Chris Pelchen reveals what big name trade targets could be worth in AFL Trade Period

RESPECTED list manager Chris Pelchen has given an insight into what club’s might be prepared to give up for this year’s hottest trade targets.

Dion Prestia is being chased by Melbourne and Richmond. Picture: Adam Head

RESPECTED list manager Chris Pelchen has given an insight into what club’s might be prepared to give up for this year’s hottest trade targets.

This year’s trade period kicks off on October 10, a week after the AFL Grand Final, with some big names expected to move clubs.

Pelchen is best known for helping build the current Hawthorn list that has gone onto win three consecutive premierships.

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Dion Prestia is arguably the biggest name on the trade table this year with Richmond and Melbourne fighting for his services.

“In terms of a trade, well obviously he’s a player returning home, and he’s highly rated by Gold Coast there’s no doubt about that – I know the guys there still rate him highly,” he told SEN Radio.

“So he’s a first-round selection, he’s a player with immense talent and he’s actually what Richmond do need.

Dion Prestia is expected to return to Melbourne via a trade.

“They need to provide some more support to Dustin Martin and he’s the perfect player to do that, he is, he is a first-round selection yes.”

Fellow Sun, O’Meara is expected to remain at Metricon Stadium should Prestia depart but will still command plenty of attention during the trade period.

The injury-cursed midfielder returned from a long-term knee injury in the NEAFL last month but Pelchen said his talent was too hard to ignore.

“I’ve had several recruiting and list managers talking to me about that in the last month and again based on his potential when he was drafted in both character and performance he was outstanding,” he said.

Jaeger O'Meara has battled knee injuries in recent years. Picture: David Clark

“Injury problems are something you can’t ignore ... clubs will value Jaeger very differently, if he’s able to overcome injury he’s definitely worth even more than a stand-alone first-round selection.

“The problem is the same that clubs had with Selwood in the draft ... we were one at Hawthorn that bypassed Joel because of injury ... someone will ultimately take the chance on him if Gold Coast release him.”

Meanwhile at Punt Road, the Tigers horror on-field performances have led to calls to trade some senior players, chief among them Brett Deledio.

Deledio, the No.1 pick in 2004, is now 29 and has been battling Achilles and calf injuries for the past two years but is a proven performer and would fit a premiership contender.

Pelchen said the classy midfielder was still worthy of a late first-round selection.

“He’s been an outstanding player and he’s still got good football left in him but the calf injury that has bothered him recently is a pesky injury,” he said.

“He is still of value to a club that is about to compete at the top end of the ladder or is already there.

“I’d say he’s more a player to get around 18 to 25 in a trade sense.”

Brett Deledio has battled a calf injury this season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The other name being touted in the media is Tyrone Vickery, who comes out of contract this season and is a restricted free agent.

“I’ll be perfectly honest Tyrone has been disappointing, he showed a lot more at under-18 level than he has shown at AFL level,” reasoned Pelchen.

“He’s lost his way at AFL level and I think his value has decreased, he’s certainly not a first-round selection anymore.

“He’s a second-round selection.”

Originally published as Chris Pelchen reveals what big name trade targets could be worth in AFL Trade Period