Latest AFL News

Going, going… gone: The ultimate club-by-club AFL trade news and rumours guide

Read up on your club’s potential gains, losses, draft hand and more!

Published by
Mitch Keating

As the dust settles on a spectacular 2023 season following Collingwood's thrilling clinching of the premiership, AFL clubs - including the Magpies - turn their attention to the off-season trade, free agency and draft space to begin their preparations for next year.

Clubs have been working on their list and recruiting plans since the early weeks of the season, and as we now near the business end of the player movement calendar the trade news, and rumours, only ramp up further.

We've looked at the confirmed and potential comings and goings for each club, as well as the draft hands of all 18 sides and the players still awaiting a contract for 2024.

Here is our ULTIMATE club-by-club AFL trade news and rumours guide for the off-season...

Adelaide

The Crows are potentially facing a few changes to their attacking third, with Shane McAdam seeking a move to Melbourne while Elliott Himmelberg could make the switch to GWS. The pair of potential exits could open a move to in-demand Suns tall Mabior Chol, while fellow Gold Coast sharpshooter Chris Burgess has also been linked to the Crows. Free agent Tom Doedee is yet to make a call on his future and could remain at West Lakes while the Lions and Magpies circle.

Potential Targets: Mabior Chol, Chris Burgess
Potential Departures:
 Tom Doedee, Elliott Himmelberg
Confirmed Departures: Shane McAdam (trade request), Tyler Brown (delisted), Jackson Hately (delisted), Andrew McPherson (delisted), Tariek Newchurch (delisted), Paul Seedsman (retired)
Draft Picks: 9, 21, 24, 48, 84 (3434 points)
Still Unsigned: James BorlaseTom Doedee

Brisbane

The Lions have been linked with defensive options Nick Coffield and Tom Doedee, the latter being a free agent that is unlikely to cost the grand finalists anything in return. Suns forward Mabior Chol could remain in Queensland via a move to his state rivals, however the Hawks, Roos and Crows have also been attached to the contracted forward. Deven Roberton is viewed to be more likely to remain in Brisbane than seek a move back home to WA despite his expiring contract.

Potential Targets: Tom Doedee, Nick Coffield, Mabior Chol
Potential Departures: 
Deven Robertson, Tom Fullarton
Confirmed Departures: Marcus Adams (retired), Daniel Rich (retired)
Draft Picks: 27, 46, 56, 62, 70, 92 (1390 points)
Still Unsigned: Nakia CockatooBlake ColemanTom FullartonRhys MathiesonDarryl McDowell-WhiteCarter MichaelDeven RobertsonDayne Zorko

Carlton

The Blues have been one of the quieter clubs on the trade news front, with their priority of 2023 being to re-sign their top line of off-contract names. With their successful retention period settled, Carlton have turned some attention to the names that could be attracted by a move to Princes Park. Gold Coast midfielder Elijah Hollands is said to be in the Blues' sights, while Bulldog Hayden Crozier has also been linked as a potential delisted free agency signing.

Potential Targets: Elijah Hollands, Hayden Crozier, James Harmes
Potential Departures: 
Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher
Confirmed Departures: Ed Curnow (retired), Josh Honey (delisted), Lochie O'Brien (delisted), Sam Philp (delisted), Lachie Plowman (retired)
Draft Picks: 16, 65, 73, 91 (1166 points)
Still Unsigned: David CuninghamPaddy DowSam DurdinCaleb Marchbank

Collingwood

The premiers will only be looking to get better as senior coach Craig McRae continues to drive his side forward. Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has emerged as a potential target, while Todd Goldstein is said to be a strong chance of pulling on the black and white in 2024. Fin Macrae is contracted for next year but could be on the end of some interest, while Trent Bianco is unsigned and could offer a rival club some outside run.

