Here’s a breakdown of each AFL club’s trade targets, potential exits, and draft picks they might use in the upcoming trade period, highlighting the state of play for the mega trade season.
Adelaide Crows
– Targets: Adelaide is looking to bolster their midfield depth and could target younger players or ready-made talent.
– Exits: Shane McAdam has requested a trade to Melbourne. The Crows may entertain offers for others on the fringe.
– Picks: They hold a decent hand, with an eye on using these to secure future talent or exchange for established players.
Brisbane Lions
– Targets: The Lions are in the market for a ruckman and midfield support, possibly targeting fringe players from other clubs.
– Exits: Jack Gunston’s future has been discussed, but no concrete trade demands have emerged.
– Picks: They have late-round picks but might try to bundle them for trade upgrades.
Carlton Blues
– Targets: Carlton’s focus is likely on finding defensive depth and midfielders who can add more run and versatility.
– Exits: The Blues could part ways with fringe players like Zac Fisher, who is attracting interest.
– Picks: Carlton holds mid-range picks that could be pivotal in trade negotiations.
Collingwood Magpies
– Targets: Fresh off a premiership, the Pies will look to bolster depth, particularly in defense.
– Exits: Nathan Kreuger and others on the periphery could look for opportunities elsewhere.
– Picks: Collingwood’s pick selection is limited, but they may seek player-for-player trades.
Essendon Bombers
– Targets: The Bombers are in the hunt for a key forward and ruck support. Ben McKay and Jade Gresham have been linked as possible targets.
– Exits: Dylan Shiel could be on the move, with his name coming up in trade discussions.
– Picks: Essendon has good draft capital, including pick No. 8, to drive deals.
Fremantle Dockers
– Targets: Fremantle is looking for forwards to help complement their list, possibly targeting Liam Henry or others from rival clubs.
– Exits: Lachie Schultz has expressed a desire to move, and the Dockers might see more outgoings.
– Picks: The Dockers have early picks and could package them in deals for immediate impact players.
Geelong Cats
– Targets: Geelong will look to replenish its midfield stocks and bring in some key-position players to boost its aging list.
– Exits: Esava Ratugolea has been strongly linked with Port Adelaide, and the Cats may agree to a trade.
– Picks: The Cats could move their early picks in pursuit of ready-made players.
Gold Coast Suns
– Targets: Gold Coast will prioritize maximizing draft picks due to their academy prospects like Jed Walter, potentially seeking deals to accumulate points.
– Exits: The Suns are expected to offload fringe players to create room for younger talent.
– Picks: They have several picks they may look to offload in exchange for future draft points.
GWS Giants
– Targets: After a solid season, the Giants may target versatile players to add more flexibility to their lineup.
– Exits: Lachie Ash and others have been mentioned as possible trade candidates.
– Picks: The Giants hold valuable picks and could trade down or bring in future selections.
Hawthorn Hawks
– Targets: Hawthorn is on the lookout for key-position players and midfield depth, focusing on young talent to rebuild.
– Exits: Denver Grainger-Barras has been linked with a potential move.
– Picks: With pick No. 3, Hawthorn is in a strong position to land elite young talent or trade for future assets.
Melbourne Demons
– Targets: Melbourne will be looking to strengthen its forward line, potentially targeting players like Brodie Grundy or others looking for a fresh start.
– Exits: Clayton Oliver trade rumors have swirled, though unlikely, and Kysaiah Pickett could explore his options.
– Picks: The Demons have top-10 picks they could use to bring in additional talent.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
– Targets: North will be in the market for key position players and experienced talent to aid in their rebuild.
– Exits: Ben McKay has requested a trade, and the Roos could lose a few more players.
– Picks: North holds picks 2 and 3 and may look to use them in high-profile trades.
Port Adelaide Power
– Targets: The Power have been linked with Esava Ratugolea and other key defenders to reinforce their backline.
– Exits: Young players may be on the move as Port looks to secure experience.
– Picks: They have mid-range picks and will likely need to bundle them in deals.
Richmond Tigers
– Targets: Richmond is in the hunt for key players in all areas as they undergo a list rejuvenation, potentially targeting midfielders and forwards.
– Exits: Jack Graham and Ivan Soldo could both be on the move as the Tigers reshuffle.
– Picks: Richmond holds picks that could be crucial in bringing in more talent.
St Kilda Saints
– Targets: St Kilda will be aggressive in the trade period, seeking key position players and midfield reinforcements.
– Exits: Jade Gresham is likely on the move, while other fringe players could seek new homes.
– Picks: They have early picks and are likely to be involved in player swaps.
Sydney Swans
– Targets: Sydney will be in the market for defenders and key forwards, with Brodie Grundy heavily linked.
– Exits: Sam Reid and other veterans could be on their way out as the Swans reshape their squad.
– Picks: The Swans have solid draft picks and could be aggressive in landing their targets.
West Coast Eagles
– Targets: The Eagles are keen to land experienced players and bolster their young core, focusing on midfielders and key forwards.
– Exits: Several players are looking at moves, with the club likely to offload some veterans.
– Picks: Holding pick No. 1, West Coast is in a commanding position for trades and deals.
Western Bulldogs
– Targets: The Bulldogs will look to address their ruck situation and add defensive depth.
– Exits: Josh Dunkley has been linked with a potential move.
– Picks: They have multiple picks they could bundle in deals to land experienced players.
This year’s trade period promises to be a blockbuster, with nearly every club in a position to make bold moves, either through targeted acquisitions or strategic exits.