Pros and cons of 16 biggest AFL stars on the move ahead of blockbuster trade period

We’re all set for one of the biggest AFL trade periods in recent memory, with a host of stars linked to moves.

And while there’s upside in every accusation, there’s also reason for apprehension in some shape or form.

Foxfooty.com.au beaks down the pros and cons of the biggest names linked to moves ahead of the trade period.

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BRODIE GRUNDY

Pros

At his peak, Grundy was one of the best ruckmen in the AFL, collecting back-to-back All-Australian jumpers and best-and-fairests in 2018 and 2019. With Luke Jackson headed back to his native WA, Grundy could serve as a very sufficient back-up to champion Melbourne captain Max Gawn, in a move which would unite the two players who were jostling for the title of No.1 ruckman in the AFL for a few years recently. Will be 29 in April next year, so suits the Demons’ set-up nicely as they find themselves well and truly in the premiership window still.

Cons

For a variety of reasons, Grundy has not been the same since the pandemic hit. He was well below his best in 2020, which made Collingwood’s decision to sign him in January that year to a new seven-year contract look misguided in hindsight. He battled to recapture his very best form in 2021, while knee and ankle injuries ravaged his 2022 campaign. Taking all of that into consideration, taking on the remaining five years of his contract would have to be considered a gamble to a degree, even with the Pies paying a decent portion of it. And the Demons would likely need to part ways with a first-round pick or two to get their man.

JORDAN DE GOEY

Pros

One of the most damaging playmakers in the competition at full flight, De Goey would be an ideal acquisition for the Saints who found themselves treading water in the ladder’s no man’s land for the second year in a row. His second half of the year, in particular his first two finals, displayed his big-game attributes.

Cons

All things being equal, De Goey probably will stick with the Magpies, but as it stands, he has rejected their last five-year contract offer due to behavioural clauses that are attached. And it’s those off-field issues that have dogged De Goey’s career which would certainly be concerning for any prospective club entertaining recruiting him.

LUKE JACKSON

Pros

One of the most exciting young players in the competition, he will be an exciting pick-up for the Dockers who made it to the second week of the finals. Fremantle are in the box seat to acquire Jackson’s services, and after the young Demon’s blistering start to his career, which included playing a pivotal role in Melbourne’s drought-breaking premiership last year, as a ruckman no less, in just his second season, the Dockers would be justified to be feel bullish about their prospects next season and beyond.

Cons

As good as he was in 2021, Jackson didn’t quite reach the same heights this season. Perhaps as a result of battling with heightened expectation after taking the league by storm last year, the former Rising Star winner wasn’t as impactful, and his form trailed off towards the end of the season, especially in the finals series when the Demons needed him most. Freo are reportedly forking out in excess of $6 million over seven years for Jackson if they successfully facilitate a trade, which is putting a lot of faith in the young ruckman to deliver on the promise he showed last year. Jackson is also more of a pure ruckman than a forward, which will create an intriguing dynamic with Sean Darcy who is already one of the best rucks in the AFL in his own right. How those to coexist will be a fascinating watch. If Jackson joins Freo, Lloyd Meek will probably depart while Rory Lobb is also keen to leave.

JOSH DUNKLEY

Pros

The brilliant Bulldog has just completed arguably the best year of his career, which is saying something considering how fantastic he has been since debuting in 2016. The hard-at-it midfielder will add considerable class and grunt to Brisbane’s midfield which could probably do with a bit of a boost considering Dayne Zorko and Jarryd Lyons are now over 30. At 25, Dunkley is just about to enter his prime years and could help the Lions go at least one step closer to a flag after making a preliminary final this season, especially considering they will also get their hands on highly-rated youngsters Will Ashcroft (father-son) and Jaspa Fletcher (Academy) this off-season.

Cons

The only thing that might be viewed as a negative in this case for Brisbane is that they are reportedly offering Dunkley a six-year deal. Yes, he’s still young, and yes, long-term contracts, as risky and fraught as they are, are very in-fashion these days. But such a huge commitment does leave a club vulnerable on the back-end. They’ll probably have to cough up a first-round pick for Dunkley, too, but that’s a price worth paying for a player of Dunkley’s quality.

RORY LOBB

Pros

One of the tallest players in the competition, he has shown many times that he can provide a big, sound target in attack. Probably had his best year in 2022, kicking a career-high 36 goals and showing, especially against Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs (the club he has been most strongly linked to), that when he’s on, he can be quite dangerous.

