media.
  21. AFL_House. 1334026022119849987. 2 December 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Gold Coast SUNS trade its Rd 2 (27) selection to the Geelong Cats for its Future Round Three Selection (currently tied to Melbourne)..
  22. AFL_House. 1334049153505128449. 2 December 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Brisbane Lions trade its Rd 4 (66) and Rd 4 (68) selections to Collingwood for its Rd 4 (70) and Future Round Four Selection..
  23. News: 5 November 2020. Late future pick sees Crows defender become a Hawk. afl.com.au. 5 November 2020.
  24. AFL_House. 1331784615028162567. 26 November 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Adelaide Crows trade its Rd 3 (56) and Rd 4 (63) Selections to Fremantle for its Future Round Four Selection..
  25. News: 10 November 2020. The Wright move: Dons grab former No.8 pick for bargain. afl.com.au. 10 November 2020.
  26. Web site: North to Melbourne: Big Ben clocks on at Demonland. Whiting. Michael. 12 November 2020. 13 November 2020.
  27. AFL_House. 1331476357939929091. 25 November 2020. Trade paperwork lodged. The Adelaide Crows trade Rd 4 (66) and its Future Round Four Selection (tied to Melbourne) to the Brisbane Lions for its Rd 4 (63) Selection..
  28. News: Don deal: Crows defender lands at the Hangar. 1 October 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 1 October 2021.
  29. News: It's official: Tall Tiger returns home to join Suns. 1 October 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 1 October 2021.
  30. News: Paperwork lodged: Blues table offer to free agent Swan. 1 October 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 1 October 2021.
  31. News: From Saint to Demon: Premiers score unwanted St Kilda ball-magnet. 6 October 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 6 October 2021.
  32. News: High-flying Hawks free agent gives Dogs a big-man boost. 7 October 2021. afl.com.au. Telstra Media. 7 October 2021.
  33. News: Brander Arrives Home. 3 November 2021. GWSGiants.com.au. Telstra Media. 3 November 2021.
  34. News: Play it again, Sam: Power snaps up luckless ex-Lion. 4 November 2021. AFL.com.au. Telstra Media. 4 November 2021.
  35. News: Saints welcome Campbell. 5 November 2021. Saints.com.au. Telstra Media. 5 November 2021.
  36. News: Officially a Cat: Stengle hoping third time's the charm. 5 November 2021. AFL.com.au. Telstra Media. 5 November 2021.
  37. News: Roos jump Suns' gun with shock Greenwood steal. 15 November 2021. AFL.com.au. Telstra Media. 15 November 2021.
  38. Web site: FIRST DEAL DONE: Pies grab more draft points in mega pick swap with Suns. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 4 October 2021.
  39. Web site: Nightmare on Pie Street: Collingwood lands big Cat Kreuger. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 5 October 2021.
  40. Web site: Power set to nab Giant forward for bargain price. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 6 October 2021.
  41. Web site: MEGA PICK SWAP: Four clubs sign off on monster trade. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 6 October 2021.
  42. AFL_House. 1445911669570367491. 7 October 2021. Trade paperwork lodged. Collingwood trade its Round Two Selection (22) to Fremantle for its Round Two Selection (27) and a Future Round Three Selection..
  43. Web site: Dockers land former No.9 pick, strengthen hand for Clark deal. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 7 October 2021.
  44. Web site: Happy birthday, Adam: Wantaway Docker gets his wish as Blues hand over pick No.6. Callum. Twomey. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 7 October 2021.
  45. Web site: Blues set to turn Petrevski-Seton into a big Bulldog. Riley. Beveridge. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 7 October 2021.
  46. Web site: Coleman-Jones, Tarrant swap clubs after Roos, Tigers strike deal. Callum. Twomey. Riley. Beveridge. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 8 October 2021.
  47. Web site: Pat's a Pie: Lipinski gets trade wish to Collingwood. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 11 October 2021.
  48. Web site: Crows get their man after Swans accept final offer. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  49. Web site: Big Cat becomes a Lion: Ruckman on the move for draft picks. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  50. Web site: Hawks pay up to send veteran ruckman down the highway. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  51. Web site: Need for speed: Dockers, Cats FINALLY agree on Clark deal. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  52. Web site: Power play: Swans use pick No.12 in trade for Ladhams. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  53. Web site: Hawks secure young Pies ruckman as Ceglar replacement. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021.
