Despite still having five years to run on his contract, Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy is being strongly tipped to switch clubs next month. Photo: Getty Images.
Hawthorn
In?
Karl Amon has agreed to join the Hawks as a free agent, costing his new club nothing at the trade table, and Lloyd Meek could add ruck depth. The Hawks will still have cap space and could be a taker for Gold Coast’s Jack Bowes deal (see part one).
Out?
After being shopped around last year, Tom Mitchell may finally be on the move after having his midfield time reduced under new coach Sam Mitchell. Jack Gunston has also yet to recommit.
Melbourne
In?
A big tale of the trade period will be if, and how, Brodie Grundy can get to Melbourne. The call on which club pays the lion’s share of his contract will determine the draft pick cost.
Out?
Luke Jackson will depart and should earn the Demons a draft bounty. Whilst there was some talk about Kysaiah Pickett and Port Adelaide last week, he is contracted next year and the club is confident he wants to remain. Adam Tomlinson has remained out of favour.
North Melbourne
In?
The Roos seem to be on somewhat of a recruiting drive to boost their overall competitiveness, although it remains to be seen what impact, if any, recent developments surrounding incoming coach Alastair Clarkson will have. The club has been handed a few future picks but must trade them, with Griffin Logue and Darcy Tucker already keen, and Bradley Hill interested. Hunter Clark would also be a great acquisition.
Out?
With speculation around Jason Horne-Francis’ future dying down, North Melbourne look set to retain all key players.
Port Adelaide
In?
Junior Rioli is keen to get to Alberton and should find his way there. The Power missed out on Josh Dunkley, but clearly had a decent offer in front of him. How they use that money will be an interesting watch.
Out?
Amon is gone, but all other players of note are contracted.
Richmond
In?
After minimal participation over the past few years, Richmond is looking to splash some cash, and has both Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper on the hook. It’s a major coup, but getting the deals done will be a task.
Out?
Fringe players such as Riley Collier-Dawkins and Ivan Soldo could be squeezed out. Jack Graham, a walk-up starter and much-loved teammate, is attracting suitors despite having a year to run on his deal.
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St Kilda
In?
If Jordan De Goey does leave Collingwood, St Kilda seems to be the likely destination. The recent development that he has rejected Collingwood’s five-year offer due to behavioural clauses, means that the Saints remain in the frame.
Out?
Ben Long is destined for Gold Coast, and Hill is a chance to leave, but the news that contracted former first-round pick Clark could also be off is a significant surprise given the Saints’ lack of top-end talent.
Sydney
In?
The Swans are managing a tight cap, and given that their season has only just ended, haven’t been involved in major trade chatter. This could now change.
Out?
A fact that is flying under the radar somewhat is that Jake Lloyd currently remains unsigned, and as an unrestricted free agent, can leave without the Swans getting a chance to match. He is a dual best-and-fairest winner and would surely be of interest to numerous clubs.
West Coast
In?
Technically, Luke Jackson requested a trade back to the state of Western Australia, which means that West Coast has some small chance if it decides to really have a crack. Perth native Deven Robertson could be gettable with Brisbane needing to make room for Dunkley.
Out?
Rioli is out, much to the Eagles chagrin.
Western Bulldogs
In?
The Dogs hope to bolster their tall stocks by bringing in some or all of Rory Lobb, Liam Jones and Tomlinson. A pressure forward could also be on the agenda.
Out?
The loss of Dunkley off a career-best season will be a significant blow, but the Bulldogs should get a handsome return given that the midfielder is not a free agent. Lachie Hunter has two years to run on a deal, but clearly contracts are more shiftable than ever before, and he may also depart Whitten Oval.
