AFL Trade 2023: Follow every move and whisper on day five of the trade period
Essendon has officially completed their free agency triple play with the signing of Jade Gresham, but how much will they fork out? Plus, a premiership Cat is finally locked in.
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Essendon has paid more than $1.4 million to land stars Jade Gresham and Ben McKay for nothing as part of a historic free agency triple play.
The Bombers secured Gresham on Friday in another postseason recruiting coup for the club when it lodged its free agency bid for St Kilda’s Gresham on a four-year deal worth about $700,000 a season.
It means Gresham, 26, will immediately become the most dangerous ground level option inside 50m for a Bombers side which has also been bolstered by the arrival of ruckman Todd Goldstein and key defender McKay.
Importantly, the Gresham bid satisfied the Saints, as the $700,000-salary triggered an end-of-first-round compensation draft pick for Ross Lyon’s men, which slotted in at No. 21.
St Kilda had threatened to keep Gresham if it didn’t receive an end of first-round pick, helping alleviate a messy trade or draft scenario for the goal kicker.
The Saints have since moved forward with a deal to send Nick Coffield to Western Bulldogs as part of a potential second and third-round pick swap, and progressed on talks to acquire slick Fremantle playmaker Liam Henry.
The Saints have picks 13, 21, 35 and 55 as the club looks to secure Henry and jump up the draft order or, in a less likely scenario, swap out for better choices in next year’s draft.
The club’s first pick, number 13, is in a tricky spot for the recruiters as the bulk of the top-end talent is in the first nine selections, scouts have insisted this week.
But Essendon is thrilled it has secured three mature-age players without giving up any draft picks, meaning list boss Adrian Dodoro still has selections nine and 31 up his sleeve to take to the draft.
Essendon may look to trade up or down in the order with pick nine, depending on what is on offer on draft night.
With a stacked midfield, the Bombers could zero in on another young gun key position prospect.
The Bombers are also pressing ahead with its plans to bring in a fourth mature-age jet, Port Adelaide’s Xavier Duursma.
Essendon is keen to welcome the wingman as part of a straight swap with Port Adelaide for Brendon Zerk-Thatcher.
In that case, Essendon could secure four key players without conceding a single draft pick.
Gresham was considered one of St Kilda’s best midfielders in recent years but has moved into more of a small forward role in 2023, kicking 21 majors in 23 games.
While his defensive game will continue to improve, he will help provide another skilful goal scoring threat for an Essendon team which was looking for another instinctive playmaker and crafty goal kicker in the forward half, following the retirement of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.
But Port Adelaide may demand a future draft pick or selection from this year’s draft from Essendon in the Duursma deal to help bolster the Power’s bid for Geelong key defender Esava Ratugolea.
The Cats have rejected Port’s first offer of pick 24 as part of a brief conversation which threatens to test the patience of list bosses at both clubs.
Port Adelaide may need another pick from Essendon in the Duursma deal to give to Geelong if it helps Port either climb the draft ladder or package them both up to try to satisfy the Cats for Ratugolea.
But Geelong has made it clear it wants a pick in the first round or key forward Ollie Lord.
Port Adelaide had a future first-round pick but traded it for pick 23 and a future second-round pick from Fremantle last week.
That move surprised the Cats as the future first-round pick from Port could have sealed the deal for Ratugolea, but Port was adamant he was not worth a first-rounder on its own.
HAWKINS FINALLY LOCKED IN
- Ed Bourke
Geelong has put to bed any concern Tom Hawkins might finish his AFL career at a second club after securing the champion goalkicker on a new one-year deal.
There were fears the 35-year-old may retire or seek opportunity elsewhere after it emerged this week he was yet to re-sign with the Cats, but Hawkins put pen to paper on a new deal on Friday to avoid heartbreak for the Geelong faithful.
The veteran forward will play on for an 18th season in 2024 to bring him past 350 games, while 54 goals would take him past Doug Wade to become the second highest goalkicker in Geelong history behind Gary Ablett Snr.
