The AFL trade market is buzzing with activity, and it's only May! With so many players still without contracts for the 2027 season, clubs are strategizing and plotting their moves. This article will delve into the intriguing world of AFL trades, exploring the key targets and potential moves for each club.
Adelaide Crows
The Crows are eyeing Zac Bailey, a restricted free agent, as their top target. With Bailey's ties to Adelaide, the Crows believe they have a strong chance of securing his services. However, they'll have to compete with other clubs and offer a substantial contract. Additionally, keep an eye on Saints youngster Darcy Wilson, who could be a surprise addition to their list.
Brisbane Lions
Zac Bailey's future is a hot topic at Springfield. His potential departure has sparked interest from multiple clubs, including the Crows. Meanwhile, Lachie Neale's situation is also uncertain, with his family ties to Perth a potential factor. The Lions may need to make some tough decisions to retain their star players.
Carlton
The Blues are actively pursuing Sydney's Joel Amartey, a free agent. They're also keeping tabs on Jed Walter and Buku Khamis, both of whom are out of contract. However, Carlton has a long list of players without deals, and some key pillars may be trade targets.
Collingwood
The Magpies are in the Zak Butters race but are not the frontrunners. Instead, they're focusing on Ben King, with recent updates suggesting they're no longer pursuing him. Internally, veterans like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom are considering their futures, while Billy Frampton is likely to be offered a new deal.
Essendon
Zach Merrett's trade request to Hawthorn last year didn't materialize, but his future is still uncertain. The Bombers are also monitoring Jordan Ridley, who had interest from Brisbane. Reilly O'Brien, an out-of-favour Crow, could be a recruiting option for Essendon.
Fremantle
The potential homecoming of Richmond's Nathan Broad is a significant story for the Dockers. Broad, an unrestricted free agent, has made it clear he's leaving Punt Road, opening the door for Fremantle and West Coast. The Dockers also have depth in veteran players, but decisions need to be made on their futures.
Geelong Cats
The Cats are linked to several star names, including Zak Butters and Ben King. While Butters seems destined for the Bulldogs or Cats, King's future is less certain. Geelong is also keeping an eye on GWS captain Toby Greene, who could be a key target.
Gold Coast Suns
Ben King's decision to stay with the Suns could impact Jed Walter's future. The Suns are also interested in Collingwood's Ed Allan and are hopeful of retaining Touk Miller. With a full salary cap, the club may need to make some tough choices regarding their veteran role players.
GWS Giants
The Giants' list is relatively settled, but captain Toby Greene's future is a talking point. He's expected to attract interest from clubs like Geelong. The Giants will also need to combat strong interest in young ruck Nick Madden, who has been linked to several clubs.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn seems to have moved on from Zak Butters, but they're targeting Bailey Humphrey and Ben King. Zach Merrett could be a potential target, but it would come at a high cost. Restricted free agent Jarmen Impey is expected to stay, while the future of Mitchell Lewis is less clear.
Melbourne
The Demons are focused on retaining out-of-contract players like Tommy Sparrow and Kade Chandler. Bayley Fritsch is expected to stay, while Christian Salem's future is uncertain. With several players fighting for contract extensions, Melbourne has some key decisions to make.
North Melbourne
George Wardlaw is a priority for the Kangaroos. They're also doing their due diligence on Saint Darcy Wilson, who is attracting interest from multiple clubs. North Melbourne may need to get creative to bolster their key defender stocks, potentially targeting players like Jordon Butts or Charlie Ballard.
Port Adelaide
The Power is facing an uphill battle to retain Zak Butters, with the Bulldogs and Geelong leading the race. They're also linked to Brisbane's Zac Bailey and are desperate to re-sign Mitch Georgiades. With several players without contracts, Port Adelaide has a busy trade period ahead.
Richmond
The Tigers are vocal about their desire to stay in the race for Zak Butters, but they're currently a long shot. They're also targeting GWS ruck Nick Madden and are keeping a close eye on Jacob Hopper.
St Kilda
Darcy Wilson is a hot commodity, with more than half the league interested in acquiring him. The Saints are also open to trading Rowan Marshall if the right deal comes along. Lachie Neale could be a potential target, but it's uncertain at this stage.
Sydney Swans
The Swans are quiet on the trade front, with their focus on unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey. Amartey is taking his time with contract negotiations, and other suitors are expected to emerge. The future of several veteran players is also uncertain.
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles could be a surprise destination for some talent this off-season. They're set to acquire Richmond's Nathan Broad and are also interested in Lachie Neale. With several players out of contract, West Coast has some decisions to make.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are the frontrunners for Zak Butters, which would be a massive boost to their already star-studded midfield. The future of Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar is also uncertain, and the club may need to offer contracted capital to secure Butters.
As the trade period unfolds, these clubs will navigate a complex web of negotiations and strategies. The AFL trade market is a fascinating aspect of the game, and it will be intriguing to see how these storylines develop.
