Who's going where in AFL trade week, or at least our best guesses By John Clark and Martin Smith
foxsports.com.au
September 28, 2009
The dust has barely settled on the 2009 AFL grand final, but foxsports.com.au is ready to move on. We cast an eye towards trade week and who might be on the move.
In the lead-up to the exchange period - which begins on October 5 - we will provide regular rumour mill updates. If you hear a bit of scuttlebutt, then send our AFL boys an email.
Latest User RumoursADELAIDE CROWS
Brent Reilly: Is in the Crows' best 22 but hard to see him being a key component in taking them further than semi-final weekend in September. Doesn't do a lot wrong and uses the ball nicely, but at 25 he hasn't come along as far as you would have hoped for a first-round selection. Clubs in his native Victoria would be willing to talk.
Taylor Walker: Undoubted talent but plenty to learn. Walker was a hit in the first half of the season but was sent back to the SANFL to add to the defensive side of his game. Barely sighted as the Crows surged towards the finals. Adelaide will want to keep him but other clubs are reportedly very interested to talk -
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BRISBANE LIONS
Bradd Dalziell: The Fox Sports Fantasy AFL specialist is in line for a return to his native Western Australia. Both Fremantle and West Coast would welcome him into developing midfields, easing the pressure on the kids coming through. Early reports from Perth hint Brent Staker may be the bait from West Coast.
Jamie Charman: With Mitch Clark rising to ruck fame and Matthew Leunberger tipped for big things, Charman has slipped down the pecking order. He was floated at this time last year and a deal is more likely to be found for him this time around. Melbourne Demons should make a play for him, as will St Kilda if either Steven King or Michael Gardiner call it a day.
CARLTON
Brad Fisher: The archetypal bit of burley when it comes to this time of year. Fisher's been around since being nabbed at pick No.72 in the 2002 national draft, promises the world and to this point has delivered an atlas. If he can find his way to a club with two big forwards to take the heat off, Fisher could flourish. Carlton will listen to any offers.
Andrew Walker: Hard to envisage the Blues giving up on their long-term investment now he's expected to enter his prime, but Walker will be a man with many admirers. His injury-cruelled time at Optus Oval may just be over and his star on the verge of rising. [Ed. I thought Walker re-signed for 2 years ]
COLLINGWOOD
Chris Dawes: Anthony Rocca's retirement may open a door for Dawes, but he could only make the grade for four games this season. He has failed to set the VFL on fire but with confidence and a full pre-season he could be a 60-goal a year forward if the Pies are willing to part ways.
Travis Cloke: It's shaping as a big-name trade period as clubs endeavour to shake up their lists ahead of the Gold Coast arrival. Cloke, the Magpies' barometer, struggled through another September. If another club come up with an offer too good to refuse, the Pies should pounce.
ESSENDON
Andrew Lovett: Bombers fans will be bleeding if they lose one of their star performers from season 2009, but indications are he's not thrilled with life under the current coach. He almost ended up at Skilled Stadium last trade week before the deal fell through. The good thing for Essendon is the fact his allure has risen in the past 12 months.
Leroy Jetta: When an Irishman with 12 months in the AFL system gets a game ahead of you come finals time, things aren't too rosy. Jetta was overlooked by Matthew Knights for the elimination final debacle against Adelaide Crows. Managed 18 matches last season and has plenty of pace. Hails from Western Australia.
FREMANTLE
Chris Tarrant: Has reportedly indicated he wants out of the west to settle with family back in Melbourne. His stocks are as high as they have been in his time at Fremantle. Expect the club to do a deal, with a late first-round pick or early second-round choice realistic.
Marcus Drum: The 192cm defender has not found his niche in four seasons at Fremantle. Hawthorn, due to their defensive deficiencies, have been linked with him. At 22, he will have appeal but little currency. A draft pick anywhere between 30 and 60 would likely snare him.
GEELONG
Ryan Gamble: Getting a gig as a forward for the Cats is tough. Steve Johnson and Paul Chapman are locks in attack, as is Cameron Mooney. Mark Thompson is a big fan of Matthew Stokes and Shannon Byrnes. The Tom Hawkins experiment continues in earnest while Travis Varcoe continues to improve. It leaves few holes for Gamble to slot in. He has the talent, but the lack of regular opportunity may send him down the path of Brent Prismall and Brent Moloney. Would attract a lot of interest.
Kane Tenace: The speedster should have opted out when Essendon came knocking. Plays like he needs a change of scenery and someone to believe in him. More likely he'll find a second home late in the draft or as a pre-season pick.
HAWTHORN
Beau Dowler: Some at Hawthorn are still not sold on Dowler, the No.6 draft selection from 2005. He was forced to fill a key post down back, which he struggled to do, and looked much more comfortable as a forward. With Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin hard to shove, Dowler may want out. He may be easier to tempt from the Hawks than some think.
