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The ULTIMATE 2024 AFL trade and free agency guide

See who your team could add, lose or sign as well each club’s draft hand and more👇

Published by
Mitch Keating

The AFL's 2024 Trade Period and Free Agency windows are just days away, with all 18 clubs expected to be active in some shape or form.

Free agency will commence on Friday, October 4 and will run for a week, while the trade period will start on Monday, October 7 and will close on Wednesday, October 16.

Richmond, West Coast, GWS and Fremantle are among the clubs set to shape this year's player movement window, while there's no discounting any last-minute bombshells that could ensue.

In our ultimate trade guide for the 2024 off-season, we assess every club's potential gains and losses, their unsigned players and their current draft hand.

Adelaide

GWS flanker Isaac Cumming and Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen have both confirmed their desire to land at West Lakes this off-season, with the former to join the Crows as early as this week via free agency. Neal-Bullen could be a straightforward swap with the Demons for Adelaide's second-best selection - Pick 25 - which was ironically handed to the Crows from Melbourne last year. The Crows are also among the sides keen on GWS midfielder James Peatling, who has close to half the competition circling his services.

Free agent Elliott Himmelberg looks set for a return to Queensland by signing with the Suns, with the Crows in line to gain late compensation for his departure.

Potential Additions: Isaac Cumming, Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling
Potential Departures: Elliott Himmelberg
Off-Contract Players: Lachlan Gollant, William Hamill, Elliott Himmelberg, Ned McHenry, Patrick Parnell, Brodie Smith
Draft Picks: 4, 25, 42, 60 (3331 Points)

Brisbane

The Lions are facing a fairly quiet off-season as they continue to celebrate their premiership win, with all eyes on veteran forward Joe Daniher's future and whether he plays on in 2025. Should the champion attacker retire, then Brisbane may look to the key forward market. Delisted Carlton small forward Jack Martin has been linked to a potential Queensland return, while now ex-teammate Matt Owies is another option for Brisbane to consider.

Defender Jaxon Prior remains without a deal for 2025 and has been linked to Essendon, who could be keen on the medium-sized defender.

Potential Additions: Jack Martin, Matthew Owies
Potential Departures: Jaxon Prior, Joe Daniher
Off-Contract Players: Luke Beecken, Darcy Craven, Darragh Joyce, Kalin Lane, James Madden, Carter Michael, Jaxon Prior
Draft Picks: 18, 56, 69 (1228 Points)

Carlton

The Blues are expected to add GWS free agent Nick Haynes early into the signing window, with a move to come as early as this Friday. In-demand Port Adelaide defender Daniel Houston is on Carlton's radar, but whether the Blues are willing to stump up their top pick for November's draft to attain the All-Australian remains to be seen.

Carlton have permitted trio Matthew Owies, Matthew Kennedy and Lewis Young to look elsewhere this year, albeit the latter duo under contract for 2025.

Potential Additions: Nick Haynes, Daniel Houston
Potential Departures: Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, Lewis Young
Off-Contract Players: Jack Carroll, Matt Carroll, Sam Durdin, Cooper Lord, Matthew Owies
Draft Picks: 11, 31, 62, 65, 68 (2207 Points)

Collingwood

The Magpies are set to secure Harry Perryman via free agency on a six-year deal in what could be the only addition to Craig McRae's side. The 2023 premiers have turned their back on a potential move for Essendon's Jake Stringer, with their attention turning to Perryman late, with their play for the Giants utility a successful one. Teammate James Peatling has also been linked to Olympic Park, while Port Adelaide youngster Ollie Lord has garnered reported interest from the Magpies. Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson could be a player of interest and would be a cheap addition given his unrestricted free agency status.

Speedster Joe Richards is weighing up his future, with deals on the table from both Collingwood and Port Adelaide. The Magpies still have the likes of Reef McInnes, Nathan Kreuger and Charlie Dean without deals for 2025 also.

Potential Additions: Harry Perryman, James Peatling, Adam Tomlinson, Ollie Lord
Potential Departures: Joe Richards
Off-Contract Players: Jack Bytel, Charlie Dean, Joshua Eyre, Nathan Kreuger, Ned Long, Oleg Markov, Reef McInnes, Wil Parker, Joe Richards, Lachie Sullivan
Draft Picks: 33, 48, 51 (1124 Points)

Essendon

The Bombers' list plans have taken different shapes over the past months, with several mid-season targets either re-signed or pursuing moves elsewhere. The situation has seen Essendon express late interest in several fringe assets, with West Coast free agent and defender Josh Rotham linked. Brisbane's Jaxon Prior, who is of a similar build, is another name tied to Tullamarine. Hawthorn midfielder Finn Maginness also has reported interest from Essendon but is under contract, with the Bombers keen on some outside run.

