As many as 32 players have been reported, named, listed or floated as trade targets this year, with that figure likely to grow in the coming months as AFL clubs begin to plan their lists for 2024 and beyond.
Several highly sought-after names have turned down external advances this year to make the open market even more competitive, while five restricted free agents are yet to recommit.
While unlikely to be as manic as last year's trade window, talk around this year's free agency and trade space is starting to build.
Here's who each club has been linked with so far in 2023.
The Crows haven't been heavily tied to targets this year outside of Essendon free agent Mason Redman, who re-signed with the Bombers on a new five-year deal last month to turn down Adelaide's advances. The West Lakes side could be shopping for a taller defender, given recent setbacks to trio Nick Murray, Jordon Butts and Tom Doedee, with the latter also no certainty of being at Adelaide next year as he weighs up his own options through free agency. Western Bulldogs utility Bailey Williams has also been raised as a potential target for the Crows.
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The Lions were among the clubs linked with GWS free agent Harry Himmelberg, who re-signed with the Giants until the end of 2029 in what was a major retention signing for the AFL's youngest club. The Lions are likely to be looking to add to their backline to support Harris Andrews and Jack Payne, with Marcus Adams' playing future still up in the air. Tom Doedee has been tied to the premiership contenders as a potential replacement for Adams.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR BRISBANE
Firmed as a key piece in this year's trade space, but more due to their battle to retain ruck-forward, Tom De Koning. Carlton was successful in staving off widespread interest in the 24-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal at Princes Park that will now take him to free agency. As far as targeted players, Saints free agent Jade Gresham has been tied to the Blues, with reports going as far as saying a move to Carlton looms as a likely outcome.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR CARLTON
Collingwood is in a peculiar position, with senior coach Craig McRae not shying away from the idea of only wanting to improve with each passing day. The Pies were among the clubs said to have lost out in the chase for young Port Adelaide defender Miles Bergman and GWS free agent Harry Himmelberg, while Power ruckman Scott Lycett's name has been floated this year. It could be a quieter off-season at Olympic Park as far as arrivals, with the premiership fancies potentially preparing to make a move for Gold Coast forward Ben King, who will come off-contract next year.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR COLLINGWOOD
Said to be supported with ample wiggle room in their budget, the Bombers have been tied to several big names through 2023. Their most important list move has also been ticked off, with Mason Redman recommitting long-term. The Bombers are seen as the favourite to secure North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay, while Demon James Jordon has also been tied to the Tullamarine club. Esva Ratugolea's name has been floated, but the fringe Cat isn't seen as likely to don the red sash, especially given the club's interest and position in securing McKay. Orazio Fantasia was murmured to be weighing up a potential return to Essendon; however, the small forward refuted the suggestion despite his future at Port Adelaide still being unknown. The Bombers were another club interested in Tom De Koning and Miles Bergman. Essendon is also expected to be among the clubs circling Ben King, likely preparing a move for 2024.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR ESSENDON
A quieter off-season is likely on the cards for the Dockers, who enter the off-season without their 2023 first-round selection. That hasn't stopped the Cockburn-based club from being linked with Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades, a Western Australian who has yet to confirm his future beyond this year. Bulldogs duo Aaron Naughton and Tim English are expected to be part of the Dockers' long-term plans, however, any move is likely to be delayed until next year.
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The Cats could be prepared to make a splash this year, with high-end talent strongly linked to the reigning premiers. Essendon free agent Darcy Parish has been tied to Geelong as part of a potential move closer to home, however, the gun Bomber is seen to be more likely to remain with the Dons. Similar can be said of contracted Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith, who Geelong is interested in. The Cats have also been named as interested suitors for Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy, with any move likely to come next year when he enters free agency. The Cats were another side hopeful of prying Tom De Koning out of Carlton and will likely be back in the hunt for the ruckman's services in two years' time.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR GEELONG
Another club that has been relatively quiet on the trade front, with Melbourne midfielder James Jordon the sole player linked with the Suns. Jordon is eligible as a free agent in 2023, given his expiring contract and previous delisting in 2020, with Melbourne deciding to re-sign the young onballer as a rookie. The Suns do have several players on their list who could be heading the other way, with the likes of Jeremy Sharp, Elijah Hollands, Sam Flanders and Brodie McLaughlin among those said to be gaining rival interest, while key forward Ben King.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR GOLD COAST
No rival players have been linked to the Giants yet, who could follow a similar trend to last year in prioritising in-house signings before looking elsewhere. All of Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Ash, Tom Green and Finn Callaghan have re-signed this season in what is one of the club's best years for retention in their short history. The Giants are seen as a potential mover for Pick 1 at the end of the year, potentially moving up in the draft queue to get to the front for the second time in as many years. GWS do hold Richmond's 2023 first-round selection as well as their own for this year and next, potentially presenting a lucrative package to Pick 1's holder.
