Tom Morris, Nine’s chief AFL reporter, has shared a comprehensive update on the trade and free agency scene as the final two weeks of the home-and-away season approach. The upcoming off-season promises to be significant, with several top players still without contracts and clubs enjoying unprecedented flexibility to conduct trades, including the option to trade picks up to two years in advance.
On a recent segment with 9News Melbourne, Morris outlined the situations of various players. Here’s a recap of key updates regarding free agents and those out of contract:
Free Agents:
- Oscar Allen (West Coast): Expected to move to Brisbane next season.
- Sam Draper (Essendon): Likely to leave Essendon, though no official confirmation yet.
- Tom De Koning (Carlton) and Leek Aleer (GWS): St Kilda is in a strong position to acquire both.
Out of Contract:
- Jack Silvagni (Carlton): Close to joining the Western Bulldogs, also in discussions with Collingwood, Essendon, and North Melbourne.
- Adam Treloar (Western Bulldogs) and Tom Mitchell (Collingwood): Both wish to continue playing but have yet to receive contract offers.
- Marcus Windhager (St Kilda): Displeased with St Kilda’s initial contract offer, attracting interest from other clubs.
- Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda): Has not disclosed his future plans.
- James Worpel (Hawthorn): Likely to transition to Geelong.
- Brandon Starcevich (Brisbane): Considering offers from clubs in Victoria as well as West Coast.
Contracted Players:
- Harley Reid (West Coast): Highly sought after; should he request a trade, Hawthorn is seen as a leading contender.
- Rowan Marshall (St Kilda): Will evaluate his options, especially once Tom De Koning departs for Moorabbin.
- Liam Ryan (West Coast): Has attracted interest from St Kilda.
- Ned Reeves (Hawthorn): Could be involved in a trade with West Coast regarding Reid.
- Zak Butters (Port Adelaide): Expected to leave as a free agent in a year, but Hawthorn, Geelong, and the Bulldogs may make attempts to secure him this off-season.
As speculation mounts leading into the trade period, fans can anticipate significant moves that could reshape club rosters across the AFL landscape.