AFL trade guide 2020: How every club is placed entering the trade period
It’s finally here! The 2020 AFL Trade Period officially begins on Wednesday. See how every club is placed before the buying and selling begins.
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The AFL’s trade period here and it shapes as one of the biggest yet, with a host of big players set to be on the move.
We’ve taken a look at how every club is placed — from their current draft picks to who they’ll lose and who they are chasing.
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ADELAIDE
DRAFT PICKS
1, 9, 22, 32, 39, 49, 55, 65, 79
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Bryce Gibbs, Riley Knight, Patrick Wilson, Ayce Taylor.
WHAT THEY NEED
A midfielder from the trade period seems to be Adelaide’s main play given Plan A still remains targeting the draft with its stacked hand of picks.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Young big-bodied midfielder Jackson Hately will arrive via a trade with GWS. Collingwood’s Matt Scharenberg might be an option, while Luke Dunstan could be pushed out of St Kilda and fit the Crows’ needs.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Rory Atkins has already joined Gold Coast and Kyle Hartigan will join Hawthorn. Brad Crouch wants to move to St Kilda, but the Crows are still weighing up matching the Saints’ free agency bid after failing to land the pick 2 compensation they had hoped. Daniel Talia has been linked with a move away but is considered a required player.
BRISBANE
DRAFT PICKS
18, 19, 42, 69, 85, 93
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Allen Christensen, Toby Wooller, Jacob Allison, Sam Skinner, Corey Lyons, Matt Eagles.
WHAT THEY NEED
A key forward to play alongside Eric Hipwood has already been secured, with Joe Daniher joining the club from Essendon as a free agent. Hipwood kicked 24 goals and Dan McStay 11, so providing Daniher can stay fit he could be the key target they need inside 50m.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Having landed Daniher on a three-year deal as soon as free agency opened, the Lions are also believed to be keen on adding some spice to their midfield mix and have been linked to Nakia Cockatoo from Geelong, who would bring pace and flair to the engine room.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Cedric Cox is seeking a move home to WA after playing 13 games in three seasons with the Lions. The No. 24 draft pick from 2016 has not indicated whether his preference is to join West Coast or Fremantle if a deal can be done, but he is out of contract. The Lions have also delisted Archie Smith, who is exploring his options but will be re-rookied if he doesn’t find a new home. West Coast is one of the clubs circling defender Alex Witherden.
CARLTON
DRAFT PICKS
8, 29, 50, 86
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Hugh Goddard, Matthew Kreuzer, Darcy Lang, Finbar O’Dwyer, Ben Silvagni, Kade Simpson.
WHAT THEY NEED
Speed in the back half and help for Patrick Cripps in the engine room. The Blues nabbed Zac Williams as a midfielder, but Bomber Zach Merrett is the one they would like in a year’s time.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Adam Saad is the big deal for the Blues. The Bombers want pick 8 for one of their best-performed players in recent years, but the Blues aren’t budging in their desire to get something on top of Saad in return. Saad will add a new edge to Carlton’s rebounding game in the back half. The Blues are also considering former St Kilda forward and No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin, who took this year off football to manage ongoing concussion issues.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
No one is banging down the door to leave Carlton, with finals on the menu for next season. It wouldn’t shock anyone if Jack Silvagni left for more opportunity elsewhere. Levi Casboult always gets attention because of the other talls Carlton have.
COLLINGWOOD
DRAFT PICKS
16, 38, 41, 74, 91
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Tim Broomhead, Lynden Dunn, Travis Varcoe, Ben Reid, Matthew Scharenberg.
WHAT THEY NEED
To sort out the mess. The Pies have to re-sign Jordan De Goey and work out what is happening with Adam Treloar. Clearly the Pies want him out and he wants to stay. It’s awkward any way you look at it as the Pies try and get the salary cap in order.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
They have been linked to Zach Merrett, but that is going nowhere. Another quality marking target would be handy and some ball movers with slick foot skills are the priority targets. Talk linking the Magpies to Melbourne’s Tom McDonald won’t go away.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Feel like anything could happen at the Pies now. Mason Cox and Tom Phillips are being shopped as well as Treloar, who would rather join another Melbourne club than play for Gold Coast. Jaidyn Stephenson’s name has also been raised in trade discussions.
ESSENDON
DRAFT PICKS
6, 7, 47, 66, 72, 77, 84
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Josh Begley, Tom Bellchambers, Noah Gown, Mitch Hibberd, Conor McKenna, Shaun McKernan, Kobe Mutch.