  54. Web site: Pies turn No.27 into three picks in trade with Tigers. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 18 October 2021.
  55. Web site: Giants boost draft hand in trade with Lions. Telstra. AFL.com.au. 22 October 2021.
  56. AFL_House. 1459027056264552448. 12 November 2021. Trade paperwork lodged. Collingwood trade its Round Three Selection (55) to St Kilda for its Future Round Four Selection (tied to Adelaide Crows).
  57. News: Lloyd calls time. 31 January 2021 . WesternBulldogs.com.au. 15 December 2020.
  58. News: McQuillan calls time. 3 January 2021 . EssendonFC.com.au. 4 January 2021.
  59. News: Retirement bombshell: Former No.1 quits Hawks in shock call. 2 February 2021 . AFL.com.au. 2 February 2021.
  60. News: 'Family and future first': Saint retires effective immediately. 5 March 2021 . AFL.com.au. 5 March 2021.
  61. News: 'Jonathon Patton has announced his retirement from AFL football. 16 April 2021 . AFL.com.au. 16 April 2021.
  62. Web site: Magpies veteran Levi Greenwood forced into early retirement after repeat concussions. Max. Laughton. Fox Sports. 28 June 2021.
  63. News: Mayne event comes to a close: Veteran Pie, ex-Docker calls time. 3 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 3 August 2021.
  64. News: Jong calls time. 4 August 2021 . WesternBulldogs.com.au. 4 August 2021.
  65. Web site: Premiership-winning Eagle Daniel Venables retires. Gary. Stocks. Telstra Media. 4 August 2021.
  66. News: 300 and out: Veteran Blue to retire after milestone game. 10 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 10 August 2021.
  67. News: 'My body hasn't held up': Electrifying wingman retires after injury struggles. 10 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 10 August 2021.
  68. News: Rocky's road ends: Power ball-magnet retires after injury-riddled 2021. 10 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 10 August 2021.
  69. News: Ambrose hangs up the boots. 11 August 2021 . EssendonFC.com.au. 11 August 2021.
  70. News: Sun sets on veteran pair after strange scratch match farewell. 16 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 16 August 2021.
  71. News: Thank You Zac Smith. 17 August 2021 . GoldCoastFC.com.au. 16 August 2021.
  72. News: Betts bids farewell. 17 August 2021 . CarltonFC.com.au. 16 August 2021.
  73. News: Astbury calls time on 'absolute joy ride'. 17 August 2021 . RichmondFC.com.au. 17 August 2021.
  74. News: Hooker calls end to mighty career. 17 August 2021 . EssendonFC.com.au. 17 August 2021.
  75. News: 262 and out: Retiring Suns stalwart Jarrod Harbrow flown in for one final AFL hurrah. 18 August 2021. FoxSports.com.au. 17 August 2021.
  76. News: After 13 seasons and three clubs, it's the end of the road for journeyman. 18 August 2021. AFL.com.au. 18 August 2021.
  77. Web site: David Mackay to retire. afc.com.au. 19 August 2021. 19 August 2021.
  78. News: Bachar Houli to retire as a 'Tiger for life'. Richmond Media. 19 August 2021. 19 August 2021.
  79. Web site: Silk confirms it will be 407 and out.
  80. News: Carlisle hangs up the boots. Richmond Media. 19 August 2021. 19 August 2021.
  81. Web site: 241 and out: Frawley hangs up the boots. saints.com.au. 25 August 2021. 25 August 2021.
  82. Web site: Defender turns back on Pies to pursue medical degree in Ireland. afl.com.au. 27 August 2021. 27 August 2021.
  83. Web site: Flag hero among two Eagles axed, big man calls it quits. afl.com.au. 7 September 2021. 7 September 2021.
  84. Web site: Veteran calls time after four flags, 287 games and two clubs. afl.com.au. 10 September 2021. 10 September 2021.
  85. Web site: Farewell to a champion: Jones announces his retirement. MelbourneFC.com.au. 15 September 2021. 15 September 2021.
  86. Web site: veteran-cat-retires-two-youngsters-cut-in-wake-of-prelim-loss. afl.com.au. 17 September 2021. 17 September 2021.
  87. Web site: 'I'll always be a proud Lion': Ruckman retires after eight-year career. afl.com.au. 21 September 2021. 20 September 2021.
