This year’s AFL trade period will be one of the busiest in recent memory, with a huge number of players set for switches at season’s end.
Be it the big names such as Luke Jackson, Brodie Grundy and Izak Rankine or those just trying to secure a spot in a senior AFL side, there’s opportunity aplenty at the trade table.
Foxfooty.com.au breaks down the state of play at every AFL club as ‘silly season’ looms.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Players that could leave
It’s hard to see Matt Crouch staying put at a club that clearly doesn’t see him in their best 22 anymore. The question now is whether there’s a club out there interested in doing a trade for him, given he’s contracted for 2023. There have been no shortage of young players at the Crows being linked to trades, with Fisher McAsey, James Rowe and Billy Frampton all attracting interest. Lachie Sholl is one who along with McAsey has been linked to Carlton.
Players that could arrive
The big one is clearly Izak Rankine, who will join the Crows on a five-year deal worth roughly $850,000 per season. The Suns are disappointed with Rankine’s decision to say the least given how much time they’ve put into developing him as a player, so their opening asking price at the trade table could raise eyebrows. The Crows have been looking to specifically target South Australian talent such as Rankine and Jordan Dawson in recent trade periods. Dylan Stephens is contracted to the Swans for another year and is now getting regular senior game time, so two Swans in two years will be a bridge too far.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
5, 23, 77
BRISBANE LIONS
Players that could leave
Dan McStay will be playing for Collingwood next year. He’ll join the Pies on a five-year deal worth close to $650,000 per season. The Lions have a stack of players out of contract, but very few who are part of their best 22. It’s hard to see skipper Dayne Zorko playing anywhere else. Callum Ah Chee is also out of contract.
Players that could arrive
Some would have you believe Lance Franklin could be teaming up with Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood at Brisbane next season, but it remains more likely Franklin either stays at Sydney or retires at the end of the year. The Lions have shown interest in Jack Gunston too, who would be a perfect replacement for McStay and continue the side’s trend of targeting veteran Hawks for some on-field leadership and poise in the final years of their careers. Other than that, Brisbane aren’t likely to be an active player in the trade period this time around.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
13, 31, 44 (via Port Adelaide), 67, 85
CARLTON
Players that could leave
Liam Stocker remains out of contract and the first-round draft pick could benefit from a fresh start after failing to cement his spot in the Blues’ senior side. The former pick No.19 will attract interest from rivals who believe they can get more out of him, with his talents clear in his time as a defender at VFL level and bursts in the midfield. He wants more midfield time and the Blues need to get back into the draft. Key names without a deal also include Will Setterfield and Caleb Marchbank. Lochie O’Brien and Matt Owies are closing in on contract extensions.
Players that could arrive
They’ve missed out on Karl Amon, so the Blues are very likely to focus on the draft given how aggressive they’ve been in trading picks over the last two years. Re-signing existing players and drafting more young talent is the goal. Having said that, Blues list boss Nick Austin was spotted scouting some of Fisher McAsey’s recent SANFL matches. The former pick No.6 hasn’t been able to establish himself at AFL level and the key defender would be an important addition to the Blues’ backline.
Who’s already gone
Tom Williamson (released)
Draft picks
10, 28, 62 (via Port Adelaide), 64, 82
COLLINGWOOD
Players that could leave
There’s a bit going on at Collingwood. Jordan De Goey and Brodie Grundy are the two big names. De Goey remains uncontracted for 2023, with St Kilda and Geelong the two main contenders. The Pies could match a deal for De Goey and force a trade, but he could still re-sign with the club if he accepts the inclusion of behavioural clauses in his next deal, which is likely to be for two years at around the $800,000 mark. It would take more money and more long-term security from the Saints to lure him out, while Geelong is less inclined to offer the above. Grundy remains a genuine chance to be playing elsewhere in 2023, having met with multiple clubs. Melbourne and Geelong have been mentioned, but it’s the Dees who loom large, with the likelihood of losing Luke Jackson at season’s end. The Pies would be willing contribute up to $300,000 a year for his remaining five-year deal, meaning the money freed up via Jackson’s departure along with long-term deals at the Dees that can be manoeuvred salary-wise meaning Grundy could easily be playing there in 2023. Ollie Henry remains without a deal despite glimpses of his considerable potential at AFL level this season. Ash Johnson’s arrival at AFL level has put Henry in a bind. Caleb Poulter remains unsigned.
Players that could arrive
Dan McStay will join the club on a five-year deal worth close to $650,000 per season. The Pies have also been into Tim Taranto along with Richmond as well as Taranto’s teammate at the Giants, Bobby Hill. Taranto’s fortunes at Collingwood hinge on the decision De Goey makes. Free agency compensation for De Goey won’t be much given McStay comes in and affects the mysterious free agency compensation formula, so they potentially match a deal for De Goey and go to the trade table, even though they know realistically they’ll end up trading De Goey out rather than holding him to that offer. Hill was held to his contract last year after requesting a move to Essendon, but he’ll find a new home this trade period. Tim Taranto had interest from the Pies but it is looking like Richmond leads that race now should he opt for a Victorian move.
