2024 Trade News & Rumours

UPDATED: The players your team has been linked to in 2024 – AFL trade news

Read up on the names each club has been tied to so far this year👇

Published by
Mitch Keating

With under a month left before the AFL's trade and free agency windows open, it's safe to assume fans are yet to see this year's player movement rumour mill in full spin.

The past few weeks alone have been brimming with fresh trade news and speculation as clubs toward the bottom of the competition begin to place their attention on list management planning.

Some players have been tied to potential moves elsewhere for what seems like the whole season, while new names are beginning to emerge as recent years have shown an increase in the number of contracted players who find new clubs.

With clubs keeping tabs on a host of rival players and their interest set to ramp up over the coming weeks, we've looked at the players every AFL team has been linked to this year who are still potentially up for grabs.

Adelaide

The Crows have flagged they plan to be aggressive this year as they take the next step in their list build under Matthew Nicks, with a larger focus on the trade and free agency levers likely.

The Crows have been tied to GWS free agents Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman this year and are seen as a leading chance for the former, while Perryman has other suitors in Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.

One named Adelaide will have their hands on is Melbourne forward Alex Neal-Bullen, who has requested a trade to the Crows for family reasons.

Gold Coast's Jack Lukosius is another in Adelaide's sights, with the Suns tall said to have been given permission to explore opportunities elsewhere. The South Australian has reportedly met with Nicks as he weighs up his future.

Lukosius' teammate Malcolm Rosas is in a similar position and is said to have some level of interest from the Crows too.

Melbourne tall Harry Petty has turned down the chance of returning to South Australia this year after earning strong interest from the Crows in 2023, while former Adelaide star Patrick Dangerfield was quick to pour cold water on rumours suggesting his old club had some interest in luring him back to West Lakes earlier this year.

Brisbane

All is quiet on the Lions' front, having managed to stave off high levels of rival interest in free agent pairing Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry to retain the midfield duo.

The Victorians are now inked to deals until the end of 2031 and 2029, while sidelined defender Keidean Coleman penned an extension until the end of 2027 this year also.

Small forward Charlie Cameron signed a three-year extension despite having a year to run on his deal, now locked in at the Lions until the end of 2028.

Brisbane's off-season focus will circle around attaining the needed picks to match bids for father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft, who could go Pick 1, and Academy talent Sam Marshall, who is firming as a first-round draft chance also, at this year's AFL Draft.

Delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin has been mentioned as a potential option for the Lions, with the cut Blues speedster in the sights of both Queensland clubs and Fremantle following his Princes Park exit.

Carlton

Carlton are said to be the likely landing spot for GWS veteran Nick Haynes, who will swap NSW for Princes Park as an unrestricted free agent.

Haynes' move south will bring some extra depth to Carlton's rearguard, with the Blues also linked with Essendon stopper Jayden Laverde as well, however he is under contract.

Melbourne star Christian Petracca was tied to the Blues before he affirmed his future at the Demons following weeks of speculation.

Port Adelaide's Dan Houston is another who has been linked to the Blues and could reunite with former assistant Michael Voss.

Carlton reportedly had some interest in Sydney free agent Will Hayward, who turned his back on the open market to remain in the red and white.

But the Blues' list focus will mostly be directed internally, with Matt Owies headlining the list of players still unsigned at Princes Park for 2025.

Carlton might not have the flexibility in their salary cap to compete with rival offers, likely due to their successful signing spree in recent years to have all of Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Sam Walsh pen long-term deals.

A priority over the next year will be the retention of vice-captain Jacob Weitering and ruckman Tom De Koning, who are both off-contract in 2025.

Collingwood

A key defender looks to be a likely area of focus for the reigning premiers, who have been tied to Crow Mark Keane, contracted West Coast tall Tom Barrass and St Kilda free agent Josh Battle over the course of the year.

Collingwood have fallen short for both Barrass and Battle, who will join Hawthorn this off-season.

