The upcoming AFL Trade Period is expected to be a whirlwind for some clubs, with a host of deals already on the cards.
The deal for Luke Jackson to head home to WA is in motion while Richmond are looking to get a pair of Giants down to Tigerland. But there’s plenty more to come after that.
With free agency open on Friday September 30, and the trade period beginning on Monday October 3, Foxfooty.com.au breaks down the state of play at every AFL club.
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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 attracting interest from Carlton, while Billy Frampton is highly likely to head to Collingwood. James Rowe and Lachie Sholl are attracting interest, with Sholl also linked to Carlton and Rowe to the Bulldogs.
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. Caleb Poulter is someone who fits that category and he remains out of contract at the Pies. With Billy Frampton favoured to get to Collingwood, it makes Poulter’s chances of a move to the Crows more likely. Jack Graham has been linked to a move back to SA.
Who’s already gone
Luke Brown (retired)
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, which could result in some healthy compo. 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. Darcy Gardiner’s a restricted free agent and could gain interest.
Players that could arrive
Josh Dunkley is the big one after requesting a trade to the club from the Dogs. The issue they now have is getting Dunkley along with matching a likely bid for Will Ashcroft at pick No.1. 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. Gunston being an unrestricted free agent is perfect for preserving their draft hand.
Who’s already gone
Mitch Robinson (retired)
Draft picks
15, 33, 44 (via Port Adelaide), 69, 87
CARLTON
Players that could leave
The Blues are pretty well shored up in terms of retaining talent this off-season. There was plenty of interest around Liam Stocker’s future but the Blues delisted him in a big call. Will Setterfield is having to wait on a new contract, while Caleb Marchbank has inked a one-year extension. Would someone look to swoop on Paddy Dow?
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. Still, Blake Acres is looming as a potential recruit, with the Blues offering him a significantly more lucrative deal than Fremantle at this stage. Blues list boss Nick Austin was spotted scouting some of Fisher McAsey’s SANFL matches late in the year. 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), Jack Newnes (delisted), Oscar McDonald (delisted), Luke Parks (delisted), Liam Stocker (delisted), Will Hayes (delisted)
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 the destination if he doesn’t re-sign with Collingwood on what’s believed to be a five-year deal with a behavioural clause. Grundy is likely to be playing for Melbourne in 2023 despite having five years to run on a lucrative contract. The Pies would be willing to contribute up to $300,000 a year for the remainder of his deal, meaning the money freed up via Luke Jackson’s departure along with long-term deals at the Dees that can be manoeuvred salary-wise, could ensure Grundy will be playing there in 2023. Ollie Henry remains without a deal despite glimpses of his considerable potential at AFL level this season, with Geelong looming as a key suitor. Henry was spotted at the Cats’ celebrations on Sunday; Ash Johnson’s arrival at AFL level has put him in a bind. Caleb Poulter remains unsigned and has been linked with a move back to South Australia.
Players that could arrive
Dan McStay will join the club on a five-year deal worth close to $650,000 per season. The Pies were into Tim Taranto but he nominated Richmond. His Giants teammate Bobby Hill is expected to come across, however. Another expected to get to the Pies is Adelaide’s Billy Frampton. Free agency compensation for De Goey – should he leave – 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. They’ve been mentioned as a potential Tom Mitchell suitor though it’s hard to see them fitting in everyone they’re linked to…
Who’s already gone
Jordan Roughead (retired), Callum Brown (delisted), Tyler Brown (delisted), Isaac Chugg (delisted), Liam McMahon (delisted)
Draft picks
16, 42 (via Hawthorn), 47 (via Western Bulldogs), 48 (via Richmond), 88
ESSENDON
Players that could leave
There was plenty of talk around Dyson Heppell’s future and a potential move to the Suns, but he’s staying put for 2023. 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. Port Adelaide was interested but it isn’t a priority for the side. 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 Bombers tried to get Bobby Hill across last year but he was held to his contract, and 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 set to be playing elsewhere in 2023. Blake Acres is weighing up a less-than-satisfactory contract offer from his current club and looks set for a move to Carlton. They’ve extended James Aish for another three years, but Griffin Logue and Lloyd Meek have requested trades, while both parties are happy for Darcy Tucker to explore his options, with North Melbourne looming as his preference at this stage. Brennan Cox is contracted until 2024 but still comes up in dispatches, particularly regarding Adelaide. Fremantle insists Rory Lobb will be held to his contract in 2023, but he remains a huge watch this trade period.
