AFL trade news: Zerk-Thatcher, Duursma and Ratugolea trades could come down to wire

With the final days of the trade period imminent, the Bombers may throw a spanner in Port’s plans, as the clubs haggle over compensation for Xavier Duursma and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 25: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher of the Bombers and Daniel McStay of the Magpies in action during the 2023 AFL Round 24 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 25, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Essendon is prepared to retain Brandon Zerk-Thatcher if the Power will not commit to a straight swap for wingman Xavier Duursma, adamant the key defender has always been a required player.

The Power face challenges to secure their priority trades with Geelong unwilling to accept pick 25 in this year’s draft for Esava Ratugolea and Richmond not prepared to release Ivan Soldo.

The Cats are aware pick 25 will become pick 30 by November’s draft with three Gold Coast academy picks and two father-son bids set to push that selection well back in the draft order.

Essendon is keen to secure Power wingman Duursma but not at any price given Port Adelaide drove the interest in full back Zerk-Thatcher, which saw the Dons then move on former pick 18 Duursma.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Xavier Duursma. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Dons would like to secure a rare straight swap for Duursma, having already secured a trio of free agents in Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein and Jade Gresham.

It would allow the Dons to secure four first-choice players while not compromising a draft hand that is currently pick 9, 31 and 52.

Essendon offered Zerk-Thatcher a three-year deal and believes he could still slot into a backline that includes McKay, Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman and potentially young injury-prone defender Zac Reid.

So the Zerk-Thatcher – Duursma trade will go down to the line even though Essendon handing an additional pick to the Power could allow Port Adelaide to move on that selection to the Cats as well as pick 25.

Any deal with the Bombers may influence Ratugolea’s move from Geelong. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ratugolea is expected to secure a contract of up to $700,000 at the Power, with Fox Footy expert Leigh Montagna telling Trading Day the Cats might need a “sweetener” alongside pick 25.

“Geelong knows how desperate Port Adelaide is to get Ratugolea. They are in premiership contention, they believe they are next season, and they need some key defenders.

“Geelong are just standing firm and saying, ‘if you want him, you’re going to have to budge. You’re going to have to come up with something better’. I like it.

“They need to stump up. They’ll need to find a little bit extra. That is what Geelong is waiting for.”

Originally published as AFL trade news: Zerk-Thatcher, Duursma and Ratugolea trades could come down to wire