AFL trade 2022: The 10 best moves from the AFL Trade Period

Aidan Cellini

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AFL trade 2022: The 10 best moves from the AFL Trade Period image

Now the hustle and bustle of the 2022 AFL Trade Period has ended, it is time to reflect on what was the best moves.

36 players found new homes through club-to-club trades and free agency as teams look to improve their list for 2023 and beyond.

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With some big names crossing to rival clubs such as Luke Jackson and Brodie Grundy, we thought we'd take a look at the some of the other switches thus far.

MORE: All the done deals, free agents, retirements and delistings from 2022

The Sporting News will rank the top 10 trades:

1. Luke Jackson to Fremantle

Arguably the biggest name in this year's trade period, Luke Jackson joined Fremantle after he requested a move from Melbourne.

The 2021 Rising Star left as a premiership player at the Demons and has proven to be a generational talent with his freakishly athletic attributes for someone standing at 199cm.

Playing 52 games for Melbourne since debuting in 2020, Jackson has quickly become a future champion, learning under six-time All-Australian Max Gawn.

The 21-year-old will immediately add to the Dockers' premiership chances after falling out in the semi-final to Collingwood.

Jackson joins Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Will Brodie and Jaeger O'Meara in a star-studded midfield that is expected to dominate for the next decade.

2. Jack Bowes (and pick 7) to Geelong

In one of the most unique trades to ever grace the AFL competition, Geelong managed to scoop up former top 10 pick Jack Bowes as well as the 2022 pick seven selection from Gold Coast.

The Suns were attempting to ease salary cap pressure by offloading Bowes' heavily back-ended contract by sweetening the deal with an early draft pick.

In a win for the 2022 premiers, they secured 24-year-old who has shown tremendous potential in his 83 games.

The Cats clearly won this trade and will have the most return for them, especially seeing they didn't give up much in the first place.

3. Jason Horne-Francis to Port Adelaide

After only one season at North Melbourne, the 2021 pick one Jason Horne-Francis has landed at Port Adelaide in a stunning mega-trade.

Originally from South Australia, Horne-Francis nominated the Power as his father, Fabian Francis, had also played for the club.

Port Adelaide had made back-to-back preliminary finals before missing September in 2022 but are still within the age bracket of contending for a premiership.

The inclusion of Horne-Francis as a long term player is only beneficial for Ken Hinkley and his coaching staff, especially since they didn't give away anyone else.

4. Brodie Grundy to Melbourne

Collingwood's decision to move on Brodie Grundy still does not seem right.

However, Melbourne cashed in on their financial mismanagement as the Pies are set to pay some of Grundy's salary for the next five years.

The Demons - who lost Luke Jackson to Fremantle - will stay play two legitimate ruckman and pose as a massive threat in 2023.

Grundy hurt his knee in round six so missed majority of the season but will be raring to go and keen to make a big statement in new colours.

Teaming up with Max Gawn poses as one of the best ruck combinations we've ever seen given the pair have been the premier ruckman since 2016.

Despite the loss of Jackson, the Demons' replacement is just as good if not arguably better.

5. Jack Gunston to Brisbane

Jack Gunston is 31 years old but does not look like slowing down.

The Lions didn't have to give up much for Gunston but have secured themselves a crafty third tall forward, who averaged two goals a game in 2022.

Daniel McStay did depart the club but as Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall did before him, Gunston will join Chris Fagan's side with a breadth of experience and talent in the latter parts of his career.

The former Hawk immediately adds another scoring presence as well as the connection between the arcs, as he uses his smarts and aerobic capacity to find space on the ground.

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6. Jacob Hopper to Richmond

After a lot of haggling between the two clubs, Jacob Hopper eventually joined GWS teammate Tim Taranto at Richmond.

Alike Taranto, Hopper now holds the keys to the Tigers' future as a succession plan of Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Dion Prestia is about to get under way.

The bullocking midfielder will add toughness to the side from Punt Road and will allow Martin and Shai Bolton to play a more attacking style.

Richmond did give away pick 31 and a future first-round selection but have planned very well for the future.

7. Lachie Hunter to Melbourne

A trade that came from nowhere was Lachie Hunter's move to Melbourne.

Coming on the last day of the trade period, it was relatively known that the premiership Western Bulldog had struggled in 2022 and a fresh start is perhaps exactly what he needs.

At his best, Hunter can be one of the most damaging wingman in the game and will now free up Angus Brayshaw to play more midfield.

Swapped for a future third-round selection, the 27-year-old has come in at a bargain, especially since he's averaged 23 touches and five marks since debuting in 2013.

Plenty of good footy ahead of Hunter and has joined a club that is in their prime to contend for the next few years.

8. Jaeger O'Meara to Fremantle

Another trade that wasn't up for question until late in the trade period.

Hawthorn have been open about releasing some of their older players to free up salary cap space and provide their youngsters with the opportunity to play senior football.

Jaeger O'Meara was one of those but is still performing at an extremely high level but will now complement a very exciting Fremantle midfield consisting of Luke Jackson, Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.

The recently retired David Mundy has left a void that can never be filled but the inclusion of O'Meara helps keep the Dockers relevant in premiership talks.

9. Tom Mitchell to Collingwood

Alike O'Meara, Tom Mitchell's departure is two-fold, with Hawthorn wanting to free up salary space and the midfielder a chance at premiership glory.

A win-win so to speak but Mitchell adds another bow to Collingwood's midfield.

The Pies lacked depth throughout 2022 but still made a preliminary final and lost by one point to Sydney.

Taylor Adams also went down in the first final against Geelong as Craig McRae's men lacked toughness around the ball.

The 2018 Brownlow Medalist immediately adds a layer of contest and depth to the side in exchange for allowing Ollie Henry to be traded to the Cats.

Despite losing a young talent like Henry, the Pies made the best out of a bad situation and snared Mitchell and pick 25 in a three-club trade.

10. Josh Dunkley to Brisbane

One of the bigger trade talks in recent times that was heightened by the ironic winning of the club best-and-fairest by wantaway Western Bulldogs Josh Dunkley.

Dunkley was highly sought out after by Port Adelaide and Brisbane but eventually landed with the latter as his desired destination for 2023 and beyond.

The premiership Dog adds strength and toughness around the ball whilst providing an option up forward as a taller midfielder.

Despite the Lions giving up pick 21 and a future first-round selection for Dunkley, the 25-year-old will slot in nicely to the group.

Notable mentions: Izak Rankine to Adelaide; Blake Acres to Carlton; Tim Taranto to Richmond; Bobby Hill to Collingwood

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Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.