Who’s already gone
Jordan Roughead (retired)
Draft picks
15, 42 (via Hawthorn), 47 (via Western Bulldogs), 48 (via Richmond), 87
ESSENDON
Players that could leave
Captain Dyson Heppell has been heavily linked to the Gold Coast Suns and at this point you could hardly blame him for leaving given the off-field turnover currently occurring at Essendon. The other name to watch is Aaron Francis, who Essendon could offer a deal but would be open to trading given rival clubs could be very interested in his still untapped talent as a former pick No.6 and just 25 years of age. He isn’t a free agent, so a trade is the likely scenario for the South Australian. Nick Bryan was good in the VFL this season while Sam Draper continued to cement himself as the club’s go-to AFL option. Alec Waterman’s future is yet to be decided and he’s an unrestricted free agent and still just 26 years of age.
Players that could arrive
Current football boss Josh Mahoney has flagged being aggressive in the free agency space this off-season, having been relatively quiet last year barring the addition of Jake Kelly. They met with Angus Brayshaw but he re-signed with Melbourne not long after. Toby Bedford is someone the Bombers have been eyeing as the small forward struggles to get a regular spot in the senior side. The Giants could also be on the hunt for a Bedford type given they’ll likely lose Bobby Hill to Collingwood. The Bombers tried to get Hill across last year but he was held to his contract, but this time Collingwood looms as his new destination.
Who’s already gone
Michael Hurley (retired), Devon Smith (retired), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (retired), Tom Cutler (delisted), Tom Hird (delisted), Garrett McDonough (delisted)
Draft picks
4, 22, 40, 58, 76
FREMANTLE
Players that could leave
The Dockers have a stack of talent that could be elsewhere in 2023. Rory Lobb is set on heading to Victoria, likely to the Western Bulldogs. From there, the Dockers will try to clear cap space to make room for likely arrival Luke Jackson. Blake Acres is one of several players weighing up a less-than-satisfactory contract offer from his current club. They’ve extended James Aish for another three years, but Bailey Banfield, Joel Hamling, Lloyd Meek and Sam Sturt all remain unsigned beyond this season, while Griffin Logue is also weighing up his future. Brennan Cox is contracted until 2024 but still comes up in dispatches, particularly regarding Adelaide. Nathan Wilson is waiting on a list spot before he’s able to pursue a new deal at the club.
Players that could arrive
Luke Jackson is highly likely to be playing for Fremantle next season and beyond, with the Dockers set to offer him up to $900,000 a year on a long-term deal. It’s Jackson’s future that is having an impact on some other Dockers’ contract negotiations. They had interest in Angus Brayshaw before he ultimately re-signed with Melbourne, which means some of the players in contract limbo could have their offers boosted. They don’t have much to play with in terms of draft capital, especially since that already-thin hand will be depleted in a deal for Jackson, so their options are limited unless they can utilise the free agency market.
Who’s already gone
David Mundy (retired)
Draft picks
14, 72 (via Geelong), 86
GEELONG CATS
Players that could leave
There aren’t too many concerns at all for the Cats in this department. Sam Simpson, Quinton Narkle and Francis Evans are the key young talent coming out of contract, but all are not free agents so the Cats could get deals done for them if they decided to explore their options. The likes of Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood aren’t going elsewhere, while retirements are likely for Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins. It’s a stable list at the Cattery.
Players that could arrive
This is where things get interesting. The Cats are ramping up interest in Jacob Hopper, while they have also been linked to Brodie Grundy. What continues to work in Geelong’s favour is the team-first mentality at the deal table, with all of their stars taking unders in order to boost their chances of team success. Long-term deals for either Hopper or Grundy could allow them to backend them and free up cap space for them once the likes of Joel Selwood, Zach Tuohy and Tom Hawkins opt to hang up the boots. They continue to defy the AFL’s equalisation measures. The Cats have also been linked to Jordan De Goey, but it does look like it’s the Saints or Pies for him at this stage.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
18, 36, 46 (via Carlton), 49 (via Brisbane), 54, 60 (via Hawthorn), 90
GOLD COAST SUNS
Players that could leave
Izak Rankine will join Adelaide on a lucrative five-year deal, it’s just a matter of the two parties thrashing out a trade now that he has made his decision. The Suns will ask for a fair bit at the outset but the end result probably lies somewhere between the two parties. Brayden Fiorini has a year to run on his contract but the 25-year-old is no longer a first-choice option in the engine room and could attract some interest from his home state of Victoria. Oleg Markov struggled to cement his spot in the senior side and remains uncontracted. Levi Casboult remains an unrestricted free agent and could draw renewed interest after a stellar season, but it’s either retirement or another year at the Suns at this stage. Jez McLennan is a free agent and still hasn’t made his AFL debut.