Cons

The biggest knock on Lobb is his inconsistency. For a guy of his size and his talent, he probably should’ve made more of a mark on the league by now, and the fact that 36 goals is his biggest season tally after almost a decade in the AFL speaks to that. The other thing that might make a move to the Dogs a bit awkward for Lobb is the fact that they already have a clutch of exciting young key forwards in Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Darcy. How Lobb would fit in that mix would be interesting.

TIM TARANTO

Pros

Richmond must be counting their lucky stars that such a quality player nominated them for a trade. Despite missing six games due to injury this year, Taranto was still one of Greater Western Sydney’s best players in what was a pretty glum season for them. With Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin in the twilights of their careers, and Jack Graham potentially off to Port Adelaide, Taranto will provide a timely injection of class and skill to the Richmond midfield. He’s also a proven goalkicker when given the rare chance up forward, and ironically kicked his biggest bag of four against the Tigers late last year.

Cons

The Tigers are reportedly offering Taranto a much bigger and longer deal than what some of their other more established stars are on, which has the potential to cause some angst among the playing ranks, especially if the star Giant doesn’t fire fairly early into his Punt Road career. Richmond are also apparently prepared to part ways with two first-round picks to bring in Taranto, which is a risky move, but they see themselves as still inside the premiership window, so in order to stay there, clubs generally have to pay “overs” and prioritise the short-term future over the long-term.

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JACOB HOPPER

Pros

Almost an identical write-up to Taranto. The GWS star has also said he wants to play at the Tigers next year, which is a huge boon for Richmond’s midfield that already contains Shai Bolton, Dion Prestia, Martin, Cotchin, Jayden Short and Liam Baker, and could yet feature Taranto as well. Hopper missed four months of footy this year due to a knee injury, but finished the season well and his addition, along with Taranto’s, would certainly keep the Tigers in the finals frame.

Cons

Again, very similar to Taranto. It sounds as though the Tigers are prepared to make a big, long-term investment in the 25-year-old, which will put instant pressure on him to produce the goods. And his signature will also probably cost Richmond a first-round pick. These high-risk, high-reward moves certainly leave the Tigers vulnerable to a degree in the long run, but no guts, no glory, and Richmond aren’t going to die wondering in their pursuit of a fourth flag in seven years.

IZAK RANKINE

Pros

The Crows could well be getting one of the game’s next genuine superstars here. The former Pick 3 showed promising signs early in his career before really elevating his game in 2022 into the competition’s elite bracket, booting a career-best 27 goals from 16 games for the Suns. A real X-factor who can single-handedly turn games and will provide a needed scoring punch into Adelaide’s forward line, while at 22 years of age he also fits perfectly into its age demographic. The player he’s often compared to is Jason Akermanis, and we saw just how damaging the Lions legend was in big games.

Cons

The main concerns are the lucrative price tag – a reported five-year, $4 million contract – and what the Crows could be forced to cough up in a trade. Taken with the third overall selection just four years ago, Rankine clearly won’t cheap and reports have already stated the Suns have dug their heels in. He’ll walk into West Lakes as one of the highest paid players at the club and on a long-term deal that demands a high level of production.

DAN MCSTAY

Pros

Despite failing to realise his full potential as a player, he might just thrive at Collingwood as the No.1 key forward after spending much of his career at Brisbane fighting for opportunities as a third banana alongside the likes of Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Oscar McInerney. Showed against Carlton in a crunch clash in Round 21 that he can stand up in big games when he kicked four goals, and proved that again with a couple of very impressive performances in finals against Richmond and Melbourne.

Cons

Even though he has spent most of his nine-year career as a key forward, McStay has failed to kicked 30 goals in a season. The Pies have been crying out for a genuine key forward for years now, but their desperation to finally land one might be coming through here given how inconsistent and unreliable McStay has proven to be over the course of his career. Moreover, promising young tall forward Oliver Henry is weighing up his options. In the long-term, potentially losing Henry while recruiting McStay might not prove to be the best move.

TOM MITCHELL

Pros

At 29 years of age, Mitchell still has plenty to offer at AFL level, especially given he’s never necessarily relied on his athleticism. But the kicker for Collingwood is that the 2018 Brownlow medallist provides exactly what it needs – another inside midfielder, particularly given Taylor Adams’ injury concerns. The Pies ranked 14th in the competition this year in contested possessions and 13th in clearances in a season where it finished top four, so if it can improve in those areas becomes instantly stronger and more well-rounded. Plus beyond Adams Collingwood lacks other mature bodies who can play on the ball. With all that in mind, the move for Mitchell makes sense in shades of when the club acquired Luke Ball at the end of 2009.