WHAT THEY NEED
A hard nut for the midfield to assist its other playmakers Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel. Essendon hasn’t had a strong-bodied clearance-winner since Jobe Watson retired. They’re also on the hunt for a new key forward.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Essendon is convinced Josh Dunkley from the Western Bulldogs wants to wear red and black next season. He could be a straight-swap for an early first-round pick. Expect Peter Wright to come on the cheap, too.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Joe Daniher has signed a bumper deal worth about $800,000 a year for three seasons. Orazio Fantasia wants to join Port Adelaide and Adam Saad is on his way to Carlton.
FREMANTLE
DRAFT PICKS
12, 31
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Cam McCarthy, Brandon Matera, Jason Carter, Dillon O’Reilly, Isaiah Butters, Hugh Dixon, Tom North, Jarvis Pina.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Would have loved to lure Jordan Clark back to WA, but he looks like he will stay at Geelong. Tom Phillips might reunite with Justin Longmuir as his Collingwood future remains uncertain. Could Ben Brown be the full forward they have been looking for? Geelong’s Sam Menegola has also been linked to a return home to Perth.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
The Dockers have had enough with Jesse Hogan after just two years and he is headed for GWS. Connor Blakely is also up for grabs. David Mundy is waiting on list sizes before he signs a new deal. Brett Bewley, Lachie Schultz, Bailey Banfield and Leno Thomas are all unsigned.
GEELONG
DRAFT PICKS
13, 15, 20, 37, 95
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Gary Ablett, Harry Taylor, Jacob Kennerley, James Parsons, Blake Schlensog.
WHAT THEY NEED
The Cats have clearly identified the need for a bit more outside class with their trade and free agency targets, as well as another key forward to help Tom Hawkins in the short-term and replace him in the long-term.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Greater Western Sydney’s Jeremy Cameron is the big one, with the Giants deciding over the weekend to play hardball and match a bid for the unrestricted free agent to force the Cats to the trade table. Geelong has already signed Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith and is also expected to secure North Melbourne midfielder Shaun Higgins.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Forward Nakia Cockatoo is headed for Brisbane, while midfielders Charlie Constable and Lachie Fogarty could seek greater opportunity elsewhere. Jordan Clark has been linked to a move home to Western Australia. The Cats think Sam Menegola will stay but he is considered gettable by opposition clubs. The Giants may ask for a player – on top of draft picks – as part of the Cameron trade, with Esava Ratugolea likely to be discussed.
HAWTHORN
DRAFT PICKS
4, 23, 44, 45, 48, 64, 71
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
James Frawley, Conor Glass, Will Golds, Ricky Henderson, Darren Minchington, Paul Puopolo, Jackson Ross, Isaac Smith, Ben Stratton.
WHAT THEY NEED
Some more top-line youth. The list rejuvenation is on at Hawthorn and Denver Grainger-Barras would be an excellent selection in the draft at pick 4 as an intercepting defender.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
They will get Kyle Hartigan from Adelaide as a defensive stopper to replace James Frawley and Ben Stratton. Expect that deal to be done as a trade so they keep the third-round free agency compensation pick for Isaac Smith.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
The Hawks are adamant Jack Gunston and Luke Breust will not be traded. Collingwood was interested but the Pies have a heap on sorting out their own list retention.
GOLD COAST
DRAFT PICKS
5, 26, 36, 75, 83
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
George Horlin-Smith, Pearce Hanley, Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis, Josh Schoenfeld, Mitch Riordan, Sam Fletcher, Jesse Joyce, Jacob Dawson, Jacob Heron.
WHAT THEY NEED
The Suns need to bolster their defence with Rory Thompson’s troublesome knees sidelining him since 2018 and Jarrod Harbrow turning 33 next year. They had a crack at Nathan Broad but were unable to lure the three-time premiership player away from Richmond.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
The Suns had been linked to both Nathan Broad and Brad Crouch in the past two seasons but won’t land either of them. But they have secured Rory Atkins from the Crows, with the wingman signing a five-year deal to head north.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
The Suns are open to trading ruckman Peter Wright and midfielder Will Brodie, who managed just one game between them this season. Both are contracted until the end of 2022 but will have currency at the trade table if rival clubs come knocking.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
DRAFT PICKS
10, 30, 43, 51, 73, 87
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Heath Shaw, Tom Sheridan, Sam Jacobs.
