Sure, the finals are nearing — but so is trade season.
It’s getting to the time of year when the player movement landscape lights up the agenda.
So, who will stay and who will go? Below, foxfooty.com.au breaks down the trade state of play in a club-by-club guide.
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AFLW Saturday Wrap: Saints soaring | 02:23
ADELAIDE CROWS
After a quiet 2023 trade period, the Crows look set to be right in the thick of it 12 months later. Melbourne’s Alex Neal-Bullen has formally requested a trade to West Lakes for personal reasons, with all indications so far that the 2021 premiership player will land there with amicable dealings between the Crows and Demons. In addition, Jack Lukosius looks a fair chance of joining Adelaide in the off-season also, having been granted permission by current club Gold Coast to explore his options. Their cross-town rivals Port Adelaide will also like their chances, but the Crows showed their interest first – highlighting a clear eagerness to lure him to their club. The third name with growing links to Adelaide is Isaac Cumming. Foxfooty.com.au understands the Giants defender is seriously considering a move to South Australia under Matthew Nicks, in what could result as a seriously good trade period for the red, yellow and blue. With Sam Berry recently signing on a two-year deal to stay put, there aren’t any Crows players publicly keen on leaving – hopefully a sign that they’re locking in to take two steps forward in 2025 after a disappointing season. Elliott Himmelberg has been linked to GWS in previous years to play alongside brother Harry, but he is yet to indicate if he’ll entertain the same interest this time around. Could they make a cheap play for out-of-contract Magpie Nathan Kreuger?
Taylor Walker signs on for 2025 | 00:25
BRISBANE LIONS
There’s been minimal noise out of Brisbane in terms of potential movement this off-season, which makes sense given their list quality (and injured list quality). We know the club’s No. 1 priority is bringing in highly-rated father-son draft prospect Levi Ashcroft, younger brother of Will, which will absorb the Lions’ first-round draft pick and limit them from making many major moves. Dayne Zorko, who this week claimed his second All-Australian blazer, has officially signed on for 2025, but the likes of Jarryd Lyons, Ryan Lester and Jaxon Prior remain without deals and thus face uncertain futures at Springfield. The trio are certainly still up to AFL standard, but a lack of opportunity given Brisbane’s strength could cost them a spot on their list.
Blues unable to overturn Owies ban | 00:46
CARLTON
After a relatively quiet 2023 trade period, the Blues have a little more on their plate this year, but two possible targets have recently evaporated. They’re regarded as the favoured landing spot for veteran GWS free agent Nick Haynes to shore up their key position stocks, with his landing looking a mere formality post-season. With Christian Petracca ruled out of any move to Carlton ahead of 2025 and Dan Houston seemingly staying put in Adelaide, there’s no longer anyone else evidently in their sights beyond Haynes. Matt Owies, Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank remain uncontracted beyond 2024, with the latter pair’s future in particular at Ikon Park very much uncertain.
Bontempelli skip of All-Australians 2024 | 04:30
COLLINGWOOD
The big news out of Collingwood last week was John Noble requesting a trade to Gold Coast, with the Pies reportedly wanting Pick 20 back in a deal (which feels slightly high). Developing forward Joe Richards’ future is also up in the air as he weighs a longer deal elsewhere, with Port Adelaide reportedly circling the Wangaratta FC product. It seems every trade period there is a plethora of names linked to Collingwood — with this year no different — despite the Pies not owning their first-round pick this year. Reports have stated they have interest in the likes of Adelaide’s Mark Keane, GWS’ James Peatling, Essendon’s Ben Hobbs and Gold Coast’s Alex Davies but are no longer a suitor for Suns utility Jack Lukosius. The Pies are expected to target a defensive reinforcement following Nathan Murphy’s retirement and with Jeremy Howe in his twilight years — making Keane an obvious target even, despite being contracted at Adelaide for a further season. Otherwise, expect Collingwood to go again with largely the same list after officially re-signing Howe, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom to one-year extensions. Nathan Kreuger seems to have been pushed out of the best 23 mix and is out of contract; whether he gets another year or goes elsewhere is to be determined.
Noble requests trade from Pies | 01:36
ESSENDON
Following a recruitment boom last year, it’s been relatively quiet on the Bombers’ front as new list boss Matt Rosa prepares to spearhead the club’s off-season operation for the first time. Plus, you’d expect the club will take its first-round pick into the draft. The most pressing matter is deciding on the futures of its senior players. That includes Jake Stringer, who, despite triggering a contract extension for 2025, still faces an uncertain future amid an apparent desire for a longer-term deal. Key defender Jayden Laverde and out-of-favour midfielder Ben Hobbs are also drawing interest from rival clubs despite also being contracted for next year, while forward Harrison Jones and 2023 recruits Will Setterfield and Sam Weideman don’t yet have deals for 2025. The Dons expressed interest in the likes of Geelong’s Tyson Stengle and Gold Coast’s Ben Ainsworth prior to their respective recommitments to their current clubs, indicating Essendon is in the market for a small forward. Could they make a cheap play for out-of-contract Magpie Nathan Kreuger?
