The AFL has flagged the prospect of a mid-season trade period, but the AFL Players’ Association stance is clear.
Plus another key Dee looks set to stay put.
Get all the latest player movement news in AFL Trade Whispers!
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JVR kicks two in 90 seconds to ICE game | 00:50
‘DARK HORSE’ IN RACE FOR KEY GIANT
The Brisbane Lions should be considered a “dark horse” for out-of-contract Giants swingman Harry Himmelberg, according to Channel Seven reporter Mitch Cleary.
Himmelberg is one of the most high profile free agents of this year’s pool, which has seen both Sydney and Richmond linked to the 26-year-old.
Speaking on the Tradies podcast, Cleary said both the Swans and Tigers were “right at the pointy end” in the race for Himmelberg’s services, but said he was “not discounting a little dark horse in Brisbane”.
Cleary said Himmelberg’s family resides in Brisbane currently, which could hold sway in the former pick No.16’s decision.
One of Himmelberg’s close friends, Tim Taranto, was traded to Richmond at the end of last season along with another of Himmelberg’s former teammates, Jacob Hopper.
Himmelberg has starred early in the season for the Giants and was the match-winner against Hawthorn in Round 5.
AFL’S RADICAL TRADE PROPOSAL AMID NEW PAY DEAL
The AFL has raised the prospect of stars being traded against their will as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Both the AFL and AFL Players’ Association are significantly apart on the next CBA, with the league pushing for a nine-year contract while the AFLPA seeks one no longer than four years.
Part of the league’s proposal involves a mid-season trade period, but the AFLPA is strongly against the idea.
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph asked Jordan Lewis and Jonathan Brown about the prospect of such a trade period, with both unconvinced it was feasible in the AFL.
“If a club is willing to sign a particular player on a particular deal, well then that’s just bad luck (if they then want to offload the player),” Lewis said.
“If they can‘t then facilitate a trade, I don’t think the AFL then can come over and say to the player ’you have to move to interstate’ or wherever. Pack up your family, pack up your house, pack up everything else. You signed the deal, I think you’re willing to stay at the club.
“I don’t even think the Americans (in the NBA) like it. A lot of families base themselves in LA because they are sick of moving around all over America, so the money I don’t think is the issue.
“It‘s upsetting living arrangements and friends you’ve got and schools. There’s a lot more things that go into it.
“I think it’s a thing that won‘t pass.”
Brown added: “I think the players still don’t earn the level of pay – you see in America the players get traded against their will, but they are on millions of dollars.”
Melbourne Demons Press Conference | 06:53
DEES STAR CLOSING IN ON NEW DEAL
Melbourne premiership forward Kysaiah Pickett is reportedly closing in on a four-year deal.
Pickett, 21, is set to fall out of contract at the end of 2023, but Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealed on Monday night the Demons and Pickett’s management were now negotiating exclusively.
“Kozzie Pickett is closing in on a new four-year deal with the Demons,” Ralph told Fox Footy on Monday night.
“He has significant offers from rival clubs, including in Perth and in South Australia, but he’s now negotiating exclusively with the Demons.
“Melbourne will not confirm it but my understanding is they’ve lifted their offer in recent weeks.
“It is lucrative, it is long enough to get him through to free agency. I expect that deal to be signed within weeks.”
West Australian and South Australian teams both had interest in Pickett, given he spent stages of his life living in both states.
Melbourne has locked in virtually all of its key players for the long-term, headlined by Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, with the pair signed on until 2029 and 2030 respectively.
