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The AFL trade period gets underway at 9AM EDT on Monday October 7, with the free agency window already having opened on Friday.
So here’s your club-by-club guide to everything that has happened so far and everything that could happen until everyone shuts up shop at 7:30pm EDT on Wednesday October 16.
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TRADE TRACKER: Every done deal of the 2019 AFL trade period
ADELAIDE CROWS
Who they’re targeting
With the Crows set to undergo a rebuild of sorts, they don’t appear to be targeting too many mature players. Instead it’s about getting older players out and getting draft picks in. Port Adelaide forward Billy Frampton has requested a trade and the Crows are one of two sides in the hunt for him, which could make him one of the rare players to don both South Australian AFL guernseys.
Who might leave
This is where the action is. Players began officially requesting trades out of West Lakes even before the Grand Final, with Alex Keath nominating the Western Bulldogs and Sam Jacobs’ departure being confirmed - a move to GWS is on the cards - well over a week ago now. Josh Jenkins and the Crows seem to agree a trade would be best for the power forward, but he’s yet to find a club willing to take on his hefty salary. Melbourne isn’t interested, while Geelong could be if the price is right. Cam Ellis-Yolmen has already joined Brisbane with Pick 47 coming back as compensation, Eddie Betts should get to Carlton for almost nothing in return and Hugh Greenwood will sign a three-year deal at Gold Coast. Sydney coach John Longmire is believed to have spoken with Riley Knight. But if those players leave, it’s not the end of the world for the Crows. It’ll be a much worse sign if some of their biggest names leave. Brad Crouch is chasing a longer-term deal, something along the lines of five years and $5 million, and could ask to be dealt to Gold Coast to get it. If so, the Crows are almost certain to ask for Pick 1 in return. AFL journalist Damian Barrett has suggested Matt Crouch could follow his brother out the door, though that seems less likely. If he does want out, could they get both Picks 1 and 2? Brodie Smith has shut down talk he’ll be joining Charlie Cameron at Brisbane while Rory Laird’s name was thrown out there by Dwayne Russell as a trade target for Geelong. Now that would be a shocker.
Draft picks
4, 23, 28
BRISBANE LIONS
Who they’re targeting
It appears this trade period won’t be quite as seismic for the Lions, after last year’s dramatic deals bringing in Lachie Neale and sending out Dayne Beams. Now Brisbane is a contender and a destination club for many non-Queenslanders, which is a great sign for its future. Big-bodied Crows midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen has already joined as a free agent while former top ten draft pick Callum Ah Chee is also keen to join the Lions. Chris Fagan could be joined by another veteran Hawk with the Lions meeting with four-time premiership defender Grant Birchall while Brodie Smith has talked down suggestions he’ll be coming across. Perhaps the biggest surprise came on Friday when reports the Lions were a smoky to lure Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott emerged. Elliott toured Brisbane’s facilities on Saturday.
Who might leave
There aren’t too many keen to leave the Gabba right now, though Victorian Tom Cutler appears likely to seek a move back home. Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon have all been linked to the midfielder after he played just three AFL games in 2019, while Nick Robertson played in the semi-final loss to GWS and could be joining the Giants this off-season. Ryan Bastinac and Josh Walker might be squeezed out.
Draft picks
16, 21, 34, 44, 52, 88
CARLTON
Who they’re targeting
The Blues are getting a London buses-type situation with their small forwards; none come, then they all come at once. Sydney’s Tom Papley is the best of them and despite being contracted for another few years he’s keen to get to Carlton in order to be closer to his family. Then there’s Gold Coast’s Jack Martin, who also wants to join the club. If they both get to Ikon Park, will that leave any space for Eddie Betts? The former Blue is available for a low, low price from the Crows but there’s a possibility, with Betts being lower on the priority list, they end up opting not to nab him. Dan Butler has toured Carlton’s facilities while Sam Gray is also considered an option, but both have also been linked to St Kilda.
Who might leave
It doesn’t appear that any Blues players are expected to leave the club via trades, which makes sense given their list is transitioning from collecting young draft picks into a competitive side. The club has flagged for some time its interest in trading out the first round pick it obtained from Adelaide in the Liam Stocker deal during last year’s draft.
