Bulldogs star Bailey Smith (left), Richmond utility Liam Baker (centre) and Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston are three of the biggest names to request trades this year. Photos: AFL MEDIA
Day two of the 2024 AFL trade period was a lot quieter than Monday with many prospective big-name deals still at an impasse.
Geelong and the Western Bulldogs remain at loggerheads over star midfielder Bailey Smith, who wants to depart Whitten Oval for the Cats, while the chase for Port Adelaide dual All-Australian Dan Houston is seemingly down to a three-horse race between Collingwood, Carlton and North Melbourne.
Meanwhile, after announcing on Monday that he would be heading to the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent, Richmond premiership hero Jack Graham confirmed the move earlier on Tuesday.
The Tigers received pick 42 from the AFL as compensation for the 26-year-old who famously was Richmond’s leading goalkicker in the 2017 grand final with three in just his fifth senior game.
Graham looks set to be reunited with star Richmond utility Liam Baker in the coming days as he too asked for a trade to West Coast.
“It’s been a big decision. Obviously eight years in Melbourne and what me and my partner Jordy have made over there,” Graham said.
“But we just thought something new, new challenge, new chapter and personally that’s what I think I need and that will be the best for my football going forward is a new fresh start.
“After coming over last week and meeting a few of the fellas and doing the tour with ‘Mini’ (coach Andrew McQualter) it was something that we really loved.
“The facility was amazing and we just thought this is what we need. We couldn’t be happier to be heading west.
“I had ‘Mini’ for seven years at Richmond and he was my midfield coach. I love the way he goes about it and I always knew one day he was going to be a head coach.
“It just worked out that he got the head coaching role over in the west as well, so it’s all come together at the right time.
“Can’t wait to get to work with all the boys, meet them all and earn their respect and show that I’m hardworking, but just to get to know the boys on and off the field is something I can’t wait to do.”
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Graham played 131 games for the Tigers in eight seasons and finished second in their best-and-fairest in 2021.
With eight days still remaining in the trade period, there are still plenty of deals to be sorted out.
Star West Coast defender Tom Barrass wants to head to Hawthorn, Gold Coast is keen on Richmond backman Daniel Rioli, Fremantle is eyeing off Tigers livewire Shai Bolton, Sydney champion Luke Parker has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination and Essendon forward Jake Stringer looks to be inching closer towards a move to GWS.
St Kilda has its sights on Bulldogs veteran Jack Macrae and Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo, Collingwood speedster John Noble is also looking for a fresh start at Gold Coast and the Eagles have declared an interest in Brisbane youngster Deven Robertson.
James Peatling wants to join former teammate Isaac Cumming at the Crows, Carlton small forward Matt Owies has garnered interest from some clubs as he remains without a contract for season 2025 and mature-age Magpie Joe Richards wants to join Port Adelaide.
Whispers surrounding star Melbourne pair Clayton Oliver and Kysaiah Pickett persist, but the Demons remain adamant they aren’t going anywhere while diminutive utility Caleb Daniel appears likely to stay with the Bulldogs.
2024 PLAYER MOVEMENTS
9. Jack Graham (Rich) joined West Coast as an unrestricted free agent. Richmond received pick 42 (AFL) as compensation.
8. Jack Darling (WC) traded to North Melbourne in exchange for pick 68.
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.
