AFL trade news and rumours latest: Taylor Adams eyeing Collingwood exit
A number of big names could be on the move in 2023, with rumours surrounding some of the competition’s stars.
Find out who your club could be targeting or losing in this year’s AFL Trade Period. Taylor Adams latest trade news
After missing the AFL grand final through injury and having his midfield minutes reduced, Collingwood veteran Taylor Adams is considering an exit from the club.
Adams, 30, played the majority of 2023 at half-forward with midfield stints, as the Magpies bring through the likes of Nick Daicos.
Interested clubs: Sydney
Taylor Adams considering Sydney move – Friday, October 6
Magpie vice-captain Taylor Adams is looking at a possible trade to Sydney after seeing his midfield time reduce at the club, according to Mitch Cleary.
Adams, who was heartbreakingly ruled out of the grand final with injury, has one season remaining on his contract.
The Swans have already brought in James Jordon to bolster their midfield and Brodie Grundy appears set to join.
Xavier Duursma latest trade news
While winger Xavier Duursma remains comfortable at Port Adelaide, the 23-year-old could find himself involved in a trade with Essendon’s Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
The Power’s 2018 draftee was taken alongside midfielder Connor Rozee and Zak Butters, but has struggled to build form due to injury.
Xavier Duursma could seek move to Victoria – Thursday, October 5
Essendon are interested in acquiring Xavier Duursma as part of a potential Zerk-Thatcher trade with Port Adelaide, reports Tom Morris.
The Power winger had previously attracted interest from multiple Victorian clubs with one year left on his contract.
Port Adelaide GM Chris Davies spoke about the 23-year-old’s trade position on AFL Trade Radio on Thursday.
“That’s an interesting one,” Davies said on a potential Duursma trade.
“What we’ve never done historically is stand in the way of someone whose best footy might be played somewhere else, if they had real reasons to do that.
“He was in a situation where he was in our team all last year, disappointed with his form and we hoped for him to be better.
“He had some injury issues over time. I don’t think there is any real reason for Xavier to leave the club, but equally, if he came to us and said he wanted to, then I guess we have some decisions to make.
Tom Doedee latest trade news
Adelaide intercept defender Tom Doedee remains unsigned for 2024 with Brisbane keen to recruit the 26-year-old.
In August, Doedee claimed it would be ideal if he was ‘a Crow for life’, though an ACL injury suffered in June has complicated contract talks with Adelaide.
Interested clubs: Brisbane, Collingwood, Sydney
Tom Doedee chooses Brisbane in free agency – Tuesday, October 3
Doedee will make his way to Brisbane in free agency, after informing the Crows he would be seeking a move from the club.
The 190cm defender settled on the Lions after meetings with Collingwood and Sydney, per AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey.
Doedee has been offered a five-year offer worth $3 million to join Brisbane from 2024 onward.
While the backman’s preference is to stay at Adelaide, the club is not prepared to match the lucrative deal.
Joel Hamling latest trade news
Fremantle defender Joel Hamling is tossing up between re-signing at the club or joining Sydney for the 2024 season.
The 30-year-old has only played six games in four seasons because of injury and form issues.
Swans close in on Hamling with Dockers re-signing unlikely – Wednesday, October 4
Sydney are keen to sign Fremantle veteran Joel Hamling after missing out on Essendon-bound Ben McKay.
The Herald Sun reports Hamling is unlikely to re-sign at the Dockers after only playing four games in 2023 – and six in the past four years.
Fremantle have tabled a one-year offer to the 30-year-old, but the Swans are believed to have offered a two-season deal.
Hamling won a premiership with the Bulldogs in 2016, starring in the finals series with performances against Lance Franklin and Jeremy Cameron.
He moved to Fremantle for family reasons the following season.
It’s shaping as a busy trade period for Sydney with the club keen to deal for Brodie Grundy and also pick up Melbourne midfielder James Jordon as a free agent.
Clayton Oliver latest trade news
Melbourne star Clayton Oliver could be a surprise mover in the 2023 AFL Trade Period.
Oliver is a four-time best and fairest winner at the Demons and is contracted until the end of 2030 on a lucrative contract.
The 26-year-old missed 11 games this year after a lengthy injury saga.
FULL STORY: Clayton Oliver trade news: Melbourne open to trading star midfielder 
Chris Burgess latest trade news
Another member of the Gold Coast Suns VFL premiership team is on the move, with Chris Burgess set to follow Mabior Chol in exploring his trade options.
The 27-year-old is a two-time VFL leading goalkicker but has only played 36 AFL games in four seasons at the Suns.
Chris Burgess requests trade to Adelaide – Tuesday, October 3
Burgess has expressed interest in being traded to Adelaide during an exit meeting with Gold Coast, reports AFL.com.au’s Josh Gabelich.
