Tom Lynch, Jeremy McGovern, Jordan De Goey among 20 most wanted trade targets in the AFL
IT might only be May but if you think AFL clubs aren’t already planning trade raids, think again! In anticipation of one of the biggest off-seasons yet, JAY CLARK looks at the 20 most wanted targets in the AFL.
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CLUBS are already beginning to make moves ahead of this year’s exchange period.
The free agency pool is looming as the best yet. Who is being targeted? Jay Clark names this year’s 20 most wanted.
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1. TOM LYNCH, 25 (GOLD COAST)
Drafted from: Dandenong, Vic
Games: 127
Restricted free agent
Wouldn’t he much prefer to play in front of packed MCG crowds for a premiership contender? Gold Coast can throw as much money as they like to keep him, but Lynch’s decision won’t be about his wallet. It’s about team success, and maybe coming home. He’s a strong-bodied spearhead who can kick 80-plus goals a season. Richmond in the box seat but Hawthorn and Collingwood also in the mix.
2. JEREMY MCGOVERN, 26 (WEST COAST)
Drafted from: Claremont, WA
Games: 85
Restricted free agent
There’s lots of smoke and mirrors around McGovern’s situation. His manager confirmed there was a big-money offer in-play for the West Australian, but it remains unclear who the club is. North Melbourne has said thanks but no thanks as it hunts a midfielder. McGovern has probably the best hands in the league and can star at either end of the ground. But he would prefer to stay an Eagle.
3. RORY SLOANE, 28 (ADELAIDE)
From Eastern Ranges, Vic
Games 169
Restricted free agent
Could be the perfect addition to an Essendon midfield which could do with some more aggression and hardness. Sloane says he will make a decision in the best interests of his family and many in the industry believe he will go. But sealing a deal will be difficult for two reasons. Sloane is a restricted free agent meaning the Crows will likely play the same card they did with Geelong in the Patrick Dangerfield deal and force a trade. But his best footy may be behind him. He will be 29 by the start of next season, so what’s he worth? A mid-to-late first-round draft pick might be around the mark.
4. MARC MURPHY, 30 (CARLTON)
Drafted from: Oakleigh, Vic
Games: 239
Unrestricted free agent
Could mount a strong case Murphy is the AFL’s most loyal player. Carlton is at its lowest point on-field in its 121-year history and the captain cops a physical hammering every week. Clearly, the Blues aren’t playing finals anytime soon. He is an unrestricted free agent and can walk to the club of his choice to help secure an elusive flag elsewhere. He could be third or fourth midfield banana at Hawthorn, for example. Could you blame him for leaving? Absolutely not. Won the best and fairest for a second time last year and will probably be replaced by Cripps as captain next year anyway. Has shown super commitment, but has to be tempted to weigh up options.
5. ANDREW GAFF, 25 (WEST COAST)
Drafted from: Oakleigh, Vic
Games: 162
Restricted free agent
West Coast has a decent offer on the table to keep Gaff and there’s an expectation he will re-sign. The midfield running machine is one of the AFL’s silent assassins and has to be a top priority for St Kilda, who has cash to burn. Easily underestimated, Gaff has led West Coast for most disposals three years in a row and is an All-Australian and best and fairest winner. He has elite endurance and work ethic and, while he is not a penetrating kick, Gaff is highly-regarded for his decision-making.
6. DYLAN SHIEL, 25 (GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY)
Drafted from: Dandenong, Vic
Games: 118
Contracted (2019)
Take it to the bank Shiel will play for GWS next year, but beyond 2019 it is very unclear. Carlton has been strongly linked to the blistering ballwinner for years and he is likely to attract $1 million a year offers to leave at the end of next season. Likened to Chris Judd, you can imagine him combining nicely with Patrick Cripps in the centre square. A decision to leave or not as a free agent next year could hinge on how much success the Giants have between now and then, and what the GWS list looks like in 18 months.
7. OLLIE WINES, 23 (PORT ADELAIDE)
Drafted from: Bendigo, Vic
Games: 113
Uncontracted
The clearance beast is in the midst of a flag assault at Port Adelaide and is widely expected to succeed Travis Boak as captain. Still, it hasn’t stopped most Victorian clubs from asking the question if he would be interested in coming back to Victoria. Another two-year deal on $700,000 a year-plus at Port Adelaide would mean he comes back out of contract as one of the league’s most sought-after free agents in 2020.
8. JORDAN DE GOEY, 22 (COLLINGWOOD)
Drafted from: Oakleigh, Vic
Games: 53
Uncontracted
This is an awkward one. Does De Goey owe Collingwood for standing by himduring his off-field scandals in recent times? The No. 5 draft pick has been slow to get going over his first three seasons but everything points to a breakout campaign in 2018. No doubt Collingwood would like to see De Goey repay the faith the Pies have shown in him. But St Kilda is a suitor for the goal kicking midfielder and could pay a lot more for his services. Pies would be furious if he left a la Nathan Freeman.
