Jack Graham (left) and Jack Darling (right) are on the move while Alex Neal-Bullen is already donning his new colours. Photos: AFL MEDIA
The 2024 AFL trade period officially kicked off on Monday and two players have already made their way to new clubs.
Melbourne utility Alex Neal-Bullen has got his wish and returned home to link up with Adelaide while West Coast veteran Jack Darling has crossed to North Melbourne.
In return, the Demons received pick 28 and the Eagles accepted selection 67 at this year’s draft respectively.
Meanwhile, Richmond premiership on-baller Jack Graham has informed the Tigers that he wishes to join West Coast as an unrestricted free agent. That move is yet to be finalised.
The two confirmed deals took the total number of players to have switched clubs so far this off-season to eight, following the six free agency moves on Friday.
Neal-Bullen makes his way to the Crows following arguably a career-best year at Melbourne which saw him rack up personal bests in disposals (433 at 19 per game) and clearances (62 at three).
His efforts saw him finish third in the club’s best-and-fairest behind only star duo Jack Viney and Max Gawn.
The 28-year-old has shown versatility over a long period time as either a midfielder or a forward and even showed how effective he can be as a tagger on King’s Birthday this year when he completely shut out Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos.
Not only does he offer Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks the option of beefing up the Crows’ on-ball stocks but also provides an impactful goalkicking weapon when needed.
“Alex is a quality player and person who will add an enormous amount to our club,” Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said.
“He is durable, classy with the ball and provides fantastic pressure as evidenced by him leading Melbourne for tackles this season.
“Having experienced a premiership, he knows what success looks like and will bring valuable leadership both on and off the field for us.”
Neal-Bullen leaves the Demons after 176 games in 10 seasons.
Darling heads to the Kangaroos after playing the second-most games (298) and kicking the second-most goals (532) in West Coast history.
The 32-year-old has been a shadow of his former self in the last few years, kicking a career-low 22 goals this season and 26 in 2023, which was his equal-third lowest tally.
But North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson will be hoping that Darling will bring some much-needed experience to his young team as well as some support for their star forward Nick Larkey.
PLEASE HELP US CONTINUE TO THRIVE BY BECOMING AN OFFICIAL FOOTYOLOGY PATRON. JUST CLICK THIS LINK.
“We’re excited about what a player like Jack can bring,” North Melbourne football manager Todd Viney said.
“Our head of football talent Brady Rawlings worked with Jack in his previous role at West Coast and has seen up close his professionalism and preparation.
“Jack has great strength and ability to bring the ball to ground and chase and tackle.
“We know he’ll be a great sounding board and support for players like Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar, and he’s excited about helping us in our journey back up the ladder.”
Graham looks set to reunite with former interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter, who was unveiled as West Coast’s new senior coach last week, and will likely be joined by former teammate Liam Baker in the not-too-distant future.
“I’m just so grateful for the Richmond Football Club for giving me the opportunity eight years ago,” Graham said.
“I have met some amazing people along this journey, and it is tough … but it is something that I thought I needed for myself. A new chapter and a new challenge.”
In other news, Sydney champion Luke Parker has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination, Collingwood speedster John Noble is looking for a fresh start at Gold Coast, the Eagles have declared an interest in Brisbane youngster Deven Robertson and mature-age Magpie Joe Richards wants to join Port Adelaide.
Big names such as Bailey Smith (Bulldogs), Dan Houston (Port Adelaide), Tom Barrass (West Coast), Baker, Daniel Rioli (Richmond), Shai Bolton (Richmond) and Jack Macrae (Bulldogs) loom as the headline acts of this trade period.
Whispers surrounding star Melbourne pair Clayton Oliver and Kysaiah Pickett persist, but the Demons remain adamant they aren’t going anywhere.
2024 PLAYER MOVEMENTS
8. Jack Darling (WC) traded to North Melbourne in exchange for pick 67.
7. Alex Neal-Bullen (Melb) traded to Adelaide in exchange for pick 28.
6. Isaac Cumming (GWS) joined Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent. GWS received pick 21 (AFL) as compensation.
5. Nick Haynes (GWS) joined Carlton as an unrestricted free agent.
4. Tom Campbell (StK) joined Melbourne as a delisted free agent.
3. Harry Perryman (GWS) joined Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent. GWS received pick 16 (AFL) as compensation.
2. Josh Battle (StK) joined Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent. St Kilda received pick 8 (AFL) as compensation.
1. Elliott Himmelberg (Adel) joined Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent.