The South Australian believes he’ll have greater opportunities at the Crows, who are likely to lose Shane McAdam and Elliot Himmelberg in the upcoming trade period.
Burgess has kicked 61-plus goals in the past two VFL seasons.
Todd Goldstein latest trade news
After 16 seasons at North Melbourne, Todd Goldstein could be on the move.
The unrestricted free agent has turned his sights elsewhere, in search of greater opportunities at a competing club.
Interested clubs: Essendon, Collingwood, St Kilda
Todd Goldstein names preferred destination – Tuesday, October 3
Despite meeting with Collingwood and St Kilda, Goldstein has settled on joining the Bombers in 2024, AFL.com.au’s Josh Gabelich reports.
The 35-year-old ruckman is a natural replacement for the retiring Andrew Phillips and will be a valuable depth player with Essendon’s Sam Draper recovering from hip surgery.
The Bombers will be able to sign Goldstein without need for a trade, when the free agency period commences on Friday, October 6.
Mabior Chol latest trade news
Gold Coast forward Mabior Chol is shaping up to be a factor in the trade period with multiple clubs after his services.
Chol, who kicked 44 goals for the Suns in 2022, only managed eight senior games this season, playing most of the campaign in the VFL.
Interested clubs: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Brisbane
Mabior Chol requests trade to Hawthorn – Thursday, October 2
Gold Coast Suns have announced Mabior Chol has requested a trade to Hawthorn for the 2024 season.
Chol has spent two years on the Gold Coast, kicking 44 goals in 2022.
But in 2023, Chol only managed eight games and was a part of the Suns’ flag-winning VFL side.
Esava Ratugolea latest trade news
Geelong defender Esava Ratugolea could be on the move after once again spending time between the AFL and VFL this season.
Despite struggling to cement himself in the Cats side, Ratugolea has shown plenty with his intercept-marking ability and physical frame.
Having nearly completed a move to Port Adelaide last year, it’s set to be another busy trade week for the 25-year-old.
Interested clubs: Port Adelaide
‘I don’t see a deal getting done’ – Geelong have no intention to trade Ratugolea – Thursday, September 28
Geelong coach Chris Scott has made it clear the club does not want to trade Esava Ratugolea to Port Adelaide.
Ratugolea has requested a trade to Port Adelaide for the second consecutive post-season with Scott adamant the defender would be staying at Kardinia Park.
“I’ve been really invested in Esava and my preference is to keep him, so I don’t see a deal getting done at all at the moment,” he said.
“We try to treat every situation on its own merits. There’s obviously comparisons with other situations, but we understand the market for key defenders is really, really strong at the moment, and we’re included in that, so that’s largely why we’d like to keep him.
“Aside from the investment we’ve made in him, players are getting huge offers at the moment and we understand why that (a move to Port) would be attractive (for Ratugolea).”
When asked if the Cats would prefer a player traded from the Power instead of draft capital for Ratugolea, Scott said: “I haven’t even thought through that, my intention is not to trade him.”
James Jordon latest trade news
Recruiters will be circling Melbourne midfielder James Jordon, who’s been connected to multiple clubs throughout the year.
The 22-year-old midfielder played in 18 games this season but fell out of favour when star onballer Clayton Oliver returned to the side.
Interested clubs: Sydney
James Jordon joins Sydney – Friday October 6
Fringe Demon midfielder James Jordon has signed with Sydney as a unrestricted free agent.
The 22-year-old was allowed to leave Melbourne as an unrestricted free agent as he was delisted and re-rookied by the club in 2020.
Jordan played 65 games, with 18 in 2023, for the Demons, including the 2021 AFL premiership, but was an unused substitute in the grand final.
“James is a talented young midfielder who we think has a bright future ahead of him,” Sydney football manager Charlie Gardiner said.
“We think he will be a valuable addition to our midfield group with his running ability and flexibility to play inside and out.
“He has had an impressive start to his career to date and comes with experience in a successful program at Melbourne, so we are confident he will make us better.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming James to the club.”
Massimo D’Ambrosio latest trade news
Mid-season draftee Massimo D’Ambrosio is set for a Tullamarine departure during the AFL Trade Period, with Hawthorn among interested clubs.
After impressing in his first season, the 20-year-old fell out of favour at Essendon in 2023, playing only eight games in his first full year at the level.
Interested clubs: Hawthorn
Massimo D’Ambrosio requests trade to Hawthorn – Tuesday, September 26
D’Ambrosio has asked the Bombers to facilitate his move to Hawthorn, according to a report from AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey on Tuesday.
Essendon had tabled a one-year offer to the utility, who is out of contract at the end of 2023.
However, a lengthier deal is understood to have been offered by the Hawks, where D’Ambrosio should find greater playing opportunity.
Ben McKay latest trade news
North Melbourne key defender Ben McKay has exercised his free agency rights and requested a trade to Essendon for the 2024 season.