WHAT THEY NEED
Ruck support for veteran Shane Mumford after Sam Jacobs pulled the pin and announced his retirement post-season. The Giants also need to stem the bleeding, with a host of players wanting out.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Braydon Pruess might be the answer to GWS’ ruck issues even though he still has two years on his deal at Melbourne. The Giants have hoped to get a player such as Brandan Parfitt in a trade with Geelong for Jeremy Cameron. GWS is in talks with Fremantle about securing wayward key forward Jesse Hogan.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Cameron wants to go to Geelong, Zac Williams has signed at Carlton, Aidan Corr has been seduced by North Melbourne, Zac Langdon wants to head to West Coast and on top of Jackson Hately wanting to go to Adelaide fellow gun youngster Jye Caldwell wants to go to Essendon.
MELBOURNE
DRAFT PICKS
25, 52, 67, 68, 88
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Harley Bennell, Kyle Dunkley, Corey Wagner, Josh Wagner.
WHAT THEY NEED
A decent key forward. Sam Weideman kicked a career-high 19 goals this season but he isn’t their saviour in front of goal and Tom McDonald can’t get a game. The Demons are also in search of another wingman now Adam Tomlinson has been redeployed in defence.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
North Melbourne forward Ben Brown has nominated Melbourne as his club of choice to continue his career, with the Demons confident he will fit in well. They tried to get Isaac Smith from Hawthorn before he went to Geelong and reportedly had a crack at Crow Rory Atkins who chose the Suns instead.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Ruckman Braydon Preuss is on his way to GWS after finding himself behind both Max Gawn and Luke Jackson in the pecking order. Mitch Hannan wants to go to the Bulldogs and Oscar and Tom McDonald and Jayden Hunt’s names have all been thrown around as potential trades but nothing concrete has materialised.
NORTH MELBOURNE
DRAFT PICKS
2, 11, 27, 62, 70, 80
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Jamie Macmillan, Jasper Pittard, Majak Daw, Ben Jacobs, Paul Ahern, Mason Wood, Sam Durdin, Marley Williams, Joel Crocker, Lachie Hosie and Tom Murphy.
WHAT THEY NEED
Lots, and in all areas of the ground. Mostly it will centre on Operation: ‘Let’s go to the draft’. The Kangaroos will pin their faith on trying to lock in two 10-year players with first round picks before replenishing the playing stocks for the long term. This will be the club’s best draft haul in years as the club tries to find new homes for other players that could bring back some extra draft picks.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Not expecting the Kangaroos to play a big role in player acquisition this trade period, even if there will be more than a few go out the door. Missed out on Zac Williams to Carlton, but former Giant Aidan Corr is already locked away. Corr had some robust conversations about the club’s future direction before committing to the club. He has locked in for five seasons at around $550,000 per season, with a sixth-year trigger attached.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Ben Brown and Shaun Higgins are effectively out the door already without the paperwork completed. That would have been a doomsday scenario a year or so ago, but the Kangaroos are helping to facilitate that happening. The Kangaroos are chasing an extra first-round pick to help build for the future. Could Isaac Smith’s decision to move to Geelong mean the Demons might show some interest in Jared Polec? The Kangaroos would hope so, even if they would have to pay part of his salary. The good news is ruckman Todd Goldstein wants to stay, and it looks as if contracted defender Robbie Tarrant will do the same.
PORT ADELAIDE
DRAFT PICKS
28, 34, 46, 56, 58, 94
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Justin Westhoff, Brad Ebert, Jack Watts, Tobin Cox, Riley Grundy, Joe Atley, Wylie Buzza, Cam Sutcliffe.
WHAT THEY NEED
A swingman who can play at either end of the ground in the mould of Westhoff or some depth down back in the height department.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Swooped late to become the frontrunner for Essendon small forward Orazio Fantasia after he declared his plans to return to South Australia. The Power has also inquired about Sydney defender Aliir Aliir but they’re not prepared to give up either ruckman for him so those talks have since stalled.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
The only player being spoken about in trade circles is defender Riley Bonner, who played nine games this season but did not feature in the finals and could be on his way to Essendon as part of the Fantasia deal.
RICHMOND
DRAFT PICKS
21, 35, 60, 78, 96
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Luke English, Fraser Turner.
