Moneyball: All the latest trade, draft and contract news

Essendon is shaping as the big winner from the AFL’s draft changes, which will stop rival clubs from snatching the small forward the Bombers crave before they can match a bid.

Essendon is set to secure a massive draft win with the AFL handing the club access to the draft’s best small forward Isaac Kako after his barnstorming Under-18 championships tagged him as a possible top-10 pick.

Kako’s parents were both born in Iraq but came to Australia 25 years ago as the nation was in uproar at the time of the Gulf War.

The AFL is not aware of another Iraqi-born player in their ranks, with the Calder Cannons livewire part of Essendon’s academy program for the last five years.

AFL football boss Laura Kane informed clubs at the CEO’s conference on Tuesday that the league would act this year to allow all clubs access to academy prospects across all rounds of the draft.

This year Victorian clubs could only secure those academy picks if they drifted past pick 40.

Rival clubs had wondered whether the Dons might simply use their first round selection anyway on the skilful, dynamic small forward if the current rules remained given their need for an elite small forward.

Isaac Kako celebrates a goal. Picture: Getty Images

But the Dons can now assess rival bids and then decide whether to match them.

AFL official Kane told the clubs in a briefing note on Tuesday night: “There was a general view that changes to NGA Academy access should not be delayed, as we don’t want to see Indigenous or diverse talent further decline. We want to act now”.

As a result the Dons can match a bid anywhere from pick 1 until he is selected, with St Kilda also able to secure their academy defender Adrian Cole.

They also have access to academy player Lennox Hoffman, while West Coast has academy player Malakai Champion.

Some recruiters believe Kako will end up a better player than Hawthorn’s Nick Watson, taken at pick 5 by Hawthorn last year.

It has been many years since Essendon has had an elite small forward as the likes of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Angus Monfries and Orazio Fantasia among the club’s best small forwards in the past 20 years.

But Kako is an explosive match-winning forward who kicked eight goals across four championship games and averaged eight score involvements.

Kako is in Essendon’s academy. Picture: Getty Images

The Essendon fan who idolises Shai Bolton is also great mates with Caddy, attending school together at Parade College and winning a Herald Sun Shield as teammates.

He was the first to congratulate Caddy on draft night last year when he was selected with the No.10 pick by Essendon.

The AFL is keen to incentivise non-traditional pathways to the game and as a result will make those changes to allow Victorian clubs to draft academy talent within the first 20 picks.

The league changed the rules after academy player Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was taken with the No.1 overall pick by the Western Bulldogs, but Andrew Dillon said last year: “The NGAs are an important pillar because we want a game that represents our entire country. In terms of the NGAs I think we over-corrected and the formula lies somewhere in between.”

Kako told the Herald Sun earlier this year of his heritage: “Both my parents were born in Iraq. Probably came here about 25 years ago. I was born here. Obviously they (my parents) didn’t know much about footy but my older brother started playing when he was 16 years old. I went to all his games when I was younger and bloody loved it.”

Calder Cannons coach Sam Willatt said the Dons had worked hard with Kako in recent years to help improve his football, as had the Coates League club.

“He is just a joy to coach and a joy to watch. His ability to create a goal and his evasiveness across the nationals, I have never seen anything like it. What we haven’t seen across the carnival is he is a terrific aerial player as well. He has really appreciated his time at Essendon and the effort they have put in with the academy and really values the relationships he has made there.”

Josh Battle could be Hawthorn bound in 2025. Picture: Getty Images

HAWKS WINNING FREE AGENCY BATTLE

Hawthorn is increasingly confident Josh Battle wants to join the Hawks to become part of their premiership charge after an extremely promising meeting with coach Sam Mitchell.

St Kilda and Hawthorn will both offer the free agent six-year deals. But while Battle has said he will postpone talks until the end of the year, the Hawks emerged from their meeting believing he had given them an indication he was keen to move clubs.

Their sell is multifaceted – the new Dingley headquarters set to be ready next year; the flag window beckoning; and the happy team environment. Mitchell continues to woo potential recruits with his impressive pitch and it seems a winning combination.

So while things can change – St Kilda can up its offer or Battle can get cold feet – the Hawks will be brimming with confidence as the free agency period nears.

The improved form of the club has helped them sign-up Josh Weddle, Jack Scrimshaw and free agent Blake Hardwick.

The club is also in talks with Conor Nash and is confident once Changkuoth Jiath builds up some form he will enter contract talks for a new deal.

Harry Perryman has a big decision ahead. Picture: Phil Hillyard

GIANT KEEN TO STAY

Free agent Harry Perryman is keen to remain at Greater Western Sydney, but would have to sacrifice around $150,000 a season if he rebuffs Adelaide’s huge six-year deal.

It is understood the Giants offer of around $650,000-$700,000 a season for the classy half back is their final offer – given their top-heavy list – with commitments to players like Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene and Sam Taylor.

Adelaide is prepared to offer $850,000-a-season on a six-year deal for Perryman, while Hawthorn is also keen – but the Hawks’ offer is believed to be closer to the GWS deal.

Perryman is in the leadership group, loves the club and his partner Jamie-Lee Price plays Super Netball for the Giants. But he would have the chance to play midfield at Adelaide and would secure an extra $1m over the life of the deal.

It is a difficult decision for Perryman, with the Giants unable to lift their offer given their salary obligations, while emerging midfielder Finn Callaghan comes out of contract next year.

Gold Coast is a suitor for Giants free agent Isaac Cumming, but GWS is hopeful he might decide to stay after working his way back from injuries. Cumming has played the last three games on the wing, kicking three goals and averaging four score assists.

Eddie Ford will be at North Melbourne next season. Picture: Getty Images

ROO RE-SIGNING SPREE CONTINUES

Eddie Ford has become the seventh North Melbourne player this season to re-sign with the club, locking in a one-year extension until the end of 2025.

He has joined Harry Sheezel, Charlie Comben, Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, Brayden George and Kallan Dawson in recommitting to the club.

Ford, 22, has kicked 14 goals from his 14 games this season, including three against Geelong in round 5.

North Melbourne head of talent Brady Rawlings said: “Since establishing himself as a regular member of our senior line-up, Eddie has brought plenty of energy to our front half and shown his ability to play a few different roles and impact the scoreboard.”

Meanwhile, Essendon rookie ruckman Vigo Visentini has also locked in a one-year deal to stay at the Hangar next year. Visentini, 18, is seen as a ruck project of the future.

“I’ve learnt so much from several guys like ‘Goldy’ (Todd Goldstein), ‘Drapes’ (Sam Draper) and ‘Bryza’ (Nick Bryan), but everyone has assisted at different stages,” Visentini said.

“It’s a super exciting time to be a Bomber and it’s fantastic to be able to continue to build capability at a great club.”

Originally published as Moneyball: All the latest trade, draft and contract news