Free agency opened on Friday last week but today the real stuff begins as the AFL trade period officially opens at 10am AEST. Join me here on The Roar where we’ll bring you all the latest trade news and rumours as they develop.
Well the big news over the weekend was not great news for a North Melbourne fan like me – Andrew Gaff has decided to stick with the West Coast Eagles.
Gaff hasn’t officially signed a new deal with the Eagles just yet, but the club released a statement on their website last night confirming that Gaff’s intentions are to remain at the club and not pursue free agency.
One can’t help but respect a valiant display of loyalty, so kudos to Gaff and the Eagles. The unexpected twist does have a few knock-on effects though.
On Friday Tim Kelly declared he wanted a trade to West Coast, and the Eagles’ efforts to court him probably originated from the assumption that Gaff would leave the club. Do they still have cap space and currency to get a deal done?
And what do North Melbourne do next? We know Gaff is only the latest in a long line of players they’ve been willing to slingshot stacks of dollar bills at – so which target will they turn to next? Perhaps Chad Wingard will get a call?
There were a few other bits of news over the weekend.
Lincoln McCarthy’s trade to Brisbane is all but done with the Cats and Lions to swap some picks in the third round and later. That may well be the first deal done today.
Marcus Adams has joined a growing group of players in requesting a trade to the Lions. He’s contracted for the next two years, so Brisbane will have to pay handsomely.
Lachie Neale also, as widely expected, wants a trade to Brisbane.
Scott Lycett filed paperwork to join Port Adelaide via free agency on Saturday – however, there have been late rumours that he, like Gaff, might want to backflip out of the deal. Wouldn’t that be something?
Join me here on The Roar where we’ll bring you all the latest trade news and rumours as they develop.
TomC
Roar Guru
They changed it a couple of years back, Gene.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
When did that Docker stop being highly regarded? Would he have any information if he is no longer highly regarded? What would Colin Sylvia know anyway?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I'm giving The Blues credit. That's a jump up the ladder.
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
What a load of codwallop. McGovern is a contracted player As for roadkill check the ladder buddy...
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
correction 28 yr old ; 20 yr old would have been a very good deal lol!
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
Well Macca I think that comparing Menzel to McGovern is 'simply ridiculous'. If Menzel was so highly rated why trade him? Here's the outrage in 2016 : "Blues described Adelaide's pitch at trade talks a trade talks ' Arrogant, unethical, and lacking respect for Carlton to the point of being disgraceful'. If that's not the biggest dummy spit I will go he. McKay was also on record as saying' We believe contracted players should see out their contract.' My point is if a club going to take the high ground be consistent. Clearly this 'belief' doesn't apply to Carlton poaching players from other clubs. And yes if you can't' live up to your words' what's left: Trumpism For the record I do think that Crows paid overs by giving away two 1st round draft picks for a 20 year old. I would add that Gibbs should have been a Crows player from the get go given his father played 250 plus games for sanfl aligned club Glenelg except for the dodgy VFL centric rules. Ps how is Carlton gonna get Setterfield, McGovern and maybe Shiel with its limited draft picks? Gonna be some future draft picks given away methinks Cheers FSOTS
User
Roar Rookie
Sorry I misread your post and assumed via past encounters you called me stupid, if that equates to a personal attack before, time to get a rhino skin Joel, seriously mate that was like being hit with a wet newspaper on personal attack levels.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Right, that's my fault. You'd think by now I'd have learnt it's impossible to have a discussion with you that doesn't degrade into personal attacks.
Mic
Guest
Gonna be a great trade period for Carlton. Keep pick 1 for Sam Walsh Straight swap with Adelaide - McGovern for Casboult and we might throw in a bag of roadkill - cos that’s what Crows like Setterfield for pick 25 - hasn’t proved anything yet Shiel for future 1st rounder and pick 24 Add Michael Barlow for a box of cabbage New dude from Hawthorn to keep them all on the park 2019 - top four here we come Go Blues.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That doesn't help Freo.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I don’t think he can Macca. He can only see positivity in anything purple.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I don
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Can you really think Julie Clark is happy to go to QLD as a newly wed so that Lachie can spend all his time with Lincoln McCarthy? She'll be happy to stay in Freo too.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You've got no 'get others' from me. We'll just keep him. Freo just needs their injured players on the park. They don't need anything...certainly nothing on the periphery. Freo wants to keep Neale and have no need to trade. You ask in that very cliched way that people do, "Why would the dockers want a guy who seems destined to leave this year or next, risking team harmony, when they can get a decent trade for him, just asking?" He is not destined to leave...in fact he says he's happy to stay. If a fella under contract is told he is still needed, he stays. I've explained that in the many posts you have read. Freo keeps him next year too by matching any offer. Fine young men like Lachie don't spit the dummy. He said in his acceptance of the Doig on Saturday that he loves footy. If something can't be worked out, he's happy to stay. Happy means happy. No risk to team harmony there. You'll see.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Gee Don, can't you simply bask in you own glory - you have bagged Conca & Lobb!!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Or even 17th position on the ladder!
Macca
Roar Rookie
Can't believe you are not going to be doing the draft blog!! Good start to trade period for the blues, hopefully the good news keeps coming.
Josh
Expert
Alright, that's all for today folks! There's a full wrap of all of today's news and rumours published here now. Stirling Coates will be on board to blog all the latest news and rumours for you for the next three days, and then I'll be back on Friday for Day 6. Farewell and may all your trade dreams come true... because mine certainly won't ;)
User
Roar Rookie
I agree a second round pick won't get it done so Lycett plus say partington(reserves b&f winner and sa boy) and some pick swaps will see wce in the position to satisfy Geelong.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Re: Crisp That was 3 years ago Donald. A lot can happen in 3 years.Freo can go from prelim finalists to bottom 4 for starters. Hipwood is a very exciting player but the difference between his best and worst kick is very, very wide. You mustn't watch much football.