Midseason rule tweak changed Finals race | 02:48
FREMANTLE
The Dockers are set to be one of the busiest clubs this off-season. Their main priority is believed to be forward-midfielder Shai Bolton, who wants to get home to WA for family reasons, while Kysaiah Pickett is also now in Fremantle’s sights amid reports the Demons’ excitement machine is homesick and pondering a move back to Western Australia. Helping the Dockers’ cause is their three first-round picks, however, both Bolton and Pickett are contracted for the next several seasons, making acquiring them more difficult. Securing just one would be a massive win for Fremantle in adding more spark a forward-line that will soon farewell decorated stalwart Michael Walters. Liam Baker hasn’t nominated his preferred West Australian club yet despite also wanting out of the Tigers, but West Coast is seen as the most likely landing spot. Fremantle has also been linked to Carlton utility Jack Martin, who you sense would come cheap given his grim injury history. Foxfooty.com.au understands that Tom Emmett is one to watch this off-season, with the pressure forward still yet to sign on at the Dockers. Having grown up in South Australia, the lure of a mini restart elsewhere may come into calculations.
Scott confident in Cats Finals ability | 10:27
GEELONG
The main priority for the Cats looks to be out-of-contract Bulldogs gun Bailey Smith. It’s now seen as a fait accompli that Smith gets to Geelong, likely netting the Dogs at least one first-round pick they currently don’t have following last year’s trade with Gold Coast that landed them Tasmanian gem Ryley Sanders. The Cats have also been linked to emerging West Coast spearhead Jake Waterman, demonstrating they’re already planning for life without Tom Hawkins (though it seems unlikely Waterman would leave), as well as expressing interest in fringe Gold Coast onballer Alex Davies. The other news surrounding Geelong is the expectation that out-of-contract midfielder Brandan Parfitt will depart the club for more senior opportunity elsewhere, while skipper Patrick Dangerfield is still curiously out of contract but very much expected to re-sign. Fellow veterans Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley are also out of contract, likely weighing up whether or not they go around again.
‘Thank the tribunal’ Dempsey Rising Star | 03:51
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns are set to add some serious speed off the half-backline this off-season, with Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Collingwood’s John Noble both requesting trades to the Carrara-based club. Reports have stated the Suns are expected to table their first draft pick — the No. 6 selection — for Rioli, who is contracted until 2027. That feels like it’ll get the deal done pretty comfortably. Meanwhile, the Pies reportedly want Pick 20 for Noble, who is contracted until 2026, with selections 13, 26, 34, 46 and 70 rounding out Gold Coast’s present draft hand. Swingman Jack Lukosius, meantime, faces an uncertain future with several teams circling the tall utility — including both Adelaide and Port Adelaide, with Lukosius expected to land back in his home state of South Australia either way. Fringe onballer Alex Davies is also drawing interest from rival teams, including Collingwood and Geelong. And will the Suns hold onto the likes of Alex Sexton, Nick Holman and LeviCasboult?The former two spent most of 2024 in the senior side, but Casboult didn’t play after Round 2 this year (partly due to a season-ending hamstring injury) – perhaps pointing towards the end of his time as an AFL footballer.
Daniels signs 6-year extension with GWS | 00:30
GWS GIANTS
The Giants haven’t been linked to many names this year and are believed to be tight salary cap-wise, but they do have several players that could depart this off-season. They include free agents Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and Nick Haynes, while James Peatling is also reportedly on the radar of rival clubs. GWS nearly landed Adelaide swingman Elliot Himmelberg — younger brother of current Giant Harry — last trade period, before, interestingly, nothing eventuated. The tall utility is an unrestricted free agent this off-season, so he could walk to Western Sydney for nothing this year around if he pleases. Similar to the Suns, the Giants may decide to part ways with some senior personnel heading into 2025, as inaugural Giant Adam Kennedy, veteran Lachie Keeffe and the perennially injured Brayden Preuss all currently sit without a deal for next year. Keeffe is currently playing a crucial role in the senior side, however his other two teammates (through both injury and omission) didn’t play at the top level in 2024.