Mitch Thorp: If the Hawks are to land Josh Gibson, who has told North Melbourne he wants out, they're going to have to give something up. This boy has big wraps and could be the key to the trade. Has battled injuries but was taken with the No.6 choice in the 2006 national draft, ahead of Joel Selwood, James Frawley and Kurt Tippett.
MELBOURNE DEMONS
Daniel Bell: Injuries have slowed Bell's progress over recent years, but the 24-year-old running defender is almost out of time at the Demons. Seemingly built to play the modern game - he's tall, strong and quick - but his 66 games in the red and blue have failed to fulfill hopes. A full pre-season and the confidence of a new coach could see him flourish. Will be in the bargain bin if you are looking.
Brad Miller: Sydney Swans have shown interest previously in the hard-working forward and they could be in the hunt once more. Melbourne will drive a hard bargain given their dearth of tall forwards, but the Swans' second-round selection could sway them, even though the draft pool is thin.
NORTH MELBOURNE
David Hale: The big bloke with the new hairdo didn't do his value much good this year, but he's tall - and that means there's going to be attention. The only concern for any club about to try their luck on the 201cm ruckman/forward is the likelihood he'll attract attention from the Gold Coast in 12 months' time. Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein look more than capable of covering Hale at Arden Street.
Josh Gibson: Has told the Kangaroos he is on the way out. Now the deal has to be done. He's not a monster full-back, but he's handy. The Hawks are supposedly in the hunt for him to shore up their defence and could pay over the odds for him. North hold the aces here.
PORT ADELAIDE
Shaun Burgoyne: Looms as the key domino in trade week. The Power are demanding the Hawks’ No.9 draft pick and a player in return for the 26-year-old Burgoyne, with Jordan Lewis mentioned as potential trade bait. But Burgoyne is so disillusioned with the Power he will probably enter the draft if a deal with Hawthorn doesn’t eventuate.
Danyle Pearce: Has signed a new deal but will be let go for the right price. Former Port star Josh Francou urged the Power to get rid of the 23-year-old after his poor performance against Melbourne Demons in round 15. Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford claimed Pearce “hoisted the white flag” in that game and with Mark Williams needing to implement a major cultural change at the Power, Pearce may be a big-name casualty.
RICHMOND
Shane Tuck: With new coach Damian Hardwick wanting to punt him, the 27-year-old has put himself on the market. With a season playing for Coburg looming, Tuck has declared publicly he wants to be traded and he would be a welcome addition to most clubs. He loves the hard ball and gets plenty of contested footy, which makes one wonder why the toothless Tigers want to get rid of him in the first place.
Nathan Brown: With 349 career goals to his credit, the unwanted veteran would add an X-factor to any forward line. The success of the Stuart Dew experiment at Hawthorn might see the Hawks put their hand up, with Sydney also desperate to add some experience to their forward line following the departures of Barry Hall and Michael O’Loughlin.
SYDNEY SWANS
Henry Playfair: The injury-plagued former Cat has had a frustrating two years in the harbour city. The forward had a third operation on his troublesome hamstring in May this year, ruling him out for the entire season. With the Swans' forward stocks depleted by retirement, Playfair is the obvious choice to step into the fold next season. But with this being the last year on his contract, the Swans may decide he's not worth the risk and cut him loose. Want him? You got him.
Luke Ablett: Sydney are usually pretty active in the post-season swap meet, and Ablett could be one to find himself on the way out as they make some more room for the next generation of Swans. At 26, with 133 games to his name, Ablett would be a solid servant for any club. The pace of the game may be getting hold of him but still knows how to find the footy.
WEST COAST
Ben McKinley: Has undoubted talent but this season failed to follow up his breakthrough performances of 2008. The Eagles won't give him up for nothing but there are clubs in his native Victoria which would be keen to lay their hands on him. A full-forward who will attract attention if floated.
Mark Seaby: Wants out and has been told he will be granted that wish. Adelaide were reportedly in the race for the big man but their young ruck stocks weren't humiliated in their run to the semi-finals. Port Adelaide may want some back up for Dean Brogan. Given his desire to depart, the Eagles will listen to all offers.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Brennan Stack: The Eagles are after a quick small forward and Stack could be one they investigate. The 21-year-old hails from Perth and has managed two games since being selected by the Dogs in the 2006 national draft. Stack kicked four goals against Fremantle in his second career game.
Andrejs Everitt: For mysterious reasons, the athletic brother of former ruckman Peter 'Spider' Everitt is splitting with the Bulldogs. He impressed late in the season as a back-up ruckman but couldn't get a look-in come September. Went at No.11 in the 2006 national draft. The Dogs would expect a pick between 10 and 30 for him now. A deal will be done.
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