The 2018 AFL trade period is set for a barnstorming finish tomorrow, with a number of small moves on day eight of the player movement window setting the scene for high drama ahead of the 8:30pm (AEDT) deadline.
The biggest deadline of the day came right before the final siren, with Tom Scully completing his shock move to the Hawks for just a 2019 fourth-round draft pick – which Hawthorn had acquired earlier in the day in a separate trade.
It had long been rumoured that Scully’s move to Glenferrie may come at a shockingly low price as the Giants look to ease salary cap pressure – with former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes calling on the AFL to intervene with the perennial powerhouses got their hands on Scully at a crazy price.
But a 2019 fourth-rounder had seemed unfathomable – with the move widely criticised on social media by fans and analysts alike.
GWS list manager Jason McCartney seemed to hint on Trade Radio, however, that the club had grave concerns on whether Scully would ever get back to his best after a horrific ankle injury that ended his season in round two – which could explain why they let him go for such a low price.
The Hawks were involved in the other late move of the day, with numerous sources reporting they’d offloaded Taylor Duryea to the Western Bulldogs for a fourth-round pick.
Editor’s note: Paperwork for this trade was officially lodged after publishing.
Alastair Clarkson’s side have done it again. (Image: AAP Image/Joe Castro)
The whirlwind finish breathed much-needed life into a day that, while not short of player movements, offered somewhat little in the way of big developments.
Aside from rumours that Fremantle football boss Peter Bell was in discussions with Brisbane over Lachie Neale for much of the day, no progress was made on that long-awaited move.
Similarly, the Dockers are understood to be in a stalemate with GWS over Rory Lobb, as are Essendon – who are looking to pry Dylan Shiel away from Homebush.
While those deals are still likely to be completed by the time the trade period wraps up tomorrow, it’s not looking as good for some of the other potential deals out there.
Despite Brisbane publically acknowledging Dayne Beams’ desire to return home, it’s looking unlikely Collingwood will be able to present the Lions with an enticing enough deal, especially after they re-signed seven players to contract extensions, with Brisbane reportedly seeking a ready-made player in return.
Tim Kelly’s request to join the Eagles looks increasingly likely to be denied as well, with Geelong seemingly holding very firm on their asking price of a top-ten draft pick, and West Coast appearing to make no effort to score one from a rival club.
While Steven May indicated he was happy to join any Victorian club this offseason, it looks as if the stalemates over Jesse Hogan and Lobb will stop that move from happening – whether it’s the Demons he joins or not.
There were, however, a number of smaller deals that did cross the line – the first being Aaron Hall crossing from Gold Coast to North Melbourne for pick 68.
The Suns forwarded that pick onto the Adelaide Crows for a future fourth-round selection, and the Crows then forwarded it on again to Richmond in exchange for wantaway small forward Tyson Stengle.
Gold Coast were busy once more, sending pick 59 down to Geelong in exchange for out-of-favour midfielder George Horlin-Smith, while they also picked up ex-Fremantle player Sam Collins as one of their special assistance selections.
With a lot of dominoes still yet to fall, we’re sure to be in for another thrilling finish to the trade period tomorrow.
User
Roar Rookie
Nah not really, Lobb and hogan would never had entertained wce beyond any preliminary enquiry so it's been a mountain out of a molehill not unlike the Scully hoo-ha bm
Stirling Coates
Editor
At this stage I think the Swans have their eye on making a big splash next year.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Sam McClure the latest shock jock, @bringbackmikesheahan
IAP
Guest
That's the worst part of it, that it's ruining itself.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
Are the Swans asleep or have a trick up their sleeve
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Hey AD, geia sas from Athens. Really weird that Kelly only wanted to get home via the Eagles. Really think if go home factor was in play, he wouldn't be that fussed about Freo making a play.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yeah, sounds a bit unders for a kid of Kelly's calibre. Still hoping he'll stay at Geelong and Freo will poach him next year, however unlikely that is.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
That's unders for Kelly I reckon but I reckon he gets to West Coast. Cats will need to console themselves with Gary Rohan.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Huh?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Is that why?
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Haha. Even better, let's have a Royal Commission.
Keen Observer
Guest
Sam McClure inserts himself into stories with emotive language. Last week Freo were “parading” Hogan around. There is always “egg on their faces” and “basket cases” to make more of the situation than there is. It’s trying to fill 12 hours of trade radio when 3 things happen.
Make Dogs Great Again
Roar Rookie
Until we have a recruiting manager that will grab the bull by its horns and not be afraid to be bald, we will always struggle to make ourselves a destination club. I personally put the challenge to Sam Power last Friday straight after we learned of Wingards decision to be bald and make a play for Josh Kelly by using our pick 7 and next years future first round pick with possibly a couple other picks or player and with the dollars to match as of now effective immediately, instead of waiting till next year. This would of caught everyone off guard and put us in pole position to snare Kelly. Instead my plea fell on deaf ears. That is why we always end up with second tier players of these likes. We are misguided and fooling ourselves if we try to continue & plug our holes with these types of players instead of going for the very best there is available each and every time.
User
Roar Rookie
Absolutely, they've looked tough for their fans and tomorrow it'll be "though we want Tim it is more important to facilitate his families needs, something's are bigger than football" so they can save face on what was always going to happen by looking the good guys.
User
Roar Rookie
I just don't pay attention to him, it's easy don, he will have a footy media job for a while yet so I choose to pay no attention to him.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You reckon that was an 'opinion'? Wow!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Great to know Sam McClure has one fan.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Oooh! Two!
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Seems Geelong are buckling re the Kelly trade. They will end up accepting 20 and 22 no doubt.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Absolutely, good ol' Gill really can't afford another embarrassment.