AFL trade news: Jarrod Witts to re-sign, Ned Moyle’s rival interest, Dogs likely Tim English offer
Jarrod Witts’ understudy is set to become the in-demand ruckman of 2024 after staggering VFL numbers in recent seasons. Plus, the latest on Tim English’s next contract.
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Gold Coast is on the brink of re-signing co-captain Jarrod Witts in a move that will make backup Ned Moyle one of the key targets for clubs attempting to poach rival ruckmen this season.
Exceptional in the opening round win over Richmond, and while he turns 32 in September, Witts shows no signs of slowing down at a club that has also recruited No. 9 pick Ethan Read as a long-term ruck prospect.
Witts will push for a two-year deal – or a one-year deal with an attainable games-based trigger for a second season – and talks are progressing well.
Given his form and longevity, a new contract will be rich reward for a player who has given exceptional service to the Suns.
Meanwhile, Moyle, 22, will have to consider his options at season’s end after being chased by at least six clubs last year.
He eventually stayed at the Suns, despite an astonishing VFL finals campaign that saw him win 48 hitouts against Carlton, 49 hitouts against Box Hill and 73 hitouts in the grand final win over Werribee.
In the club’s first premiership at any level, 20 of those hitouts were to advantage. Moyle also won 23 clearances across those three finals.
He still needs to work on his endurance after two AFL games in 2023, but in a league where clubs so often poach rival ruckmen rather than draft them, Moyle will be a player to watch in 2024.
The Western Bulldogs are optimistic they will re-sign free agent Tim English, but will likely have to offer a six- or seven-year contract with a starting point of $1 million a year in negotiations.
English’s management is in regular talks with the Bulldogs and he is keen to stay, but if talks fell through the Dogs would be one of a number of clubs assessing their options.
Carlton’s Marc Pittonet is also out of the Blues side in the early rounds of the season as Michael Voss goes with Tom De Koning and Harry McKay as a back-up, so his progress will be monitored by rivals.
The Suns are attempting to turn 202cm academy tall Ethan Read into a centre-halfback given the ruck logjam and he is in the selection mix for an early-rounds debut.
Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins are holding down the key defensive spots with Mac Andrew also unable to win opening round selection in a sign of the Suns’ embarrassment of defensive riches.
Gold Coast will again attempt to secure a classy running halfback this off-season but their key defensive stocks are stacked.
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