With the end of the home and away season nigh, plenty of teams will already have their eyes on the off-season and the AFL Draft, where they will have a chance to improve their playing list and fill holes ahead of next season.
Plenty of trade rumours have already started to circulate, so let’s investigate some of the trade rumours flying around and consider the possibility of some of the moves that have been mooted just a few weeks out from finals.
Michael Hibberd to Melbourne: Likely
The Bombers are trying desperately to hold onto Hibberd, but as time passes, he appears more and more likely to join the Demons.
However, there will be a lot of work to be done on the trade table, with Essendon traditionally tough negotiators.
Hayden Ballantyne to West Coast: Unlikely
It would almost be the perfect scenario; widely hated Fremantle Dockers forward Hayden Ballantyne driving the only supporter base in the league with any love for him at all to hate him the most, by joining arch rivals the West Coast Eagles.
But just how realistic is this scenario of playing out? Reportedly, Ballantyne is keen to get it across the line. But he is under contract until 2017, meaning West Coast would need to part with some high picks for the 29-year-old. I don’t see it. But if he is as keen to leave the Dockers as reported, he may be on his way to another rival club.
Bradley Hill to Fremantle: Likely
For what seems like the length of the season this has been discussed as a possibility – Bradley Hill moving back home to Western Australia to play with his brother Stephen at Fremantle.
It is inevitable that the Hawks will be losing some of their premiership core in the next few years, and even with how poorly the Dockers have played this year, this one is likely to eventuate.
Cam McCarthy to Fremantle: Likely
This move appears as likely as any, with CamMcCarthy having long desired a move back to WA to combat his homesickness.
Having been on personal leave from the Giants all year back in Perth, it appears unlikely he will again be denied a move back home, and it could not come at a better time for Freo, desperately in search of any silver lining they can get to 2016.
Michael Walters to Greater Western Sydney: Likely
With Cam McCarthy more than likely heading west, and the terrible year Fremantle fans have been treated to, it could very well be that a number of players may be on the move from the purple haze at season’s end.
One of those could be Michael Walters – around the calibre of player Greater Western Sydney would request in return for a talent like McCarthy. I would not be at all surprised if Fremantle were happy to pay it.