  88. Web site: 'Brutal' Demon exploring options, veteran retires, trio delisted. afl.com.au. 27 September 2021. 27 September 2021.
  89. Web site: Henderson Hangs Up Boots & Okunbor Returns. geelongcats.com.au. 29 September 2021. 29 September 2021.
  90. Web site: 'No-fuss' Magpie calls it quits, 23yo mid delisted after 28 games. afl.com.au. 14 October 2021. 14 October 2021.
  91. News: UPDATE: Crows champion calls time due to injury. 15 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021.
  92. News: 'I've athletically declined': Premiership skipper's shock call. 22 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 22 October 2021.
  93. News: No return for the Mummy: Giants ruck hangs up the boots … again. 29 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 29 October 2021.
  94. News: Jones announces his retirement. 14 November 2021 . CarltonFC.com.au. 14 November 2021.
  95. News: vandenBerg walks away from AFL, urges others not to fear retirement. 24 November 2021 . CarltonFC.com.au. 7 November 2021.
  96. News: Crows forward delisted after string of off-field indiscretions. 17 March 2021 . AFL.com.au. 17 March 2021.
  97. News: Dockers assistant stood down, youngster charged after quarantine breaches. 10 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 30 July 2021.
  98. News: Crows cut 'The Connector': Forward considers options after delisting. 10 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 10 August 2021.
  99. News: Thank you, Levi. 17 August 2021 . CarltonFC.com.au. 17 August 2021.
  100. News: Docker delisted: Defender falls short of contract trigger. 18 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 18 August 2021.
  101. News: Father-son Tiger cut after just nine games in four years. 24 August 2021 . AFL.com.au. 24 August 2021.
  102. News: Fremantle list update. 25 August 2021 . FremantleFC.com.au. 25 August 2021.
  103. News: Boyhood Bomber bids farewell. 31 August 2021 . EssendonFC.com.au. 31 August 2021.
  104. News: ROOS CULL FOUR: Former first-round picks among departures. 2 September 2021 . AFL.com.au. 2 September 2021.
  105. News: HAWKS CUT FIVE: 23yo midfielder, ex-Bomber among departures. 7 September 2021 . AFL.com.au. 7 September 2021.
  106. News: Dons part ways with Mosquito, Cahill and Johnson not offered contracts. 13 September 2021 . EssendonFC.com.au. 13 September 2021.
  107. News: St Kilda list update. 13 September 2021 . Saints.com.au. 13 September 2021.
  108. News: Port Adelaide farewells Hamish Hartlett among three list changes. 14 September 2021 . PortAdelaideFC.com.au. 14 September 2021.
  109. News: Former No.5 pick among two inaugural Giants cut. 16 September 2021 . AFL.com.au. 16 September 2021.
  110. News: GIANTS Make List Changes. 17 September 2021 . GWSGiants.com.au. 17 September 2021.
  111. News: Eagles announce three list changes. 17 September 2021 . WestCoastEagles.com.au. 17 September 2021.
  112. News: Former first round pick among four delisted. 17 September 2021 . afl.com.au. 17 September 2021.
  113. News: Sweet and sour news: Lemmens among two re-signings, Suns cut rookie. 23 September 2021 . AFL.com.au. 22 September 2021 .
  114. News: Eagles cut injury-hit forward, emerging defender inks new deal. 28 September 2021 . AFL.com.au. 28 September 2021 .
  115. News: Blues shock: Crafty forward among two delisted. 7 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 7 October 2021 .
  116. News: Father-son Cat delisted without playing a senior game. 13 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 12 October 2021 .
  117. News: Blues shock: Crafty forward among two delisted. 14 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021 .
  118. News: 'It's tough saying goodbye': Popular Bomber not offered new contract. 13 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 13 October 2021 .
  119. News: Cats axe 'good player' for more opportunities elsewhere. 15 October 2021. AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021.
  120. News: Hawthorn rebuild continues, 2019's 'best first-year player' culled. 15 October 2021. AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021.
  121. News: Back to the race track? Son of horse trainer among two Dogs delisted. 15 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021 .
  122. News: UPDATE: Son of club great among four Power cuts. 17 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021 .
  123. News: Historic Tiger among four delistings ... but lifelines are on the way. 15 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021 .
  124. News: ST KILDA DREAMING OVER: Childhood fan delisted after 87 games, 73 goals. 15 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 15 October 2021 .
