AFL trade news: St Kilda’s Nick Coffield requests trade to the Western Bulldogs

A former top 10 draft pick has requested a trade away from the Saints to the Western Bulldogs for a fresh start while the brother of a first year Blue firms to join him at Princes Park in 2024.

St Kilda top 10 draft pick Nick Coffield has requested a fresh start at the Western Bulldogs after a nightmare run with injury and form.

The uncontracted No. 8 draft pick has not played an AFL game for two seasons after an ACL tear and multiple soft-tissue injuries including repeated calf tears.

The Saints selected Hunter Clark at pick 7 and Coffield at pick 8 in the 2017 national draft, ahead of Aaron Naughton, who on Thursday signed a new eight-year deal worth over $9 million.

Nick Coffield and Hunter Clark were both drafted in the top 10 by the Saints. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images via AFL Photos

Both players have huge talent but have been hampered by injuries, with the Dogs keen to find a new role for half back Coffield, who has played 52 games in six seasons.

St Kilda had offered Coffield a new contract but would be unlikely to refuse a request given its determination to get back into the draft.

St Kilda is expecting No. 18 draft pick Jade Gresham to head to Essendon but with more work to do on his free agency contract the deal might take place early next week.

The Dogs are yet to re-sign Hayden Crozier, Taylor Duryea or Toby McLean

CARLTON is closing in on a trade for Gold Coast’s Elijah Hollands as Zac Fisher finally confirmed he was keen to be traded to Arden Street.

Hollands is set to unite with his brother Ollie, who played 19 impressive games this year after being taken at pick 11 in last year’s draft.

Elijah Hollands was taken at pick 7 in the 2020 national draft but has played mostly VFL for Gold Coast despite an elite tank and quality ball-winning skills.

He is expected to meet with the Blues in coming days before requesting a trade, with the Suns interested in a high pick in the 2024 national draft.

Elijah Hollands toured Carlton and has firmed to join his little brother Ollie next season. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Clubs believe Scott Camporeale’s son Ben, who impressed in a representative game on Grand Final day, is a first-round pick next year with his brother Lucas certain to be picked up by the Blues after rapid improvement in the past season.

So if the Blues can secure two father-sons _ the first since the Silvagni brothers _ and use a future pick on Hollands it will be an excellent investment from the 2024 national draft.

The Herald Sun revealed mid-year that Blues half forward Fisher would join North Melbourne on a deal that could be as long as four seasons with a fifth-year trigger.

So the Blues will expect a quality pick in return from the Roos for Fisher, who can play midfield, half back and forward after 107 games with Carlton across seven seasons.

Originally published as AFL trade news: St Kilda’s Nick Coffield requests trade to the Western Bulldogs