AFL trade news: Recap all the updates and news from day 2 of AFL trade period

The huge price Carlton forward Matt Owies has put on his head can be revealed as rival clubs baulk at his contract demands. Recap all the action from day 2 of the trade period here.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 21: Matthew Owies of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal with Zac Williams of the Blues during the round 15 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Carlton forward Matt Owies is at risk of being out of the AFL completely in 2025 as the Blues prepare to turn to other small forward options.

Owies, who booted 33 goals in 23 games this season, is out of contract and exploring options at rival clubs, with the Blues seemingly prepared to lose him.

The 27-year-old has met with multiple clubs, including West Coast and Gold Coast, as the trade period begins to heat up.

Officials at rival clubs are expecting Owies’ asking price to be around $700,000-800,000 per season on a multi-year deal, but his management has not engaged in advanced talks with the clubs yet.

The Herald Sun understands Carlton won’t offer that to Owies and is yet to formally put forward an extension.

RECAP ALL THE TRADE ACTION FROM DAY 2 BELOW

Matthew Owies is without a deal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It could result in Owies becoming a delisted free agent and signing where he chooses if he can find a suitor willing to reach a compromise for the forward.

The Blue has enjoyed the most productive season from a Carlton small forward in the past decade, kicking the most goals in a season since Jeff Garlett booted 43 in 2014.

While Owies is coming out of contract, Carlton has the services of Jesse Motlop (contracted until 2025), Orazio Fantasia (2025), Corey Durdin (2026), Elijah Hollands (2026), Lachie Fogarty (2026), Zac Williams (2026) and Matt Cottrell (2027) all locked-in.

Of that group, only Fantasia, who has played 114 games, has kicked more goals in his entire career (150) than Owies has kicked in the past two seasons (60).

But despite Owies’ goalkicking form in recent campaigns, Carlton is prepared to lose him for nothing.

Ashton Moir of the Blues impressed late in the season. Picture: Michael Klein

The Blues are expecting injured forward Jack Silvagni to return to full health during the off-season and there are high hopes for 2023 first-rounder Ashton Moir after his late-season debut.

Blues list manager Nick Austin said on Monday the forward enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign.

“He (Owies) has kicked a lot of goals. He has had a good season. Our front half is going to look a little bit different next year,” he said.

“Jack Silvagni missed the whole year … we want to get some games into Ashton Moir as well. We felt like he showed some things late in the season.

“We have a lot of faith in Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin to come through.

“They have had some injury troubles this year, but we need to create a pathway for those guys to step up and take more responsibility.”

Sam Durdin, Jack Carroll and Matt Carroll also remain in contract limbo, with the Blues yet to re-sign or delist the trio.

Originally published as AFL trade news: Recap all the updates and news from day 2 of AFL trade period