AFL Draft, Trade, Free Agency, List and General News · TRADE RUMOURS COMPLETE;
ADELAIDE -
Have been heavily liked to Jared Polec but given they have no picks in the first or second rounds, are hinging on organising a trade with Collingwood for their second round pick (which is higher than Port Adelaide's), in return for Ricky Henderson. The Crows have also been interested in GWS' Shaun Edwards with a rumoured 2 year deal put to him. Adelaide have also expressed interest in unrestricted free agent, Hawk Xavier Ellis.
BRISBANE -
Likely to lose Elliott Yeo to Brisbane on a reported three year deal, and the Lions will do well to get the Eagles' second round pick, which is at pick 24. Patrick Karnezis is also heading back to Victoria, however despite being heavily linked to Collingwood, has now become the target of both North Melbourne and St Kilda. The Lions would be stoked to secure St Kilda's second round pick which is pick 21, however he is shaping up to be more of a third round selection at this stage. The lions would be feeling ripped off, given both SA teams will only be bidding for a second round selection, despite Polec being a former pick 6. The lions run the risk of losing Polec for nothing if a deal can't be secured and he walks to the preseason draft. Sam Docerhty has been linked to the Blues, and the Lions again would be dirty on losing a first round selected player, for lesser value than what he was drafted. Ditto that Billy Longer who has walked out on Brisbane, and will become a Hawk this coming week. Luke McGuane will join the club on Monday as a free agent. It looks as though Brisbane may flood the draft with up to six selections in the second round of the draft.
CARLTON -
The blues will lodge paperwork on Monday for Collingwood's Dale Thoams, which will be approved same day, as the Pies have already stated they will not be matching Carlton's offer. The Blues also lead the race for Sam Docherty and would be more than happy to part ways with a second round pick should Brisbane accept. The former pick 12 was a Blues supporter growing up, and has nominated the Blues as his preference. Whipping boy, Shaun Hampson has been linked to Richmond with a second round pick looming for his services according to reports - which you could argue, is overs. Mitch Robinson has been linked with a move to Port Adelaide however Carlton have rubbished this. Carlton also will not receive any compensation selection for losing Eddie Betts, with the incoming Dale Thomas set to cancel out the loss/gain ratio.
COLLINGWOOD
Linked to just about everybody in this trade period. The Pies have prioritised Taylor Adams as their number one target, and will find out tomorrow if they can secure their man. With reports suggesting GWS have declined any sort of interest in Travis Varcoe, would suggest Collingwood are in the box seat to attain the highly-touted midfielder. Patrick Karnezis was linked early with Collingwod, however interest has cooled by the Pies and they are tipped to overlook him in favour of Adelaide's Ricky Henderson who passed a medical test at the Westpac centre, yesterday.
Collingwood fans will be delighted that despite the loss of Dale Thomas, the Pies will be compensated with a first round pick - pick 11, (Edit:Richmonds Pick) meaning back-to-back picks for the Pies for the second time in as many years. 
The AFL reported Collingwood's strong interest in Luke Shuey, however that is a long shot. What Collingwood decide to do with Heath Shaw will shape the Pies' trade period. There are suggestions that he will be used to get Taylor Adams, but his latest link to Gold Coast means that Collingwood could demand ANOTHER first round pick for Shaw, more likely to be Gold Coast's end of first round compensation pick - No 18. Jesse White has highlighted Collingwood as his club of choice, and it could mean the Pies would need to trade away their second round pick.
ESSENDON
Not much happening on the Essendon front. They have been more inclined to sure-up their playing list, with an array of players who were out of contract all but tied up. Stewart Crameri is set to join the Bulldogs, but at what price is still yet to be determined. The Bombers are likely to nab the Western Bulldogs' second round pick, which would thrust the Dons back into the draft in the second round. Scott Gumbleton's position at the club still remains at a mystery and could also join the Bulldogs in the latest reports. The Bombers are still linked to Nick Dal Santo, but that seems unlikely now. David Myers will make a decision on his playing future over the weekend, and is expected to announce that tomorrow. The Bombers could strike lucky again, and given that the Saints are so into Myers, the dons could command St Kilda's second round pick, which would give Essendon back-to-back second round selections at pick 21 and 22. There has been a whisper that Essendon could make a bid for Geelong's Travis Varcoe, but the lack of draft pick would mean the Dons are an outside chance to nab him, but they do have plenty of fringe players who could do with more opportunity and a change of landscape.
FREMANTLE
Since snagging Col Sylvia, who should finally flourish in a team where he isn't so heavily relied up - should see him live up to the hype of which surrounded him at the time of his drafting. However, the Dockers are also likely to lure over Hawk, Xavier Ellis who is another unrestricted free agent who will test the waters for greener pastures. The latest reports suggest that the Dockers will make a big play for Sydney's Sam Reid who might be a little frustrated given Tippett and Buddy being acquired in as many years. The Dockers have some room to move on their list, and given the $1.3 million they threw at Travis Cloke last year, would imply they have plenty of cash to splash on a new gun recruit. James Podsiadly is set to be snapped up by Freo, too - one a two-year deal as a delisted free agent.