Draft picks
9, 41, 46, 73, 82
COLLINGWOOD
Who they’re targeting
With a list primed to challenge for the flag once again and a salary cap full to the brim, it’s going to be hard for the Magpies to bring anyone of note in this trade period. Sydney ruckman Darcy Cameron looks likely to be the lone exception, having made it clear he wants to be in black and white in 2020. He will be a handy back-up for Brodie Grundy while also having the ability to pinch hit as a forward. The Pies have also been briefly linked to Brisbane’s Tom Cutler and Port Adelaide’s Dougal Howard throughout the year.
Who might leave
The future of forward Jamie Elliott is unclear. The unrestricted free agent is hoping to stay at Collingwood but Melbourne and Brisbane both loom as potential new homes given they are offering longer and more lucrative contracts. Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has said he is confident Elliott will stay, but it may depend on what the Pies are willing to give the injury-prone livewire. Brodie Grundy would sign with Collingwood right now if they’d just give him the seven years of security he is seeking; so far, the Pies have been steadfast in only offering a three-year deal. The superstar ruckman is a free agent at the end of next season, and the hot new trend is ‘pre-agents’ being traded a year out from being made available. Is there any chance a South Australian club, particularly Adelaide, could make a big play for him now to try and lure him home on a long-term deal?
Draft picks
35, 53, 66, 71
ESSENDON
Who they’re targeting
Former Bombers ruckman Paddy Ryder was considering a return to Tullamarine but has instead nominated St Kilda as his club of choice, after declaring he wants out of Port Adelaide. But the Dons could still get someone from the Power across this trade period. Inside midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper would suit John Worsfold’s side nicely and perhaps could get involved in a trade with Orazio Fantasia going the other way. Or could Power swingman Dougal Howard make the move across? Both Essendon and North Melbourne have shown interest in him. The Bombers have also been linked to Brisbane midfielder Tom Cutler while they have shown interest in fringe Geelong ruckman Zac Smith. St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna argued last week Essendon should be looking at fringe GWS Giants like Aiden Bonar or Jackson Hately.
Who might leave
Joe Daniher has officially requested a trade to Sydney, but the Bombers look set to play hardball. The former All-Australian forward will be a restricted free agent after the 2020 season, and list manager Adrian Dodoro has suggested the Dons will try and keep Daniher to his contract. They have some leverage because Essendon could force Sydney to blink and pay overs for the forward, because they’d be likely to get a first-round pick as compensation next year anyway. In that case it’s easy to say “well, this year we want two of them”. Bombers forward Orazio Fantasia is also expected to request a trade this year, with Port Adelaide looming as the most likely candidate. It is believed Fantasia’s Essendon contract was front-loaded financially meaning the Dons may ask for plenty in return for the contracted star. Jayden Laverde could be on the trade table although if both Daniher and Fantasia leave, you’d expect the Bombers would be more keen to keep him.
Draft picks
31, 37, 49, 62, 67, 85
FREMANTLE
Who they’re targeting
The Dockers are still hoping they can land Tim Kelly from Geelong. Their case makes sense; the midfielder wants to get home to Western Australia, and they have better draft picks to give to the Cats for him. But Kelly wants to be an Eagle, and in these cases it’s more about what the player wants than what the clubs desire. Port Adelaide’s Sam Powell-Pepper could be available and is a West Australian, but Essendon has been linked more to him than the Dockers have. In late August the Dockers were mentioned as a potential new home for North Melbourne’s Mason Wood. Fringe Tigers Kamdyn McIntosh and Connor Menadue have both been linked to Fremantle.
Who might leave
New coach Justin Longmuir is going to have to deal with quite a bit less pace in 2020, with both starting wingmen expected to leave Fremantle this trade period. Brad Hill has nominated St Kilda as his club of choice which could mean Pick 6 comes back for the contracted star - he was arguably the biggest All-Australian snub this season, so the Dockers certainly have the right to ask for that selection. Ed Langdon wants to get back to Victoria and is viewed as very likely to join Melbourne - the question is about the compensation. It’s understood the Dockers want the Demons’ second round pick (22) for Langdon, but the Dees are likely to offer their future second round pick, hoping to climb the ladder in 2020 and make that pick less valuable. Despite signing a new deal earlier this year Connor Blakely is believed to be gettable for Victorian clubs.