Potential Targets: Tom Doedee, Todd Goldstein
Potential Departures:
Finlay Macrae, Trent Bianco
Confirmed Departures: None
Draft Picks: 18, 36, 75, 93 (1487 points)
Still Unsigned: Aiden BeggTrent BiancoJosh CarmichaelArlo DraperWill KellyNathan KreugerCooper MurleyTrey RuscoeTom Wilson

Essendon

The coming weeks loom as a busy period for the Bombers, who could land free agency trio Jade Gresham, Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein if all of their ducks line up. A move for Gresham could also see them gain the compensation the Saints receive in a secondary deal that would send Dylan Shiel to Moorabbin, with plenty to play out for that one to be signed off. A pair of trade requests have reportedly been lodged, with defensive pair Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Massimo D'Ambrosio seeking moves to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn respectively. Swingman James Stewart was reported to have been cut from the club despite being contracted for 2024, however the club is yet to announce any move of the sort.

Potential Targets: Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Todd Goldstein, James Harmes
Potential Departures:
Dylan Shiel, James Stewart
Confirmed Departures: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (trade request), Massimo D'Ambrosio (trade request), Alastair Lord (delisted), Cian McBride (delisted), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (retired), Rhett Montgomerie (delisted), Anthony Munkara (delisted), Andrew Phillips (retired)
Draft Picks: 8, 28, 47, 68, 83 (2603 points)
Still Unsigned: Jaiden HunterWill SnellingPatrick Voss

Fremantle

The Dockers will lose small forward Liam Henry, who is seeking a move to Victoria and is anticipated to land at St Kilda in the coming weeks. Fremantle could be prepared to rekindle its interest in WA product Jeremy Sharp after the Suns flanker couldn't secure a move to Cockburn a year ago.

Potential Targets: Jeremy Sharp
Potential Departures: 
N/A
Confirmed Departures: Liam Henry (trade request), Eric Benning (delisted), Travis Colyer (delisted), Nathan Wilson (delisted)
Draft Picks: 22, 41, 55, 59, 80 (1622 points)
Still Unsigned:

Geelong

The Cats are looking to stand firm as Esava Ratugolea chases an opportunity elsewhere, with a request to get to Port Adelaide understood to have been lodged. He might be the only Cat leaving Kardinia Park through the trade window, however Andrew Mackie is open to parting ways with Pick 7 if the right deal arises. Reported interest in Bulldiog Bailey Smith has been shot down.

Potential Targets: N/A
Potential Departures:
Esava Ratugolea
Confirmed Departures: Jonathon Ceglar (retired), Sam Menegola (delisted), Osca Riccardi (delisted), Sam Simpson (delisted), Isaac Smith (retired), Cooper Whyte (delisted)
Draft Picks: 7, 82 (1644 points

Gold Coast

It seems as though most of the news that surrounds the Suns relates to players potentially being on the way out as the Carrara club plans to add to its draft hand rather than its list. Mabior Chol has widespread interest despite being contracted until the end of 2025, while Elijah Hollands could find his way to Carlton even though he too is signed at the Suns for the next 12 months. They have a heap of players still unsigned though and players like Jeremy Sharp and Brodie McLaughlin are likely to be on the radar of their rivals.

Potential Targets: N/A
Potential Departures:
Mabior Chol, Brodie McLaughlin, Elijah Hollands, Jeremy Sharp, Chris Burgess
Confirmed Departures: 
Connor Blakely (retired)
Draft Picks: 4, 29, 35, 43, 57, 61, 66, 69, 79 (4033 points)
Still Unsigned: Jed AndersonSandy BrockLevi CasboultCharlie ConstableSam DayJy FarrarOskar FaulkheadBrodie McLaughlinHewego Paul OeaAlex SextonJeremy SharpJake SteinJames TsitasBodhi Uwland

GWS

The Giants look likely to bid farewell to ruckman Matt Flynn following Kieren Briggs' breakout year, with West Coast named as a likely landing spot for the GWS big man. Adelaide forward Elliott Himmelberg could link up with his brother Harry in the orange and charcoal despite his contract status at West Lakes for 2024.