Cons

There’s fair criticism as to whether Mitchell’s style is suited to the modern game – specifically Collingwood’s low possession and direct brand – as he approaches his 30s. The Brownlow medallist was at his best when he could simply hunt the ball, but would likely be forced to play a more rigid role under Craig McRae – much like at Hawthorn this year where he struggled at times. It’s also a win-now play for a Pies team that was widely thought to be heading into a rebuild 12 months ago and prioritising developing youth, and you wouldn’t get Mitchell to play him in the VFL. It could therefore take away senior opportunities from the likes of Finlay Macrae, Trent Bianco, Reef McInnes and Josh Carmichael.

JACK GUNSTON

Pros

After being restricted to one game in 2021 due to a back injury, Gunston reminded everyone this year of how valuable he still is up forward, kicking 32 goals, which was his best return since 2018. In fact, he finished with a flurry, kicking two bags of five and a haul of four in hist last five games. He could very well prove a handy addition to Brisbane‘s forward set-up, especially with McStay departing as a free agent.

Cons

He does turn 31 next month, but that shouldn’t be a major concern for the Lions, considering they find themselves neck deep in premiership contention and he won’t cost them anything as a free agent.

KARL AMON

Pros

Coming off arguably a career-best year which saw him lead Port Adelaide for Brownlow Medal votes (15), and at 27, Amon is well and truly in his prime and will add much-needed quality to a developing team like Hawthorn. As a free agent, he will cost the Hawks nothing.

Cons

It sounds like the wingman could sign a deal that is as long as five years. And while that length of contract is becoming the norm these days, it’s still a fairly big show of faith in a player who only really started hitting his straps in 2021. His disposal can let him down at times.

JACK GRAHAM

Pros

The tough midfielder has won two flags with Richmond and clearly knows what being in a good system is and strong culture is all about. The former South Australian skipper has been touted as a future skipper at the Tigers too and is one of the AFL’s great team players who can play a variety of roles. Plus while it feels like Graham has been around for a long time, he’s still only 24 years of age, meaning his best days are ahead of him.

Cons

It’s hard to find any obvious faults with Port’s move for Graham, who likely wouldn’t cost much in a trade too, other than perhaps the club already having several inside midfielders. If the Power can land him and Junior Rioli it’ll go down as a great trade period for the club that will probably go under the radar. Although there’s some risk if the club falters again in 2023 after giving away draft capital.

JUNIOR RIOLI

Pros

When he’s up and firing, Rioli is one of the most damaging small forwards in the game. He was instrumental in West Coast’s 2018 premiership-winning season – his first in the league – booting a career-best 28 goals. And as Port footy boss Chris Davies highlighted on AFL Trade Radio, the club needs to beef up its half forward stocks with Connor Rozee and Zak Butters now playing more midfield and Orazio Fantasia struggling to stay healthy. So for a club like Port hoping to bounce back in 2023 after missing the finals, he looms as a great addition.

Cons

Rioli’s two-year suspension means he hasn’t played much footy over the last two years including only 13 senior appearances in 2022. Rioli was 23 when he first came into the league, so he’s now 27 years old with only three seasons under his belt, although clearly still has a lot footy ahead of him still. It comes as there’s been queries over Rioli’s fitness during his time in the league, and he was below his best form this year as he got back up to speed with AFL footy.

BLAKE ACRES

Pros

Like Amon, the Fremantle wingman has just completed the best season of his career and he too will be 27 by the time next season begins. The former Saint averaged 22 touches a game in 2022, and will slot nicely onto a wing at Carlton. He should only cost the Blues a third-round pick and it appears as though he will head to Princes Park on a three-year deal.

Cons

Acres’ arrival might impact the development of players like Lochie O’Brien and Matt Cottrell who have both been used on a wing this year by the Blues, but that would amount to a small price to pay to get someone of Acres’ quality across, especially as Carlton see themselves as finals contenders next year.

TANNER BRUHN

Pros

A No.12 draft pick a mere two years ago, suffice to say there is plenty of upside in the 20-year-old. And while the Cats proved emphatically on Saturday that youth isn’t everything, as they convincingly won the premiership by 81 points with the oldest ever team in VFL/AFL history, they will welcome local product Bruhn with open arms as they begin the refurbishment of their midfield following the retirement of inspirational captain Joel Selwood.

Cons

From his 30 games in two years at GWS, Bruhn has only gone past 20 disposals on two occasions, which would be slightly concerning. But Geelong will be banking on rapid improvement once they insert him into their star-studded on-ball division and surround him with some of the best midfielders in the game.