9. JORDAN ROUGHEAD, 27 (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Drafted from: North Ballarat, Vic
Games: 128
Restricted free agent
Curious one at Whitten Oval. Premiership ruckman Roughead has been leapfrogged by second-year tall Tim English, and Tom Boyd and Jackson Trengove can also play in there. Roughead’s extreme versatility to play key position virtually across every line would appeal broadly across the marketplace.
10. TOM MCDONALD, 25 (MELBOURNE)
Drafted from: North Ballarat, Vic
Games: 127
Restricted free agent
Long odds to leave Melbourne as its list begins to blossom. Has done plenty of hard yards through some tough years and should settle into a new forward role. Happy to play alongside his brother at the MCG every second week. One of the AFL’s most versatile big men.
11. DARCY MOORE, 22 (COLLINGWOOD)
Drafted from: Oakleigh, Vic
Games: 49
Uncontracted
Sydney leads the chase for the key tall but Liam Pickering’s admission a number of clubs are interested in Moore is a real worry for Collingwood. The Pies have had a fair offer in front of Moore since January but he has resisted overtures to put pen to paper. And his repeated hamstring setbacks haven’t helped things. Would he like life away from the AFL limelight in Sydney? He is a crucial pillar in Collingwood’s list build. We suspect this deal might go down to the wire.
12. LUKE DAHLHAUS, 25 (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Drafted from: Leopold, Vic
Games: 143
Unrestricted free agent
Finished sixth in the best and fairest in the premiership campaign and is that kind of tough-tackling midfield-forward all clubs are craving. But his monetary worth is hard to determine after a down year last year. This season Dahlhaus has averaged 20 possessions and four tackles a game but kicked only one goal from his first six matches.
13. TOM LYNCH, 27 (ADEL)
Drafted from: Sandringham, Vic
Games: 110
Uncontracted
Melbourne had a big crack at luring Lynch a few years ago and his current contract negotiations with Adelaide aren’t moving anywhere fast. Averaged eight marks a game and booted 30 goals last year as that crucial lead-up forward, so he has some runs on the board. But at age 27 the Crows may only want to offer a two-year deal rather than a long-term one. Vulnerable to a decent offer.
14. ALEX FASOLO, 25 (COLLINGWOOD)
Drafted from: East Fremantle
Games: 100
Unrestricted free agent
Started the season in the VFL and will certainly consider his options at season’s end if he cannot reclaim his place in senior side. Could come down to senior opportunity and there were interested parties last trade period.
15. SCOTT LYCETT, 25 (WEST COAST)
Drafted from: Port Adelaide, SA
Games: 56
Restricted free agent
Clubs on the lookout for a ready-made ruckman will be zeroing in on Lycett, who is headed for a breakout eighth year after an injury-marred career so far. Importantly, he has mobility around the ground and flexibility to play forward. Opportunity to play No. 1 ruck role elsewhere could tempt him to move clubs.
16. SHAUN ATLEY, 25 (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Drafted from: Murray, Vic
Games: 160
Restricted free agent
Has speed and durability, but yet to become a star. Looks great on the burst, but how much does he impact games? Only polled two Brownlow votes in his first seven seasons. Reckon the Kangaroos will reassess later in the year. Might be one who needs fresh surrounds to go up a gear.
17. KADE KOLODJASHNIJ, 22 (GOLD COAST)
Drafted from: Launceston, Tas
Games: 74
Uncontracted
It’s hard to know what’s happened with the No. 5 pick in the 2013 national draft. He finished second in the club champion award in his second year but had concussion problems last year and was dropped by the Suns after Round 4 this season. They probably want him to perform to team expectations, because the 190cm playmaker has shown signs of being an elite rebounding defender. Maybe a fresh start would help for the Tasmanian.
18. MITCH WALLIS, 25 (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Drafted from: Calder, Vic
Games: 109
Restricted free agent
Is a heart and soul Bulldogs person, but he started the season in the VFL. Clubs light on for midfield talent could make the father-son ballwinner a strategic target and you know you would get 100 per cent from him every week.
19. JEREMY FINLAYSON, 22
Drafted from: Culcairn, NSW (Giants Academy)
Games: 7
Uncontracted
We know the Giants’ salary cap is extremely tight, which leaves emerging players like Finlayson open to rival offers. Key backman has played in every game this year and has become a key cog. Price rising.
2 0. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI, 22 (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Drafted from: Northern Knights, Vic
Games: 91
Contracted (2019)
This is looking a long way down the track, but it’s one to keep a close eye on. The Bulldogs are trying to re-sign Bontempelli up this year before he comes out of contract next year when every club will come at him. That’s when he could attract a Dustin Martin or Lance Franklin-style deal from a club desperate for some superstar power. Dogs will have to pay near $1 million a year to keep him and are confident he stays.
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