Hawthorn and Sydney were also interested in the 25-year-old restricted free agent, but the Bombers are his club of choice.
Interested clubs: Essendon
Ben McKay requests trade to Essendon – Friday, September 22
North Melbourne have indicated they will match Essendon’s contract offer for wantaway defender Ben McKay if it doesn’t trigger band one compensation.
McKay – as a restricted free agent – will generate compensation for the Kangaroos if he leaves, with band one compensation to be pick three in the upcoming draft.
But if Essendon’s salary to McKay doesn’t mean band one compensation is going to North Melbourne, Kangas football boss Brady Rawlings threatened the club would match the Bombers’ offer.
This would mean Essendon has to trade for McKay.
“We understand that free agency is part of football,” Rawlings said.
“Given Ben is a restricted free agent, we have the option to match any contract that’s on offer to him.
“The official start of the free agency period is still a couple of weeks away so we’ve got time to assess our options and make a decision in the best interests of the North Melbourne Football Club.”
Jade Gresham latest trade news
St Kilda utility Jade Gresham looks odds-on to leave the club, having yet to sign a new contract.
Rumours have been strong of Essendon’s interest in the 26-year-old, while Richmond, Hawthorn and Carlton have been interested.
Interested clubs: Essendon
Jade Gresham expected to nominate Essendon, Shiel to St Kilda being discussed – Friday, October 6
St Kilda utility Jade Gresham is close to nominating Essendon as a restricted free agent.
Gresham is yet to publicly announce his intention with the Bombers and Saints discussing what compensation the latter will receive for the player.
There is talk Dylan Shiel could move to St Kilda in a salary dump deal, which would see the Bombers ensure the Saints get first round compensation for Gresham.
Essendon would then get salary cap relief as they prepare to sign Gresham, Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein.
Shane McAdam latest trade news
Adelaide forward Shane McAdam could be on the move after spending four seasons with the South Australian club.
The medium forward played just seven matches in 2023, after producing 23 goals from 17 appearances last year.
Interested clubs: Melbourne
Shane McAdam requests trade to Melbourne Demons – Thursday, September 14
The Crows confirmed on Thursday that wantaway forward McAdam is seeking a trade to the Demons.
Adelaide revealed that they had offered the 28-year-old a contract during the season, which is understood to have been a three-year offer.
McAdam is a non-free agent, which means Melbourne will need to secure a trade for the goalkicker during the 2023 trade period.
Brodie Grundy latest trade news
Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy has fallen out of favour at the Demons, having been dropped twice now in the lead-up to finals.
Competing with Melbourne captain Max Gawn for a spot, the two-time All-Australian could be set to take his talents elsewhere.
Interested clubs: Sydney
Brodie Grundy expected to join Sydney – Wednesday, October 4
After only one season at Melbourne, ruckman Brodie Grundy is expected to move to Sydney during the AFL trade period.
Grundy fell out of favour at the Demons during the latter end of the season and didn’t feature in their finals campaign.
The only question that remains is what Melbourne will seek for Grundy in a trade and whether the player’s former club Collingwood needs to keep paying part of his contract.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher latest trade news
The key defender merry-go-round is in full swing, with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher joining a number of backmen to seek moves in the 2023 trade period.
The 25-year-old played 22 games for the Bombers this season, as the club dealt with numerous injury setbacks in its defensive line.
Interested clubs: Port Adelaide, Adelaide
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher requests trade to Port Adelaide – Wednesday, September 13th
Zerk-Thatcher has told Essendon of his desire to join Port Adelaide, with family and go-home-factor the main reasons for his decision.
A three-year deal had been tabled for the backman, with the 25-year-old deciding to knock back the contract, according to afl.com.au reporter Cal Twomey.
With a Bombers offer on the table, the Power will need to facilitate a trade for the out-of-contract player, per the AFL’s free agency rules.
Liam Henry latest trade news
Fremantle winger Liam Henry has requested a trade away from the Dockers, with the 22-year-old attracting attention from Victorian clubs.
Henry was in career-best form across 2023, averaging 20 disposals from 16 games.
Interested clubs: Hawthorn, St Kilda
Liam Henry chooses St Kilda as preferred destination – Saturday, September 9
Henry has a preference to be traded to St Kilda in the upcoming trade period, AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey reported on Saturday.
Hawthorn are also interested in the Fremantle speedster, and will be competing with the Saints to secure his signature in November.
Bailey Smith latest trade news
Hawthorn has emerged as a potential home for Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, if he decides to leave, reports 7NEWS.
It’s been a difficult season for Smith, who hasn’t found his perfect fit in a stacked Western Bulldogs on-ball unit.
Geelong is also a potential suitor for Smith, with the club on the lookout for more midfield strength, but the Cats have denied reaching out to the Bulldogs talent.
