AFL trade news: Live updates and news from day 1 of AFL trade period

The Giants have professed their interest in Essendon’s Jake Stringer, and a possible deal for the forward could be the domino that sets other deals in motion when trade period opens.

Xavier O’Halloran’s bid to get to the Western Bulldogs on a four-year deal might rest on the Giants securing an immediate replacement of the calibre of Jake Stringer.

Strong-bodied O’Halloran played 19 games for the Giants as a half forward averaging 11 possessions with eight total goals and is a required player who has a contract to 2025.

The Dogs believed he could come in and add critical depth, with O’Halloran having been offered a four-year deal.

But the Giants have not only lost a trio of established players – midfielder/forward James Peatling plus defenders Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman – those deals have immeasurably strengthened their draft hand.

O'Halloran wants to be a Bulldog. Photo by Phil Hillyard

They already have pick 15, secured selection 16 for Perryman and 21 for Cumming, and are likely to accept a future second-rounder for former mid-season pick Peatling.

So they are not interested in a mid-range pick in losing a player of need, with the Herald Sun reporting last week GWS is intent on keeping O’Halloran.

The Giants are interested in Stringer, who is seeking a two-year deal but would ideally remain in Victoria.

So the Dogs will have to hope the Giants bring in enough established talent to reconsider their opposition to a trade for O’Halloran.

GWS football boss Jason McCartney said of Stringer on Friday: “Many people know I have had a long association through my previous role at the Bulldogs, the team that drafted Jake a long time ago. I’ll be brutally honest — there has been some preliminary chats a few weeks ago with his management. Whether that progresses any further or not, you’re always looking at any way you can improve your list.”

The Giants are interested in Stringer. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Dogs will start the trade period looking for pick 46 for departing midfielder Jack Macrae from St Kilda but with the Saints hoping to offer an even later pick.

They are also hopeful Caleb Daniel will remain at the club despite him playing eight VFL games and being the AFL sub eight times.

He is making his decision over the weekend but would need to know the Dogs plan to play him even as they laud his leadership as a deputy vice-captain.

Riley Garcia has a contract offer from the Dogs to stay but is still assessing interest from Port Adelaide.

His future might depend on whether the Power can secure Pies small forward Joe Richards given he is their priority signing ahead of Garcia.

Originally published as AFL trade news: Live updates and news from day 1 of AFL trade period