GEELONG
Always a dark horse in the trade period, Geelong just know how to get things done, and this year should be no different. The Cats have become late players for Taylor Adams, and have the likes of Travis Varcoe and Taylor Hunt to throw up as potential trade bait. Varcoe has fallen off the map after a few years of injuries, whilst Hunt has been thrown around as "surplus" to Geelong's needs. Collingwood has shown interest in Taylor Hunt, and he could be used in a trade to get out-of-favour rebounding defender, Heath Shaw who would add speed to Geelong's defence. They have been in constant talks with Shaw's manager and plenty of three-time premiership stars would be quick to pull Shaw into line, and eliminate his hyper-activeness and quick lip.
GOLD COAST
It'll be a very quiet trade and free agency period for the Suns, who's list is starting to take shape. Bluey McKenna has expressed his desire to add a rebounding defender to their list, and Heath Shaw fit's that bill. The Suns have put plenty of time into Shaw, and could thrash out a deal with the Pies to get a deal done. The Suns could offload their end of first round compo pick for Shaw, which currently stands at pick 18, allowing Collingwood to have three picks inside the first round for the second year in a row. There is however, some interesting news emerging from the Suns, with Gary Ablett urging the Gold Coast recruiting staff and McKenna, to bring in Josh Hunt who would fill a rebounding role immediately should the Shaw deal fall through. Hunt, along with Chapman may link up with premiership teammate Ablett, at the Suns. Apart from that, not happening at the Gold Coast.
GWS
Flirted with the idea of off-loading their number one pick, but given the lack of potential suitors, that has now all but been taken off the table. With the giants missing out on Buddy Franklin, expect the Giants to take Tom Boyd and continue to build for the future. Taylor Adams has declined a new contract from the Giants over the weekend, confirming that Adams will not be back at Blacktown in 2014. The Giants have shown monumental interest in Heath Shaw and have promised the erratic defender that he will become a permanent midfielder in their system. The Giants have also thrown up interest in Alan Didak which would further entice Shaw to move to the newest expansion club with his best mate. It would all but tie-up Taylor Adams to Collingwood, in what would be a win/win for both sides. Should Heath Shaw decline the move north, the Pies could table pick 10 to the Giants for Adams, who was previously taken at pick 13 in the 2011 national draft. Shane Mumford will be a huge acquisition for the Giants, who are lacking a ball-winning ruckman, capable of slamming the ball down the throats of their elite on-ballers. The Giants have the cash to splash, so if they can grab Shaw to compliment Mumford - it will be an almighty trade period getting another two premiership players on its list.
HAWTHORN
With Max Bailey retiring, it all but means now that Billy Longer will become a Hawk as soon as tomorrow - since telling the club he's not coming back in 2014. Longer, a former pick 8 - has told his manager that he wants to play as a number one ruck, and will take up that role at the reigning premiers. The Hawks have lost spearhead to Sydney but with no ill-feelings, given what Buddy has been able to give the club in his time. Xavier Ellis has also become the interest of Adelaide and Fremantle, and the Hawks will be compensated for his departure should he leave. The Hawks have a warchest that they will unleash on the free agency and trade period, but whether or not they acquire a big name is another issue altogether. There have been reports that Paul Chapman could become a Hawk, which would prove to be ironic given his history at Geelong.
MELBOURNE
Josh Mahoney still continues to float the idea of Melbourne offloading pick 2 for mature talent. The only problem is that there isn't much available. Melbourne will attempt to send pick 2 to West Coast in order to lure home local boy, Luke Shuey who according to the AFL website has "warmed" to the idea of moving back to Victoria. It's unlikely that the Eagles will let him go, but the carrot of pick 2 is appealing. The Dees have kept their cards to their chest, after a taking on a "moneyball" approach in the 2012 offseason with little return, the Dees will be careful of doing the same in 2013. Col Sylvia has departed the club as a free agent, and his compensation will be very interestingly determined. There have been reports that Melbourne have thrown a lifeline to delisted Bulldog, Daniel Cross with a two-year deal and a move into a coaching role in his third.
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Roos are shaping up to be ruthless in the trade and free agency period, and have b-lined the likes of Nick Dal Santo and possibly Heath Shaw as potential recruits. Dal Santo is the most likely to find himself at the Roos, whilst North will be cutting loose some surplus players who carry with them solid currency given they are in demand. Luke Delaney has been tabled a three-year deal by the Saints and looks certain to land at Seaford, whilst Levi Greenwood has become the object of interest from the Saints as well as Melbourne and Gold Coast. The big coup for the North was re-signing gun forward Aaron Black to a deal that ties him to the club until 2017.