Their interest in Keane, who is said to have had some interest in heading back to Victoria, has also fallen short, with the Irishman inking a new deal at West Lakes.

Western Bulldogs pair Bailey Smith and Rory Lobb have also been tied to Collingwood in 2024, with the former seen more likely to land at Hawthorn or Geelong, while Lobb's future is a watch after finding himself a role in defence after being viewed as a strong chance to depart the Kennel.

Essendon livewire Jake Stringer has garnered reported interest from the Magpies, but a move remains no certainty.

Young midfielders are also in Collingwood's sights, with unsigned Giant James Peatling, contracted Bomber Ben Hobbs and Suns ball-winner Alex Davies also linked to the Magpies.

Essendon

The Bombers have been in the market for small forwards in 2024, having been tied to both Ben Ainsworth and Tyson Stengle before the pair turned down the opportunity to pursue free agency.

Collingwood speedster Joe Richards has also been tied to Essendon as he remains unsigned at Olympic Park, but the Bombers' potential interest in a crafty attacker in the trade market may have decreased as the AFL eased restrictions on NGA access for this year's AFL Draft, meaning highly-rated forward Isaac Kako should be a Bomber by the end of the year and could fill the void the club is searching for.

GWS free agent Harry Perryman is still off-contract and has been linked to Essendon, however, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide are seen as more likely landing spots, while the Giants remain right in the mix.

Harley Reid's name has been raised as a player of interest to the Bombers, who will be one of 10 Victorian clubs keeping tabs on the teenage sensation throughout his time with West Coast.

Fremantle

The Dockers are loaded with a trio of first-round draft picks and could be prepared to part ways with all three selections if it lands with star rival talent who can immediately strengthen their premiership pursuit for the coming years.

WA duo Liam Baker and Shai Bolton have both been tied to the Dockers, despite the latter being signed to Richmond until the end of 2028. Both players have requested trades back home, and all three of Fremantle's top picks could satisfy the Tigers, who look likely to lose Baker to either the Dockers or Eagles.

Melbourne livewire Kysaiah Pickett is another said to be assessing a potential WA return, with Fremantle viewed as his preferred destination, but it's most likely he remains with the Demons.

Forwards Joe Richards and Jack Martin remain off-contract at Collingwood and Carlton respectively and have been linked to the Dockers, while GWS defender Isaac Cumming has also been tied to the Cockburn club ahead of his decision.

Geelong

The Cats are viewed as the front-runners for uncontracted Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith amid a two-horse race for the former Pick 7 selection, who has missed the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury sustained late last year.

Looking to bolster their engine room, the Cats are likely to part with a first-round pick to secure the services of Smith, who would lead Chris Scott's midfield for the next decade alongside the likes of Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn.

Hawthorn is also said to be interested in Smith and could offer a better selection to satisfy the Dogs. However, it will be Smith's call given his expiring contract.

Jack Macrae is another wantaway Bulldog who has been tied to the Cats, but a second deal between the two clubs looks less likely.

Off-contract Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is another name tied to the Kardinia Park club.

West Coast forward Jake Waterman is said to be in the sights of both Geelong and Melbourne while being under contract at West Coast, with a move to a second club unlikely for the breakout forward.

Gold Coast

Richmond defender Daniel Rioli has requested to be traded to the Suns despite having a deal with the Tigers until 2027.

Rioli would cost the Suns draft capital in a trade, which they'll be open to parting with as they look to get their ducks in order to attain this year's leading Suns Academy prospect, Leonardo Lombard.

Collingwood's John Noble has also requested a trade and is expected to make a move to Carrara this off-season.

GWS free agent Isaac Cumming is another who has been linked to the Suns as a back flank option but looks unlikely to flock north.

Speculation on the future of retired Tiger Dustin Martin has re-ignited following reports he's spoken with the club over a potential move to Carrara. Martin is a free agent and can walk to the Suns with no resistance from Richmond.