Daniels adamant Giants flag contenders | 02:38
HAWTHORN
After missing out on Ben McKay last year, Hawthorn won’t miss twice in a row on key defenders. In fact, they’re going to double down to massively bolster their stocks behind the ball. First, West Coast star Tom Barrass officially requested to be traded from the Eagles. The Hawks will likely surrender their first-round choice, currently No. 12, as part of a trade with West Coast, with Barrass said to join on a bumper four-year deal with a potential trigger for a fifth. And their defensive raid across rival clubs won’t end there; with standout interceptor Josh Battle confirming his desire to exercise his free agent rights and join Hawthorn from St Kilda. That won’t cost them a pick, given he will just sign the contract on offer. GWS rebounder Harry Perryman is the third of the rival players on Hawthorn’s watch-list this year, and with a juicy offer sitting in front of him, there is every chance he joins the fearsome fray at Waverley — though he does have multiple suitors, and the Barrass and Battle moves makes it less likely. And as if the aforementioned trio weren’t enough, the Hawks have also been considered a potential landing spot for off-contract Bulldog Bailey Smith — although he remains more likely to head down the highway to the Cattery. And does Chad Wingard go around again, despite his horrific run of injuries? At only 31 years of age, you would think he may end up with another one-year contract if things fall in his favour.
Sicily opens up on finals clash v Dogs | 02:16
MELBOURNE
Another club with a jam-packed off-season of potential moves upcoming. The noise surrounding the Christian Petracca situation just kept getting louder and louder, with a number of rivals potentially circling. However, perhaps due to both a trade being difficult to facilitate and an optimistic outlook on his future at the club, the club on Saturday night confirming he will not be moving clubs. For now, anyway. The concerning news didn’t stop there as livewire Kysaiah Pickett is weighing up a move to Western Australia for family reasons — with Fremantle seen as the early favourite if he ultimately decides he wants out. Meantime, dependable half-forward Alex Neal-Bullen will complete a move to the Adelaide Crows this off-season after the South Australian — also citing family reasons — nominated them as his desired destination. The Demons were initially considered the frontrunners for Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston, but that move is now highly unlikely to come to fruition due to not only the defender’s verbal recommitment to the Power, but considering the on and off-field tumult at Melbourne in recent times. On the other hand, in terms of possible imports, the Demons are thought to be very keen on luring an established forward into their mix, having registered interest in emerging West Coast star Jake Waterman, while premiership Tiger Tom Lynch has been floated as a feasible option despite his contracted status. Will Adam Tomlinson find a new home also? The 31-year-old is still out of contract despite strong form this season across the AFL and VFL, and looks resigned to leaving for further opportunity elsewhere. They delisted Josh Schache but he’s keen to play on at AFL level, and could be a bargain depth pick-up elsewhere.
Another Demon trade request? | 01:07
NORTH MELBOURNE
Despite making no secret of their pursuit of experienced bodies — we’re looking at you, Alastair Clarkson — trade target Jack Viney re-signed with Melbourne to put those hopes to rest. But the likes of Sydney’s Luke Parker, Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines and GWS’ Callan Ward are alternative names that could be eyed this off-season. But, regardless of whether it is one of those names or someone else completely, it is clear the Kangaroos are searching for experience — and that isn’t limited to their midfield. With Liam Shiels and Hugh Greenwood retiring, defender Aidan Corr is the only player aged 30 or above, highlighting just how bad they need mature-agers. The West reports North Melbourne has renewed its pursuit of veteran West Coast forward Jack Darling after mounting an unsuccessful charge last year, reportedly offering him a multi-year deal. Elsewhere, Bailey Scott has recommitted for two seasons, while the Roos have snuffed any chance of midfielder Will Phillips departing, with the youngster instead set to cement a short-term commitment. Curtis Taylor and Robert Hansen Jnr are among the notable still-unsigned names at Arden Street while Jaidyn Stephenson, despite having a deal for 2025, is a question mark.
Farrell ruled out for rest of 2024 | 00:38
PORT ADELAIDE
Despite reports suggesting a Dan Houston departure was imminent this off-season, he took to the radio waves on Friday to declare he wasn’t going anywhere amid rival interest from Melbourne and St Kilda. Port Adelaide could yet be the mid-sized defender carousel this off-season, with GWS’ Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming having been strongly linked, as well as the Houston speculation. Despite Adelaide showing keen interest in Gold Coast swingman Jack Lukosius, the South Australian is also close mates with Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee — could the Power mount a pursuit? They are nearer to a premiership than the cross-town Crows. Elsewhere, uncontracted Collingwood forward Joe Richards has been considered gettable this off-season and has received a four-year contract offer from the Power, per Seven’s Mitch Cleary. Strangely Ivan Soldo’s future is up in the air after just one year at the club; he’s unhappy falling back in the pecking order behind Jordon Sweet and arguably Dante Visentini as well. Could they let him go in a second consecutive trade? Club games record holder Travis Boak and veteran Charlie Dixon haven’t signed on for 2025 yet, with their sights evidently set only on an elusive premiership. Inaugural Sun Trent McKenzie has been plagued with injury all season, and looks all but certain to part ways with the club after their September campaign.