WHAT THEY NEED
In terms of 2021, the reigning premiers have all they need for another premiership tilt. But with some key players including Jack Riewoldt and Bachar Houli coming towards the end of their careers, the Tigers will no doubt have an eye to the future with their list strategy.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Richmond had shown some interest in Fremantle’s Jesse Hogan, but he is headed for GWS. The Tigers had also been into Adelaide’s Brad Crouch, but he is now bound for St Kilda.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Grand Final emergency Oleg Markov is off to Gold Coast Suns, having played just 23 games in five years at Richmond. After struggling for senior opportunity this year, contracted forward Jack Higgins is searching for a new home. Nathan Broad, Jake Aarts and Marlion Pickett penned new two-year deals on Friday, but Bachar Houli remains without a contract.
ST KILDA
DRAFT PICKS
17, 63, 76, 92
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Ryan Abbott, Logan Austin, Jack Bell, Nathan Brown, Doulton Langlands, Jack Mayo.
WHAT THEY NEED
The Saints have made no secret of the fact they haven’t finished chasing ready-made players after last year’s raids. The desire has always to bring in another midfielder, while they recognise a need to provide some forward assistance for Max King for the future and possibly extra depth down back.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
Brad Crouch is the No. 1 priority. The Crows are haggling with the Saints about boosting their contract offer to the midfielder in order for Adelaide to receive the maximum compensation. St Kilda does not want to give up its first pick in a trade for Crouch if Adelaide matches the bid. The Saints are also keen on Richmond livewire Jack Higgins, who appears to be looking for greater opportunities.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Lots of talk about Seb Ross, with Essendon being discussed as a likely suitor. Jack Lonie could be squeezed out, especially if Higgins makes it to Moorabbin. Luke Dunstan, Jimmy Webster and Dylan Roberton are contracted, but could yet attract interest. Jake Carlisle has a deal in front of him.
SYDNEY
DRAFT PICKS
3, 24, 57, 61, 81
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Michael Knoll, Jack Maibaum, Harry Reynolds, Brady Rowles, Ryley Stoddart.
WHAT THEY NEED
The Swans desperately need some ruck assistance. Having missed out on securing Joe Daniher, whom they felt they had locked away last year, they will be also be looking for some assistance for Buddy Franklin in the forward line.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
The Swans unsuccessfully chased Toby Nankervis and Port Adelaide has suggested it won’t deal with the Swans on big men Scott Lycett or Peter Ladhams. They have now zeroed in on Eagles ruckman Tom Hickey, who managed only three games this season.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
The Power has chased Aliir Aliir, but the Swans have insisted the contracted defender is going nowhere.
WEST COAST
DRAFT PICKS
33, 54, 59, 90
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Will Schofield, Hamish Brayshaw, Mitch O’Neill, Nic Reid, Anthony Treacy, Francis Watson.
WHAT THEY NEED
The Eagles did not get it done this year, but their list looks well placed heading into 2021. The midfield bats deep and the spine is strong. Having gone big for Tim Kelly during last year’s trade period, it should be a relatively quiet period this year.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
The Eagles look set to land Greater Western Sydney small forward Zac Langdon, who managed only seven games this year in his third season with the Giants. If Geelong’s Jordan Clark were to request a trade home to Western Australia, the Eagles would be interested. West Coast is also circling Brisbane defender Alex Witherden.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
Veteran premiership defender Lewis Jetta does not yet have a contract and played only six games this year. There has been some interest from rival clubs in ruckmen Nathan Vardy and Tom Hickey, with Sydney particularly interested in Hickey.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
DRAFT PICKS
14, 40, 53, 89
DELISTINGS/RETIREMENTS
Tory Dickson
WHAT THEY NEED
Ruckman Tim English is crying out for help, but coach Luke Beveridge has not shown much interest in playing ruckman and used midfielder Josh Dunkley as a back-up this year. Another key defender or key forward could be handy, with the recruitment of Josh Bruce not working out this year.
WHO THEY’RE CHASING
The Dogs look set to land Melbourne forward Mitch Hannan, who kicked seven goals from nine games this year. They have been linked to key forwards including Collingwood’s Mason Cox. Exciting Next Generation Academy member Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will find his way to Whitten Oval through the draft.
WHO THEY’LL LOSE
There had been interest in contracted wingman Lachie Hunter after a difficult year, but he looks set to stay put. Taylor Duryea, Ryan Gardner, Lin Jong and Matt Suckling are among the Bulldogs still without contracts for next year.
MORE AFL TRADE NEWS:
ZAC WILLIAMS’ BIZARRE START TO LIFE AS A BLUE
GIANTS, CATS TO BEGIN TALKS ON JEREMY CAMERON TRADE
MELBOURNE’S NEXT MOVE AFTER MISSING OUT ON ISAAC SMITH
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