AFL trades day two as it happened: Dees knock back first Grundy offer; Harmes joins Dogs; North’s McKay compo

That’s all from us for today, day two of this year’s trade period. Thanks for joining us.

Here’s a recap of the day’s action:

• Melbourne rejected Sydney’s opening offer for ruckman Brodie Grundy.
• North Melbourne decided not to match Essendon’s offer for Ben McKay, which netted the Kangaroos pick three as free agency compensation.
• The Western Bulldogs and Melbourne agreed to a deal to send premiership midfielder James Harmes to the kennel.
• Jordan De Goey had his say on Steven May’s comments, as the tit-for-tat between Melbourne and Collingwood continued.

For daily updates on all the AFL trade period action, sign up for our Real Footy newsletter. And each evening you can hear our experts wrap the day’s action on the Real Footy podcast.

See you back here tomorrow from 9am AEDT for day three of the AFL trade period.

Todd Goldstein’s move to Essendon at the age of 35 after 315 games brought back memories of some other club swaps late in a player’s career.

The first one that popped into my mind was Paul Roos’ departure from Fitzroy to Sydney in 1994 after 269 games for the Lions.

Are there any that stand out for you?

Time to put the list manager’s hat back on.

This time, we’re negotiating a deal for Brodie Grundy to head north from Melbourne to Sydney.

The Swans have picks 25, 33 and 46, the Dees have picks six, 14, 27, 35 and 41.

The Demons have already knocked back the Swans’ opening offer.

Grundy was traded from Collingwood to Melbourne last year for pick 27. As part of the deal, the Demons absorbed a significant chunk of Grundy’s salary, freeing up cap space for the Pies.

It’s official: James Harmes has joined the Western Bulldogs for a future-third round pick that is tied to the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs acquired another future-third round pick on Monday, from Gold Coast, as part of the deal with the Suns to move up to pick four in this year’s draft.

The AFL announced the paperwork going through just minutes ago.

Harmes, 28, who played 152 games in the red and the blue, was part of the Demons team which defeated the Bulldogs in the 2021 grand final.

A hard runner, he will add defensive balance to the Bulldogs’ star-studded midfield which underperformed this year.

Melbourne midfielder James Harmes.Credit: Getty Images

“James comes to us with plenty of experience, having played over 150 games and winning a premiership across his nine years in the system,” the Dogs’ list manager Sam Power said.

“His defensive mindset and ability to cover the ground will add to our midfield group, while he also has the versatility to play in a variety of roles.

“We look forward to welcoming James and his family to VU Whitten Oval in the coming weeks.”

North Melbourne’s first round draft hand is looking pretty good after receiving pick No.3 as compensation for losing Ben McKay as a free agent.

The Roos released a statement after McKay’s departure after McKay’s departure was made official.

“We understand that free agency is part of football, and after consideration, ultimately decided it was in the best interests of the club not to match the offer presented to Ben,” general manager of football Todd Viney said.

“Right now, that gives us two picks at the top end of the draft. That’s similar to last year when we were able to take Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw with two really early picks.

“Making the call on allowing Ben to leave was a tough one. He’s made a significant contribution during his time at the club as a key part of our defence and, more recently, a member of the leadership group.

“We respect his decision to exercise his free agency rights and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

North Melbourne have officially decided not to match Essendon’s offer for restricted free agent Ben McKay. We are not sure that would have required much deliberation after they were given pick No.3 as compensation for the key defender, who the Bombers offered a six-year deal.

McKay, 25, reunites with Essendon coach Brad Scott, who coached the Kangaroos until the end of 2019.

“I’m extremely humbled to start a fresh chapter in my journey at Essendon,” McKay told the club’s website.

“The opportunity that has presented itself at Essendon is something I’m very grateful for. With Brad working hard to create a world-class football program, it’s something that I really want to be a part of and contribute strongly to, in the pursuit of taking this proud and powerful club back to where it belongs.”

Essendon’s general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club was thrilled to acquire McKay’s services.

“We are very excited to welcome Ben to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our backline through his experience and physical presence on the field,” Dodoro said.

“At more than 200 centimetres tall, Ben can shut down opposition key forwards and will play a key role in our defensive structures.”

Contracted Demon James Harmes has officially requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs after falling out of favour at the 2021 premiers.

The 28-year-old midfielder played 18 games in Melbourne’s premiership season and 21 last year, but only nine in 2023, including just three after round 12.

Harmes has one season left from the five-year deal he inked at the Demons after the 2019 season.

James Harmes wants a move to the Western Bulldogs.Credit: Getty Images

James Jordon has already departed Melbourne after exercising his unrestricted free agency rights to sign with Sydney, while Brodie Grundy is also bound for the Swans, assuming the clubs can agree on a trade.

The Bulldogs have been among the most active clubs so far in this year’s trade period, having already sent three first-round picks on Monday to Gold Coast for a package headlined by what was then pick four (five now that North Melbourne accepted their compensation pick for departing free agent Ben McKay).

They have also convinced out-of-contract Saint Nick Coffield to request a trade to the Kennel as well.

The Dogs currently have picks five, 39, 47, 52, 68, 71 and 74 in this year’s draft.

Melbourne have knocked back Sydney’s opening offer for wantaway ruckman Brodie Grundy.

Two industry sources indicated the Demons believed the offer was far too modest and shut it down emphatically.

The Grundy deal promises to be one of the most interesting across the 10 days of this year’s trade period, as the dual All-Australian seeks to join his third club in as many seasons.

Melbourne have knocked back the first offer for big man Brodie Grundy.Credit: AFL Photos

Collingwood traded the 29-year-old to the Demons last year in exchange for pick 27, as well as agreeing to pay a portion of his contract annually for the remaining five years.

Grundy played just once for Melbourne after round 17, with his much-touted ruck partnership with Max Gawn failing to flourish.

The Swans’ selections this year, once North Melbourne accept pick three as compensation for Ben McKay, are 12, 25, 33, 46 and 54.

Sydney football boss Charlie Gardiner declined to comment on Monday when asked whether the Swans wanted the Demons to foot part of Grundy’s wage, on top of what the Magpies are already paying.

I’m expecting a landslide result for this one.

North have been offered pick three as free agency compensation for defender Ben McKay leaving for Essendon.