Players that could arrive
Dyson Heppell’s future remains a fascinating one, with the Suns having some interest in him if he decides to leave Essendon. Apart from Heppell, not many have been linked to the Suns as they look to prioritise the futures of the players coming out of contract and maximise an incredibly tantalising draft hand that will only be bolstered once a deal is done for Rankine.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
7, 25, 32 (via Fremantle), 33 (via Collingwood), 43, 51 (via Collingwood), 68 (via Fremantle), 69 (via Collingwood), 79
GWS GIANTS
Players that could leave
Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Bobby Hill are the three names at the centre of trade discussions so far for the Giants. The club is actively looking to clear some cap space. Richmond is looming large as a new destination for Taranto, while Hopper is looking more and more likely a Geelong recruit. It’s possible one leaves while the other stays. Hill is bound for Collingwood at this stage. Tanner Bruhn and Tom Green are another pair who are gettable, but Bruhn seems a more likely departure as things stand. The Giants have been linked to Brodie Grundy and Nick Bryan, so that means they have some decisions to make on current ruck pair Kieren Briggs and Matt Flynn, with Braydon Preuss the preferred option of the trio. Lachie Keefe’s future is also uncertain and Nick Haynes’ name has come up as a potential trade chance.
Players that could arrive
The issue for the Giants is their salary cap squeeze, with four of their highest-paid players on nearly $4 million. It’s hard to lure too many players to the club given it could entail spending big on yet another player. The Giants have shown interest in Brodie Grundy and the Pies would be willing to contribute up to $300,000 of his lucrative salary. They’re also interested in Toby Bedford, particularly if Bobby Hill heads to Victoria.
Who’s already gone
Matt De Boer (retired)
Draft picks
3, 21, 39, 57, 59 (via Adelaide), 75
HAWTHORN
Players that could leave
Jack Gunston is one to watch as he weighs up interest from rival clubs, headed by Brisbane. Liam Shiels and Luke Breust are another two veterans in the mix. Two names that continue to pop up are Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, but the club insists they will be seeing out the final year of their contract next season. It’s a fascinating state of play for the Hawks when it comes to their veterans given where the side’s list is at and how much they’re keen to attack the draft.
Players that could arrive
Karl Amon has officially nominated the Hawks as his club of choice, so he’ll be playing for them next season. And the good news is he won’t cost them a pick since he’s a free agent. Anyone else would be a bonus as the Hawks try keep the selections they have and strengthen their hand before the draft.
Who’s already gone
Ben McEvoy (retired)
Draft picks
6, 24, 50 (via Fremantle), 61 (via Gold Coast), 78
MELBOURNE
Players that could leave
It almost looms as a fait accompli Luke Jackson will head home to West Australia at season’s end. The Dees in return will get at least one first-round pick for him. Toby Bedford has attracted interest from Essendon and Greater Western Sydney. Jake Melksham remains uncontracted despite a late-season surge, while Jayden Hunt is an unrestricted free agent.
Players that could arrive
The Dees have met with Brodie Grundy and are a genuine chance of bringing him across at season’s end. He’d be the perfect replacement for Luke Jackson and would end up costing roughly the same amount given Collingwood would put in up to $300,000 of his salary. The Dees are otherwise well set from a list standpoint.
Who’s already gone
Majak Daw (retired)
Draft picks
35, 41 (via Adelaide), 53, 63 (via St Kilda), 71, 89
NORTH MELBOURNE
Players that could leave
Cam Zurhaar remains the biggest chance to leave the club, but the arrival of Alastair Clarkson could be enough to swing his thinking. Essendon has shown interest in him. Todd Goldstein remains without a deal and is an unrestricted free agent. Geelong is showing interest in Bailey Scott and looks poised to swoop. Jason Horne-Francis isn’t going anywhere.
Players that could arrive
The Alastair Clarkson effect could be in full swing this trade period. He has shown interest in Brad Hill, who still has three years left to run on a lucrative deal with St Kilda but is open to a move. Liam Shiels is on the outer at the Hawks and could be up for a Clarko reunion, while Jack Gunston could be a great option if Zurhaar was to depart and the Lions don’t get him first.
Who’s already gone
Tom Lynch (retired)
Draft picks
1, 55, 66 (via Richmond), 73
PORT ADELAIDE
Players that could leave
Karl Amon is gone via unrestricted free agency. Travis Boak still hasn’t officially extended his tenure at Port Adelaide and remains out of contract, but a commitment seems a mere formality. Trent Dumont’s future is less certain. There’s a fair bit of interest in Miles Bergman, who could be on the move.
