AFL Trade period: All the players that could be moved in deals before Wednesday night’s deadline
The AFL Trade Period deadline is looming and many are stuck in limbo. Will there be any surprises? Here’s where 30 players are at heading into the final week.
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Thirteen AFL players changed clubs in the past week via trade or free agency and there is the potential for that number to more than double by Wednesday’s 7.30pm trade deadline. Marc McGowan and Matt Turner look at who else could have a fresh start in 2022.
JARROD BRANDER (WC)
The Eagles told the uncontracted swingman and winger to explore his options, which included meeting with Carlton. But the Blues aren’t interested and clubs aren’t beating down the door.
UP FOR GRABS
LEVI CASBOULT (Carl)
Had been linked to Brisbane but the Lions’ pursuit of Darcy Fort seemingly closed that door. Would Gold Coast take the 31-year-old to add experience to its forward line?
UP FOR GRABS
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JON CEGLAR (Haw)
Contracted for 2022 but the Hawks encouraged him to explore his options and will help pay his wage next year if he leaves. Geelong and Western Bulldogs appear the likely destinations if the 30-year-old departs.
UP FOR GRABS
JORDAN CLARK (Geel)
Fremantle is intent on securing the speedy West Australian from Geelong, but the Cats want an early draft selection. The Dockers have four top-25 picks and are so far unwilling to hand over No.19 to seal the deal.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
TOM CLUREY (Port Adel)
Couldn’t win back a regular spot in defence after breaking his jaw in round 9. Contracted until 2023 and the Power wants him to stay, but North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda inquired.
STAYING PUT
CHARLIE CONSTABLE (Geel)
The tall inside midfielder is screaming for an opportunity after another prolific season of hunting and winning the Sherrin at VFL level. Only 22, he is most likely to return for another year at the Cattery.
UP FOR GRABS
MASON COX (Coll)
The American forward is in limbo. He has not yet been told if he will receive a contract from the Magpies, nor have other suitors emerged. Very much a wait-and-see proposition over the next week.
UP FOR GRABS
JORDAN DAWSON (Syd)
The 24-year-old half-back/wingman will get to the Crows, if not during the trade period then via the pre-season draft. Adelaide wants to get a deal done but the clubs have not been able to agree on the picks.
LOCK IT IN
TRENT DUMONT (Nth Melb)
Friday’s free agency deadline has come and gone, so his only exit route now is via a trade or as a delisted free agent. There are interested clubs and the 26-year-old, who has played 113 games, won’t be a Kangaroo in 2022.
UP FOR GRABS
DARCY FORT (Geel)
Securing Fort is Brisbane’s trade priority. If Fort, who is 28 and has played eight games in three seasons, leaves, it opens the door for Jonathon Ceglar to move to the Cattery.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
JACK GUNSTON (Haw)
Brisbane Lions and Melbourne are most commonly linked to the three-time premiership Hawk, who missed all bar one match this season because of two back surgeries. Turns 30 this month, so has a decision to make.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
OLLIE HANRAHAN (Haw)
Was pigeon-holed as a speedy small forward until this season, when he was transformed into an on-baller. Averaged 31-plus disposals in three VFL games. Carlton, Gold Coast and Geelong are monitoring him.
UP FOR GRABS
BOBBY HILL (GWS)
Contracted for next year but wants to be traded to a Victorian club. His partner is pregnant with their first child and he would like to be closer to family, including St Kilda winger Bradley Hill.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
BEN KING (GC)
It’s a compliment to King’s vast potential that Victorian clubs continue to scheme about ways to get the key forward – both privately and publicly. St Kilda, where his twin Max plays, and Essendon are constantly linked.
BACK OFF
PETER LADHAMS (Port Adel)
The Power is seeking a high pick and may consider paying a chunk of his salary for the right deal. Ladhams has had a medical with the Swans and they are the most fitting suitor but he is no certainty to end up there.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
PATRICK LIPINSKI (WB)
There is a haggling of picks between the clubs – the Bulldogs want No.43, while the Magpies prefer to hand over a selection in the 50s – but the threat of the pre-season draft makes it likely a trade will be agreed.
LOCK IT IN
RORY LOBB (Frem)
Lobb wants to be a Giant again. The 207cm forward-ruck is contracted for two more years on big money. Dockers are so far refusing to pay any of his contract in any potential deal.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
BEN LONG (St K)
His three-year deal doesn’t expire until 2022 but the Saints are willing to trade the 24-year-old for the right price. Unlike a few years back, there aren’t any takers yet.
UP FOR GRABS
MAX LYNCH (Coll)
The Hawks still loom as Lynch’s landing spot if he chooses to depart the Magpies, but the clubs are yet to have a discussion about the out-of-contract 200cm ruckman.
UP FOR GRABS
DARCY MACPHERSON (GC)
Appeared to be North Melbourne-bound but now looking like remaining at the Suns on a restructured deal after being keen to stay.
DON’T COUNT ON IT
TOM MITCHELL (Haw)
Would be the biggest name to move clubs if it happened, but which club would be prepared to take the plunge for the 28-year-old Brownlow medallist? Hawthorn’s intent to unload older stars for high picks means you cannot rule it out.
DON’T COUNT ON IT
LACHIE NEALE (Bris Lions)
It was the pre-trade period bombshell that ultimately fizzled when the Brownlow medallist said he would stay at the Lions in 2022. Stranger things have happened, but would take a huge backflip.
STAYING PUT
JAEGER O’MEARA (Haw)
Port Adelaide wants to boost its midfield and has preliminary interest. But it has not made an offer. It will come down to how keen the Hawks are to offload him and what the Power is prepared to pay.
DON’T COUNT ON IT
SAM POWELL-PEPPER (Port Adel)
The West Australian had been linked to West Coast but any chance of him landing at the Eagles is now unlikely after they traded in Carlton’s Sam Petrevski-Seton. A deal appears too difficult to facilitate.
DON’T COUNT ON IT
SAM TAYLOR (GWS)
The only Giant the Dockers are interested in for Rory Lobb. But the breakout key defender, who hails from Western Australia, extended his contract in August until 2025.
NO CHANCE
JOSH THOMAS (Coll)
Like Cox, the 30-year-old is without a contract at Collingwood – and that is despite playing 20 games this year. The Magpies plan to see where things sit after the trade period.
UP FOR GRABS
MITCH WALLIS (WB)
The Dogs want to keep him, but he played only six senior games this year. Wallis would depart the Kennel if there was opposition interest – but there isn’t any. Likely to re-sign.
UP FOR GRABS
JAKE WATERMAN (WC)
Waterman’s agent, Paul Peos, revealed he had taken calls from rival clubs throughout the year about his contracted client, but that he wants to stick around and fight for his spot.
STAYING PUT
CHAD WINGARD (Haw)
One of four Hawks regularly raised in trade dispatches. But the dual All-Australian, who previously played for the Power, made his position clear in a clever Instagram post. He’s not … leaving.
NO CHANCE
TRISTAN XERRI (Nth Melb)
Requested a trade to St Kilda midweek but the 22-year-old is contracted for next season. Ex-Tiger Callum Coleman-Jones’ arrival probably means even fewer opportunities, whereas the Saints are planning for life after Paddy Ryder.
BIT TO PLAY OUT
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