Moneyball trade column: Latest on Jordan De Goey’s future, a young Giant on the Saints’ radar and which deals are close
Collingwood is confident a new deal with defender Darcy Moore isn’t far away, while Jordan De Goey is also a priority signing. However, the Pies forward could be the perfect fit for the Swans.
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Collingwood and Darcy Moore are edging closer to an agreement that will almost certainly keep the All-Australian contender at the Magpies.
It is understood negotiations between the Pies and Moore’s management company, Precision Sports Entertainment Group, have been “progressing well”.
Both parties are hoping it can be finalised before the end of the home-and-away season, which would be a bonus for the Magpies.
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Moore, 24, is in the best form of his career, holding up a Collingwood defence that has been decimated by injuries in recent months.
He remains one of Collingwood’s most important signing priorities, alongside forward-mid Jordan De Goey, whose 2020 season remains on hold due to a serious finger injury.
Moore has consistently said he wanted to remain in black and white, where he has played 83 games since he made his debut in 2015.
De Goey has also said several times his preference was to remain at Collingwood.
DE GOEY COULD BE RIGHT FIT FOR SWANS
Jordan De Goey’s delay on signing a new deal at Collingwood should raise Sydney’s interest.
In the event that Swans forward Tom Papley again requests a move home to Victoria, it’s De Goey who looms as the perfect goal kicking replacement in red and white.
Collingwood’s superstar ballwinner definitely fits Sydney’s penchant of recruiting high-profile marquee players who can put bums on seats.
The wrecking ball forward would do damage on the small SCG.
And maybe the anonymity of the Sydney lifestyle would appeal to the out-of-contract playmaker.
The Swans already pay Lance Franklin more than $1 million a season, but he only has two years to run on his mega deal, meaning the money then has to go elsewhere.
And John Longmire’s men will need another marquee to help spearhead what is otherwise one of the youngest teams in the AFL.
Mystery shrouds what Papley wants to do next year after his attempts to join Carlton late last year fell over in the exchange period.
Industry speculation is that he is still keen to return to Melbourne despite the Swans being thrilled with the way he has bought into their culture and professionalism.
De Goey, 24, has said several times he wants to stay at Collingwood, but a deal is yet to be done despite his time out with a finger injury suffered on July 16.
It is frustrating for the Magpies who are also trying to lock away star defender Darcy Moore amid a bulging salary cap.
The Pies are more than likely going to have to lose someone, whether it is De Goey or Moore, or a combination of lesser lights in Tom Phillips and Mason Cox and others.
Collingwood wants to keep De Goey and, in any case, would be entitled to ask for two early picks in a trade if worst came to worst and the superstar wanted out.
De Goey would certainly command a blockbuster deal to move clubs. He turned down $1 million a year from North Melbourne two years ago and could demand a seven-year term to swap colours.
The big question for the Swans is, is De Goey a better fit than Essendon free agent Joe Daniher?
All eyes will be on Daniher next week as he attempts to make his comeback from a two-and-a-half year long battle with a groin problem.
While Daniher tried to get to Sydney last year, he remains a considerable injury risk.
Geelong is another club which will weigh up Daniher if he has an interest in helping partner Tom Hawkins and live away from Melbourne.
As a free agent, the Cats would give up nothing in a trade for Daniher.
The Cats were interested in Greater Western Sydney spearhead Jeremy Cameron but the ace forward appears increasingly likely to stay up north.
Geelong is also eyeing Adelaide free agent Brad Crouch to help lead its midfield next year.
YOUNG GIANT FACING BIG FUTURE CALL
GWS Giants Jye Caldwell has a big decision to make as several Victorian clubs chase the second-year midfielder.
Caldwell, 19, is believed to be on St Kilda’s radar, in particular, as a powerful and damaging ballwinner.
The Saints have got their eyes on increasing the class of their midfield.
The Giants are confident of keeping the Bendigo product but will be eager to get moving on a deal over the next few weeks.
The Giants have a nine-day break before their next game against West Coast in Perth, potentially creating a window to talk about his future.
Caldwell, who was taken at pick 11 two years ago, has averaged 13 disposals over nine career games.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARLION PICKETT?
Richmond has assured Marlion Pickett it has space on its list for him next year despite waiting for TPP clarity before it re-contracts him.
The Tigers are one of a number of clubs still reluctant to sign new deals until they have a clearer picture of the salary cap and list size for 2020.
Pickett lost his spot in the side but has returned in strong form in the past six games, including two 100 ranking-point contests against North Melbourne and the Bulldogs.
Ideally he would sign a two-year deal to give him some much-needed security.
But at the very least he will secure a one-year contract on improved terms after having to apply to the AFL’s hardship fund to top up his salary.
Last week he lost most of his $2000 match payment after being fined by the MRO.
Key back Noah Balta is signed until 2021, while fellow defender Nathan Broad was seen to be close to a deal pre-COVID.
It’s why rival clubs like Gold Coast are now fishing around.
YOUNG GUN STAYING A SUN
Noah Anderson’s contract extension at Gold Coast through to 2022 is all but done as the Suns continue to lock away exciting talent.
He has continued a lovely first season at the Suns, winning four clearances from his 15 touches against Essendon.
He will want to improve his kicking efficiency, which has gone at only 43 per cent this year, including 22 per cent against St Kilda and 33 per cent against the Dons.
But with Matt Rowell out injured the draft’s No. 2 pick is ticking along nicely.
WILL HIGGINS DO WHAT’S BEST FOR ROOS?
Shaun Higgins is genuinely committed to sticking with North Melbourne despite speculation he might be trade bait as one of the club’s few players with trade currency.
The Kangaroos haven’t raised his name in trade talks but if they are to rebuild they will want multiple early picks in return.
And he still has a number seasons at the top level as his form remains strong.
Last year when he added an extra season to his deal to 2021 he said he was keen to stay but would have left if the club wanted to let him go under a rebuild.
Those circumstances are now upon the Roos but nothing has changed from Higgins’ point of view.
“If they saw that it was best fit to rebuild and move on senior players then I was open to helping them under those circumstances,” Higgins said when he sacrificed money to stay at Arden St last year. “So that’s how the conversation started.
“If that wasn’t the case then I’m here to commit and I want to commit long term so all those boxes were ticked and we’re here today.”
Jon Brown threw up Ben Cunnington’s name on Fox Footy this week as someone rivals would want.
The hard calls have to be made and the Roos unfortunately have few players with trade currency.
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NO. 1 PICK CLOSING IN ON NEW DEAL
Andy McGrath’s long-term deal with Essendon is moving closer to completion but no one is in a desperate hurry given his value rises by the week.
He would be a right up there in Essendon’s best-and-fairest given a consistent season in which he has averaged 22.8 disposals per game.
The one facet of his game he could improve is goal kicking. He is yet to kick a goal this season and gets a lot of ball in the back half.
But the 2016 No. 1 draft pick continues to boost his price with his rousing form.
Essendon still has to secure Adam Saad on a price that reflects his value given he’s only conceded seven goals for the year while also providing offensive drive.