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR GWS
The Hawks look to be sole suitors for multiple players this year, with West Coast goalsneak Liam Ryan and GWS forward Jake Riccardi both tied to Waverley, with no other club linked to the attacking pair. The Eagles have firmly believed that Ryan will be at West Coast for the final year of his contract in 2024, while the Giants are likely to have Riccardi as their next re-signing target after locking away Harry Himmelberg long-term. Contract Blues utility Zac Fisher, in-demand Geelong backman Esava Ratugolea and St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham have also been linked with the Hawks.
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Off-contract and in-form Fremantle forward Liam Henry was tied to the Demons early into the season, however reports matching the two parties together came amid uncertainty surrounding livewire Kysaiah Pickett at Melbourne. With Pickett signed, it'll be less likely that Henry makes his way to the Demons, with St Kilda seen as another Victorian club keen on his services. Melbourne is one of four clubs that have been linked to Gold Coast forward Ben King this year ahead of the final year of his contract.
The Roos' plans will likely depend on just how significant their list clean-out is this year, having been handed additional list spots for 2023 and now needing to trim back more players than most years. North Melbourne have already seen Aaron Hall and Jack Ziebell announce their retirements, while more could be on the way as Alastair Clarkson looks to refine his list. Perhaps the only name that has been tied to the Roos this year is Carlton's Zac Fisher, who is said to be weighing up his future after going out of favour at Ikon Park. North Melbourne could get busy through the trade window if they secure top-end draft compensation for free agent Ben McKay, which could help the Roos either strengthen their draft hand or add valued and experienced talent from elsewhere.
Port Adelaide looks to be among the clubs doing the most wheeling and dealing in 2023, with the Power hoping to fill a void in their defensive third and potentially bolster their ruck stocks for next season. Cat Esava Ratugolea is likely to find himself at Alberton in 2024 - a year after requesting a trade to the Power while under contract with Geelong. South Australian and off-contract Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is another who has been linked to the Power, as has Essendon target and North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay. Brodie Grundy has emerged as a trade target given his place at the Demons, while Bulldog Jordon Sweet is another player said to be on the Power's radar. Brisbane's Darcy Fort was floated as another ruck option for the Power, however the Lions tall turned down rival interest to remain in Queensland. Port Adelaide also missed out on the services of Demon Kysaiah Pickett.
After a busy off-season last year, the Tigers are looking at a quieter trade and free agency space in 2023. GWS swingman Harry Himmelberg was said to be on Rcihmond's radar before he re-signed with the Giants on a six-year extension. The Tigers will have several big list calls to make, with veterans Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt to weigh up retirement, while the likes of Hugo Ralphsmith and Ivan Soldo are said to be ones to watch this year.
Under the watch of Stephen Silvagni, the Saints could be ready to make moves and be more aggressive as Ross Lyon also prepares for his first trade window back at Moorabbin. Silvagni has missed out on luring Tom De Koning to Linton Street but is said to have another Blues player Paddy Dow potentially in his sights. The Saints also missed out on Port Adelaide backman Miles Bergman and are also seen to be among the pack chasing Ben King ahead of the final year of his deal. Fremantle forward Liam Henry has been tied with the Saints as he weighs up his future in WA. St Kilda have several of their own senior players still without a deal for next year, including free agent Jade Gresham.
The Swans' sights are reportedly firmly set on acquiring contracted West Coast defender Tom Barrass at the end of this year. John Longmire and Kinnear Beatson would be hoping to add to their defensive stocks in the off-season and might not do much better than the premiership Eagle, who could cost Sydney their first-round pick in exchange. Sydney was also tied to Harry Himmelberg and fellow free agent Ben McKay, but Barrass looms as their priority target. Melbourne midfielder James Jordon has also been linked with the Swans, while Tom De Koning was also touted as a target for the Bloods before he re-signed last month.
The Eagles will place a large focus on the draft this year, but will still be needing to build out their list with experienced talent. Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson and Hawthorn forward Tyler Brockman are among the names linked with West Coast this year, while the Eagles could have the capital to snatch Mitch Georgiades from Port Adelaide ahead of state rivals Fremantle. Western Bulldogs pair Tim English and Aaron Naughton are among the names likely to be in the sights of the Eagles for next year, however interest is said to be on the rise early. Richmond's Nathan Broad was another linked with the Eagles before he re-signed on a two-year deal in May.
The Dogs are among the quieter clubs regarding trade news this season, with no notable names attached to the Kennel so far in 2023. Luke Beveridge has had to address the future of contracted trio Bailey Smith, Aaron Naughton and Tim English this year amid external interest, while the likes of Jordon Sweet and Bailey Williams have been linked with potential moves back to South Australia. The Dogs will be weighing up their draft plans at the end of this year as they hold two first-round picks and will be looking to acquire the needed draft points to secure father-son selection and potential top 15 pick Jordan Croft.