Fremantle’s Hayden Crozier is expected to be the subject of the first completed deal this trade period, a shift to the Western Bulldogs. Photo: AFL MEDIA
The Trades – Day 1: Plenty of talk, the action to come later
The AFL trade period officially opened on Monday and despite no trades being lodged, it was still an extremely eventful day.
The most significant news was leaked late on Sunday evening, that being Josh Schache and Brisbane agreeing that a trade home to Victoria could be the best outcome for both parties.
The Age’s Michael Gleeson broke the news that the young power forward, who inked a fresh two-year deal less than six months ago, was still suffering homesickness.
It’s too early in the piece for any clubs to be linked to him, however teams like Collingwood, Carlton and despite ruling themselves out last week, reigning premiers Richmond, appear to be the most likely suitors.
Jake Stringer’s management officially confirmed that his desired destination is Essendon, the Bombers now up to their eyeballs in this trade period.
Western Bulldogs’ list manager Jason McCartney told SEN’s The Run Home that they are expecting a first-round pick in return for the troubled forward and an early first-round pick at that.
Essendon’s earliest pick being No. 11, it isn’t too outlandish to suggest that the Bulldogs have asked for pick 11 in return. With Essendon looking to bring in a plethora of talent in the next two weeks, pick 11 will prove critical in all negotiations.
There has been plenty of speculation that Aaron Francis, who has requested a move back to his native South Australia, could also be a pivotal part of the Bombers landing Stringer as well as Devon Smith and Adam Saad. But as yet, neither Adelaide nor Port Adelaide appear to have shown much interest, and Essendon football operations manager Rob Kerr said on Monday the club hoped to land the trio and still retain Francis.
Essendon on Monday also announced the signing of 202-centimetre former SA grade cricketer Luke Lavender as a category B rookie.
The Jake Lever to Melbourne conversations seem to have stalled again, with Adelaide steadfast in requesting two first-round picks in return for the young backman.
Suggestions circled on Monday that Melbourne might turn to Richmond for one of its two late first-round picks to get the deal done. One thing which appears already like is that this is a deal which might not get done until the very last second of next Thursday.
Jack Watts’ options seemed to have finally narrowed to a battle between Geelong and Port Adelaide, with most signs pointing down the highway. Watts is appearing at Melbourne’s best and fairest on Monday night, unlike other players on the trade table, and a decision on his future is expected in the near future.
Fremantle surprisingly ruled itself out of the race for Geelong’s Dan Menzel, leaving the sharpshooter more and more likely to sign a short-term deal with the Cats.
Depending on how the Schache situation unfolds, perhaps there is another player which might enter the race looking to fill a forward line hole for a short term. Hawthorn might be a team to keep an eye on in those talks.
Port Adelaide’s Brendon Ah Chee has formally requested a trade to West Coast, which would be an interesting pick up for a team looking to start turning over its list.
AFL Trade Radio’s Mitch Cleary reported that Steven Motlop toured Adelaide’s facilities on Monday, and the Crows seem to be leading the race for the enigmatic forward. Details of that deal are expected to be packaged with Gary Ablett trade news.
Fremantle’s Hayden Crozier to the Western Bulldogs is the deal expected to be completed first, with Gold Coast’s Brandon Matera back home to Western Australia close behind, Fremantle still leading that race.
Conversations about Giants’ running defender Nathan Wilson also heading home to WA will start to dominate air time in the coming 48 hours. GWS believe Wilson is worth at least a top 20 pick.
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