Potential Targets: Elliott Himmelberg
Potential Departures:
Matt Flynn, Nick Haynes
Confirmed Departures: 
Phil Davis (retired), Cameron Fleeton (delisted), Jason Gillbee (delisted), Daniel Lloyd (retired)
Draft Picks: 6, 15, 54, 72, 74, 90 (3102 points)
Still Unsigned: Matthew FlynnCooper HamiltonLachlan KeeffeBraydon PreussCallan Ward

Hawthorn

The Hawks have missed out on Ben McKay, Esava Ratugolea and Liam Henry in recent weeks but are in line to pick up wantaway Essendon flanker Massimo D'Ambrosio. Sam Mitchell is also said to have an interest in Gold Coast's Mabior Chol, who could fill a hole in attack as Jacob Koschitzke seeks a move to Punt Road. Tyler Brockman is another looking for a move away from Waverley, likely landing with West Coast in a return to his home state.

Potential Targets: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Mabior Chol
Potential Departures:
Tyler Brockman
Confirmed Departures:
Jacob Koschitzke (trade request), Emerson Jeka (delisted), Max Lynch (retired), Josh Morris (delisted), Fionn O'Hara (delisted)
Draft Picks: 3, 30, 49, 78 (3150 points)
Still Unsigned: Joshua BennettsLachie BrambleTyler BrockmanFergus Greene, Ned LongJai Serong

Melbourne

The Demons are set to acquire Shan McAdam from Adelaide during the trade window, while Brodie Grundy prepares for his departure after just 12 months in the red and blue. The Demons ruckman is set to land with Sydney, as will midfielder James Jordon via free agency. Melbourne has one of the stronger draft hands and could increase their place in the queue in trading for Pick 1, or even the Suns' top pick at fourth overall.

Potential Targets: Shane McAdam
Potential Departures:
James Harmes, Brodie Grundy
Confirmed Departures: 
James Jordon (free agency), Luke Dunstan (retired), Michael Hibberd (retired), Deakyn Smith (delisted)
Draft Picks: 5, 13, 25, 33, 88 (4409 points)
Still Unsigned: Jake MelkshamAndy Moniz-WakefieldKye Turner

North Melbourne

The Roos will add Todd Goldstein to their list of departures following his decision to exercise his free agency rights, however no confirmed landing spot has been named. The Roos have reported interest in Dylan Stephens and Zac Fisher as they look to add some run, while Gold Coast's Mabior Chol is also said to be on North Melbourne's radar. Departed Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle has been linked to the Roos and could make his way east through delisted free agency.

Potential Targets: Zac Fisher, Dylan Stephens, Brynn Teakle, Mabior Chol
Potential Departures:
N/A
Confirmed Departures: 
Todd Goldstein (free agency), Ben Cunnington (retired), Jacob Edwards (delisted), Aaron Hall (retired), Flynn Perez (delisted), Phoenix Spicer (delisted), Lachie Young (delisted), Jack Ziebell (retired)
Draft Picks: 2, 14, 19, 40, 52, 60, 77 (5447 points)
Still Unsigned: Aiden BonarKallan DawsonBlake Drury, Daniel HoweJack Mahony, Liam ShielsKayne Turner

Port Adelaide

The Power have had a trio of targets lodged requests to get to Alberton, with Geelong's Esava Ratugolea, Western Bulldog Jordon Sweet and Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher each hoping to head to SA. Richmond ruckman Ivan Soldo has also been tied to Port Adelaide, prompting questions to be raised over the future of Scott Lycett and Sam Hayes.

Potential Targets: Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Jordon Sweet, Ivan Soldo
Potential Departures:
Scott Lycett
Confirmed Departures: 
Nathan Barkla (delisted), Riley Bonner (delisted), Trent Dumont (delisted), Tom Jonas (retired), Brynn Teakle (delisted)
Draft Picks: 38, 44, 71, 89 (856 points)
Still Unsigned: Travis BoakOrazio FantasiaSam HayesScott Lycett

Richmond

Hawthorn forward Jacob Koschitzke has reportedly lodged a trade request to get to Richmond this off-season as the Tigers look to add some support to first-string tall Tom Lynch. The Tigers have been named as one of several clubs that could look at contracted Melbourne midfielder James Harmes too. Ruckman Ivan Soldo has been tied to the exit despite being signed for 2024 as well.