Players that could arrive
Josh Dunkley’s future continues to fascinate, with a move to South Australia far from ruled out. He’d be perfect for Port Adelaide and the Dogs may have to part ways with one of their gun midfielders given how many they’ve got on the books along with the likes of Tim English and Aaron Naughton. Tom Highmore is a South Australian and is out of contract struggling to cement a spot in the Saints’ senior side. Port Adelaide is at the very least interested in Brodie Grundy’s future. Junior Rioli has links to South Australia and could be on the radar.
Who’s already gone
Steven Motlop (retired), Robbie Gray (retired), Sam Skinner (delisted), Sam Mayes (delisted), Taj Schofield (delisted), Karl Amon (free agency)
Draft picks
8, 52 (via Sydney), 56 (via West Coast), 80
RICHMOND
Players that could leave
The enigma remains Dustin Martin. There have been countless showings of faith in Martin and a belief he will see out at least the next year of his current deal, which expires at the end of 2024. Still, we’ve seen far stranger things transpire in trade periods, so there’s always a chance something changes before that period is out. Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt are yet to re-sign, but they won’t play elsewhere.
Players that could arrive
Tim Taranto could very well be in the yellow and black jumper next year as he weighs up his future at Greater Western Sydney. He’s the major watch this space player for the Tigers, who aren’t linked to a stack of players this off-season.
Who’s already gone
Josh Caddy (retired), Kane Lambert (retired), Matthew Parker (delisted), Shane Edwards (retired)
Draft picks
12, 19 (via North Melbourne), 30, 84
ST KILDA
Players that could leave
Not many players are off the table at St Kilda as the club recalibrates following a disappointing season. Brad Hill has another three years to run on a lucrative deal, but is open to a move. Questions were asked of Ben Long by rival clubs last year and could come again, especially given he’s out of contract. Zak Jones was on the outer late in the season and could be one of a host of players the Saints welcome offers for in order to bolster their draft hand after several seasons of aggressive trading.
Players that could arrive
The big one is Jordan De Goey, who the Saints’ board recently ticked off on as a potential recruit. He’d get more money and long-term security at the Saints if he was to come across. Geelong is interested in him but the Saints loom large. Should De Goey come across then the Saints will likely offload some of the aforementioned players to get back some draft capital given how bare they are barring pick No.9.
Who’s already gone
Paddy Ryder (retired), Dan Hannebery (retired), Jarryn Geary (retired), Josiah Kyle (retired)
Draft picks
9, 27, 45, 81
SYDNEY SWANS
Players that could leave
One man stands out among all others: Lance Franklin. As things stand it seems Buddy will either continue to play at the Swans in 2023 or retire altogether. A move to Brisbane has been touted but that may not be to keep playing footy. Jake Lloyd has still not recommitted to the club beyond this year. Sam Reid has played some great games this season and is a free agent. Harry Cunningham and Lewis Taylor are a couple of players who have struggled to get consistent game time in the senior side, while Lewis Melican and Will Gould could also depart for more opportunity elsewhere, ditto Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean.
Players that could arrive
The Swans have shut down any suggestions they’ve been in dialogue with Dustin Martin about a move, but the tantalising prospect of his addition continues to be spoken about. Griffin Logue has been linked with the Swans to as the side prepares for life after Dane Rampe whenever that may come.
Who’s already gone
Josh Kennedy (retired)
Draft picks
16, 17 (via Melbourne), 34, 70, 88
WEST COAST EAGLES
Players that could leave
Junior Rioli is yet to re-sign with the Eagles despite a contract offer from the club. He was drafted via Glenelg and could opt for a return to South Australia and either Port Adelaide or Adelaide, although the Power seem more likely. Jackson Nelson is another name being mentioned in dispatches.
Players that could arrive
The Eagles still think they’re at least chance to snare Luke Jackson, which would be a blow to Fremantle, let alone Melbourne. Cam Zurhaar grew up and played in Perth and would be on the Eagles’ radar and Fremantle’s.
Who’s already gone
Josh Kennedy (retired)
Draft picks
2, 20, 26 (via Port Adelaide), 38, 74
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Players that could leave
Josh Dunkley is looming as a big piece of the trade period puzzle as he remains unsigned beyond this year. Port Adelaide is one of the clubs linked to him and could come hard like Essendon did a couple of years ago. Jason Johannisen put off contract talks recently and West Coast showed interest in him back in 2017.
Players that could arrive
Rory Lobb looks destined to be playing for the Western Bulldogs next season. Another inclusion will likely be Liam Jones, who the AFL will consider an unrestricted free agent and thus provide Carlton with compensation, while the Dogs won’t have to give up anything from a draft perspective.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
11, 29, 37 (via North Melbourne), 65, 83