Hawkins, who had briefly been linked to Melbourne while he remained uncontracted, said it had been important for him to take the time to plan his future with family before committing to a new deal.
“I’m truly humbled to be entering my 18th season with the Cats, the team I grew up cheering for,” Hawkins said.
“The choices we make in professional sports aren’t isolated, they ripple out and involve lots of other people in your life.
“That’s why after each season, after each contract, I always take time to sit and reflect with my loved ones to discuss our future and not only what’s the best for me but also for everyone who’s on this journey with me.
“I was always motivated to continue playing with the Cats. Geelong isn’t just where I work, it’s home. It’s the community that’s given me so much, and I feel privileged to have another chance to give back in 2024.”
Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said he was thrilled his three-time premiership teammate was staying at Kardinia Park for at least one more season.
“Tom is such a big part of the Geelong Football Club, we are excited to have Tom playing on in 2024,” Mackie said.
“His leadership, knowledge, professionalism and on-field contribution, where he continues to be one of the best at his craft, will help drive our club forward.
“Tom is integral to our football program and continues to positively influence our playing group, especially our young forwards and key position players, and we can’t wait to see Tom in the hoops for an 18th season.”
GUNSTON EYES HAWKS RETURN
Brisbane Lions forward Jack Gunston questioned whether the club’s style of play suited him before requesting a shock return to Hawthorn.
In the most surprising move of the trade period on Friday, Gunston officially requested a trade home to Waverley after only one season up north.
While the development caught both clubs off-guard this week, the move is not guaranteed as the Hawks are prioritising deals for Gold Coast’s Mabior Chol and Essendon’s Massimo D’Ambrosio.
It means Gunston is set for a nervous wait until late in the trade period to learn his fate as he holidayed with former Hawthorn teammates on an overseas golf trip.
The Herald Sun understands Gunston raised concerns about whether the Lions’ gamestyle - which helped take the club to a nail biting Grand Final loss - suited his strengths as a mobile forward this year.
But the club believes Gunston’s fitness and recent injury issues were the key reasons behind his slow start to the season which culminated in the goal kicker embarking on a month-long training block midseason.
He booted 22 goals from 17 games this season but was overlooked for finals, frustrating the triple-premiership Hawks’ forward.
Hawthorn has invested heavily in youth as part of its list rebuild, but could still potentially use Gunston as back-up for Mitch Lewis and Chol, with Jacob Koschitzke set to leave to Richmond.
Hawthorn said in a club statement it would consider Gunston’s surprise request.
“The Hawthorn Football Club has recently been made aware of Jack Gunston’s request for a trade. The club will now assess this request,” it said.
“However, we are engaged in other trade discussions that remain our priority. These longer-term priorities may preclude any discussions with Brisbane progressing.”
The 31-year-old is contracted for next season at Brisbane and may be kept to his deal as the Lions weigh up whether to release him.
The club is mindful of Gunston’s family situation after losing his father, Ray, last year.
The Lions were happier with his form in the second half of the season but were still shocked by his decision to ask for a trade to Hawthorn.
Brisbane said in a club statement on Friday the club would take some time to consider Gunston’s request.
A move would secure Brisbane a late draft pick at best, only one year after it parted with pick 48 and a future fourth-round choice for him.
“Brisbane Lions confirm Jack Gunston has informed the club of his desire to return to Hawthorn,” it said.
“While understanding Jack’s situation, as a contracted player the club is assessing its position and will work through its options.”
Hawthorn wants to part with a future third-round pick for Chol and will attempt to secure D’Ambrosio from Essendon with a similarly late pick.
Coach Sam Mitchell is keen on D’Ambrosio’s kicking skills to help drive the team’s offensive game from half back.
Chol, 26 booted 44 goals from 22 games in 2022 but struggled this season at the Suns, nailing 10 majors from eight matches, after starting his career at Richmond in 2016.
WHO’S LEFT ON THE TRADE BOARD?
But with five days to come until next week’s trade deadline, there are still 21 names being bandied about to get to new homes.
