Former AFL player Flynn Perez is back in the spotlight as he aims to secure a spot on an AFL list during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP). Perez, who previously played 24 games for North Melbourne between 2020 and 2023, has been making waves with Hawthorn during training and match simulations. The Hawks are not alone in their interest; Perez has also caught the attention of rival clubs after his impressive performances with Sturt in the SANFL.
AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich praised Perez's dedication and progress, stating, 'This guy has been out of the AFL system for two years, went to Sturt in the SANFL, has trained since early December and been super impressive, really, really impressive.'
The competition for these final spots is fierce, with Hawthorn's Ethan Stanley and Jack Riding also in the running. Meanwhile, Tom McGuane's training stint at Adelaide has concluded, and former Sydney defender Zac Foot continues to train with the Crows. Elijah Hollands is a strong contender at Carlton, while Chris Scerri is reportedly in the 'box seat' to sign with Fremantle.
Port Adelaide, like Hawthorn, has two open list spots, with Jaidyn Stephenson among the players in the running. Balyn O'Brien is considered a strong candidate if Port Adelaide decides to add a player, as he has impressed as a medium defender. Other clubs are also keeping an eye on him as a potential mid-season pick.
The list of players trialling for an SSP spot includes:
- Adelaide: Zac Foot
- Carlton: Elijah Hollands, Will White
- Fremantle: Chris Scerri
- Hawthorn: Jack Riding, Flynn Perez, Ethan Stanley
- North Melbourne: Zac Becker, Tom Blamires
- Port Adelaide: Ted Clohesy, Balyn O'Brien, Jaidyn Stephenson, Mitchell Zadow
- Richmond: Thomas Burton, Marcus Krasnadamskis
- St Kilda: Blake Chambers
With only one spot available for some clubs and two for others, the competition is intense, and the fate of these players hangs in the balance as the AFL season approaches.
