The 2023 AFL season is heating up, but players are already beginning to weigh up their futures beyond the year’s end. Here’s a roundup of the latest AFL trade rumours.
For a full list of free agents and out of contract players, check out our list here.
Adelaide Crows
Matt Crouch – No trade was forthcoming at the end of 2022 despite the 2017 All-Australian falling badly out of favour under Matthew Nicks. Is out of contract at season’s end and looks almost certain to depart, but offers appear thin on the ground, though has enjoyed an excellent end to the season having forced his way back into the senior team.
Tom Doedee – A restricted free agent, the Crows’ vice-captain has been linked to Brisbane as well as several other clubs. Is currently recuperating from a ruptured ACL.
Brisbane Lions
Darcy Fort – Has attracted interest from Port Adelaide after being stuck behind Oscar McInerney in Brisbane’s ruck pecking order and only occasionally playing when the Lions opt for two rucks.
Carlton Blues
Paddy Dow – Out of contract and having fallen well down the midfield pecking order in 2023, Dow’s VFL dominance will likely see him explore options elsewhere for a second start at the highest level.
Jack Silvagni – Will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, but has found himself on the outer at times in 2023, which could prompt a move elsewhere. Reports have suggested the Blues will not offer him a contract extension at season’s end.
Collingwood Magpies
Trent Bianco – Has managed just one senior game at the Magpies in 2023, but prolific VFL form has seen him attract interest from rival clubs. Is without a contract for 2024.
Jack Ginnivan – Having been in and out of the Magpies team in 2023 after an excellent 2022, has been linked with the Western Bulldogs.
Ash Johnson – In and out of the Pies’ team at times in 2023, the mobile forward has attracted some interest from rival clubs, and is out of contract at season’s end.
Essendon Bombers
Darcy Parish – Will be a restricted free agent at season’s end and has attracted interest from Geelong in particular.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher – Having become a lock in the Bombers’ best 22, the injury-prone key defender has become a player to watch for several teams.
Fremantle Dockers
Sean Darcy – Will be a restricted free agent at the end of 2024 and offers are already coming in, with reports suggesting Geelong have offered a five-year deal worth $1 million per season. However, the Dockers remain confident the star ruckman, who hails from Cobden in Victoria’s south-west, will re-sign with them.
Liam Henry – Out of contract at season’s end and has attracted interest, especially amid a career-best form spike playing on the wing.
Geelong Cats
Brandan Parfitt – Has fallen down the Cats’ midfield pecking order in the last two seasons and appears likely to seek a fresh start next year.
Esava Ratugolea – Has forced his way into Geelong’s best 22 for much of the season as an intercepting key defender, but is again being courted by Port Adelaide. Out of contract at season’s end, but the Cats fought hard to keep him from the Power at the end of 2022 and are expected to do so again.
Gold Coast Suns
Caleb Graham – The key defender is contracted until the end of 2026, but has fallen out of favour this season and has attracted interest.
Ben King – Is once again a person of interest for rival clubs, but is expected to not seek a trade until the end of his contract in 2024. However, Collingwood lead a long list of suitors trying to lure the key forward back to Victoria.
Brodie McLaughlin – A pre-season supplementary selection yet to debut, McLaughlin has reportedly become a person of interest for several clubs, having dominated the VFL in 2022 for Frankston.
GWS Giants
Matt Flynn – Has fallen behind Kieren Briggs in the Giants’ ruck pecking order. Is out of contract at season’s end and may seek a trade elsewhere.
Jake Riccardi– Has established himself in the Giants’ best 22 in 2023, but is out of contract at season’s end and is being monitored closely.
Lachie Whitfield – Tied to GWS until the end of 2027, but with the club still reportedly suffering salary cap issues, has become a trade target due to his heavily back-ended contract. Is more likely to stay than leave, however.
Hawthorn Hawks
Chad Wingard – Out of contract at season’s end but revitalised his career with an excellent month towards the end of the season. However, ruptured his Achilles in Round 22 and faces 12 months on the sidelines.
Melbourne Demons
Brodie Grundy – Has four years still to run on a lucrative contract spread across the Demons and Collingwood, but having been banished to the VFL to work on his forward craft, speculation is rife the two-time All-Australian could seek a move to a third club at season’s end. Port Adelaide and Geelong loom as the likeliest suitors were that to happen, but the Dees are adamant they will be sticking with Grundy.
Adam Tomlinson – Has a year to run on his contract with the Demons, but is looking to pursue more senior football opportunities elsewhere having served as a back-up for much of 2023.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
Todd Goldstein – Has repeatedly turned his back on offers elsewhere to remain at North Melbourne, but is out of contract at season’s end and looks to have fallen behind the younger Tristan Xerri in the ruck pecking order.
Ben McKay – Is looking likely to depart as a restricted free agent at season’s end, having appeared disinterested at times on-field in another frustrating season. Should he depart, with Essendon and Port Adelaide the heaviest suitors, it has been reported the Roos could receive a compensation pick as high as pick 3.
Port Adelaide Power
Tom Clurey – The key defender has fallen out of favour with the Power amid a dire injury run in 2023, and is reportedly seeking a new home despite having two years to run on his contract.
Orazio Fantasia – Has denied reports he is seeking a return to former club Essendon at season’s end, having endured another frustrating run with injuries since being traded to the Power in the 2020 trade period. Will be out of contract at the end of 2023.
Mitch Georgiades – Is out of contract at season’s end and has attracted heavy interest from West Coast and Fremantle in particular. Ruptured his ACL midway through 2023 and had been out of favour beforehand.
Richmond Tigers
Dustin Martin – Once again speculation is rife that the triple Norm Smith Medallist could depart at season’s end, perhaps to Gold Coast and likely new coach Damien Hardwick.
St Kilda Saints
Jade Gresham – A restricted free agent at season’s end, is yet to recommit to the Saints and looks likely to depart, with Carlton heavily linked.
Sydney Swans
Hayden McLean – Out of contract at season’s end, the ruck-forward has attracted some interest but is expected to re-sign.
West Coast Eagles
Tom Barrass – One of the Eagles’ shining lights in a dismal last two years, has been linked to trades elsewhere despite being contracted until the end of 2027.
Jeremy McGovern – Is reportedly nearing a contract extension at the Eagles, but was previously linked to a trade back to Victoria, with Carlton and brother Mitch among the likeliest destinations.
Western Bulldogs
Bailey Smith – The Dogs have rubbished rumours Smith could depart, having attracted spectulation after falling out of the midfield rotation in recent weeks. Geelong are circling should he request a trade, but is contracted until the end of 2024.
Bailey Williams – Is expected to remain at Whitten Oval, but the South Australian native is a restricted free agent at season’s end and has attracted interest from Adelaide.