Draft picks
7, 26, 80
GEELONG CATS
Who they’re targeting
Four-time St Kilda best and fairest Jack Steven is keen to move closer to home, and that means Geelong. The Cats have met with the Lorne-born midfielder and are hoping a late pick is enough to get him across - potentially Pick 36 or even later, although it’s believed the Saints want a pick in the 20s. If the Cats have space available and the price is right, Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins could provide Tom Hawkins some tall forward help. Todd Goldstein and Shaun Higgins were viewed as targets earlier in the year but both have signed on with North Melbourne.
Who might leave
It’s time for part two. Top five Brownlow finisher Tim Kelly has officially requested a trade to West Coast, but this time Geelong can’t keep him to his contract. If the Cats can’t get a deal done, Kelly will instead walk into the draft; but while that is the worst-case scenario for Chris Scott’s side, it’s also bad for Kelly, because he would have no say over his future. The Cats want three top 30 picks and the Eagles don’t have that. Of note in Geelong’s press release about Kelly’s trade request was that he wanted to get home to Western Australia. The Cats would love to deal with Fremantle instead, because the Dockers may have picks 6 and 7 available (after trading Brad Hill to St Kilda). It’s going to be yet another stand-off, and the question is who will blink first. Kelly flew to Perth on Saturday and landed with an amount of luggage that suggests a long stay. In other news, ruckman Zac Smith has fallen out of favour and may move to Gold Coast or Essendon. Cult favourite forward Wylie Buzza could seek opportunities elsewhere, while Charlie Constable had been mentioned as the potential piece going to St Kilda in exchange for Jack Steven but it’s expected a draft pick will get that deal done instead. Time might be up for Lachie Henderson.
Draft picks
17, 36, 54, 90
GOLD COAST SUNS
Who they’re targeting
The Suns made the first official move of the trade and free agency period by signing Richmond’s Brandon Ellis as a restricted free agent. Adelaide’s Hugh Greenwood is expected to join him on a three-year deal with a trigger for a fourth season. For now, there are two other burning questions for Gold Coast. First, could ruckman Zac Smith make a return to the club after four years at Geelong? Second, and this is much bigger, could they lure a big fish or two across from Adelaide? Brad Crouch is believed to be seeking a five-year, $5 million contract and Gold Coast is said to be the club who could give it to him. Then journalist Damian Barrett suggested his brother Matt could be thrown into conversations around him as well. These would be seismic moves.
Who might leave
There won’t be any former captains leaving the club this year, so that’s a step forward. Jack Martin wants to join Carlton although with the Blues chasing a number of small forwards, Gold Coast could also try and work with Essendon - which is where Martin wanted to go last year - or the Western Bulldogs. Former top ten draft pick Callum Ah Chee is keen to switch QClash colours and join Brisbane. Meanwhile if a massive deal involving one or two of the Crows’ Crouch brothers does eventuate, could South Australian Jack Lukosius be part of it?
Draft picks
1, 2, 15, 20, 56, 75, 87
GWS GIANTS
Who they’re targeting
Once again the Giants are heading into the trade period with a tight salary cap restricting their ability to bring veteran players in, unless they’re value pick-ups of the Matt de Boer type. Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs is set to be the main exception this year via free agency.
Who might leave
Adam Tomlinson has already confirmed he’ll be exploring his free agency rights, with Melbourne looming as the likely new home for the utility, while former number one draft pick Jon Patton has requested a move to Hawthorn as the key forward tries to get his body right after three ACL injuries. Earlier this year Aidan Bonar was floated as a trade target for Victorian clubs looking to lure the youngster home, while St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna argued last week Essendon should be looking at Giants like Bonar or Jackson Hately.
Draft picks
12, 18, 55, 77, 91
HAWTHORN
Who they’re targeting
A year after nabbing Tom Scully on the cheap from the Giants due to his chequered injury history - and that deal can surely already be declared a win - a repeat appears on the cards in the form of Jon Patton. A former number one draft pick, the key forward has suffered three ACL injuries but grew up just down the road from Waverley Park in Rowville and wants to wear the brown and gold in 2020. Melbourne defender Sam Frost also wants to join the Hawks, in a move that has baffled a pair of AFL greats.
