Delisted Collingwood defender Wil Parker will join Carlton as early as November 2 on a two-year deal, according to gun 7NEWS reporter Tom Morris.
Parker — a former leg-spin bowler for Victoria who also played in the BBL for the Hobart Hurricanes — was delisted by the Magpies on September 1, along with second-round draft pick Jakob Ryan, 26-gamer Lachie Sullivan, mid-season draftee Mitch Podhajski, defender Joel Cochran and ruckman Iliro Smit.
Following his cricket career, Parker joined the Magpies in 2023 as a Category B Rookie.
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While his foot skills have impressed, he’s only managed 14 AFL games since his debut in 2024, including five this year.
He will join Carlton as a delisted free agent.
Meanwhile, sacked Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill could also find his way back into the AFL system.
Hill has courted controversy by saying he is keen return to the AFL after an emotional departure from Collingwood at the end of July this year.
After multiple issues and personal leave, Collingwood and Hill parted ways, despite Hill having a bumper contract that ran out at the end of 2030.
Now, Hill is thinking about returning and can join a club as a delisted free agent.
There is also an extra incentive for clubs to consider Hill, with the AFL opening up an extra Category B rookie spot on club lists for Indigenous players in 2027.
“I would love (to see Bobby Hill back on a list),” said Hill’s former teammate Tom Mitchell on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters..
“And if he’s genuine in in saying he’s found the love for the game again, could there be a position as an SSP (rookie) for Bobby, like to prove himself, get fit, and show (he’s ready)? Like words are easy to say, but you need to come and prove yourself.
“And I love the fact that he’s training, but I think he needs to put some proof into that.”
Highly regarded agent Liam Pickering said Hill would be a “perfect” SSP rookie signing (the Supplemental Selection Period is a pre‑season window that allows clubs to sign players outside the national draft and trade periods).
“He’s perfect,” Pickering said. “You say, ‘right, Bobby, you’ve talked the talk. Now come and join us in December, and you’ve got until February to get yourself in really good nick.’ And everyone knows he’s got talent.
“And if you can prove that you really want to be an AFL player, that’s the way to go … but the reality is, Bobby needs to prove to everyone that he really wants to play.”
Morris said Fremantle was the “perfect club” for Hill.
“I think he suits Dockers. A stable club, a club that’s almost won the flag this year, I know he’s close to Shai Bolton as well, I think Fremantle, if there is a club, would be a great fit for him to come and I guess restart his football career,” Morris said on The Agenda Setters..
“But he would know that he’s only got one more chance left, maximum.”
With Fremantle pressure forward Sam Switkowski retiring after the grand final, there certainly is a position in Fremantle’s team for a player such as Hill.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that West Coast are interested in star Geelong half-forward Gryan Miers.
Miers has two years remaining on his contract, fell out of favour this year as he battled through the season with a partial tear of the ACL in his right knee.
He suffered the injury back in April but opted against surgery in a bid to keep his season alive.
As a result, his output was down on his normal lofty standards (he averaged 20 disposals), and even spent time in the VFL.
Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie insists he has hasn’t heard from rival clubs about Miers despite reports “the Eagles have a level of interest in the premiership winner and have asked the question”.
“I’ve heard some speculation on him … clubs over the last couple of years have raised his (name) amongst other names,” Mackie said on Trade Radio on Thursday.
“But no … other players have been raised this year. I think it’s clear the Saints were asking about Lawson Humphries. But no, no, from our end, it’s been pretty quiet from that point of view.”
St Kilda’s Mattaes Phillipou is another player linked to a move despite the fact he’s under contract and on big money.