Former Suns forward Jack Martin is also said to be linked to the club, with Brisbane and Fremantle also keen on the delisted Blues forward.

Adelaide free agent Elliott Himmelberg could also venture back to Queensland as a free agency acquisition for Gold Coast.

GWS

Like cross-town rivals Sydney, the Giants don't look to be too aggressive in the trade space this year, having managed to settle most of their key internal list objectives already to set themselves up for the future.

Lachie Ash (2027), Jesse Hogan (2026) and Sam Taylor (2032) have re-signed this year, the latter being a major retention target for the New South Wales side.

The Giants' current focus will be to retain free agent pairing Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming, who have strong interest from elsewhere this year.

The club hasn't ruled out a move for Elliott Himmelberg, who was seeking a trade to the Giants in 2023 and is now eligible for free agency.

Hawthorn

Sam Mitchell flagged last year that 2024 would be the year the Hawks would ramp up their focus on acquiring experienced talent, and they haven't messed around this season.

Playing a brand of football that is sure to attract any player weighing up their options for the future, Mitchell has helped lead the club's recruitment planning this year by getting on the front foot and talking with players of interest.

That list includes West Coast defender Tom Barrass, GWS defender Harry Perryman and St Kilda backman Josh Battle, with Hawthorn only needing to trade for Barrass among the three.

Both Barrass and Battle have confirmed their desire to land at Waverley this off-season, significantly bolstering Mitchell's backline.

Barrass could cost the Hawks more than a first-round pick, but pursuits for Battle and Perryman will leave the Hawks with a stronger draft hand going forward.

Melbourne

Reports surrounding contracted Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston's potential desire to return to Victoria suggested Melbourne were viewed as the leading suitor for the All-Australian.

But with Houston changing his tune, the Demons have been forced to look elsewhere.

Having lost Angus Brayshaw ahead of this season, Houston was a suitable replacement option for 2025 and beyond, however would've cost the club a pair of first-round picks.

St Kilda free agent Josh Battle was said to be of interest to the Demons, but he will join Hawthorn, while West Coast's Harry Edwards was another key defender who was tied to the Demons but has since re-sign with the Eagles.

GWS half-back Isaac Cumming is said to be in Melbourne's sights, while Eagles forward Jake Waterman had reported interest from the Demons but is contracted at West Coast for the next 12 months.

Giants midfielder James Peatling is another name linked to the Demons in 2024, but he too has plenty of other suitors, while another in Wade Derksen has reported interest from the Demons.

North Melbourne

Melbourne hard-nut Jack Viney was linked to Arden Street before re-signing with Melbourne.

The Roos were reported to have interest in Port Adelaide veteran Ollie Wines, Richmind's Nathan Broad and Geelong free agent Jack Henry, but all three have committed to their respective sides too.

Wines knocked back any thought of a move back to Victoria after North Melbourne's interest was revealed earlier this year, with the Brownlow Medal winner having another two years to run on his contract.

North Melbourne's trade window could consist of adding experienced talent to their list, with West Coast forward Jack Darling and Sydney's Luke Parker linked to the club and expected to land at Arden Street.

The Kangaroos are among the clubs linked to Port Adelaide's Dan Houston also.

Port Adelaide

The Power have looked to be aggressive where possible this year, with targets Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward among the club's list of reported targets in 2024 before they signed extensions at their respective clubs.

There are still a few names who are unsigned for next year that have been on Port Adelaide's radar, with GWS pair Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming both linked to the Alberton club.

Bulldogs midfielder Riley Garcia and Collingwood forward Joe Richards are said to be in the sights of the Power also and could flock to South Australia for better opportunities at AFL level, with the latter said to have a four-year deal on offer from Port Adelaide.

Suns tall Jack Lukosius could see the Power as an ideal landing spot as he weighs up his future, while fellow Croweater Alex Neal-Bullen has elected Adelaide as his preferred destination.