Livewire Jake Stringer has gained interest from Sydney and GWS as he looks for a longer deal, but the scenario where he remains in the red and black remains alive. Defender Jayden Laverde is another contracted Bomber who could hit the open market, but a leading landing spot is yet to emerge.

Potential Additions: Josh Rotham, Finn Maginness, Jaxon Prior
Potential Departures: Jake Stringer, Jayden Laverde
Off-Contract Players: Jayden Davey, Will Setterfield, Sam Weideman
Draft Picks: 8, 28 (2228 Points)

Fremantle

A busy window for the Dockers could be set to open over the coming weeks, with the pick-loaded purple club hoping to secure at least one of Richmond's wantaway stars. Liam Baker looks more likely to land at West Coast as he seeks a return home, while Shai Bolton remains a chance to join Fremantle over the Eagles despite Andrew McQualter's appointment with West Coast. Collingwood speedster Joe Richards and Western Bulldogs midfielder Riley Garcia have been linked to the Dockers but are seen to have stronger suitors elsewhere. Cut Carlton livewire Jack Martin has interest from Fremantle but will also weigh up interest from Geelong and clubs in Queensland.

Potential Additions: Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Jack Martin
Potential Departures: -
Off-Contract Players: Tom Emmett, Odin Jones, Max Knobel
Draft Picks: 9, 10, 16, 27, 63 (4746 Points)

Geelong

The Cats are again making aggressive moves this off-season, with Western Bulldogs gun Bailey Smith expected to land at Kardinia Park after requesting a trade away from the Kennel. Geelong are also said to be meeting with contracted Melbourne star Clayton Oliver, who has garnered external interest for the second successive year. Delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin has found a suitor in Geelong, with Fremantle, Gold Coast and Brisbane also said to have some level of interest.

Potential Additions: Bailey Smith, Clayton Oliver, Jack Martin
Potential Departures: -
Off-Contract Players: Jed Bews, Ted Clohesy, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Joe Furphy, Jake Kolodjashnij, Rhys Stanley
Draft Picks: 15, 35, 53, 71 (1896 Points)

Gold Coast

The Suns could add more talent than what they're expected to lose this off-season, with the Damien Hardwick effect growing stronger. Ex-Tiger Daniel Rioli is seeking a move to Carrara and the Suns have the capital to please Richmond, while retired champion Dustin Martin's potential move north is in some doubt. Collingwood defender John Noble is keen to join the Suns while Adelaide free agent Elliott Himmelberg is likely to sign with Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent.

Himmelberg's arrival is anticipated to come as key forward Jack Lukosius plans to join Port Adelaide, with the Suns likely to gain a decent draft pick in return for the wantaway South Australian. Rory Atkins is said to be exploring his options but no suitor has emerged.

Potential Additions: Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin, John Noble, Elliott Himmelberg, Jack Martin, Matt Owies
Potential Departures: Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins
Off-Contract Players: Levi Casboult, Hewego Paul Oea, Alex Sexton, David Swallow
Draft Picks: 6, 12, 20, 26, 38, 46, 74 (5456 Points)

GWS

The Giants are showing late interest in Essendon's Jake Stringer, who is keen on a multi-year deal to extend his AFL career. The Swans are also eyeing Stringer who could help a contending club in 2025.

Most of GWS' business will come with their departing players, as several senior players are set to leave Sydney's west. Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and Nick Haynes will leave via free agency, while unsigned midfielder James Peatling has suitors queueing up for his services. Forward Conor Stone is also without a deal for next year and could find a new home, but may see a stronger chance of senior action with the aforementioned imminent exits. Wade Derksen is said to be seeking a move to Melbourne while Xavier O'Halloran has interest from the Western Bulldogs.

