AFL trade period: Brodie Grundy offer, Joel Hamling requests trade to Sydney

Brodie Grundy couldn’t even get a spot as the sub in Melbourne’s semi-final loss, so the Swans won’t be paying overs. Plus a key defender is also expected to be on his way to Sydney.

Brodie Grundy. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sydney is closing in on a premiership defender after missing out on Ben McKay as the Swans also prepare to play hardball on unwanted Demon Brodie Grundy.

The Herald Sun can reveal that uncontracted Fremantle defender Joel Hamling, who played in the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership side, has attracted strong interest from the Swans.

Hamling, 30, would partner Sydney star Tom McCartin in defence next season after the premature retirement of Tom’s older brother, Paddy McCartin.

The Dockers’ stopper had endured four frustrating seasons, where he was plagued by injuries, before returning to play in four of the final six games this season.

But Hamling starred in that 2016 campaign as the Dogs nullified Coleman Medallists Jeremy Cameron (goalless) and Lance Franklin (one goal) in the preliminary final and grand final respectively.

Hamling was a crucial part of that premiership success. He was traded to the Dockers for family reasons after that finals campaign.

Joel Hamling wants to join a third club. Picture: Getty Images

It had been reported that Hamling was offered a one-year contract to stay at the Dockers. But the Swans can offer Hamling greater security and simply sign him as a free agent.

It is expected that Hamling will now cross to the Swans instead of staying at Fremantle.

Hamling would provide a ready-made addition to Sydney’s backline as coach John Longmire targets a second premiership in the next two seasons.

The Swans will also sign Melbourne midfielder James Jordon – who is another premiership player (2021) – as they look to spike next season.

Jordon is also eligible to be signed as a free agent. The Swans are also certain to secure Grundy in a trade with the Demons.

Brodie Grundy is keen on the Swans. Picture: Michael Klein

The Swans hold picks No.11, 23, 31, 42 and 50 in this year’s draft.

But the Demons can forget asking for a pick in the top 30 for a player they did not want in their finals line-up.

Coach Simon Goodwin chose to play Josh Schache as substitute in the semi-final against Carlton as Grundy was left on the emergency list.

Schache was not activated and spent the entire match on the bench.

There is a belief that given Schache was preferred to dual All-Australian Grundy in the Melbourne’s best 23, and the Demons need the dual All-Australian’s salary off their books, that their bargaining power is minimal.

A pick as low as No.31 or 42 is likely to get that deal done.

Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow is also expected to sign with St Kilda despite reported interest from Sydney.

Originally published as AFL trade period: Brodie Grundy offer, Joel Hamling requests trade to Sydney