Houston staying with Port in 2025 | 00:52
RICHMOND
A mass Punt Road exodus is forthcoming. All of Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli are seeking trades away from the club they won multiple premierships with. Baker is thought to be leaning towards choosing West Coast as his WA landing spot, Shai Bolton prefers Fremantle, while Rioli is aiming to reunite with former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast. Meantime, flag teammate Jack Graham is expected to also depart to the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent. Richmond’s long-time list boss, Blair Hartley, has a crucial off-season ahead in terms of accruing a premium slate of draft capital before this November’s evenly-spread draft. It’s particularly fascinating ahead of Tasmania’s entry into the competition in 2028, as the Tigers will surely feel more obliged to get aggressive. Armed with a gargantuan draft hand, more moves are set to come. Premiership veteran Dion Prestia will extend his glittering AFL career into 2025, with all other veterans either departing the club or locked away.
ST KILDA
Uncontracted Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson is set to leave as an unrestricted free agent this off-season, and St Kilda has been labelled a potential destination — particularly with Josh Battle confirming his desire to depart Moorabbin for Hawthorn. Further, contracted Essendon defender Jayden Laverde has been floated as a possible St Kilda acquisition, per The Age. Elsewhere, the Saints haven’t been shy about their desire to upgrade between the arcs, having again been linked with Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel — having tried to pick up Lion Hugh McCluggage and North Melbourne star Luke Davies-Uniacke before they re-signed for their respective clubs. Despite being floated as a potential landing spot, GWS free agent Nick Haynes is a near certainty to land at Princes Park this off-season. In-house, Dougal Howard is out of contract and could be snagged by a rival, while key 2024 contributors Mason Wood and Tim Membrey hold unrestricted free agent rights. All in all, St Kilda still has 15 players out of contract, despite Battle’s departure and having delisted five players.
First Crack’s Grand Final prediction | 01:22
SYDNEY SWANS
It was all about player retention for Sydney in 2024, retaining in-demand forwards Will Hayward and Logan McDonald, as well as re-signing a number of others. Having done the bulk of their crucial player acquisition last October in anticipation of a win-now 2024 campaign, there aren’t many player movement developments in the Harbour City’s east. However, the exception might end up being ex-captain Luke Parker, who is considered open to potentially leaving at year’s end. The 31-year-old didn’t have an ideal start to the year but has built strongly since returning to John Longmire’s senior side. There will be clubs — such as North Melbourne in particular — on the lookout for experienced leaders this off-season. This remains a space to watch as October nears. James Jordon, Harry Cunningham, Aaron Francis and Jacob Konstanty are among the names that remain unsigned for 2025.
‘Hiding in plain sight’ – Swans are back | 02:15
WEST COAST EAGLES
Star defender Tom Barrass is headed for the exit after making his trade request formal — he’ll be a Hawk in October, likely landing West Coast at least one first round pick. Considering Fremantle’s pursuit of Shai Bolton and possibly Kysaiah Pickett, West Coast appear in the box seat to land Liam Baker, while Baker’s Richmond premiership teammate Jack Graham seems likely to make his way west as a free agent addition. Emerging spearhead Jake Waterman — who earned his maiden All-Australian nod — remains a wanted commodity, with the Cats and Demons his reported suitors. The Eagles could be a strong landing spot for out-of-contract Dogs gun Riley Garcia, who could be lured back home with a move away from the Kennel. Tyler Brockman, Alex Witherden, Zane Trew and Jamaine Jones are among the Eagles who remain unsigned.
Bulldogs double header at MCG | 00:31
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Sidelined midfielder Bailey Smith remains the name to watch this October amid links to multiple rivals, with Geelong still seen as the frontrunner. That should land the Dogs a late first-round pick. After seeing their senior opportunities dwindle this year, Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae also remain destined to call another club home next season, with Macrae recently linked to Geelong. The other intriguing situation centres on Rory Lobb, who was early in the season considered a lock to request a trade to a fourth team — but now, settled in a crucial defensive role for Luke Beveridge’s premiership contenders, he might stick around at The Kennel. After missing on Tom Barrass, will the Dogs pursue another key defender this year? Dee Adam Tomlinson could be someone worth looking at adding to Luke Beveridge’s side. Jason Johannisen, Riley Garcia,Buku Khamis, Alex Keathand Taylor Duryea remain without deals for 2025.
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