Players that could arrive
Luke Jackson is highly likely to be playing for Fremantle next season and beyond, with the ruck-forward requesting a trade to West Australia. 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. Gold Coast’s Jeremy Sharp could head to WA.
Who’s already gone
David Mundy (retired), Connor Blakely (delisted), Joel Western (delisted)
Draft picks
13, 72 (via Geelong), 85
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. Narkle’s management is canvassing multiple clubs as he struggled to break into the side once again in 2022. Would there be any interest in Esava Ratugolea, who’s been squeezed out of the ruck-forward mix? We have to wait and see whether Joel Selwood plays on in 2023.
Players that could arrive
They‘ve missed out on several players they were initially in the mix for, mainly Jacob Hopper, Brodie Grundy and Jordan De Goey. More likely now are players like Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn. Henry remains without a contract for next season at Collingwood, while Bruhn wants to come back to Victoria after two years at the Giants.
Who’s already gone
Shaun Higgins (retired)
Draft picks
18, 36, 46 (via Carlton), 51 (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 is attracting interest elsewhere, with Collingwood at the forefront. Jack Bowes is being shopped around by the Suns as he fell out of favour across half-back – they’re looking to reset their salary cap somewhat and Bowes is on more money than you’d think. 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. Jeremy Sharp has been linked to a move to WA.
Players that could arrive
The Suns were linked to Dyson Heppell but the Essendon veteran has signed a one-year contract extension. Jason Johannisen reportedly has a three-year deal on the table to leave the Bulldogs and head north while Ben Long has requested a trade here. Otherwise the Suns will 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
Matt Conroy (delisted), Jez McLennan (delisted), Patrick Murtagh (delisted), Rhys Nicholls (delisted)
Draft picks
7, 25, 31 (via Fremantle), 34 (via Collingwood), 43, 52 (via Collingwood), 67 (via Fremantle), 70 (via Collingwood), 79
GWS GIANTS
Players that could leave
It‘s a fair list for the Giants. Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Bobby Hill are the three names at the centre of trade discussions so far for the Giants, while Tanner Bruhn also wants out. The club is actively looking to clear some cap space so can facilitate moves for the right compensation draft-wise. Those departures mean Tom Green should be locked and loaded for the final year of his current deal next year.
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 but he‘s set to move to Melbourne. The Giants are also interested in Toby Bedford, particularly if Bobby Hill heads to Victoria as expected, while Nick Bryan is another name they have their eye on.
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. Two names that continue to pop up are Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, with Mitchell a good chance to leave in search of more midfield minutes. Former Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni said Mitchell is only worth a second-round pick. 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), Liam Shiels (retired), Tom Phillips (delisted), Daniel Howe (delisted), Connor Downie (delisted), Jackson Callow (delisted), Kyle Hartigan (delisted)
Draft picks
6, 24, 49 (via Fremantle), 61 (via Gold Coast), 78
MELBOURNE
Players that could leave
Luke Jackson has confirmed the worst-kept secret in footy and the Dees in return will get at least one first-round pick for him – the good news for them is he’s happy to go to either West Australian club, so they can drive a harder bargain. Fremantle remains the favourite. 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. The Dees have shut down any talk of Kozzie Pickett moving, with Port Adelaide said to hold interest.
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), Fraser Rosman (delisted), Mitch Brown (retired)
Draft picks
32, 41 (via Adelaide), 50, 63 (via St Kilda), 68, 86
NORTH MELBOURNE
Players that could leave
Cam Zurhaar has re-signed with the Roos after fears he could leave. Todd Goldstein has also committed for 2023. Bailey Scott had interest from Geelong but is another who has re-signed with the Roos. Jason Horne-Francis isn’t going anywhere.
Players that could arrive
The Alastair Clarkson effect could be in full swing this trade period – though the Hawthorn racism report may limit that now. 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. Darcy Tucker is understood to have nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination, while teammate Griffin Logue has done similar. The Roos have been given an assistance package by the AFL that necessitates trading this off-season, so they’ll send out a future second and future third-round pick for players.
Who’s already gone
Tom Lynch (retired), Kyron Hayden (delisted), Matt McGuinness (delisted), Patrick Walker (delisted)
Draft picks
1, 55, 66 (via Richmond), 73
PORT ADELAIDE
Players that could leave
Karl Amon is gone via unrestricted free agency. Trent Dumont’s future is less certain. There’s a fair bit of interest in Miles Bergman, who could be on the move and has interest from Victoria, while West Coast reportedly holds interest in Mitch Georgiades.