Fremantle wingman Nathan O'Driscoll is another who has been tied to the Power as he faces an uncertain future at the Dockers.

Richmond

As busy as the off-season is predicted to be for the Tigers, there hasn't been much to suggest they'll be bringing in talent through trade and free agency avenues.

All of Liam Baker, Jack Graham, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli could leave, meaning the Tigers could enter the draft period with a hand that includes close to six first-round draft selections and many more within the top 30-40.

Their strong draft hand could be used to bring in talent from elsewhere that could be gettable and would suit their needs before the end of the trade period.

Essendon's Ben Hobbs is one name linked to Punt Road, however he has a deal with the Bombers beyond this year.

St Kilda

Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel was again rumoured to be in the sights of the Saints after the two parties were tied last year before no move evolved, but the club's interest in the ex-Giant is said to have cooled.

Bombers backman Jayden Laverde is another who has been linked to St Kilda, while off-contract Demon Adam Tomlinson is a key defensive option also.

Essendon skipper Zach Merrett is reportedly in the Saints' sights, but it would take something extraordinary to pry the star midfielder out of Tullamarine.

Wantaway Bulldog Jack Macrae is another onballer tied to the Saints, who are said to have cooled their interest in Port Adelaide's Dan Houston.

GWS midfielder James Peatling has interest from the Saints this year also.

The Saints shut down suggestions they tabled a monster long-term deal to Carlton star Jacob Weitering ahead of his free agency year, however, the Moorabbin club are likely to be keen on the key defender this time next year should he be unsigned beyond 2025.

North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke is in a similar position and is sure to be of interest to the Saints over the next year.

Sydney

There's no surprise the Swans haven't been tied to many players of note this year given how successful they have been in re-signing their own star players.

Having all of Will Hayward, Logan McDonald, Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom and Oliver Florent locked away seemed like a long shot early into the season, but the Swans managed to tick each one off one by one.

Essendon gun Jake Stringer has been linked to the Swans, but a move looks less likely.

The Swans' attention now turns to securing gun onballer Chad Warner to a new deal, with the Western Australian off-contract next year and expected to be of interest to WA clubs.

West Coast

The Eagles are hoping to lure several local products west, with Richmond premiership gun Liam Baker potentially the leading target for West Coast.

It may be difficult for the Perth club to satisfy the Tigers in a trade deal without giving up or splitting their current top-three draft selection, something the Eagles are perhaps unwilling to do.

Baker's teammate Jack Graham is said to be a strong chance to land at the Eagles via free agency in a move that could persuade Baker to pick West Coast over Fremantle should he depart.

Another Tiger in Shai Bolton is also eyeing a move to WA, but Fremantle could be the frontrunner should he depart Richmond.

West Coast free agent Tim English was another big fish tied to the Eagles before he re-signed at the Kennel.

Carlton midfield-forward Jack Carroll and Western Bulldogs youngster Riley Garcia have also been linked to the Eagles this year, as has GWS midfielder James Peatling.

Contracted Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey is said to have interest from the Eagles as they prepare to lose Tom Barrass to Hawthorn.

Western Bulldogs

The Dogs were one of several clubs who ended last year with a list of in-house re-signings set as a priority for the following 12 months, and they've managed to all of their big-name targets to recommit.

Key forwards Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Tim English Aaron Naughton turned down rival interest to re-sign for the long term, while Lachie Bramble (2025), Jedd Busslinger (2026), Harvey Gallagher (2026), Tom Liberatore (2025), Cody Weightman (2027) and Rhylee West (2026) have also re-signed along the way.

Midfielder Bailey Smith is set to depart come the trade period, with Geelong his expected landing spot. Fellow onballer Jack Macrae also wants out but has no leading suitor.

Port Adelaide's Dan Houston is eyeing a move to Victoria, with the Dogs among several clubs keen.

The Dogs had placed some attention toward West Coast tall Tom Barrass but he join Hawthorn come the trade period.

Published by
Mitch Keating