Brisbane’s Tom Rockliff in action. The Lions are not expected to match Port Adelaide’s offer for their former skipper. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
The Trades – Day 2: It’s all quiet on the trading front
After the bluster of day one, day two of the AFL trade period was a much quieter affair, with few moves or new information emerging.
Port Adelaide formally lodged paperwork to acquire Brisbane’s Tom Rockliff. In a move that reported earlier, Brisbane is not expected to match the four-year deal reportedly worth up to $650,000.
It would be a bold move for Brisbane to match the bid, as the compensation pick granted by the AFL will be either No. 18 or 19, bolstering again what is already a seriously strong draft hand for the Lions.
With news breaking yesterday that Josh Schache and Brisbane have come to a mutual agreement to explore the trade market to get the young forward back to Victoria, not many suitors have put their hand up for the 20-year-old.
The Herald Sun is reporting that St Kilda, Essendon, Richmond and Hawthorn have ruled themselves out of the race for Schache’s services. Collingwood is the name that won’t go away, with many believing the Pies are most in need of Schache’s services.
In further Collingwood news, SEN’s Brian Waldron is reporting that the Pies are shopping the talented but erratic James Aish, who has struggled to break into the best 22 after making the move from Brisbane two seasons ago.
The Magpies have also told Lachlan Keeffe, Henry Schade, Liam Mackie and Mitch McCarthy they will not be offered contracts for 2018.
As discussed on our live Facebook video, there are two more midfield names likely to emerge in trade talks this week, both lost in the sizzle of the big fish currently frying in the AFL pan.
Anthony Miles, previously loosely linked to Hawthorn is one, the Richmond ball-winner a capable assistant to the likes of Tom Mitchell.
Miles, a prolific ball-winner and contested ball exponent, was only squeezed out of the Richmond team due to the arrival of Dion Persia, had a stellar season in the VFL, and has shown that he is capable of playing at the elite level.
Reports months ago linked Miles with Sydney, and if the Swans fail to land a player such as Melbourne’s Jack Watts, as now appears likely, don’t be too surprised if the trigger is pulled for Miles.
Mitch Honeychurch is another who may attract at least some casual inquiries, the Western Bulldog currently without a contract offer in front of him.
The 22-year-old has shown ball-winning ability in patches throughout the last two seasons, and while there are queries on his disposal, Honeychurch might yet attract the attention of clubs looking to bolster their defensive midfield stocks.
With some of the Bulldogs’ younger talent, such as Bailey Dale and Lucas Webb recently agreeing to new deals, don’t be surprised if the youngster is exploring his options.
All up, quiet day on the trade front. But the “silly season” continues to give us plenty to think about, most clubs at least exploring their trade possibilities.
Make sure to keep up to date with all the trade news on Footyology this week!