  125. News: Demons delist duo, confirm new deal for flag hero. 18 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 18 October 2021 .
  126. News: Veteran defender, free-agent winger among four Roos culled. 18 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 18 October 2021 .
  127. News: Lions delist four, but rookie lifeline looms for one. 18 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 18 October 2021 .
  128. News: Former pick No.13 going for free: Cut Eagle to explore options. 18 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 18 October 2021 .
  129. News: Adelaide duo delisted as Crows turn their attention to the draft. 22 October 2021. AFL.com.au. 22 October 2021 .
  130. News: Saints cut back-up big man, former Roo on radar. 22 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 22 October 2021 .
  131. News: Dockers delist duo to open up senior spots. 28 October 2021. AFL.com.au. 28 October 2021 .
  132. News: Four-club journeyman among two Suns axed, but rookie hope lives on. 28 October 2021. AFL.com.au. 28 October 2021 .
  133. News: ROO'D SHOCK: North explains why its delisted high-priced recruit. 29 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 29 October 2021 .
  134. News: Another year for injury-cursed Swan, 2014's Rising Star delisted. 29 October 2021 . AFL.com.au. 29 October 2021 .
  135. News: Bombers make further list change. 3 November 2021. EssendonFC.com.au. 3 November 2021.
  136. News: Gun Sun among three delisted with a twist. 11 November 2021. AFL.com.au. 11 November 2021 .
  137. News: Giants re-sign four, delist defender with rookie promise. 11 November 2021. AFL.com.au. 11 November 2021.
  138. Web site: 2021-11-25 . AFL Draft Tracker 2021: See every pick and every trade by your club . 2023-09-09 . Fox Sports . en.
  139. Web site: 2021-11-25 . AFL Draft Tracker 2021: See every pick and every trade by your club . 2023-09-09 . Fox Sports . en.
  140. Web site: 2021-11-25 . AFL Draft Tracker 2021: See every pick and every trade by your club . 2023-09-09 . Fox Sports . en.
  141. Web site: 2021-11-25 . AFL Draft Tracker 2021: See every pick and every trade by your club . 2023-09-09 . Fox Sports . en.
  142. Web site: 2021-11-25 . AFL Draft Tracker 2021: See every pick and every trade by your club . 2023-09-09 . Fox Sports . en.
  143. Book: Lovett, M. . Australian Football League [AFL] . March 2023 . AFL Record Season Guide 2023.
  144. News: Rookie: Domanic Akuei. 26 November 2021. CarltonFC.com.au. 26 November 2021.
  145. News: Hawks sign exciting Irishman. 26 October 2021. HawthornFC.com.au. 26 October 2021.
  146. News: Drafted: Andy Moniz-Wakefield signed as Category B Rookie. 26 November 2021. MelbourneFC.com.au. 26 November 2021.
  147. News: Academy duo listed as Category B rookies. 26 November 2021. Saints.com.au. 26 November 2021.
  148. News: Bulldogs select Cody Raak as a pre-selected rookie. 26 November 2021. WesternBulldogs.com.au. 26 November 2021.
  149. Web site: Lions lock in final rookie spot with signing of 24yo VFL star. 8 March 2022. AFL.com.au. 8 March 2022.
  150. Web site: Wanganeen and Martin don the sash. 23 February 2022. EssendonFC.com.au. Telstra. 23 February 2022.
  151. Web site: Who got the nod? Suns make call on final list spot. 7 February 2022. AFL.com.au. 7 February 2022.
  152. Web site: CONFIRMED: Ex-Crow officially added to Roos' list. 8 March 2022. AFL.com.au. 8 March 2022.
  153. Web site: Better late than never: 25yo SANFL star earns rookie deal at Saints. 2 March 2022. AFL.com.au. 2 March 2022.
  154. Web site: Former Port defender snags Saints' last list spot. 8 March 2022. AFL.com.au. 8 March 2022.
  155. Web site: Paddy back: Former No.1 gun revives AFL career after two-year hiatus. 31 January 2022. AFL.com.au. 31 January 2022.
  156. AFL_House . 1499216270021238787 . The AFL advises the West Coast Eagles have signed Hugh Dixon (Category A Rookie) as a Pre-Season Supplemental Selection. .
  157. Web site: Eagles sign three SSP players. 9 March 2022. WestCoastEagles.com.au. 9 March 2022.