AFL trade, free agency news: Darcy Parish re-signs at Essendon, Tyler Brockman requests move

Sam Mitchell’s forward stocks have taken a hit with a young Hawk requesting a trade back home – but could Hawthorn land a skilful Docker in the process?

Darcy Parish. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Hawthorn livewire Tyler Brockman has sought a move home to Western Australia in a blow to Sam Mitchell’s small forward stocks.

The goalkicker, who played 26 games across three seasons, has expressed an interest in a trade to West Coast or Fremantle.

Brockman, 20, who was originally taken with pick No. 46 in the 2020 draft, could secure a second or third-round pick in return.

Tyler Brockman is poised to return to Western Australia. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

The Hawks were excited about Brockman’s career in brown and gold but the Subiaco forward is keen to be closer to family in the west.

Fremantle is chasing a wingman after losing Liam Henry to a move to Victoria with Hawthorn, St Kilda and North Melbourne all in the mix.

Melbourne had interest but that faded when the club re-signed Kysaiah Pickett.

And the future of Hawthorn swingman Denver Grainger-Barras, 21, will become clearer in the next two weeks as he seeks clarity on his position at the club.

The big man was unable to cement his position in defence this year and swung forward at times. He remains contracted at the club for one more season.

But it remains unclear whether he is in Mitchell’s plans as clubs monitor the man who is contracted to Waverley for one more year.

The 194cm backman, from Swan Districts in WA, has averaged 7.5 touches a game over his 28 matches in three seasons.

Liam Henry looks likely to head to Victoria. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Parish to be a ‘Bomber for life’

- Russell Gould

Essendon has held onto free agent Darcy Parish, re-signing the star midfielder until the end of 2028 in a key off-season move.

After a shocking end to the 2023 season, with massive back-to-back losses in the final two rounds, locking up Parish loomed as crucial for the Bombers and coach Brad Scott going in to his first full pre-season in charge.

He joins captain and newly minted All-Australian Zach Merrett, defender Mason Redman and key forward Peter Wright in committing to the Bombers until at least the end of 2027.

Parish, 26, said he wanted to be a “Bomber for life” after baulking at a potential move.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a Bomber for life. I’m fully committed to this club and always will be for them giving me a chance to live out my dream,” Parish said.

“I have so much belief in this playing group, Brad Scott and our coaches and what we can achieve. I want to be a part of that.”

Darcy Parish has signed a new long-term deal with Essendon. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

After being taken at pick No. 5 in the 2015 national draft, Parish has played 150 games in red and black.

In 2021, he earned All Australian selection, was named the runner-up in the club best and fairest while also taking home the Anzac Day Medal.

He was down on his best in 2023 across 18 games but was adamant the best was yet to come for himself and his team which failed to make the finals.

“Thank you to the Bomber faithful for sticking by me. We love the energy and support you provide this team and I’m grateful for your unwavering support,” Parish said.

“The best is yet to come for this team and I‘m really looking forward to the future and where we can get to.

“We’ve got plenty of work to do but we’re all excited by the challenge and bringing success to Essendon.”