After all the talk, it’s time for some moves, as AFL free agency opens today.
And it comes as Melbourne is trying to repel raids for some of its speedy talent from rivals.
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6AM – DEMONS TRYING TO WARD OFF MULTIPLE RIVALS FOR SPEEDSTERS
Melbourne is hoping to keep speedy small forward Toby Bedford but a move west for dasher Jayden Hunt is looking more and more likely, as multiple rivals make moves on the 2021 premiers’ list.
The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph reports Bedford has a three-year deal on the table from the Demons, after playing 16 games this past season but eight of them as the unused medical sub.
He is seeking further opportunity and that could mean a move to either GWS or Essendon, who hold interest in the 22-year-old. Bedford has reportedly met with the Giants multiple times.
Meanwhile Hunt appears likely to sign with West Coast when free agency opens on Friday.
After a difficult 2021 season which saw him unable to break into the premiership side late in the year, Hunt bounced back with 20 games in 2022.
But having reportedly met with Eagles coach Adam Simpson recently, it appears he’ll be adding some much needed run off halfback and/or the wing in the west.
West Coast has also been urged to target West Australia’s Quinton Narkle, who was delisted by Geelong this week.
“I’m staggered to see Quinton Narkle be delisted by Geelong,” Eagles champion Brad Sheppard said on SEN.
“I think he’s a great player and he’s shown ability at the top level, it’s just hard for Quinton to get into that Geelong midfielder group.
“West Coast hold pick one in the pre-season draft this year, so they could pick Quinton Narkle up for nothing essentially and I think that would be a great pick if West Coast went down that avenue.
“He’s an inside midfielder with a lot of skill as well, so I think he’d be a handy addition for West Coast.”
Joel Selwood – Full Retirement Presser | 26:41
6AM – WHO WILL MOVE FIRST AS FREE AGENCY OPENS?
Unrestricted and restricted free agency gets underway from 9am this morning – though the latter only impacts Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey, who is locked in negotiations with his current club over behaviour clauses.
So the natural question is, who’ll make the first move?
Karl Amon is surely the frontrunner, having nominated Hawthorn as his club of choice over a month ago, with Port Adelaide not having any power to lock down the unrestricted free agent.
He’ll sign a four-year deal worth up to $650,000 per season, with the Power likely to earn either an end-of-first-round or second-round compensation draft pick.
Reports out of the west suggest Jayden Hunt could make his move from Melbourne to West Coast on Friday, though given the Eagles’ higher-ups might still be having a cheeky sleep-in when free agency opens at 7am their time, it’d be a surprise if Hunt signed straight away.
Brisbane is linked to the two other expected moves, with Daniel McStay (heading to Collingwood) to be replaced up forward by Jack Gunston (from Hawthorn).
Both moves have been officially revealed by the clubs involved, with McStay to sign a five-year deal worth around $600,000 a year, while Gunston rejected a two-year deal to remain at the Hawks.
The Lions’ draft compensation for losing McStay would likely be weakened by signing Gunston – though they could look to trade for him, using a late pick, to avoid that scenario.
Similarly if De Goey ends up leaving Collingwood, the Magpies would look to trade for McStay, as to avoid weakening what would be strong compensation for De Goey.
Hawthorn likely won’t get compensation for losing Gunston anyway due to his age and the size of his contract, as well as because they are signing Amon on a bigger contract.
Free agency closes next Friday October 7 at 5pm EST.
The trade period opens at 9am EST on Monday October 3 and closes at 7:30pm EST on Wednesday October 12.
Ask your AFL trade questions in our live chat below from 9am AEST!