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power are a re-invigorated group, who are finally starting to attract players to the club once again. Mitch Robinson has sparked interest in crossing to the Power, whilst Matt White was taken for nothing as a free agent during the week. Jared Polec however, is the big fish for the Power. Polec grew up supporting the Power and Port Adelaide are the most likely of the two SA clubs to land the home-grown talent. The Power would ideally like to part ways with their second round pick for Polec, but should Adelaide get a deal done with Collingwood for their second round pick - it would mean that Adelaide would have a higher second round pick which could force the Power into using their first round selection.
RICHMOND
A lot like Essendon in the fact that they have been more inclined to sign up their elite young talent, rather that go out and look for more. The Tigers have now withdrawn interest on Taylor Adams, with bigger offers looming from Collingwood and Geelong, and an apprehensive approach into trading their first round selection - a pick of which they have had a great success with in previous years. Shaun Hampson could be sought out as back up for Ivan Marric, whilst Paul Chapman could be just what the doctor ordered for the young Tiger cubs, with his energy, experience and leadership something that Damian Harwick would love to draw on. There was some shaky ground for a moment whilst Reece Conca and Dustin Martin considered offers elsewhere, but their passion for the club and the jumper ultimately meant they were really never ever in doubt of leaving a club who is certainly on the rise. The Tigers should also get some decent compo out of Matt White and Luke McGuane who have accept some big deals at Port and Brisbane respectively, which could see another two first-round picks land at the Tigers. The Tigers are yet to re-sign David Astbury, almost underlining the fact that he will be used as trade bait this week.
ST KILDA
The Saints should prosper this trade period, with Luke Delaney already being offered a three-year deal to cross to Seaford. He, and GWS defender Josh Bruce - who has also finger-pointed the Saints as a new club he wants to be traded to, could hold down the fort in defence for the next decade, with a few little additions here and there. Pick 3 should land the Saints an elite talent, set to be either James Aish or Josh Kelly. Sam Fisher could be headed north to GWS, and he could become part of a trade that gets Bruce to the Saints. Nick Dal Santo could be headed to North Melbourne, and he is growing tired of St Kilda's reluctance to provide transparency as to whether or not they want him, or not. Dal is most likely to end up at North Melbourne, and could be another player who could provide a pathway into luring other talent to the club. The Saints have also shown interest in delisted Fremantle defender, Peter Faulks who would complete a defensive overhaul at the Saints, locking in two key defenders and a third tall. The Saints have also taken a strong look at the delisted free agent pool, in the hope of snapping up some talent. Marcus Davies will under go a medical at St Kilda this week as will Joel Wilkerson and Maverick Weller.
SYDNEY
Won't be a big player, but they don't need to be when they land the hottest free-agent this week in Lance Franklin. Shane Mumford is off to GWS, meaning a trade will be fostered between the two "cross-bridge" rivals. It's like GWS will want to trade either of their top 10 picks, which would mean pick 19 - the first pick in the second round would be more plausible. Same Reid is rumoured to be a touch disgruntled at Buddy's signing, which puts him further back in the pecking order. Sydney will want to turn him into a defender, but Fremantle have come knocking, and Collingwood may test the waters should Heath Shaw want to head to the Swans to join his brother. Jesse White is headed to Collingwood, and the Swans will feel as tho his return in 2013 will warrant a second round pick, currently Collingwood's pick 27. The Pies will push hard for their third round pick, but run the risk of losing white to another club willing to part ways with a higher pick. Collingwood and Sydney have a smooth trading history, so there is nothing to suggest that this one won't go through just as easily.
WEST COAST
For the second time in as many years, another player has decided to head back to Perth and have nominated the Eagles as his preference. Last year it was Jamie Cripps, this year it's Elliott Yeo who has been offered a three-year deal and will immediately add some speed and pace to West Coast's midfield, who are desperate to inject some run into their midfield. Their second round pick is what will be demanded from Brisbane, but if the Lions don't strike a deal, he could walk to the preseason draft which is worst case scenario for the Lions. There has been some suggestion that Luke Shuey has "warmed" to the idea of returning to Victoria according to the AFL website. Although unlikely, Shuey' has had family relocate to Perth, so a move back to Melbourne could be a little far-fetched. There is however the danggling carrot of Pick 2 on the table from the Dee's, who would trade away the pick to the Eagles in a heartbeat. It would mean that West Coast have picks 2 and 6 in the first round, not bad for a team who were tipped to win this years flag. Rumour's of Scott Selwood being trade bait have been knocked dead by his management.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Doggies won't be overly active this trade period, but they could bob up with a surprise trade or two. Stewart Crameri has been a monty to cross to the Whitten Oval since mid-year, and the dogs would be happy to hand over their second round pick to add some more stability and goal-kicking prowess to their young side. Jordan Gysberts could also be the target of the Bulldogs, whilst Chris Yarran is the big name who has attracted interest from the doggies.
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