AFL trade and free agency: Latest whispers and news on movement in the footy world

Amid continued speculation about his long-term future at Collingwood, ruckman Brodie Grundy has spoken out. See what he had to say about staying a Magpie.

Who will stay and who will go on the free agency merry-go-round?

Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy says he refuses to be “dragged into” speculation he could end up on trade table at the season’s end.

Grundy still has five years remaining on a seven-year contract worth about $1 million a year.

However, Collingwood has been happy with the performances of back-up ruckman Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox since Grundy went down with a PCL injury in Round 6.

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When asked on Tuesday if he expected to be at the Magpies next year, Grundy told Channel 7: “I’m not going to be dragged into that.

“I signed a long-term deal and I’m looking forward to getting back into the team.

“I’m putting my hand up (to play this week).

“I’ll be finding that out today (what boxes I need to tick), but I’ve had some really good preparation.”

Brodie Grundy’s future is providing plenty of trade intrigue. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

If Grundy was to move on, it would free up significant salary cap space for the Magpies, who have significant interest in Brisbane Lions free agent and key forward Dan McStay.

McStay is one of the headline names who remains on the unrestricted free agents list this year, which also includes Port Adelaide’s Karl Amon, North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein, Sydney’s Jake Lloyd and Western Bulldog Jason Johannisen.

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Hawthorn has emerged as a frontrunner in the race for Amon, who is enjoying a stellar season for the Power.

Port Adelaide has had an offer on the table for the 26-year-old for some time, but has conceded the longer he remains unsigned, the less likely he is to remain at the club.

Goldstein has indicated he wants to stay on at the Kangaroos to finish his career.

Geelong – which has previously been linked to the veteran ruckman – no longer appears interested.

Who will stay and who will go on the free agency merry-go-round?

There are only five restricted free agents still on the board, headlined by Collingwood star Jordan De Goey and Melbourne utility Angus Brayshaw.

De Goey’s future remains unclear after Collingwood took its contract offer off the table following his mid-season trip to Bali, with the 26-year-old attracting interest from St Kilda and Geelong.

Sydney is confident of coming to an agreement with Lance Franklin on a new one-year deal, despite some early issues over a “lowball” offer.

Since the AFL last released a free agents list in May, many of this year’s hottest players have been taken off the table by signing new long-term deals with their current clubs.

Those include Collingwood’s Darcy Moore, Hawthorn’s James Sicily, Richmond’s Jayden Short and Western Bulldogs pair Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Brisbane Lions: Darcy Gardiner

Collingwood: Jordan De Goey

Melbourne: Angus Brayshaw

Richmond: Kane Lambert

Sydney: Lance Franklin

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Adelaide: Ben Davis*, Mitch Hinge*.

Brisbane Lions: Ryan Lester, Daniel McStay, Mitch Robinson, Dayne Zorko.

Carlton: Matthew Cottrell*, Ed Curnow, Oscar McDonald*, Jack Newnes, Lochie O’Brien*.

Collingwood: Isaac Chugg*, Mason Cox, Jamie Elliott.

Essendon: Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley, Alec Waterman*.

Fremantle: Bailey Banfield*, Connor Blakely*, Mitch Crowden*, David Mundy.

Geelong: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Hawkins, Shaun Higgins, Joel Selwood, Isaac Smith.

Gold Coast: Levi Casboult*, Charlie Constable*, Jez McLennan*.

GWS: Jarrod Brander*, Matthew De Boer*, Lachlan Keefe*, Adam Kennedy, Daniel Lloyd*, Zach Sproule*, Jake Stein*, Jacob Wehr*.

Hawthorn: Jack Gunston, Kyle Hartigan*, Daniel Howe, Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels.

Melbourne: Mitch Brown*, Jayden Hunt.

North Melbourne: Ben Cunnington, Todd Goldstein, Kyron Hayden*, Kayne Turner, Josh Walker*.

Port Adelaide: Karl Amon, Travis Boak, Trent Dumont*, Robbie Gray, Sam Mayes*, Trent McKenzie*, Steven Motlop, Sam Skinner*.

Richmond: Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards, Ben Miller*, Bigoa Nyuon*, Matt Parker*, Jack Riewoldt.

St Kilda: Tom Campbell*, Darragh Joyce*, Jarrod Lienert*, Mason Wood*.

Sydney: Harry Cunningham, Robbie Fox*, Josh Kennedy, Jake Lloyd, Paddy McCartin*, Sam Naismith, Sam Reid, Lewis Taylor*.

West Coast: Hugh Dixon*, Shannon Hurn, Jamaine Jones*, Tom Joyce*, Josh Kennedy, Patrick Naish*, Nic Naitanui, Jackson Nelson, Luke Shuey, Luke Strnadica*.

Western Bulldogs: Zaine Cordy, Taylor Duryea, Jason Johannisen, Stefan Martin, Toby McLean, Mitch Wallis.

* Previously delisted player.

Originally published as AFL trade and free agency: Latest whispers and news on movement in the footy world