AFL Trade Period: Recap day 1 of the free agency period
The AFL’s silly season is here, with the first day of free agency opening today. And we’ve already had plenty of movement across the competition.
Carlton will enter the trade period armed with two picks on the first night of the draft after receiving its free agency compensation for Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni.
The Blues were handed band one compensation (currently pick No. 9) for De Koning and a pick at the end of the first round (currently No. 20) for Silvagni as the duo completed their moves to St Kilda on Friday.
Carlton could look to trade the No. 9 pick for a player or split it into higher draft picks as it anticipates a top-10 bid for father-son prospect and gun key defender Harry Dean.
RECAP THE DAY AS IT HAPPENED BELOW
“Multiple first-round selections is a great position for us to be in ahead of November’s draft and we will look to maximise these assets accordingly in line with our overall list management strategy,” Carlton list boss Nick Austin said after the Blues’ compensation was confirmed.
Hawthorn received an end-of-second-round selection (currently pick 39) for James Worpel after electing not to match Geelong’s offer for the 2019 best and fairest.
Cats list boss Andrew Mackie said the 148-game Hawk was a “quality person and player” who would complement the grand finalists’ current midfield group.
Worpel grew up in nearby Bannockburn and played for the Geelong Falcons before he was drafted to Hawthorn with pick 45 in 2017.
“As is James’ right as a restricted free agent, he has chosen to seek a new opportunity at Geelong,” Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie said.
“Playing 148 games for the Hawks, James was always a popular teammate and respected figure at our club.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to acknowledge James’ amazing contribution to Hawthorn.
“His professionalism and dedication never wavered during his eight seasons in the brown and gold, giving his all each week.”
Donning the red, white and black for the first time, De Koning and Silvagni appeared in video interviews on the St Kilda website after the AFL ticked off on their respective moves to Moorabbin.
Silvagni said he was eager to form a defensive partnership with St Kilda star Callum Wilkie as he joked he was happy to retire his ruck shin pad and “leave that to TDK”.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining St Kilda and starting this new chapter,” Silvagni said.
“The Saints have a strong mix of established talent and exciting young players, and I feel I can add to that with my experience, versatility and drive to compete.
“As a young father, this decision is also about building the next stage of my life with my wife Grace and our son Charlie. The opportunity to grow both on and off the field in a stable and supportive environment was really important in making this choice.”
De Koning said the “stability of the club” and the Bayside lifestyle had been huge factors in his decision to leave Carlton on a bumper eight-year contract.
“Carlton will always be the place where my AFL journey started, and for that I will be forever grateful. But my focus is now firmly on everything I can do to prove myself to my teammates, coaches and the St Kilda supporters, while doing everything I can to help drive us forward,” the ruckman said.
GWS left-footer Jacob Wehr was set to join Port Adelaide after 39 games in five seasons for the Giants, while Melbourne premiership forward Charlie Spargo had the paperwork filed for his move to North Melbourne.
Spargo played all 49 games over the Demons’ 2021-22 campaigns for a return of 28 goals including a major in their premiership triumph, but a ruptured achilles wiped out his 2024 campaign and he struggled to find form this season.
The 25-year-old has a family connection to Arden Street, with his father Peter booting 109 goals in 81 games for North between 1985 and 1992.
There have already been some big deals agreed to, and some more to come.
Follow all the action and every new signing below
Originally published as AFL Trade Period: Recap day 1 of the free agency period
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