Who might leave
A number of Hawks veterans could be out the door this trade period. Grant Birchall has been given permission to find a new home while Paul Puopolo’s future is similarly murky - he could be in new colours in 2020, if there’s interest. Isaac Smith has been linked to the Western Bulldogs for some time but he laughed off that idea earlier in the year while Ryan Schoenmakers may not be offered a contract.
Draft picks
11, 30, 47, 84, 89
MELBOURNE
Who they’re targeting
The Demons are keen to add pace through the 2019 trade period - which is partly why they don’t appear to be interested in Adelaide’s Josh Jenkins, despite that seeming a solid fit from the outside. Fremantle wingman Ed Langdon is likely to cost them a second-round draft pick and it’s just whether it takes this year’s Pick 22 or next year’s selection to get him. While Adam Tomlinson was a utility for GWS he’s likely to find his place on the other wing for Simon Goodwin’s side in 2020, coming across in free agency. Then there’s Jamie Elliott, who wouldn’t have to move far from Collingwood if he does sign a deal at the Demons. The forward is uncontracted for 2020 and hasn’t signed the two-year deal on offer from the Pies, with Melbourne and Brisbane viewed as the other contenders for him.
Who might leave
You don’t often see teams trying to trade for players from the club that just finished 17th, and that’s certainly the case here. Sam Frost may be on the way out however with Hawthorn looming as his likely new home, despite Fox Footy analyst David King declaring he is baffled as to why the Dees would let him walk and seemingly prefer Oscar McDonald as their third tall.
Draft picks
3, 22, 40, 58, 76
NORTH MELBOURNE
Who they’re targeting
At the moment, it appears North Melbourne’s trade war room will be the quietest at Marvel Stadium in 2019. While the Kangaroos have been reportedly interested in a number of players including Tom Papley and Jamie Elliott, they aren’t being spoken of as the frontrunners for many, if any, targets.
Who might leave
Kangaroos forward Mason Wood was “already out the door” in late August, according to Herald Sun reporter Sam Edmund, with Fremantle and Sydney said to be interested. He is contracted for 2020. Young defender Ben McKay could also be nabbed by another club.
Draft picks
8, 27, 45, 70, 81
PORT ADELAIDE
Who they’re targeting
While many in the footy world have expected Orazio Fantasia to seek a move back home to South Australia at some point, few thought it would happen in 2019. That now appears likely with the Bombers forward expected to request a trade home, and Port Adelaide is the clear frontrunner for his services. Fantasia is most of the way through a front-loaded contract which could mean a move to the Power, and a new deal there, would see him cash in. With several Port players linked to Essendon it’s possible they could be involved in the deal.
Who might leave
Two talls have already requested moves out of Alberton, with Billy Frampton in the sights of both Fremantle and Adelaide, while Paddy Ryder wants to become a Saint. Swingman Dougal Howard is contracted until the end of 2022 and stood in as captain during the 2019 season but has gained interest from Collingwood, Essendon and North Melbourne. Sam Gray will explore his opportunities elsewhere with St Kilda and Carlton both keen, and don’t count out a move for Sam Powell-Pepper either. The inside midfielder could end up being involved in a trade for Essendon’s Orazio Fantasia - as could Howard - or perhaps head to WA.
Draft picks
10, 29, 63, 64, 65, 68, 83
RICHMOND
Who they’re targeting
When you’re the premiers, you have the luxury of only really needing to top up in a couple of spots on your list - unless there's a Tom Lynch-type player out there. For the Tigers in 2019, there doesn’t appear to be. They could however be interested in Sydney speedster Zak Jones if his mooted move to St Kilda falls through.
Who might leave
It looks like another year of fringe Tigers seeking opportunities elsewhere, as can be expected when you’ve got a 22 as talented as this club does. Brandon Ellis is already out the door, joining Gold Coast as a restricted free agent and earning the Tigers a second-round pick (currently Pick 39) as compensation. Carlton has been linked with Dan Butler since the middle of the year but St Kilda has recently entered the race for him, while Connor Menadue could provide Fremantle with some outside run in 2020. Kamdyn McIntosh has also been linked to the Dockers and is looking at his options.