Potential Targets: Jacob Koschitzke, James Harmes 
Potential Departures:
Ivan Soldo
Confirmed Departures: 
Kaelan Bradtke (delisted), Trent Cotchin (retired), Jack Riewoldt (retired), Robbie Tarrant (retired)
Draft Picks: 26, 45, 63, 81 (1188 points)
Still Unsigned: Mate ColinaRhyan MansellBigoa NyuonHugo Ralphsmith

St Kilda

The Saints are said to be in talks with Essendon over a deal that would see Dylan Shiel move to Moorabbin following a lucrative bid from the Bombers for St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham, with the draft compensation from that acquisition swapping places with Shiel, among other potential pieces. That move could add to a suite of trades for the Saints, who are poised to land Liam Henry from Fremantle. Carlton's Paddy Dow is also anticipated to head to St Kilda, who could have interest in North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein and Gold Coast's Brodie McLaughlin.

Potential Targets: Paddy Dow, Todd Goldstein, Brodie McLaughlin, Dylan Shiel, Liam Henry
Potential Departures:
Jade Gresham
Confirmed Departures: 
Oscar Adams (delisted), Jack Bytel (delisted), Leo Connolly (delisted), Jack Peris (delisted)
Draft Picks: 12, 32, 51, 87 (2111 points)
Still Unsigned: Ryan ByrnesTom CampbellHunter ClarkNicholas CoffieldJade GreshamThomas HighmoreZak JonesDaniel McKenzieLiam StockerJimmy Webster

Sydney

The Swans are tipped for a double Demons coup as Brodie Grundy and James Jordon reportedly plan to head north to the Harbour City, the latter being through free agency. With Paddy Dow also said to be of interest to the Swans, any link to a third Demon in James Harmes could be fading as they build their midfield with other assets. Winger Dylan Stephens is said to be seeking a move to Victoria and could land with North Melbourne.

Potential Targets: James Harmes, Paddy Dow, James Jordon, Brodie Grundy
Potential Departures:
Dylan Stephens
Confirmed Departures: 
Lance Franklin (retired), Tom Hickey (retired), Paddy McCartin (retired)
Draft Picks: 11, 23, 31, 42, 50, 86 (3418 points)
Still Unsigned: Ryan ClarkeWill GouldHugo Hall-KahanJaiden MagorCameron OwenLachie RankinSam ReidMarc SheatherDylan StephensSam Wicks

West Coast

The Eagles might not be all that busy when it comes to trading on their current crop of players, however Pick 1 could be up for grabs. West Coast are expected to secure GWS ruckman Matt Flynn and Hawks livewire Tyler Brockman as they look to add to their list. Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson could head west but is more likely to remain in Queensland.

Potential Targets: Matt Flynn, Tyler Brockman, Deven Robertson
Potential Departures:
N/A
Confirmed Departures:
Greg Clark (delisted), Luke Foley (delisted), Shannon Hurn (retired), Nic Naitanui (retired), Xavier O'Neill (delisted), Sam Petrevski-Seton (delisted), Luke Shuey (retired), Connor West (delisted), Isiah Winder (delisted)
Draft Picks: 1, 20, 34, 39, 53, 58, 76 (5303 points)
Still Unsigned: Jordyn BakerJai CulleyTyrell DewarZane TrewJake WatermanAlex Witherden

Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs will bid farewell to Jordon Sweet following the ruckman's trade request to Port Adelaide, with delisted Power tall Brynn Teakle a potential replacement for the backup tall. Saint Nick Coffield could make his way across town amid interest from the Bulldogs, while their own backman in Hayden Crozier is said to be gaining some attention from Carlton and could head to Ikon Park through delisted free agency.

Potential Targets: Nick Coffield, Brynn Teakle
Potential Departures:
Hayden Crozier
Confirmed Departures: 
Jordon Sweet (trade request), Josh Bruce (retired), Mitch Hannan (delisted), Robbie McComb (delisted), Tim O'Brien (delisted), Cody Raak (delisted)
Draft Picks: 10, 17, 37, 64, 67, 85 (3073 points)
Still Unsigned: Dominic BedendoHayden CrozierTaylor DuryeaBuku KhamisToby McLeanLachlan McNeilRoarke Smith

Published by
Mitch Keating