Here is who is left on the board as the trade period continues to accelerate.
ADELAIDE
Elliott Himmelberg – The tall wants to join his brother Harry at GWS Giants but little movement has happened on a deal after Adelaide missed out on Mabior Chol’s commitment.
Shane McAdam – Now Melbourne has ticked off the Brodie Grundy move, it will focus on getting McAdam over to bolster its forward half. The Crows have been sniffing around Demons players such as Harrison Petty in exchange, so talks may take some time.
BRISBANE LIONS
Tom Fullarton – The forward-ruck is another one on Melbourne’s radar to knock over. He is highly rated but didn’t play a game this year, so the Lions shouldn’t ask for too much.
Rhys Mathieson – An unrestricted free agent, Mathieson can walk to any club he likes after the feisty midfielder was told he wouldn’t be retained by the Lions.
CARLTON
Paddy Dow – Should get to St Kilda for a later pick in the draft to allow him some proper playing time.
ESSENDON
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher – The defender is keen to get to Port Adelaide and the Bombers want to get Xavier Duursma back the other way. The Dons often take things to the wire but have a few moves to knock over before Wednesday.
Massimo D’Ambrosio – Expect the speedster to get to Hawthorn for a late pick, in the third or fourth round. The Dons and Hawks have so far pushed this one to the backburner while they work on other deals.
FREMANTLE
Liam Henry – Fremantle wants a late first-round pick for the winger but St Kilda only holds 13 and 34 currently. More haggling is to come on this one.
Lachie Schultz – The Magpies have a nice contract in front of the impressive forward but the Dockers are hesitant given he has a contract for 2024. But Schultz will be a unrestricted free agent at the end of next year, so Fremantle could lose him for nothing then.
GEELONG
Esava Ratugolea – Expect this one to take some time as the Cats continue to present a steep asking price for the forward-turned-defender.
GOLD COAST
Mabior Chol – Should get to Hawthorn for a future draft pick after the Suns carried on their wheeling and dealing to shore up a position in this year’s draft on Wednesday.
Elijah Hollands – Yet to officially request a move, Carlton and Gold Coast will sit down and talk about the highly-talented midfielder in the next few days.
HAWTHORN
Jacob Koschitzke – The tall forward should get done for a late pick given the Hawks put a modest contract offer in front of him this season.
Tyler Brockman – Fremantle showed interest in Brockman but he remains keen on West Coast as his destination. Eagles list boss Rohan O’Brien has brought up the threat of the pre-season draft, where West Coast holds pick 1, to get the Hawks to the table.
PORT ADELAIDE
Xavier Duursma – The hard-runner is keen to get to Essendon and could become the centrepoint of the Zerk-Thatcher deal.
Tom Clurey – The defender still holds a contract until the end of 2025 but seems to be out of Port Adelaide’s plans. Little chat about his future so far.
RICHMOND
Ivan Soldo – The ruck’s move to Port Adelaide is looking less and less likely and he hasn’t made any public proclamation yet. The Power have plenty on their plate.
ST KILDA
Jade Gresham – The last restricted free agent left on the board, Gresham is set to receive an offer from Essendon on Thursday. Some wink-nudge haggling may take place to allow St Kilda proper compensation to avoid a trade.
Nick Coffield – A former top-10 draft pick, Coffield will go to the Western Bulldogs, but the Saints are working through Gresham and Paddy Dow as well.
Jack Billings – Collingwood has some interest in Billings, who is contracted but the Saints are happy to let him go.
WEST COAST
The No. 1 draft pick – Possibly the most consequential item still on the trade market, the rights to Harley Reid remain with the Eagles and it would take something special to give it up. But North Melbourne and Melbourne are both in position to at least ask the question.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Jordon Sweet – The ruck wants to go to Port Adelaide and is one of many players waiting on the Power to get into action. Plenty of work for Port in the next few days.
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Originally published as AFL Trade 2023: Follow every move and whisper on day five of the trade period
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