Players that could arrive
Josh Dunkley loomed as a big option but has nominated Brisbane as his preferred destination. Continues to fascinate, with a move to South Australia far from ruled out. Tom Highmore is a South Australian and is out of contract struggling to cement a spot in the Saints’ senior side. Port Adelaide was interested in Brodie Grundy but he is keen on staying in Victoria. Junior Rioli has told West Coast he wants to be traded to the Power – would the compensation for Amon, likely a second-round or end-of-first-round pick at best, do it? Jack Graham has been linked to a move back to SA.
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, 53 (via Sydney), 56 (via West Coast), 80
RICHMOND
Players that could leave
The Tigers may have bowed out in the first week of the finals, but there’s plenty of upside to Richmond and where they are going in 2023. With a host of young talent on the books and some big inclusions looming,the likes of Jack Graham could be squeezed out. While touted as a future skipper of the club, there’s not a lot of room in the Richmond engine room if the club has the busy trade period predicted. Riley Collier-Dawkins could be on his way out after failing to lock down a consistent spot in the senior line up. Ruckman Ivan Soldo could be the player to help get the GWS trade deals done as the ruck merry go-round looks set to continue this upcoming trade period. Soldo still has two years to run on his deal, but sits behind Toby Nankervis at the Tigers. Sydney Stack is also yet to sign a new deal after a controversial career so far with Richmond. He signed just a one-year deal last season but is a non-free agent.
Players that could arrive
GWS duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto have their sights set on landing at Richmond, and veterans Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin have already done their part in the process by signing reduced money deals for 2023 to free up some cap space. They’ll probably need to spend their two top-20 picks from this year and next year’s first-rounder to nab the pair. Liam Stocker is a name floated in recent weeks after he was delisted by the Blues. It was reported that Richmond were interested in drafting him back in 2018 before the Blues jumped the queue.
Who’s already gone
Kane Lambert (retired), Josh Caddy (retired), Shane Edwards (retired), Matthew Parker (delisted)
Draft picks
12, 19 (via North Melbourne), 30, 84
ST KILDA
Players that could leave
After a season that started with so much promise, the Saints fell away at the end of 2022. And already there’s movement at the club. Ben Long has requested a trade to the Gold Coast. But as a non-free agent, a deal will need to be done. Jack Bytel is reportedly on Essendon’s radar. The midfielder, who was once touted as a top 10 pick before a serious back injury struck, failed to play a game in 2022 and has just 16 games under his belt in three seasons at the Saints. Hunter Clark may be contracted for 2023, but there’s reports he’s wanting to get to North Melbourne this trade period. Essendon is another club in the mix for Clark should he decide his future is not at St Kilda. Brad Hill is another Saint reportedly keen to get to the Roos where he reunited with former coach Alastair Clarkson. Hill still has three years to run on his big money deal at the Saints. Zak Jones and Tom Highmore are other players with an uncertain future at the Saints who could look for a new home.
Players that could arrive
It’s appearing more and more unlikely that out-of-contract Pie Jordan de Goey will land at the Saints. Despite a reported big money deal, the Collingwood star is set to snub St Kilda’s offer to move to Moorabbin. But St Kilda are reportedly in the mix to lure Suns defender Jack Bowes away from the Gold Coast. Bowes endured a tough 2022 campaign due to injury, and is now open to a new opportunity at another club. It’s also believed the Suns want to offload Bowes as part of a salary cap dump for the final two years of his “heavily back-ended” deal. Liam Stocker is looking for a new home after being delisted by the Blues. And if the likes of Hill, Long and Jones all depart, there’s some midfield space for a player like Stocker – and he won’t break the bank either.
Who’s already gone
Dan Hannebery (retired), Paddy Ryder (retired), Jarryn Geary (retired), Dean Kent (retired), Darragh Joyce (delisted)
Draft picks
9, 27, 45, 81
SYDNEY SWANS
Players that could leave
The Swans’ 2022 season has only just ended so they are a little behind the eight ball, but don’t expect much movement from the red and white during trade period. Despite being the grand final heartbreak tale when he was axed from the team, Logan McDonald only recently signed a two-year deal to put to bed rumours of a return home to WA. Harry Cunningham looms as a possible departure after managing just 10 games for the Swans this season. He’s an unrestricted free agent so a deal for his services would be an easy one after 11 years at Sydney. There’s also reports Lewis Melican is open to be traded to another club, as he struggles for game time behind the likes of the McCartin brothers in defence. Melican still has one year to run on his deal at the Swans, but a move back home to Victoria could eventuate. The likes of Joel Amartey, Hayden McLean and Will Gould could all be seeking more game time elsewhere.
