Under the AFL’s complicated draft points system, Collingwood and Richmond completed a deal this month that allowed the Magpies to gather almost 200 more points in this year’s draft to match any bid that comes for Daicos.

Meanwhile, Adelaide have handed Ben Keays a two-year extension. Keays, 24, came to the Crows at the end of 2019, having managed 30 matches in four seasons with Brisbane. He averaged 28 disposals, five clearances and six tackles in 2021, finishing runner-up in the best-and-fairest count.

Gold Coast have delisted journeyman Jacob Townsend, 28, ahead of Friday’s first list lodgment deadline but may redraft him as a rookie. Townsend was part of Richmond’s breakthrough 2017 premiership team, booting 16 goals through a stunning month having only earned selection against Fremantle in round 22.

The hard-nut forward has also spent time at Essendon and Greater Western Sydney. He played two games last season, booting three goals. The Suns have also delisted Irish category B rookie Luke Towey.

“It hasn’t been an easy two seasons of AFL football, particularly for someone brand new to learning the game like Luke has,” Suns’ general manager of player talent and strategy Craig Cameron said.

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The Suns face a pivotal 2022, for coach Stuart Dew is under immense pressure to guide them to their first finals series. Suns chief executive Mark Evans and chairman Tony Cochrane have reiterated their faith in Dew, who has a year to run on his contract. However, four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson and Buckley could be among the candidates on offer next year should the season not go to plan.

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