Potential Additions: Jake Stringer
Potential Departures: Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, Harry Perryman, James Peatling, Conor Stone, Xavier O'Halloran, Wade Derksen
Off-Contract Players: Isaac Cumming, Josh Fahey, Nick Haynes, Lachlan Keeffe, Adam Kennedy, James Peatling, Harry Perryman, Conor Stone
Draft Picks: 14, 34, 49, 52, 70 (2275 Points)

Hawthorn

The Hawks have managed to get their affairs in order already, with Tom Barrass and Josh Battle joining the club from West Coast and St Kilda respectively. While Battle will join as an unrestricted free agent, Barrass will cost the Hawks their first-round pick at the very least.

Their arrivals have sparked external intrigue from Sydney and St Kilda for contracted backman Sam Frost, who is still viewed as a required player at Bunjil Bagora. Midfielder Finn Maginness has interest from circling clubs and could look elsewhere for better opportunities in the brown and gold.

Potential Additions: Tom Barrass, Josh Battle
Potential Departures: Finn Maginness, Sam Frost
Off-Contract Players: Joshua Bennetts, Denver Grainger-Barras, Harry Morrison, Jack O'Sullivan, Ethan Phillips
Draft Picks: 13, 30, 67, 73 (1919 Points)

Melbourne

The Demons aren't looking to land big-name stars but they do seem to be a bust side this off-season, with GWS swingman Wade Derksen a likely arrival via the trade period. Derksen's teammate James Peatling has reported interest from Melbourne as he weighs up his future, while cut St Kilda ruckman Tom Campbell could strengthen the Demons' ruck stocks as a delisted free agent. Port Adelaide tall Ollie Lord is said to have interest from Melbourne and Collingwood but is most likely to remain at Alberton Oval.

The Demons will see premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen return to South Australia via a move to Adelaide over the coming weeks, while senior defender Adam Tomlinson could find a new home via free agency if a keen suitor emerges. Midfielder Clayton Oliver has again emerged as a player of interest to rival clubs, with Geelong reportedly speaking with the four-time best and fairest winner.

Potential Additions: Wade Derksen, James Peatling, Tom Campbell, Ollie Lord, Matt Owies
Potential Departures: Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver, Adam Tomlinson
Off-Contract Players: Marty Hore, Joel Smith, Adam Tomlinson
Draft Picks: 5, 37, 45, 50, 61 (3116 Points)

North Melbourne

The Roos have not hidden from the fact they're keen to add experience to their emerging list, with West Coast veteran Jack Darling already confirmed to make the venture to Arden Street in 2024. Sydney's Luke Parker is likely to follow suit despite also being under contract for next year, while Western Bulldogs utility Caleb Daniel could land at the Kangaroos should he wish to leave the Kennel. Port Adelaide's Dan Houston is another target for North Melbourne, who are reportedly open to parting with their future first-round pick to attain the two-time All-Australian.

Potential Additions: Daniel Houston, Jack Darling, Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel
Potential Departures: -
Off-Contract Players: Blake Drury, Cooper Harvey, Charlie Lazzaro
Draft Picks: 2, 22, 40, 58, 64 (4062 Points)

Port Adelaide

The Power are in line to secure former Pick 2 selection Jack Lukosius this trade period, with the Suns forward potentially costing Port Adelaide their future first-round pick. That draft capital could be made up for with the departure of Dan Houston, who has interest from Collingwood, Carlton, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Magpie Joe Richards has an offer on the table from the Power, while Western Australian Riley Garcia could opt for a move to Port Adelaide over staying with the Bulldogs.

Houston and ruckman Ivan Soldo have both requested trades to Victoria and are likely to leave, but the Power will stand firm if deals for the contracted pair don't appease the club. Senior defender Tom Clurey has reported interest from West Coast, while young forward Ollie Lord has interest from Victoria but will likely be help to his contract.

Potential Additions: Joe Richards, Jack Lukosius, Riley Garcia
Potential Departures: Daniel Houston, Ivan Soldo, Tom Clurey, Ollie Lord
Off-Contract Players: Travis Boak, Francis Evans, Hugh Jackson, Kyle Marshall, Trent McKenzie, Quinton Narkle, Thomas Scully
Draft Picks: 36, 54 (722 Points)

Richmond

The Tigers shape as arguably the most pivotal club in this year's trade space, with star players all seeking moves across the country. Liam Baker is weighing up a move to WA, with West Coast viewed as the better chance over Fremantle. The Dockers are keen on Shai Bolton, who could net the Tigers multiple first-round picks, while Daniel Rioli might pocket Richmond Pick 6 from the Suns as he eyes a move north. Midfielder Jack Graham could depart via free agency and would net the Punt Road club compensation to further add to their draft hand.

