45 players put up for trade targets in AFL player movement frenzy

A shockwave has been sent around the AFL with some big-name stars suddenly tossed into the fray of a Trade Period storm.

Esava Ratugolea, Jade Gresham and Brodie Grundy.

Jade Gresham and Ben McKay are among a list of 45 players that will be up for trade debate at this year’s annual cattle carve up.

On the same day the Swans were reported to have pulled out of the race to sign the North Melbourne key defender, a staggering number of players have now been linked with making moves away from their club.

AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday compiled a list of 45 players that will feature in discussions when the AFL Trade Period officially begins from October 9.

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AFL Media’s Callum Twomey on Wednesday said Essendon has emerged as a key player in the trade period with salary cap space and cash to burn.

According to the Herald Sun, the Bombers have around $2 million space in their salary cap to use this off-season, with coach Brad Scott reportedly keen to explore the free agency market.

The Bombers are reportedly in the box seat to sign McKay, despite the restricted free agent reportedly touring Hawthorn’s facilities over the weekend.

Esava Ratugolea, Jade Gresham and Brodie Grundy.

It has been reported this week Essendon has the coin to squeeze McKay and Gresham under their cap — should they win the races to sign the two stars.

Gresham is a restricted free agent and the Saints would have the right to match the offer put to him by a rival club.

Carlton, Hawthorn and Richmond have also been linked with having interest in Gresham.

McKay’s future, meanwhile, could be a huge result for the Kangaroos with reports the rich offers being tabled by Essendon and Hawthorn will trigger a first round draft pick in free agency compensation.

It comes after earlier rumours one club was considering making a seven-year contract offer.

It is a big twist in the saga after it was reported earlier this month the Swans were going hard for McKay while Demons star Brodie Grundy’s future remained uncertain.

However, Grundy is now widely reported to have informed Melbourne he wants to be traded to the Swans, despite meeting with Port Adelaide during the Demons’ finals campaign.

It’s time to say goodbye. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

It leaves McKay as one of the biggest dominoes yet to fall heading into the Trade Period.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson recently warned clubs the Kangaroos will be “fighting to keep” McKay.

Clarkson reiterated the threat to match any offer for the restricted free agent and said even a potential top-five compensation pick would not be used to look at a key defender if he was to depart.

AFL Trade Radio’s list of 45 players up for trade

Paddy Dow, Jack Billings, Deven Robertson, Zac Fisher, James Harmes, Jordon Sweet, Daniel McKenzie, Liam Ryan, Brandan Parfitt, Liam Henry, Tom Doedee, Jarryd Lyons, Nick Haynes, Sam Hayes, Mabior Chol, Hunter Clark, Zak Jones, Finlay Macrae, Brodie Grundy, Shane McAdam, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Elijah Hollands, Jackson Mead, Denver Grainger-Barras, Esava Ratugolea, Lochie O’Brien, Tarryn Thomas, Ben McKay, Khai Lohman, Todd Goldstein, James Jordon, Scott Lycett, Matt Flynn, Ivan Soldo, Dylan Stephens, Braydon Preuss, Jade Gresham, Caleb Marchbank, Nick Coffield, Hugo Ralphsmith, Tyler Brockman, Adam Tomlinson, Orazio Fantasia, Tom Curley, Trent Bianco.

Originally published as 45 players put up for trade targets in AFL player movement frenzy