Players that could arrive
So far, the Swans have played it cool with their recruitment as rumours of Dustin Martin and Griffin Logue were quickly put to bed. Martin won’t be heading north to join the Swans, as repeatedly stated by Swans CEO Tom Harley, while Logue has nominated North Melbourne as his club of choice. Despite being grand finalists and with one of the best up and coming lists in the AFL, so far no player has publicly stated they are seeking a trade to the Swans for 2023.
Who’s already gone
Josh Kennedy (retired), Callum Sinclair (retired), Colin O’Riordan (retired)
Draft picks
14 (via Melbourne), 17, 35, 71
WEST COAST EAGLES
Players that could leave
After a torrid season that included the use of Covid top-up players given their injury and illness crisis, the Eagles certainly got a look at their entire roster in 2022. And decisions have already been made on three players, including Jackson Nelson, who were cut from the squad last week. Small forward Junior Rioli has informed the Eagles he wishes to be traded to Port Adelaide. The premiership player flew to Adelaide in August to complete a medical at the club before announcing his decision to depart West Coast. Rioli is a non-free agent so a deal will need to be struck with the Power. Jack Redden remains unsigned for next season, although it is believed he reach his contract trigger for games played to earn himself a new deal.
Players that could arrive
Melbourne free agent Jayden Hunt is reportedly in the Eagles’ sights – and he’d cost nothing for a rival club to pick up. Hunt missed the 2021 premiership win through injury but has still managed 114 games for the Dees in his seven AFL seasons. Jeremy Sharp is reportedly in the mix for a return home to WA as the Gold Coast could be forced into a salary cap dump this off-season. Luke Jackson is looming large after he informed Melbourne he’d be seeking a trade home to WA. While Fremantle are still reportedly in the box seat for the 2021 Rising Star’s signature, West Coast are still in the race. Docker Lloyd Meek is another player West Coast have been urged to assess, given Nic Naitanui’s age – although now that the veteran ruck and Bailey Williams have committed until the end of 2024, that seems unlikely. Jason Johannisen is out of contract at the Bulldogs and could look to return to WA – where he played his junior footy. Could Alec Waterman join his brother Jake at the Eagles too, given he hasn’t signed a new deal at the Bombers? Or perhaps as a bigger forward fish, could they swoop on Port Adelaide’s Mitch Georgiades?
Who’s already gone
Josh Kennedy (retired), Jackson Nelson (delisted), Tom Joyce (delisted), Hugh Dixon (delisted), Luke Strnadica (personal reasons)
Draft picks
2, 20, 26 (via Port Adelaide), 38, 74
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Players that could leave
Josh Dunkley has officially requested a trade to Brisbane, two years after his unsuccessful attempt to get the Essendon in the 2020 Trade Period. But this time, Dunkley is out of contract as a non-free agent. Dunkley had a career best season in 2022 with the club “disappointed” in his decision to exit. Jason Johannisen remains out of contract after 11 seasons at the club. He fell out of favour at stages in 2022 and is reportedly on the Gold Coast Suns’ radar. West Coast also made a play for the utility a few years back, so don’t count them out. Josh Schache is another out-of-contract player who failed to secure his place in the Dogs best 22. And with the rise of youngsters Jamarra Ugle-Hagen and Sam Darcy, Schache could struggle again in 2023. Zaine Cordy is another who could look for a move away from the Dogs.
Players that could arrive
Melbourne forward Adam Tomlinson has reportedly undergone a medical at Whitten Oval, as the Dogs look to build support for Aaron Naughton. Tomlinson is contracted for another two seasons at the Dees, but missed most of the 2022 campaign through injury. The Bulldogs did have their sights set on Docker Rory Lobb, but Fremantle have told the contracted big man that they would be holding him to his deal. Former Bulldog and Blue Liam Jones is returning to Footscray after missing the entire 2022 season over his Covid vaccine beliefs. Jones did not meet the AFL’s mandatory health and safety protocols, that have since been lifted, and could not be registered as an AFL player. But as he’s now classified as an unrestricted free agent, he can move to the Bulldogs as his choice. Some interest in Adelaide small forward James Rowe, too.
Who’s already gone
Nil
Draft picks
11, 29, 37 (via North Melbourne), 65, 83