Potential Additions: -
Potential Departures: Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli, Jack Graham
Off-Contract Players: Liam Baker, Mate Colina, Matt Coulthard, Noah Cumberland, Thomson Dow, Jack Graham, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Kamdyn McIntosh
Draft Picks: 1, 21, 29, 39, 41, 47, 57, 66, 72 (5986 Points)

St Kilda

The Saints are seen as a likely landing spot for Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo, who is eyeing a return to Victoria after swapping Richmond for Port Adelaide 12 months ago. Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae has reportedly requested a trade away from the Kennel and is most keen to join the Saints, who have been linked to key defenders Sam Frost and Adam Tomlinson.

That interest follows the confirmed departure of Josh Battle to Hawthorn, while unsigned pair Jack Hayes and Tim Membrey could have suitors too as they remain without deals for 2025.

Potential Additions: Ivan Soldo, Jack Macrae, Sam Frost, Adam Tomlinson
Potential Departures: Josh Battle, Jack Hayes, Tim Membrey
Off-Contract Players: Josh Battle, Jack Hayes, Olli Hotton, Dougal Howard, Zak Jones, Tim Membrey, Liam O'Connell, Ben Paton
Draft Picks: 7, 24, 43 (2807 Points)

Sydney

The Swans have been linked to Essendon veteran Jake Stringer as they now map out plans to go a step further in 2025. Stringer, who is keen on securing a multi-year deal, could be a catalyst in Sydney as a lively addition to their front half. Hawthorn defender Sam Frost has also been named as a player of interest for Sydney as they look to bolster their backline.

Former captain Luke Parker is expected to land at North Melbourne this trade period, while former first-round pick Jacob Konstanty could find a new home as he remains without a new contract and shouldn't be short of suitors.

Potential Additions: Jake Stringer, Sam Frost
Potential Departures: Luke Parker, Jacob Konstanty
Off-Contract Players: Harry Arnold, Jack Buller, Aaron Francis, Tom Hanily, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Lachlan McAndrew, Caleb Mitchell, Cooper Vickery
Draft Picks: 17, 19, 55 (2180 Points)

West Coast

With the appointment of Andrew McQualter as coach now confirmed, the Eagles can ramp up their list plans. The arrival of the former Richmond assistant could be the difference in their pursuit of Tigers duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham, who are both weighing up moves west. Western Bulldogs midfielder Riley Garcia and Carlton youngster Jack Carroll also have interest from the Eagles as they potentially return to WA, while contracted Brisbane onballer Deven Robertson could again be a player of interest after falling out of favour at the Lions this year. Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey could fill a spot in McQualter's backline pecking order, while the Eagles are one of several clubs keen on in-demand GWS midfielder James Peatling.

Trade requests from both Jack Darling and Tom Barrass have been confirmed by the Eagles, with the premiership pair to join North Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively. Defender Josh Rotham has been made to wait until after the trade period concludes to understand if he'll secure a new deal, with Essendon circling the unrestricted free agent.

Potential Additions: Jack Graham, Liam Baker, Riley Garcia, Deven Robertson, Jack Carroll, Tom Clurey, James Peatling, Matt Owies
Potential Departures: Jack Darling, Tom Barrass, Josh Rotham
Off-Contract Players: Coby Burgiel, Jai Culley, Luke Edwards, Josh Rotham, Alex Witherden
Draft Picks: 3, 23, 59 (3207 Points)

Western Bulldogs

The Dogs are one of the four Victorian clubs most keen on Port Adelaide's Dan Houston, with the Footscray-based side likely requiring additional draft capital before being able to satisfy the Power in a trade deal. Fringe GWS ball winner Xavier O'Halloran is also in the sights of the Bulldogs as they look for midfield depth.

That interest comes as Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae seek moves elsewhere, while Riley Garcia remains unsigned for 2025 and is also in the sights of others. Smith should pocket first-round draft access for the Dogs, which could be forwarded onto the Power along with other picks for Houston. Premiership utility Caleb Daniel is weighing up his future and has a potential suitor in North Melbourne.

Potential Additions: Daniel Houston, Xavier O'Halloran
Potential Departures: Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Riley Garcia
Off-Contract Players: Charlie Clarke, Riley Garcia, Jason Johannisen, Alex Keath, Bailey Smith
Draft Picks: 32, 44 (946 Points)

Published by
Mitch Keating