Moneyball: All the latest AFL trade, draft and contract news
Quinton Narkle’s VFL form has put clubs on notice ahead of the mid-season draft, although the former Cat faces a nervous wait with picks at a premium.
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Former Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle has interest from clubs including West Coast and Essendon but might need more clubs to clear mid-season draft spots to be given another chance.
Narkle is working as a player development manager at Essendon while he plays VFL for the club, and has always had an ability to win clearances at will.
He is in good condition and hopeful of another chance as clubs consider whether to move more players onto the long-term injury list ahead of next week’s draft.
West Coast has one selection but could clear the room for two more for the May 31 draft, while Essendon has a single spot and three players on their radar.
So it will be a nervous wait for many players including Narkle, who is averaging 4.6 clearances a game.
WILL SOS TEMPT ANOTHER BLUE TO SAINTS?
St Kilda list boss Stephen Silvagni could be reunited with another former Blue if the Saints can beat rival clubs to the punch for Carlton’s Paddy Dow.
Dow has been on fire in the VFL and has attracted interest from multiple rival suitors.
The Saints are expected to be aggressive in the exchange period and are believed to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on the onballer.
Dow, 23, has been unable to break into the Blues’ senior side this year and is expected to seek a fresh start elsewhere for next season.
Silvagni, who recruited Dow when he was Carlton’s list boss, picked up former Blue Liam Stocker in the supplemental selection period over the pre-season.
The Saints are also chasing Tom De Koning to help partner Rowan Marshall and Max King in attack and in the ruck.
MARTIN CONSIDERING EXTENDING CAREER BEYOND 2024
Dustin Martin is determined to honour the length of his contract with Richmond and is already considering playing on beyond the end of 2024.
Those close to the three-time Norm Smith Medallist made it clear on Tuesday that the 31-year-old would not be following coach Damien Hardwick out the door of Punt Road.
Martin’s connection with Hardwick was one of the reasons why he stayed at the club at the end of the 2017 season, which helped lead to a triple premiership-winning era for the Tigers.
That link has also been significant in Martin choosing to stay with the club in recent seasons when it looked likely he could move north.
But a source close to Martin told Moneyball that he remains “Richmond through and Richmond” and wanted to see out the terms of his much-talked about seven-year-deal, which he signed just before the 2017 finals series.
Martin’s body was in “immaculate condition” as he looks to get back to his best footy following some strong performances in the past few weeks.
He will reach 300 games if he plays on next season with the Tigers, which now seems likely, despite Hardwick’s exit and likely retirements of Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.
Martin is said to be enjoying his footy, even if the Tigers have been struggling, though it is expected a few rival clubs could inquire about his availability at the end of the season.
AMERICAN PIE WANTS TWO MORE SEASONS
Collingwood big man Mason Cox is eager to play on for at least two more seasons, saying he is enjoying his football as much as he ever has.
The 32-year-old American, who will reach a unique 100-game milestone this Sunday against North Melbourne, is in the final year of his current deal.
But his good form this year after recovering from a lacerated spleen has him well placed to win a new deal with the Magpies at the back end of the season.
Fresh from a best afield performance against Greater Western Sydney a fortnight ago, Cox joked to the Herald Sun this week that he sent a few cheeky text messages to his manager Liam Pickering.
“Yeah man, as long as I am feeling good, I will play on, and as long as the club is happy to have me under a contract as one of the 44 on the list, I will play on,” Cox said.
“Hopefully, I have got a few years ahead of me. I will leave that stuff up to Pickers.
“My body feels fine at the moment. That’s the biggest thing when you get to my age.”
INJURED POWER GUN EAGER TO SEE ROLE BEFORE DECISION
Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades will discuss whether there is a role for him in the Power’s packed forward line before he makes a decision on a lucrative new contract.
Georgiades has ample Victorian interest and would like to stay at the Power.
But he is in a unique position because he is a second forward, who cannot play ruck, given he is only 192cm
His manager Tom Seccull told the Herald Sun his client would sit down for a responsible chat with coach Ken Hinkley when he returned to the club after a check-up in Perth on his reconstructed knee.
“He will wait and get settled post-surgery back in Adelaide and then sit down and have a really good chat with the club about where Mitch is at,” he said.
“He is really happy at Port Adelaide and loves it there but he is just taking his time with the contract.”
Georgiades will likely secure a contract of over $600,000 whether he leaves or stays, but with Ollie Lord playing the big hard-leading forward role in recent weeks, there is a premium on spots.
Free agent Charlie Dixon will sign a new contract, Todd Marshall is an automatic choice when fit and Lord is emerging as a serious prospect.
EMERGING DEE KEEN FOR NEW DEAL
Melbourne’s surprise packet Kade Chandler has kickstarted talks on a new deal that will reward his breakout season.
Chandler had been holding off as he assessed his opportunities but has played every game and kicked a remarkably accurate 15.4.
The Demons are in a spectacular position contract-wise with all of their stars locked away long term but free agent James Jordan and James Harmes are among the players who will have rival interest.
Chandler has gone goalless only once this season and formed a dynamic partnership with Bayley Fritsch (20 goals) and Kysaiah Pickett (16 goals).
EAGLE TALL UNLIKELY TO MOVE
Victorian clubs aren’t expecting West Coast’s Jack Darling to make a big move east next season as the Eagles consider their rebuild options.
Darling, 30, is happily settled in Perth with a young family and has not indicated he wants out.
Victorian clubs have asked the question about his future as a potential trade target but the veteran goal kicker wants to remain in Perth.
Darling, who has been a star for the club booting 494 goals across 13 seasons, was in average form this season before breaking his arm.
West Coast has taken a strategy so far of keeping its veteran players rather than trading them out for extra draft picks.
Originally published as Moneyball: All the latest AFL trade, draft and contract news
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