2024 Trade News & Rumours

Rucking Roo nominates new home, pair of Dogs set to stay and more: Daily AFL trade news wrap

Take a look at all the latest trade rumours before the trade period begins.

Published by
Josh De Sa

With the 2023 AFL season officially coming to an end last Saturday, trade news is already making the rounds.

A handful of trade requests have already been confirmed. Jacob Koschitzke looks set to join the Tigers, Tyler Brockman has asked to return home to Western Australia, and Liam Henry has requested a move to the Saints. Sydney's Dylan Stephens is eyeing a future with North Melbourne, whilst the Power look likely to sign two key defenders in Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

With nothing set in stone as of yet, here's what the trade winds have blown in today.

Make me a Bomber, says veteran Roo

Veteran Kangaroo Todd Goldstein has declared he wishes to play for Essendon in season 2024.

Following yet another season in the cellar, the ruckman expressed his desire for a trade during his exit meeting with North powerbrokers, however, until Monday, Goldstein was yet to officially nominate a club.

While trade winds had linked Goldstein with a move to Tullamarine to work under former head coach Brad Scott, the news only became official in the days after the grand final, with The Age's Michael Gleeson breaking the story.

According to Gleeson, Goldstein had undergone a medical with premiers Collingwood last Wednesday, however, the 315-gamer will instead don the sash rather than black and white bars next season.

READ: Veteran Roo nominates new home

Three possible destinations for Mabior Chol

The out-of-favour Sun has had his options narrowed down with the Lions seemingly removing themselves from contention. As of now, three clubs are set to enquire about the 26-year-old's services.

North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Adelaide all met with the forward as his career at the Suns hangs in the balance following the arrival of new coach, Damien Hardwick.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, reporter Tom Morris detailed the contract offers reportedly on the table.

"Adelaide have a three-year deal for him, North and Hawthorn might have a three-year deal for him, there might have been a four-year deal for him as well, of course he's got two years left at the Gold Coast Suns," Morris said.

READ: Race for Mabior Chol narrows

Blues forward likely to depart

Carlton's Zac Fisher looks set to make a move away from the Blues after a year of uncertainty regarding selection in the senior side. Fisher, a member of Carlton since being drafted in 2016, only managed 12 senior games in 2023 and could look for more opportunities elsewhere.

After such a great year for the Blues without the 25-year-old, it's unclear if he remains in Michael Voss' plans. The Blues have already made a number of contract decisions, but Fisher is contracted with the Navy Blues until the end of 2025.

Whilst being from Western Australia, Fisher's manager Andrew McDougall provided an update on AFL Trade Radio this morning.

"A few clubs have spoken about what he can add to their team. He'd like to stay in Melbourne, that's probably a priority for him. He's happy, he's settled here so we'll wait and see how the conversation goes and how this week leads up," McDougall said.

READ: Carlton forward likely to depart

Pair of Dogs focusing on pre-season

Although there's been speculation around the futures of Bulldogs duo Tim English and Aaron Naughton, the pair are set to remain at the club at least until their current contracts expire.

Aaron Naughton had been linked with a move to other Victorian clubs, namely Collingwood and North Melbourne. Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Andrew McDougall confirmed that Naughton will "100%" be remaining a Bulldog until the end of 2024.

Tim English is contracted until the end of 2024 and had a stellar campaign this year. English earned his first All-Australian blazer and was a consistent performer in an underperforming Bulldogs team.

READ: Bulldogs pair committed to their club 

Giants footy boss provides update on a handful of players

GWS football boss Jason McCartney provided an update on a number of players at the Giants. He addressed the contract situation surrounding veteran Nick Haynes and defender Lachlan Keefe. Haynes played as the substitute for much of the year whilst Keefe found regular game time.

McCartney also confirmed that ruckman Matt Flynn has not been offered a new contract. He believes that Flynn will explore his options in search of more game time after the breakout year of Kieren Briggs. This will likely see Brayden Preuss elevated to the second-string ruckman at the Giants should he overcome injuries.

Elliot Himmelberg's ties to the club have been heightened with the GWS footy boss confirming their interest and desire to sign the 25-year-old.

READ: Giants footy boss provides a team update

The 'ruck merry-go-round' has already started spinning ahead of the trade period

There's a number of ruckmen seemingly on the move in this year's trade period, none bigger than current Demon and former Magpie, Brodie Grundy. The two-time All-Australian has been placed in a very uncomfortable situation at the Demons, a move to the Swans seems to be the only option.

Scott Lycett and Sam Hayes of Port Adelaide remain without deals and could be possible replacements for Grundy to bolster the Demons' ruck stocks. Bulldog Jordon Sweet requested a trade to the Power whilst current Tiger Ivan Soldo has also been linked with the Pears.

Todd Goldstein is another big name who will find a new home after announcing a move away from Arden Street. The 35-year-old has been linked with Collingwood despite the Pies having significant ruck stocks.

READ: 'Ruck merry-go-round' could see a number of big men on the move

The busiest clubs in this year's trade period

Sydney, Essendon, St Kilda and Port Adelaide could be some of the busier clubs this trade period after already being linked with new signings or potential departures.

The Swans are front-runners for Demon ruckman Brodie Grundy. Grundy would fill the slot emptied up by the recent retiree Tom Hickey. The move would see the former Magpie return to playing as the number one ruckman. Dylan Stephens requested a trade out of Sydney whilst Demon James Jordon requested a move to the Swans.

Essendon has already had their prayers answered with key defender Ben McKay requesting a trade to 'The Hangar'. The Bombers will lose Brandon Zerk-Thatcher in the off-season, but McKay will be an ideal replacement and an improvement.

St Kilda has caught the interest of Liam Henry with the current Docker requesting a move to Moorabbin. A possible move that would see Dylan Shiel land at the Saints whilst Jade Gresham goes to the Bombers could be in the works also.

Port Adelaide was unlucky not to land Brodie Grundy after the Demon reportedly preferred a move to the Swans. Despite the Power not landing Grundy, they should be able to pick up Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher after the Cat and Bomber requested moves to Alberton.

READ: All the possible moves for every AFL club this offseason 

 

Published by
Josh De Sa