Draft picks
19, 38, 39, 72, 74, 92
ST KILDA
Who they’re targeting
The Saints might have some of the strongest links so far, with Fremantle wingman Brad Hill and Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder almost certainly both on their way to Moorabbin. They’re also the leading contender for Sydney speedster Zak Jones, though Richmond looms if the move falls through, while the Saints have recently entered the race for the Tigers' Dan Butler. It’s almost certainly going to cost the Saints Pick 6 to get all of their targets into the club.
Who might leave
Similar to the players likely coming in, we’re pretty certain about who’s leaving St Kilda this trade period. Josh Bruce will make his way to the Western Bulldogs despite being contracted at St Kilda for 2020, while the Saints have said they won’t stand in the way of Jack Steven if he needs to be closer to home and to be dealt to Geelong. Jack Newnes may end up being a value pick-up at another club while Daniel McKenzie has been floated as another potential departure.
Draft picks
6, 57, 69, 79
SYDNEY SWANS
Who they’re targeting
Joe Daniher has officially told Essendon he wants to become a Sydney Swan, but the deal isn’t going to be simple. Daniher is contracted for next year and the Dons have said they want to hold him to his deal before he’s a restricted free agent in 2020. However that status also helps the Swans because if they want, they can hold onto the one or two first round picks it would take to get Daniher out of Tullamarine and just sign him next year. Rarely does a player declare his interest in getting to a club and then not get there in that same trade period; Bryce Gibbs and Tim Kelly in recent years have proven it can happen, though. How would the deal get done? Pick 5 would likely need to be involved in some way, unless the Swans can split it into two less valuable first round selections. Alternatively they could obtain Pick 9 from Carlton in a deal for Tom Papley, split that pick into two first rounders, and deal one of those with Pick 5 to the Bombers. Elsewhere, John Longmire is believed to have spoken with Adelaide’s Riley Knight.
Who might leave
The Swans want to keep Tom Papley, but for family reasons he’s seeking a move back to Victoria, and it looks as if John Longmire’s side can’t possibly go into 2020 with both Papley and Joe Daniher on the list. That’s partially because the return from Carlton for Papley may be required to obtain Daniher. Papley is contracted for several more years so the Swans hold reasonable leverage. Zak Jones is expected to move to Victoria, with St Kilda his most likely destination and Richmond next in line, while fringe ruckman Darcy Cameron wants to get to Collingwood.
Draft picks
5, 25, 42, 51, 59, 60, 78
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who they’re targeting
There are a few differences between this year’s Tim Kelly chase and last year’s. His price has only gone up after finishing in the top five of the Brownlow Medal, but it’s still extremely likely the Geelong midfielder will have his wish granted and get to West Coast. The Cats would get nothing if they force Kelly into the draft by not dealing him across the country; the Eagles can always rely on that soothing thought if the deal remains uncompleted on the final day of the trade period. The Cats want three top 30 draft picks, and the Eagles don’t have those, so there’s still quite a bit of work to be done here. They may need to use their future first round pick and get creative. And there’s always the fear Kelly will suddenly be willing to play for Fremantle instead.
Who might leave
The only very minor whisper around Eagles departures was when it was revealed Andrew Gaff will be a free agent next year due to an exit clause in his contract, but if that’s going to be a factor it surely wouldn’t be until next year’s trade period.
Draft picks
14, 24, 33, 61
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who they’re targeting
The Bulldogs’ big - in a literal sense - trade targets have pretty much already been sorted, with St Kilda’s Josh Bruce set to slot into Luke Beveridge’s forward line for 2020 and Adelaide’s Alex Keath to be up the other end. Hawthorn’s Isaac Smith has been linked to the Western Bulldogs for some time but he laughed off that idea earlier in the year. The Dogs can’t go too hard this year because it looks like they’re going to need draft points next year for academy and father-son bids.
Who might leave
There are only a couple of players left waiting to learn their futures at the club, and Tory Dickson and Fletcher Roberts could perhaps gain some interest from rivals later this year.
Draft picks
13, 32, 43, 48, 50, 86