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Trade expected for Essendon forward, another Richmond gun linked to move, in-demand Giant’s preference revealed: AFL trade news wrap

Read up on all of the latest trade news from across the AFL.

Published by
Mitch Keating

The AFL trade rumour mill is picking up pace with less than a month until the player movement period officially opens.

Dustin Martin's name is back in trade circles, while it's been a busy period for North Melbourne as the Roos look to add some experience to their emerging list.

An Essendon forward is expected to secure a move elsewhere, while an in-demand GWS onballer has spoken on his desire for 2025.

Here's all the latest trade news and rumours from the past week in the AFL.

Retired Dusty in talks with Suns

Despite his announced retirement, Dustin Martin's potential move to the Gold Coast Suns is said to be gaining momentum after the champion Tiger held talks with the Queensland club recently.

Multiple reports have revealed Martin is in discussions with the Suns over a potential move to Carrara, an outcome that some have long expected.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 09 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Martin's potential move north would see the three-time Norm Smith Medal winner reunite with former coach Damien Hardwick, with any deal to come via next month's free agency window.

STORY: MARTIN'S MOVE NORTH BACK ON THE CARDS

Stringer's days at Essendon numbered

Essendon livewire Jake Stringer is said to have informed teammates that he's not expecting to be in the red and black in 2025.

Stringer reached a trigger with the Bombers for next season but is said to be keen on securing a longer deal, one which the club has said he'd need to find elsewhere.

According to AFL.com.au, Collingwood has emerged as a club of interest as Stringer prepares to depart Tullamarine.

MORE: STRINGER REPORTEDLY EXPECTING TRADE MOVE

Roos in talks with Swans veteran

North Melbourne and contracted Swans midfielder Luke Parker have reportedly held talks over a potential move to Arden Street for the Sydney premiership player.

Parker is said to be open to a move elsewhere this off-season after an up-and-down season that has been interrupted due to injury and suspension.

With the Roos keen on adding experience to their list, the Victorian club has reportedly held talks with Parker as they plan to lure him to Arden Street, per The Age.

West Coast's Jack Darling is another veteran who has been tied to the Roos.

STORY: PARKER, NORTH MELBOURNE STEP CLOSER TO AGREEMENT 

Dogs duo request trades

Western Bulldogs midfielders Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae have lodged requests to be traded this off-season.

Smith's request comes as his deal comes to an end, with Geelong viewed as the most likely landing spot for the former Pick 7 selection.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Jack Macrae of the Bulldogs is tackled by Liam Duggan of the Eagles during the 2023 AFL Round 23 match between the Western Bulldogs and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on August 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Macrae is said to have also requested a move away from the Kennel, per AFL.com.au, and has not chosen a desired club. He is contracted until the end of 2027.

READ: MACRAE, SMITH SEEK MOVES AFTER SEASON ENDS

Gold Coast turn attention to Crows free agent

Adelaide tall Elliott Himmelberg has reportedly garnered interest from the Gold Coast Suns.

Himmelberg is an unrestricted free agent and had attempted to secure a move to GWS in 2023 before being held to the final year of his contract at West Lakes.

Now, according to 9 News' Tom Morris, Himmelberg could venture back to Queensland via free agency as the Suns show interest.

STORY: SUNS LINKED TO ADELAIDE TALL

North place top pick on table for AA gun

North Melbourne have reportedly placed their future first-round selection on the trade table in a bid to lure Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston to Arden Street.

Houston has held talks with Collingwood, St Kilda, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs already, with the Blues viewed as his preferred landing spot while the Saints' interest is said to have cooled since, per AFL.com.au.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Dan Houston of Port Adelaide warms up prior to the round four AFL match between Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 08, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

With most suitors likely unable to match the demands the Power will seek in any deal for Houston, the Roos are said to be ready to part with their opening selection for the 2025 AFL Draft.

READ: ROOS MAKE MOVE FOR HOUSTON

Collingwood keen on Pick 12 in Noble negotiations

The reigning premiers are said to be attempting to have Gold Coast's Pick 12 included in a deal that would see John Noble head to the Suns this trade period.

Noble has requested a move away from the Magpies and is said to be keen on landing at the Suns, who have a riches of picks for November's AFL Draft.

Among those selections is Pick 12, which is said to have caught the eye of Collingwood, per AFL.com.au, however the Magpies are likely required to stump up more than just Noble if they want to return to the first round of this year's draft.

MORE: PIES' ASKING PRICE FOR WANTAWAY DEFENDER REVEALED 

Peatling comments on future as four clubs chase

Unsigned GWS youngster James Peatling has expressed his desire to remain in the orange and charcoal beyond this year.

The Giants onballer has gained interest from West Coast, Melbourne, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs so far this season as he weighs up his future.

Speaking to SEN this week, Peatling made his preference known, hoping to have a new deal with GWS for 2025 and beyond.

READ: IN-DEMAND GIANT'S PREFERENCE REVEALED

Cut Saint keen to find new club

Delisted St Kilda veteran Seb Ross remains open to continuing his AFL career after leaving the Saints.

While Ross' delisting came as no surprise to the two-time best and fairest winner, he sees no certainty in finding a new home for the 2025 season.

Seb Ross and Nick Daicos during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Ross was one of five Saints players not to be offered a new contract, with the midfielder the most experienced and arguably the most valuable of the cut quintet.

MORE: ROSS READY FOR ANOTHER CHANCE AFTER ST KILDA DELISTING 

Suns gun signs massive new deal following rival interest

Gold Coast have nailed their latest retention target, with exciting key position talent Mac Andrew re-signing through to the end of 2030.

That deal is said to include a four-year games trigger that would see him land the longest deal in the game through to the 2034 window.

Andrew's re-signing comes after reportedly strong interest from Hawthorn, while other Victorian clubs were said to be keen on the former Pick 5 selection.

STORY: BIG MAC'S BIG NEW DEAL AFTER HAWKS CHASE

Carlton delist five as Dockers circle small forward

The Blues decided against offering new deals to five players this week, with small forward Jack Martin among them.

Martin could find a new home as a delisted free agent, with Fremantle and clubs in Queensland said to be keen on the injury-riddled attacker.

David Cuningham, Caleb Marchbank, Domanic Akuei and Alex Mirkov were also delisted by Carlton.

MORE: BLUES CULL QUINTET FOLLOWING 2024 SEASON 

Published by
Mitch Keating