New contender for Adelaide free agent; Kangaroos primed to land veteran pair — Trade Whispers

A fresh suitor has emerged for an Adelaide free agent.

Plus why North Melbourne looks very likely to land two veterans this year.

Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!

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NEW CONTENDER FOR ADELAIDE FREE AGENT

Gold Coast is circling Adelaide free agent Elliott Himmelberg after the tall’s failed trade request last year.

Nine’s Tom Morris reports Himmelberg is weighing up interest from the Suns, with the Crows yet to offer the backup forward a contract for 2025 and beyond.

Last year Himmelberg attempted to join GWS, to play alongside his brother Harry, but remained at West Lakes after a deal was not struck.

Himmelberg is hoping to find greater senior opportunities after getting stuck well down the pecking order in Matthew Nicks’ best 23.

He played nine games this past season, kicking eight goals while also pinch-hitting in the ruck.

The 26-year-old has played 50 AFL games across seven seasons, but never featured more than 11 times, his best year coming in 2022 when he kicked 14 goals in 11 appearances.

KANGAROOS PRIMED TO LAND VETERAN PAIR

North Melbourne appears ready to step into the next stage of its rebuild by adding veteran talent to its young list.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey said he would be “surprised” if the Kangaroos failed to land either of West Coast key forward Jack Darling or Sydney midfielder Luke Parker in trades.

The pair are contracted but with the Kangaroos’ salary cap not exactly bursting, they could end their careers and gain greater job security while being well compensated at Arden Street.

“I’d be surprised now with the way things are tracking if both of those (two players) aren’t at North Melbourne next year,” Twomey said on Gettable.

“Luke Parker is open to finishing his career somewhere else. He’s been squeezed out of that midfield but has been playing some reasonable footy more recently.

“The Roos are chasing (Darling) and have a longer offer for him.”

While the Kangaroos are prioritising young talent as part of their rebuild they are severely lacking experience on their list.

With Liam Shiels and Hugh Greenwood retiring, their oldest player as it stands is Aidan Corr who turned 30 this past May, followed by 29-year-old Luke McDonald, and then 27-year-old Darcy Tucker.

Darling, 32, and Parker, 32 next month, would fill out their list profile and help bring the young brigade along.

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